EDITOR'S NOTE:
Since their release in 2021, the Samsung Galaxy S21 and S21 Ultra have been replaced by newer Galaxy S-series models. Although several years old, the Galaxy S21 series still receives the latest Android software updates.
The information below reflects the data and pricing at the time of the devices' release date, and availability will differ from when we first reviewed them. You can upgrade to a new Galaxy phone, or you may still be able to find refurbished models of these devices through retailers such as Amazon or eBay.
The Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra is the top-tier model of Samsung’s most recent flagship releases. There’s no doubt that it's the superior device compared to the base model Samsung Galaxy S21. It’s also $400 more expensive. We’ll look at both of these extremes in the S21 series to see if the Ultra is really worth the much larger costs.
In this Guide
Samsung Galaxy S21 vs. S21 Ultra Specs
From the initial Samsung Galaxy S21 series reveal, it's been clear that the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra would win a tech specs showdown with its sibling device, but that doesn’t mean the S21 isn’t a great phone; it’s just not an Ultra. Here is a quick glance at what you get from both of these Samsung devices.
| Samsung Galaxy S21 | Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra | |
|---|---|---|
| Display | 6.2” AMOLED | 6.8” AMOLED |
| Storage | 128GB, 256GB | 128GB, 256GB, 512GB |
| Battery | 4000mAh | 5000mAh |
| Cameras | Rear: 12 MP Ultra-Wide, 12 MP Wide-angle, 64MP telephoto Front: 10MP |
Rear: 12MP Ultra-Wide, 108MP Wide-angle, two 10MP telephoto lenses Front: 40MP |
| Processor | Snapdragon 888 Octo-Core | Snapdragon 888 Octo-Core |
| RAM | 8GB | 12GB or 16GB |
| Starting price | $799.99 | $1,199.99 |
Samsung Galaxy S21 vs. Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra: Displays
Image: GSMArena
The first difference you’re likely to notice between the two phones is in their sizes: The Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra has a big 6.8” display while the Samsung Galaxy S21 has a smaller 6.2” display. Bigger doesn’t always mean better, especially for a device that’s going to find a home in your pocket more often than not, so your preference plays a big role in which size works better for you. Neither is exactly “compact,” but those who desire a less cumbersome design might want to stick with the base S21, while those who are constantly playing games or watching videos would probably like the bigger screen in the S21 Ultra.
One thing these devices both have in common is a 120Hz refresh rate, which makes the scrolling and playback on the display smooth like butter. For pure viewing experience, you really can’t go wrong with either device.
Both phones feature a top-tier refresh rate and crystal-clear display, so it comes down to which size you prefer.
More 5G Phones
Samsung is still tagging the "5G" label at the end of each tier of its S-series—which is a bit overkill at this point. Starting last year, Samsung made all of its flagships 5G-compatible, including both the S20 series and Note20 series. It’s safe to assume Samsung isn’t taking a step backward with 5G—especially since many of their competitors have joined them in the 5G race, including Apple’s 5G-ready iPhone 12 series.
Samsung Galaxy S21 vs. S21 Ultra: Cameras
Image: Samsung
Another immediately apparent difference between the two models is in their camera systems. The Samsung Galaxy S21 packs a triple-rear camera with 12MP wide-angle and ultra-wide cameras, plus a 64MP telephoto lens with up to 30X zoom combined with Samsung’s digital “Space Zoom.”
Meanwhile, the more expensive Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra sports a rear quad camera system featuring a 12MP ultra-wide camera, 108MP wide-angle camera, and two 10MP telephoto lenses. The S21 Ultra peaks at a huge 100X digital zoom.
At the front of the phones, you could be snapping selfies on the S21’s 10MP camera or on the S21 Ultra’s 40MP camera.
Those who prioritize taking expert-level pictures are probably going to want to go with the S21 Ultra, but if you don’t necessarily care about photography—or you just aren’t ready to spend nearly half a grand more on a phone—stick with the S21. You’ll still get a great camera system, just not the best.
The Ultra takes the cake for its upgraded rear cameras, including an additional telephoto lens, plus its insane digital "Space Zoom" capabilities.
Samsung Galaxy S21 vs. S21 Ultra: Batteries
The last fairly obvious difference between the S21 and S21 Ultra is in their batteries—which you should be able to notice without even powering them up. It’s pretty simple: The bigger Galaxy S21 Ultra has a bigger battery than the smaller S21. This makes sense, as the larger phone has more room for a larger battery. You don’t have to take our word for it. Per Samsung’s specs, the S21 Ultra gets its juice from a 5000mAh battery, while the Samsung Galaxy S21’s energy comes from a 4000mAh battery. Either way, you should have enough power to last you through the day, depending on how much you use the phone, though the Ultra should last you a little bit longer.
One concern you might have for both devices is the aforementioned 120Hz refresh rates, which is a feared battery killer. To combat this, Samsung has implemented its Adaptive Refresh Rate, which switches between lower refresh rates and the high 120Hz to help preserve energy. So, there really shouldn’t be an issue. Samsung thought ahead.
Bigger phone = bigger battery = longer battery life. Enough said.
Samsung Galaxy S21 vs. S21 Ultra: Performance
All three of the Samsung Galaxy S21 tiers are running on the Snapdragon 888 Octo-Core processor, the current king of the chips on Android phones. You’ll get blazing-fast, silky-smooth performance from both the Samsung Galaxy S21 and S21 Ultra. As for RAM, the base S21’s 8GB doesn’t quite match the 12GB or 16GB options on the S21 Ultra. Multi-tasking shouldn’t be an issue for any of these phones, but the S21 Ultra is specially equipped to handle just about anything you can throw at it. As for storage, both devices come in 128GB and 256GB models, with the Ultra also offering a 512GB option. You’re going to get top-of-the-line flagship performance from both tiers of the latest S-series phones, but the pricier Ultra is especially strong.
The Ultra lineup offers more in the way of internal storage and RAM options. While the base S21 is perfectly capable for most users, if you use your phone like a workhorse, the Ultra will get you just a bit more oomph.
Samsung Galaxy S21 vs. S21 Ultra: Pricing
Poor Samsung Galaxy S21… this fight has been pretty unfair to the base model so far. But now we get right to its major strength: Price. The S21 starts at $799.99, while the S21 Ultra starts at a whopping $1,199.99—a whole $400 more. As a comparison, the S21 just about matches the iPhone 12 (its true rival), but the S21 Ultra is actually more expensive than the iPhone 12 Pro Max.
Though the S21 is much less expensive than the S21 Ultra, many might not exactly consider $799.99 cheap. There are, however, ways to save on any of the latest S-series devices. Your best option for Samsung Galaxy S21 deals is with the major carriers (AT&T, T-Mobile, Verizon). AT&T, for example, offered Samsung Galaxy trade-in deals that could save you $700. Here are some of the current deals for the S21 and S21 Ultra:
Galaxy S21 FE 5G 128GB
- 6.4 inch display
- Rear Cameras: 12MP, 12MP, 8MP
- Front Camera: 32MP
Galaxy S21 5G 128GB
- 6.2 inch display
- Rear Cameras: 12MP, 64MP, 12MP
- Front Camera: 10MP
Galaxy S21 FE 5G 256GB
- 6.4 inch display
- Rear Cameras: 12MP, 12MP, 8MP
- Front Camera: 32MP
Galaxy S21+ 5G 128GB
- 6.7 inch display
- Rear Cameras: 12MP, 64MP, 12MP
- Front Camera: 10MP
Saving $400 is nothing to sneeze at, especially when you still get many of the most desirable features on the base S21 model.
Samsung Galaxy S21 vs. S21 Ultra: Verdict
It’s quite clear that the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra is the better phone here. It’s also EXPENSIVE. Is it that much better to justify the extra $400? For some people, it might be. The S21 is geared for those with a no-limit budget (or are super diligent with their expenses) who demand the best tech available.
Otherwise, those with more modest budgets should be more than happy with the S21. It doesn’t have all the bells and whistles of the Ultra, but honestly, the average mobile phone user is unlikely to miss all the extra tech. Most people who get the S21 will probably have no regrets. In other words, Android users really can’t go wrong with the Samsung Galaxy S21—and if you have the extra cash, the same can be said about the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra.
Angelo Ilumba
Senior Writer
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