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The PerfectRec phone team Learn more
Updated January 10, 2024·
If you prioritize camera capabilities, the iPhone 13 Pro is distinguished for both photo and video quality, surpassing the Galaxy S21 Ultra; however, it comes at a higher price. For those who prefer larger screens and the flexibility of an Android operating system, the Galaxy S21 Ultra offers a bigger display at a lower cost. The Galaxy S21 Ultra also boasts an ultrawide camera with a wider field of view. In terms of battery life, both phones should last a full day, but the difference is marginal. Note that the iPhone omits the possibility of expandable storage and a 3.5mm headphone jack, which the Galaxy S21 Ultra also lacks, but it does offer reverse wireless charging, a feature not available on the iPhone. If a stylus is important, only the Galaxy S21 Ultra supports it. Give Feedback
this description is based on the product variant with some specs and product variant with some specs. At the time of writing, the variant with some specs cost some dollars and the variant with some specs cost some dollars.
Advantages of the Apple iPhone 13 Pro
- Best in class display quality
- Very good performance
Advantages of the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra
- The Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra has no clear advantages over the Apple iPhone 13 Pro.
Key differences
Video Quality
8.6
7.1
The Apple iPhone 13 Pro takes very good videos, while the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra takes good videos.
The Apple iPhone 13 Pro provides an exceptional video software experience paired with excellent video stabilization, dynamic range, and low-light performance, and tops it with superior mic quality. Meanwhile, the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra offers strong video resolution and frame rate capabilities with good overall video performance, though it doesn't match the iPhone 13 Pro in terms of software experience, stabilization, and mic quality.
Screen Size
The Apple iPhone 13 Pro has a screen size of 6.1 inches and the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra is 6.8 inches.
Cost
$567
$423
$200
$300
$400
$500
$600
$700
$800
$900
The Apple iPhone 13 Pro has a price of $567 and the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra costs $423.
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Key similarities
Overall Camera Quality
8.0
7.8
Although they have very similar scores, PerfectRec considers Apple iPhone 13 Pro to have very good overall camera quality, while the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra has good overall camera quality.
The Apple iPhone 13 Pro's cameras are very good, with top-notch photography software, dynamic range, and low light performance, while also offering excellent selfie quality, which is very significant for users focused on front-facing camera performance. On the other hand, the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra offers good photo software and selfie capabilities but stands out for its high-quality video features such as resolution and stabilization, making it a strong contender for customers prioritizing video recording and camera versatility.
Photo Quality
7.8
7.8
The Apple iPhone 13 Pro and Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra both have good photos.
The Apple iPhone 13 Pro provides a top-tier camera software experience and exceptional selfies, contributing to its ability to take very good photos. In contrast, the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra, while delivering good photo quality overall, doesn't quite match the iPhone in selfie performance or camera software handling.
Battery
6.9 Hours
6.7 Hours
The Apple iPhone 13 Pro has 6.9 hours of battery life. The Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra has 6.7 hours of battery life.
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How the Apple iPhone 13 Pro and the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra compare to other phones
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| Apple iPhone 13 Pro | Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$567 | $423 | ||
Brand | |||
Brand | Apple | Samsung | |
Operating System | |||
Operating System | iOS | Android | |
Release Date | |||
Release Date | September 24, 2021 | January 29, 2021 | |
SCREEN | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Screen Size | |||
Screen Size | 6.1" | 6.8" | |
Resolution | |||
Resolution | 2532 x 1170 | 3200 x 1440 | |
Variable refresh rate | |||
Variable refresh rate | Yes | Yes | |
Pixels Per Inch | |||
Pixels Per Inch | 460 | 515 | |
Display Type | |||
Display Type | OLED | OLED | |
INTERNAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Processor | |||
Processor | A15 | SD888 | |
Internal Storage | |||
Internal Storage | 128 GB | 128 GB | |
RAM | |||
RAM | 6 GB | 12 GB | |
CAMERA | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Overall Camera Quality Score | |||
Overall Camera Quality Score | 8/10 | 7.9/10 | |
Photos Score | |||
Photos Score | 7.9/10 | 7.8/10 | |
Videos Score | |||
Videos Score | 8.6/10 | 7.1/10 | |
Rear Cameras | |||
Rear Cameras | Main, Ultrawide, Telephoto | Main, Ultrawide, Telephoto, Super Telephoto | |
Main Camera | |||
Main Camera | 12 megapixels + OIS | 108 megapixels + OIS | |
BATTERY | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Battery Life | |||
Battery Life | 6.9 Hours | 6.7 Hours | |
Battery Capacity | |||
Battery Capacity | 3095 mAh | 5000 mAh | |
Wireless Charging | |||
Wireless Charging | Yes | Yes | |
Wireless charging Speed | |||
Wireless charging Speed | 15 W | 15 W | |
Reverse wireless charging | |||
Reverse wireless charging | No | Yes (4.5 watts) | |
PHYSICAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Size | |||
Size | 5.78" x 2.81" | 6.5" x 2.98" | |
Weight | |||
Weight | 7.20 oz | 8.01 oz | |
Back Material | |||
Back Material | Glass | Glass | |
Stereo Speakers | |||
Stereo Speakers | No | No | |
CONNECTIVITY | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Dual SIM | |||
Dual SIM | Yes | Yes | |
Bluetooth Version | |||
Bluetooth Version | 5.0 | 5.2 | |
A2DP | |||
A2DP | Yes | Yes | |
WiFi Version | |||
WiFi Version | 6 | 6e | |
NFC | |||
NFC | Yes | Yes | |
US 5G Bands | |||
US 5G Bands | (SA/NSA/Sub6/mmWave)1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 12, 20, 25, 28, 29, 30, 38, 40, 41, 48, 66, 71, 78, 79, 258, 260, 261 (SA/NSA/Sub6)1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 12, 20, 25, 28, 29, 30, 38, 40, 41, 48, 66, 71, 77, 78, 79 | (SA/NSA/Sub6/mmWave)2, 5, 25, 41, 66, 71, 260, 261 (SA/NSA/Sub6)1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41, 66, 77, 78 | |
OTHER FEATURES | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Biometric unlock | |||
Biometric unlock | Face unlock | Face unlock, Fingerprint sensor: Under Display | |
Unlockable Bootloader | |||
Unlockable Bootloader | No | No | |
Color | |||
Color | Alpine Green, Graphite, Sierra Blue, Gold, Silver | Phantom Black, Phantom Silver, Phantom Navy, Phantom Titanium | |
Stock Android | |||
Stock Android | N/A | No | |
SD Card | |||
SD Card | No | No | |
Shopping
Apple iPhone 13 Pro
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Dig into reviews and images
Android Authority
Dhruv Bhutani | October 2021
"The basic foundation of the phone is rock solid and essentials like UI navigation, apps, security, and privacy features are polished to a sheen. The camera works consistently well and takes some of the best pictures you can get out of a phone. The phone further embellishes it with performance that won’t have you reaching for a replacement for years, and the battery life is hands-down amongst the best you can get on a flagship. If you’ve been eyeing an iPhone, the iPhone 13 Pro is as good as it gets."
Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra
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Dig into reviews and images
Android Authority
David Imel | January 2023
"The Galaxy S21 Ultra is a killer combo of great design, blazing-fast performance, a wonderful display, long-lasting battery life, and one of the most versatile camera systems you can get in a smartphone today."
Get a great deal on the Apple iPhone 13 Pro or the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra
About Apple
The tech giant called Apple is synonymous with the most popular smartphone in the world: the iPhone. Known for their build quality and aesthetics, as well as for their excellent integration between hardware and software, iPhones have defined the smartphone industry ever since their conception and they continue to do so by setting new industry standards. Apple's own operating system, called iOS, is known for its simplicity and ease of use, and the company tends to complement it well by creating devices with some of the most powerful processing hardware available in the mobile world. The iPhone is also known for its robust ecosystem of accessories, as it facilitates a very seamless experience when interacting with other Apple products, more so than most of its competitors.
About Samsung
Samsung is one of the most recognizable names in the smartphone industry, standing as the undisputed best-selling brand of Android smartphones in the United States for many years now. Samsung is known for offering a variety of smartphones in all available price points, as well as for implementing cutting-edge technology and innovative features in their flagship devices, ones that often shape the market going forward. The company offers its own unique spin on Android, called One UI, which focuses on offering a multitude of features and is heavily customizable, according to user preference.
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Why trust us
This information was produced and vetted by the PerfectRec phones team. We are a product research and recommendation organization that meticulously reviews and evaluates the latest phone information and makes it digestible for you.
By the numbers
68
Phones evaluated
7,820
Phones stats compiled
8
Proprietary Phones ratings developed
151,800
Recommendations made
86,020
Consumer hours saved
About the phone team
Joe Golden, Ph.D
CEO and Phones Editor
Joe is an entrepreneur and lifelong electronics enthusiast with a Ph.D in Economics from the University of Michigan.
Jason Lew
Staff Expert & Software Engineer
Jason is a staff expert and software engineer that has been making laptop recommendations for 7 years and moderates one of the largest laptop subreddits.
Chandradeep Chowdhury
Staff Expert & Software Engineer
Chandradeep is a staff expert and software engineer and expert in televisions and monitors. He’s been making monitor recommendations for ten years.
Seth Peoples
Phones Expert
Seth is a US-based product expert focusing on smartphones and he is a moderator of one of the largest smartphone subreddits. His tailored recommendations have helped him earn over 87k comment karma, putting him in the top 1% of Redditors.
Efthimis Kotanidis
Phones Expert
Efthimis is a Greece-based product expert focusing on smartphones. He has been recommending phones for 4 years and his recommendations on Reddit have earned him over 35k karma.
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