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What we think
The PerfectRec phone team Learn more
Updated January 10, 2024·
If you prioritize a top-of-the-line camera with more megapixels and the capability to capture high-quality stills and videos, then the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra is a better choice. The S21 Ultra also offers a larger screen with higher resolution and curved edges, but it is heavier and typically costs more. In contrast, the Samsung Galaxy S21 is lighter, less expensive, and still performs well, but its camera and screen aren't as advanced as the S21 Ultra's. Both have similar battery life, support 5G, and lack a headphone jack. Keep in mind the S21 has a plastic back compared to the S21 Ultra's glass finish. 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 Samsung Galaxy S21
- The Samsung Galaxy S21 has no clear advantages over the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra.
Advantages of the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra
- The Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra has no clear advantages over the Samsung Galaxy S21.
Key differences
Overall Camera Quality
7.2
7.8
The Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra and Samsung Galaxy S21 both have good overall camera quality, though the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra has somewhat better overall camera quality.
The Samsung Galaxy S21 has a good selfie camera along with well-regarded photo and video attributes, notably in dynamic range and low light performance. The Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra steps up by offering better camera versatility and superior selfie, photo, and video qualities, including enhanced low light capabilities, which derive from its more advanced image processing and additional camera features.
Photo Quality
7.0
7.8
The Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra and Samsung Galaxy S21 both have good photos, though the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra takes somewhat better photos.
The Samsung Galaxy S21 delivers good selfies, complemented by its fair dynamic range and good low light performance; however, its overall camera versatility and photo software experience are just good. On the other hand, the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra, while offering the same top-notch selfie capability, goes further with a better dynamic range, low light performance, and exceptional camera versatility, making it a stronger choice for photography enthusiasts seeking quality across different scenarios.
Screen Size
The Samsung Galaxy S21 has a screen size of 6.2 inches and the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra is 6.8 inches.
Cost
$145
$423
$0
$100
$200
$300
$400
$500
$600
$700
The Samsung Galaxy S21 has a price of $145 and the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra costs $423.
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Key similarities
Video Quality
6.6
7.1
Although they have very similar scores, PerfectRec considers Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra to have good videos, while the Samsung Galaxy S21 takes only fair videos.
The Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra is renowned for superior video dynamic range and low light performance compared to the Galaxy S21, giving it an edge in capturing videos with more detail in high contrast scenes and in darker environments. However, both the Galaxy S21 and the S21 Ultra provide a high-quality video experience, with top-notch stabilization, resolution, framerate, and microphone quality that should satisfy most video recording needs.
Battery
6.7 Hours
6.7 Hours
The Samsung Galaxy S21 has 6.7 hours of battery life. The Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra has 6.7 hours of battery life.
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How the Samsung Galaxy S21 and the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra compare to other phones
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| Samsung Galaxy S21 | Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$145 | $423 | ||
Brand | |||
Brand | Samsung | Samsung | |
Operating System | |||
Operating System | Android | Android | |
Release Date | |||
Release Date | January 29, 2021 | January 29, 2021 | |
SCREEN | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Screen Size | |||
Screen Size | 6.2" | 6.8" | |
Resolution | |||
Resolution | 2400 x 1080 | 3200 x 1440 | |
Variable refresh rate | |||
Variable refresh rate | No | Yes | |
Pixels Per Inch | |||
Pixels Per Inch | 421 | 515 | |
Display Type | |||
Display Type | OLED | OLED | |
INTERNAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Processor | |||
Processor | SD888 | SD888 | |
Internal Storage | |||
Internal Storage | 128 GB | 128 GB | |
RAM | |||
RAM | 8 GB | 12 GB | |
CAMERA | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Overall Camera Quality Score | |||
Overall Camera Quality Score | 7.2/10 | 7.9/10 | |
Photos Score | |||
Photos Score | 7/10 | 7.8/10 | |
Videos Score | |||
Videos Score | 6.6/10 | 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 | 6.7 Hours | 6.7 Hours | |
Battery Capacity | |||
Battery Capacity | 4000 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 | Yes (4.5 watts) | Yes (4.5 watts) | |
PHYSICAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Size | |||
Size | 5.97" x 2.8" | 6.5" x 2.98" | |
Weight | |||
Weight | 5.96 oz | 8.01 oz | |
Back Material | |||
Back Material | Plastic | 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)2, 5, 25, 41, 66, 71, 260, 261 (SA/NSA/Sub6)1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41, 66, 77, 78 | (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, Fingerprint sensor: Under Display | Face unlock, Fingerprint sensor: Under Display | |
Unlockable Bootloader | |||
Unlockable Bootloader | No | No | |
Color | |||
Color | Phantom Gray, Phantom White, Phantom Violet, Phantom Pink | Phantom Black, Phantom Silver, Phantom Navy, Phantom Titanium | |
Stock Android | |||
Stock Android | No | No | |
SD Card | |||
SD Card | No | No | |
Shopping
Samsung Galaxy S21
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Dig into reviews and images
Android Central
Huseman Joe | February 2022
"The Galaxy S21 delivers the flagship Samsung experience in a phone that's much more pocketable (and affordable) than the top-end S21 Ultra.The triple-camera system is incredibly capable, Samsung's One UI 3.1 software is chock-full of features and settings to mess with, and I've not once missed having expandable storage."
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 Samsung Galaxy S21 or the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra
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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