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What we think
The PerfectRec phone team Learn more
Updated January 10, 2024·
If you're looking for a more budget-friendly option, the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra could be a good choice as it offers a large screen and high-quality camera system at a lower price point. On the other hand, the Samsung Galaxy S23+ offers a slightly smaller screen but newer technology, which includes a camera system that delivers better overall quality for both still photos and videos. Additionally, the Galaxy S23+ has a more recent processor, which may lead to better performance. If cost is a significant concern, the S21 Ultra is a capable device, but if you're willing to invest more for the latest features and enhanced camera quality, the S23+ is the better option. 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 Ultra
- The Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra has no clear advantages over the Samsung Galaxy S23+.
Advantages of the Samsung Galaxy S23+
- Very good for taking photos
- Good for recording videos
- Very good battery life
Key differences
Overall Camera Quality
7.8
8.3
The Samsung Galaxy S23+ has very good overall camera quality, while the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra has good overall camera quality.
The Samsung Galaxy S23+ boasts excellent selfie capabilities and an overall better camera experience than the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra, with advancements in photo resolution, software experience, dynamic range, and low light performance. While the S21 Ultra has a 'Good' rating for camera versatility and selfie quality, the S23+ enhances these features to 'Very Good', making it the superior choice for photography enthusiasts.
Photo Quality
7.8
8.3
The Samsung Galaxy S23+ takes very good photos, while the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra takes good photos.
The Samsung Galaxy S23+ takes excellent photos compared to the very good photos of the Galaxy S21 Ultra because it has an improved low light performance and dynamic range, which are key factors for photo quality. Additionally, the S23+ has a better selfie camera quality.
Video Quality
7.1
7.8
The Samsung Galaxy S23+ and Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra both have good videos, though the Samsung Galaxy S23+ takes somewhat better videos.
The Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra records good videos with solid stabilization and low light performance, whereas the Samsung Galaxy S23+ improves upon this with a better overall video experience, including superior software, stabilization, dynamic range, and microphone quality, making it excellent for video recording.
Battery
6.7 Hours
8.7 Hours
The Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra has 6.7 hours of battery life. The Samsung Galaxy S23+ has 8.7 hours of battery life.
Cost
$423
$1,000
$200
$400
$600
$800
$1,000
$1,200
$1,400
The Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra has a price of $423 and the Samsung Galaxy S23+ costs $1,000.
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Key similarities
Screen Size
The Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra has a screen size of 6.8 inches and the Samsung Galaxy S23+ is 6.6 inches.
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How the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra and the Samsung Galaxy S23+ compare to other phones
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra | Samsung Galaxy S23+ |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$423 | $1,000 | ||
Brand | |||
Brand | Samsung | Samsung | |
Operating System | |||
Operating System | Android | Android | |
Release Date | |||
Release Date | January 29, 2021 | February 17, 2023 | |
SCREEN | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Screen Size | |||
Screen Size | 6.8" | 6.6" | |
Resolution | |||
Resolution | 3200 x 1440 | 2340 x 1080 | |
Variable refresh rate | |||
Variable refresh rate | Yes | No | |
Pixels Per Inch | |||
Pixels Per Inch | 515 | 390 | |
Display Type | |||
Display Type | OLED | OLED | |
INTERNAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Processor | |||
Processor | SD888 | SD8G2 | |
Internal Storage | |||
Internal Storage | 128 GB | 256 GB | |
RAM | |||
RAM | 12 GB | 8 GB | |
CAMERA | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Overall Camera Quality Score | |||
Overall Camera Quality Score | 7.9/10 | 8.4/10 | |
Photos Score | |||
Photos Score | 7.8/10 | 8.4/10 | |
Videos Score | |||
Videos Score | 7.1/10 | 7.9/10 | |
Rear Cameras | |||
Rear Cameras | Main, Ultrawide, Telephoto, Super Telephoto | Main, Ultrawide, Telephoto | |
Main Camera | |||
Main Camera | 108 megapixels + OIS | 50 megapixels + OIS | |
BATTERY | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Battery Life | |||
Battery Life | 6.7 Hours | 8.7 Hours | |
Battery Capacity | |||
Battery Capacity | 5000 mAh | 4700 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 | 6.5" x 2.98" | 6.21" x 3" | |
Weight | |||
Weight | 8.01 oz | 6.91 oz | |
Back Material | |||
Back Material | Glass | Glass | |
Stereo Speakers | |||
Stereo Speakers | No | No | |
CONNECTIVITY | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Dual SIM | |||
Dual SIM | Yes | Yes | |
Bluetooth Version | |||
Bluetooth Version | 5.2 | 5.3 | |
A2DP | |||
A2DP | Yes | Yes | |
WiFi Version | |||
WiFi Version | 6e | 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)1, 7, 25, 28, 41, 66, 71, 78, 258, 260, 285 | |
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 Black, Phantom Silver, Phantom Navy, Phantom Titanium | Green, Phantom Black, Cream, Lavender, Lime, Graphite | |
Stock Android | |||
Stock Android | No | No | |
SD Card | |||
SD Card | No | No | |
Shopping
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."
Samsung Galaxy S23+
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Dig into reviews and images
TechRadar
Axel Metz | March 2023
"Despite not boasting the same camera credentials as its pricier sibling, the Samsung Galaxy S23 Plus will remain a top-tier handset for several years thanks to its industry-leading processor and magnificent display. It may prove an attractive proposition for Galaxy newcomers in the market for a big-screen all-rounder."
Get a great deal on the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra or the Samsung Galaxy S23+
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
121,500
Recommendations made
68,850
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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