Samsung Galaxy S20 Ultra 5G vs Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra

Our verdict: For those who want a bigger display, the Samsung Galaxy S20 Ultra 5G delivers at 6.9". At just 221g, the Samsung Galaxy S20 Ultra 5G is the more pocket-friendly option. Without a contract, the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra is the better deal at £239.99 SIM-free. Storage choice goes to the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra with 3 capacity options available.

Screen
6.9" 6.8"
Display
Dynamic AMOLED capacitive touchscreen Dynamic AMOLED 2X capacitive touchscreen
Resolution
1440 x 3200 1440 x 3200
Pixels Per Inch
509 516
Rear Camera
108 Megapixels 108 Megapixels
Front Camera
40 Megapixels 40 Megapixels
Chipset
Exynos 990 Exynos 2100
Storage
128GB, 512GB 128GB, 256GB, 512GB
OS
Android Android 11
SIM Type
Nano SIM Nano SIM
Connectivity
Up to 5G Up to 5G
Wi-Fi
802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/ax 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6
Bluetooth
5.0 with A2DP, LE, apt-X 5.1 with A2DP, LE
Dimensions
167 x 76 x 8.8 mm 165.1 x 75.6 x 8.9 mm
Weight
221 grams 228 grams
Water Resistance
IP68 - Dust and water resistant over 1.5 meter and 30 minutes IP68 - Dust and water resistant over 1.5 meter and 30 minutes
Contracts
SIM-free
£294.99 £239.99
Samsung Galaxy S20 Ultra 5G Samsung Galaxy S20 Ultra 5G Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra
Screen 6.9" 6.8"
Display Dynamic AMOLED capacitive touchscreen Dynamic AMOLED 2X capacitive touchscreen
Resolution 1440 x 3200 1440 x 3200
Pixels Per Inch 509 516
Rear Camera 108 Megapixels 108 Megapixels
Front Camera 40 Megapixels 40 Megapixels
Chipset Exynos 990 Exynos 2100
Storage 128GB, 512GB 128GB, 256GB, 512GB
OS Android Android 11
SIM Type Nano SIM Nano SIM
Connectivity Up to 5G Up to 5G
Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/ax 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6
Bluetooth 5.0 with A2DP, LE, apt-X 5.1 with A2DP, LE
Dimensions 167 x 76 x 8.8 mm 165.1 x 75.6 x 8.9 mm
Weight 221 grams 228 grams
Water Resistance IP68 - Dust and water resistant over 1.5 meter and 30 minutes IP68 - Dust and water resistant over 1.5 meter and 30 minutes
Contracts
SIM-free £294.99 £239.99
Deals Deals

Frequently Asked Questions

Which has the better screen, the Samsung Galaxy S20 Ultra 5G or Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra?

The Samsung Galaxy S20 Ultra 5G has the bigger screen at 6.9" compared to the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra's 6.8", both screens are similarly sharp at around 509 pixels per inch, and the Samsung Galaxy S20 Ultra 5G uses a Dynamic AMOLED capacitive touchscreen panel while the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra has a Dynamic AMOLED 2X capacitive touchscreen.

Which has the better camera, the Samsung Galaxy S20 Ultra 5G or Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra?

The Samsung Galaxy S20 Ultra 5G features a 108 Megapixels rear camera, while the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra has a 108 Megapixels rear camera. Both devices also have front-facing cameras for selfies and video calls.

Which is cheaper to buy SIM-free, the Samsung Galaxy S20 Ultra 5G or Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra?

The Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra is cheaper SIM-free, starting from £239.99.

What storage options are available for the Samsung Galaxy S20 Ultra 5G and Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra?

The Samsung Galaxy S20 Ultra 5G is available in 128GB, 512GB, while the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra comes in 128GB, 256GB, 512GB.

What processors do the Samsung Galaxy S20 Ultra 5G and Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra use?

The Samsung Galaxy S20 Ultra 5G is powered by the Exynos 990, while the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra uses the Exynos 2100.

Which is easier to carry and hold, the Samsung Galaxy S20 Ultra 5G or Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra?

It's a trade-off: the Samsung Galaxy S20 Ultra 5G is lighter but the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra is more compact. It's 7g lighter at 221 grams, though the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra is actually the more compact phone at 165.1 x 75.6 x 8.9 mm.

Which is more water resistant, the Samsung Galaxy S20 Ultra 5G or Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra?

Both phones share the same water resistance rating of IP68 - Dust and water resistant over 1.5 meter and 30 minutes.

What operating system do the Samsung Galaxy S20 Ultra 5G and Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra run?

The Samsung Galaxy S20 Ultra 5G runs Android and the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra runs Android 11. This is one of the biggest factors when choosing between the two, as each ecosystem has its own apps, services and features.