Samsung Galaxy S21 vs Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra

Our verdict: For screen quality, the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra leads with a 6.8" display and 516 PPI density. If the camera matters most, the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra has the edge at 108MP. Front-camera quality goes to the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra at 40MP. At 171g, the Samsung Galaxy S21 is the lighter of the two.

Screen
6.2" 6.8"
Display
Dynamic AMOLED 2X Dynamic AMOLED 2X capacitive touchscreen
Resolution
1080 x 2400 1440 x 3200
Pixels Per Inch
424 516
Rear Camera
64 Megapixels 108 Megapixels
Front Camera
10 Megapixels 40 Megapixels
Chipset
Exynos 2100 Exynos 2100
Storage
128GB, 256GB 128GB, 256GB, 512GB
OS
Android 11 Android 11
SIM Type
Nano SIM Nano SIM
Connectivity
Up to 5G Up to 5G
Wi-Fi
802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6
Bluetooth
5.0 with A2DP, LE 5.1 with A2DP, LE
Dimensions
151.7 x 71.2 x 7.9 mm 165.1 x 75.6 x 8.9 mm
Weight
171 grams 228 grams
Water Resistance
IP53 - dust and splash protection IP68 - Dust and water resistant over 1.5 meter and 30 minutes
Contracts
£17.99/mo (£0.00 upfront)
SIM-free
£129.95 £239.99
Samsung Galaxy S21 Samsung Galaxy S21 Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra
Screen 6.2" 6.8"
Display Dynamic AMOLED 2X Dynamic AMOLED 2X capacitive touchscreen
Resolution 1080 x 2400 1440 x 3200
Pixels Per Inch 424 516
Rear Camera 64 Megapixels 108 Megapixels
Front Camera 10 Megapixels 40 Megapixels
Chipset Exynos 2100 Exynos 2100
Storage 128GB, 256GB 128GB, 256GB, 512GB
OS Android 11 Android 11
SIM Type Nano SIM Nano SIM
Connectivity Up to 5G Up to 5G
Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6
Bluetooth 5.0 with A2DP, LE 5.1 with A2DP, LE
Dimensions 151.7 x 71.2 x 7.9 mm 165.1 x 75.6 x 8.9 mm
Weight 171 grams 228 grams
Water Resistance IP53 - dust and splash protection IP68 - Dust and water resistant over 1.5 meter and 30 minutes
Contracts £17.99/mo
£0.00 upfront
SIM-free £129.95 £239.99
Deals Deals

Frequently Asked Questions

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

The Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra has the bigger screen at 6.8" compared to the Samsung Galaxy S21's 6.2", the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra has the sharper display at 516 pixels per inch versus 424, and the Samsung Galaxy S21 uses a Dynamic AMOLED 2X panel while the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra has a Dynamic AMOLED 2X capacitive touchscreen.

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

The Samsung Galaxy S21 features a 64 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 S21 or Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra?

The Samsung Galaxy S21 is cheaper SIM-free, starting from £129.95.

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

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

What processors do the Samsung Galaxy S21 and Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra use?

The Samsung Galaxy S21 is powered by the Exynos 2100, while the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra uses the Exynos 2100.

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

The Samsung Galaxy S21 is the more portable of the two — it's 57g lighter at 171 grams, it's also the more compact phone at 151.7 x 71.2 x 7.9 mm, and is slimmer at 7.9mm thick.

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

The Samsung Galaxy S21 is rated IP53 - dust and splash protection, while the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra is rated IP68 - Dust and water resistant over 1.5 meter and 30 minutes.

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

Both phones run Android 11.