Samsung Galaxy S21 vs Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra
Our Verdict: There's two years between the Galaxy S21 and the Galaxy S23 Ultra, so the Galaxy S23 Ultra is ahead on most things. The S23 Ultra 5G leads on camera hardware with a 200MP main sensor to the S21 5G's 64MP, and there's more battery in the S23 Ultra 5G, 5000mAh to 4000mAh, which should mean longer between charges in day-to-day use. The S23 Ultra 5G has the stronger screen, bigger at 6.8" against 6.2" and sharper at 500 PPI, and the S23 Ultra 5G goes up to 512GB of storage, where the S21 5G tops out at 256GB. The S23 Ultra 5G is the better phone; upgrade from the S21 5G if you want the newer hardware, or hold on if yours still does the job.
If you'd rather pay up front, the S21 5G is the cheaper buy at £150 SIM-free.
12 reviews 4.4
12 reviews
Samsung Galaxy S21
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Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra
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|---|---|---|
| Release Date | 29 January 2021 | 17 February 2023 |
| Expert Rating |
4.1 12 reviews |
4.4 12 reviews |
| Screen | 6.2" | 6.8" |
| Display | Dynamic AMOLED 2X | Dynamic AMOLED 2X |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2400 | 1440 x 3080 |
| Pixels Per Inch | 424 | 500 |
| Rear Camera | 64 Megapixels | 200 Megapixels |
| Front Camera | 10 Megapixels | 12 Megapixels |
| Chipset | Exynos 2100 | Qualcomm SM8550-AC Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 (4 nm) |
| Battery | 4,000 mAh | 5,000 mAh |
| Storage | 128GB, 256GB | 256GB, 512GB |
| OS | Android 11 | Android 13 |
| 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/6e |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 with A2DP, LE | 5.3, A2DP, LE |
| Dimensions | 151.7 x 71.2 x 7.9 mm | 163.4 x 78.1 x 8.9 mm |
| Weight | 171 grams | 233 grams |
| Water Resistance | IP53 - dust and splash protection | IP68 - Dust and water resistant over 1.5 meter and 30 minutes |
| Contracts | - |
£59.00/mo
£30.00 upfront |
| SIM-free | £149.99 | £349.99 |
| Deals | Deals |
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Frequently Asked Questions
Which has the better screen, the Samsung Galaxy S21 or Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra?
The Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra has the bigger screen at 6.8" compared to the Samsung Galaxy S21's 6.2", the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra has the sharper display at 500 pixels per inch versus 424, and both use Dynamic AMOLED 2X panels.
Which has the better camera, the Samsung Galaxy S21 or Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra?
The Samsung Galaxy S21 features a 64 Megapixels rear camera, while the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra has a 200 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 S23 Ultra?
The Samsung Galaxy S21 is cheaper SIM-free, starting from £149.99.
What storage options are available for the Samsung Galaxy S21 and Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra?
The Samsung Galaxy S21 is available in 128GB, 256GB, while the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra comes in 256GB, 512GB.
What processors do the Samsung Galaxy S21 and Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra use?
The Samsung Galaxy S21 is powered by the Exynos 2100, while the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra uses the Qualcomm SM8550-AC Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 (4 nm).
Which is easier to carry and hold, the Samsung Galaxy S21 or Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra?
The Samsung Galaxy S21 is the more portable of the two: it's 62g 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 S23 Ultra?
The Samsung Galaxy S21 is rated IP53 - dust and splash protection, while the Samsung Galaxy S23 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 S23 Ultra run?
The Samsung Galaxy S21 runs Android 11 and the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra runs Android 13. This is one of the biggest factors when choosing between the two, as each ecosystem has its own apps, services and features.