Samsung Galaxy S21 Plus vs Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra
Our Verdict: If you've got the Galaxy S21 Plus, the Galaxy S23 Ultra is two years of updates on from it. The S23 Ultra 5G has the better camera on paper, 200MP versus 64MP, and the S23 Ultra 5G goes up to 512GB of storage, where the S21+ 5G tops out at 256GB. The S23 Ultra 5G has the sharper display at 500 PPI to 393, and the S21+ 5G is the lighter phone at 202g against 233g. If you're on the S21+ 5G, the S23 Ultra 5G is a real step up, but only worth it if the changes above matter to you.
If you'd rather pay up front, the S21+ 5G is the cheaper buy at £210 SIM-free.
10 reviews 4.4
12 reviews
Samsung Galaxy S21 Plus
|
Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra
|
|
|---|---|---|
| Release Date | 29 January 2021 | 17 February 2023 |
| Expert Rating |
4.0 10 reviews |
4.4 12 reviews |
| Screen | 6.7" | 6.8" |
| Display | Dynamic AMOLED 2X | Dynamic AMOLED 2X |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2400 | 1440 x 3080 |
| Pixels Per Inch | 393 | 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 | 4,800 mAh | 5,000 mAh |
| Storage | 128GB, 256GB | 256GB, 512GB |
| OS | Android 11 | Android 13 |
| SIM Type | Standard SIM | Nano SIM |
| Connectivity | Up to 5G | Up to 5G |
| Wi-Fi | 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6e | 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6e |
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 5.3, A2DP, LE |
| Dimensions | 161.4 x 75.6 x 7.8 mm | 163.4 x 78.1 x 8.9 mm |
| Weight | 202 grams | 233 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 | - |
£59.00/mo
£30.00 upfront |
| SIM-free | £209.99 | £349.99 |
| Deals | Deals |
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Frequently Asked Questions
Which has the better screen, the Samsung Galaxy S21 Plus or Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra?
Both phones have a similar screen size at around 6.7", the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra has the sharper display at 500 pixels per inch versus 393, and both use Dynamic AMOLED 2X panels.
Which has the better camera, the Samsung Galaxy S21 Plus or Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra?
The Samsung Galaxy S21 Plus 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 Plus or Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra?
The Samsung Galaxy S21 Plus is cheaper SIM-free, starting from £209.99.
What storage options are available for the Samsung Galaxy S21 Plus and Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra?
The Samsung Galaxy S21 Plus is available in 128GB, 256GB, while the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra comes in 256GB, 512GB.
What processors do the Samsung Galaxy S21 Plus and Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra use?
The Samsung Galaxy S21 Plus 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 Plus or Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra?
The Samsung Galaxy S21 Plus is the more portable of the two: it's 31g lighter at 202 grams, it's also the more compact phone at 161.4 x 75.6 x 7.8 mm, and is slimmer at 7.8mm thick.
Which is more water resistant, the Samsung Galaxy S21 Plus or Samsung Galaxy S23 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 S21 Plus and Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra run?
The Samsung Galaxy S21 Plus 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.