Samsung Galaxy S21 Plus vs Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra
Our Verdict: The Galaxy S24 Ultra is three years newer than the Galaxy S21 Plus, and it shows in the specs. The S24 Ultra leads on camera hardware with a 200MP main sensor to the S21+ 5G's 64MP, and storage goes higher on the S24 Ultra, up to 1TB against 256GB. The S24 Ultra has the sharper display at 501 PPI to 393, and the S21+ 5G is the lighter phone at 202g against 232g. The S24 Ultra is the better phone; upgrade from the S21+ 5G if you want the newer hardware, or hold on if yours still does the job.
Buying outright, the S21+ 5G starts at £175 SIM-free.
10 reviews 4.6
11 reviews
Prices updated 27 July 2026
Samsung Galaxy S21 Plus
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Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra
|
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|---|---|---|
| Expert Rating | 4.0 10 reviews |
4.6 11 reviews |
| Screen | 6.7" | 6.8" |
| Display | Dynamic AMOLED 2X | Dynamic LTPO AMOLED 2X |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2400 | 1440 x 3088 |
| Pixels Per Inch | 393 | 501 |
| Rear Camera | 64 Megapixels | 200 Megapixels |
| Front Camera | 10 Megapixels | 12 Megapixels |
| Chipset | Exynos 2100 | Qualcomm SM8650-AB Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 (4 nm) |
| Battery | 4,800 mAh | 5,000 mAh |
| Storage | 128GB, 256GB | 256GB, 512GB, 1TB |
| OS | Android 11 | Android 14 |
| SIM Type | Standard SIM | nano-SIM and e-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/7 |
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 5.3 with A2DP, LE |
| Dimensions | 161.4 x 75.6 x 7.8 mm | 162.3 x 79 x 8.6 mm |
| Weight | 202 grams | 232 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 | - |
£27.25/mo
£20.00 upfront |
| SIM-free | £174.99 | £429.99 |
| Prices updated 27 July 2026 | ||
| Deals | Deals | |
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Frequently Asked Questions
Which has the better screen, the Samsung Galaxy S21 Plus or Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra?
Both phones have a similar screen size at around 6.7", the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra has the sharper display at 501 pixels per inch versus 393, and the Samsung Galaxy S21 Plus uses a Dynamic AMOLED 2X panel while the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra has a Dynamic LTPO AMOLED 2X.
Which has the better camera, the Samsung Galaxy S21 Plus or Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra?
The Samsung Galaxy S21 Plus features a 64 Megapixels rear camera, while the Samsung Galaxy S24 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 S24 Ultra?
The Samsung Galaxy S21 Plus is cheaper SIM-free, starting from £174.99.
What storage options are available for the Samsung Galaxy S21 Plus and Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra?
The Samsung Galaxy S21 Plus is available in 128GB, 256GB, while the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra comes in 256GB, 512GB, 1TB.
What processors do the Samsung Galaxy S21 Plus and Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra use?
The Samsung Galaxy S21 Plus is powered by the Exynos 2100, while the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra uses the Qualcomm SM8650-AB Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 (4 nm).
Which is easier to carry and hold, the Samsung Galaxy S21 Plus or Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra?
The Samsung Galaxy S21 Plus is the more portable of the two: it's 30g 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 S24 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 S24 Ultra run?
The Samsung Galaxy S21 Plus runs Android 11 and the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra runs Android 14. This is one of the biggest factors when choosing between the two, as each ecosystem has its own apps, services and features.