Samsung Galaxy S21 Plus vs Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra
Our Verdict: The Galaxy S26 Ultra is five years newer than the Galaxy S21 Plus, and it shows in the specs. The S26 Ultra has the better camera on paper, 200MP versus 64MP, and the S26 Ultra has the stronger screen, bigger at 6.9" against 6.7" and sharper at 498 PPI. The S26 Ultra goes up to 1TB of storage, where the S21+ 5G tops out at 256GB, and the S21+ 5G is the lighter phone at 202g against 214g. Coming from the S21+ 5G, the S26 Ultra is a genuine upgrade rather than a token one.
10 reviews 4.4
12 reviews
Samsung Galaxy S21 Plus
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Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra
|
|
|---|---|---|
| Expert Rating | 4.0 10 reviews |
4.4 12 reviews |
| Screen | 6.7" | 6.9" |
| Display | Dynamic AMOLED 2X | Dynamic LTPO AMOLED 2X |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2400 | 1440 x 3120 |
| Pixels Per Inch | 393 | 498 |
| Rear Camera | 64 Megapixels | 200 Megapixels |
| Front Camera | 10 Megapixels | 12 Megapixels |
| Chipset | Exynos 2100 | Qualcomm SM8850-AC Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 (3 nm) |
| Battery | 4,800 mAh | 5,000 mAh |
| Storage | 128GB, 256GB | 256GB, 512GB, 1TB |
| OS | Android 11 | Android |
| 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 | 5.4, A2DP, LE |
| Dimensions | 161.4 x 75.6 x 7.8 mm | 163.6 x 78.1 x 7.9 mm |
| Weight | 202 grams | 214 grams |
| Water Resistance | IP68 - Dust and water resistant over 1.5 meter and 30 minutes | IP68 dust tight and water resistant (immersible up to 1.5m for 30 min) |
| Contracts | - |
£37.29/mo
£29.00 upfront |
| SIM-free | - | £899.00 |
| Deals | Deals |
Cheapest Deals
Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra
£37.29 per month, £29 upfront.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Which has the better screen, the Samsung Galaxy S21 Plus or Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra?
The Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra has the bigger screen at 6.9" compared to the Samsung Galaxy S21 Plus's 6.7", the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra has the sharper display at 498 pixels per inch versus 393, and the Samsung Galaxy S21 Plus uses a Dynamic AMOLED 2X panel while the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra has a Dynamic LTPO AMOLED 2X.
Which has the better camera, the Samsung Galaxy S21 Plus or Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra?
The Samsung Galaxy S21 Plus features a 64 Megapixels rear camera, while the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra has a 200 Megapixels rear camera. Both devices also have front-facing cameras for selfies and video calls.
What storage options are available for the Samsung Galaxy S21 Plus and Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra?
The Samsung Galaxy S21 Plus is available in 128GB, 256GB, while the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra comes in 256GB, 512GB, 1TB.
What processors do the Samsung Galaxy S21 Plus and Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra use?
The Samsung Galaxy S21 Plus is powered by the Exynos 2100, while the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra uses the Qualcomm SM8850-AC Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 (3 nm).
Which is easier to carry and hold, the Samsung Galaxy S21 Plus or Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra?
The Samsung Galaxy S21 Plus is the more portable of the two: it's 12g lighter at 202 grams, it's also the more compact phone at 161.4 x 75.6 x 7.8 mm.
Which is more water resistant, the Samsung Galaxy S21 Plus or Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra?
The Samsung Galaxy S21 Plus is rated IP68 - Dust and water resistant over 1.5 meter and 30 minutes, while the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra is rated IP68 dust tight and water resistant (immersible up to 1.5m for 30 min).
What operating system do the Samsung Galaxy S21 Plus and Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra run?
The Samsung Galaxy S21 Plus runs Android 11 and the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra runs Android. This is one of the biggest factors when choosing between the two, as each ecosystem has its own apps, services and features.