Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra vs Samsung Galaxy S23
Our Verdict: There's two years between the Galaxy S21 Ultra and the Galaxy S23, so the Galaxy S23 is ahead on most things. The S21 Ultra 5G leads on camera hardware with a 108MP main sensor to the S23 5G's 50MP, plus a 40MP selfie camera against 12MP, and there's more battery in the S21 Ultra 5G, 5000mAh to 3900mAh, which should mean longer between charges in day-to-day use. The S21 Ultra 5G has the stronger screen, bigger at 6.8" against 6.1" and sharper at 516 PPI, and the S21 Ultra 5G goes up to 512GB of storage, where the S23 5G tops out at 256GB. Coming from the S21 Ultra 5G, the S23 5G is a genuine upgrade rather than a token one.
If you'd rather pay up front, the S23 5G is the cheaper buy at £209 SIM-free.
10 reviews 4.2
13 reviews
Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra
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Samsung Galaxy S23
|
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|---|---|---|
| Release Date | 29 January 2021 | 17 February 2023 |
| Expert Rating |
4.4 10 reviews |
4.2 13 reviews |
| Screen | 6.8" | 6.1" |
| Display | Dynamic AMOLED 2X capacitive touchscreen | Dynamic AMOLED 2X |
| Resolution | 1440 x 3200 | 1080 x 2340 |
| Pixels Per Inch | 516 | 422 |
| Rear Camera | 108 Megapixels | 50 Megapixels |
| Front Camera | 40 Megapixels | 12 Megapixels |
| Chipset | Exynos 2100 | Qualcomm SM8550 Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 (4 nm) |
| Battery | 5,000 mAh | 3,900 mAh |
| Storage | 128GB, 256GB, 512GB | 128GB, 256GB |
| 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 | 5.1 with A2DP, LE | 5.3, A2DP, LE |
| Dimensions | 165.1 x 75.6 x 8.9 mm | 146.3 x 70.9 x 7.6 mm |
| Weight | 228 grams | 167 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 | - |
£20.99/mo
£19.00 upfront |
| SIM-free | £234.99 | £209.00 |
| Deals | Deals |
Cheapest Deals
Samsung Galaxy S23
£20.99 a month, £19 upfront.
Monthly payment will increase to £22.79 on 1 April 2027. Then to £24.59 on 1 April 2028.
Use code: SPOOKY10 (£10 off)
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Frequently Asked Questions
Which has the better screen, the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra or Samsung Galaxy S23?
The Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra has the bigger screen at 6.8" compared to the Samsung Galaxy S23's 6.1", the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra has the sharper display at 516 pixels per inch versus 422, and the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra uses a Dynamic AMOLED 2X capacitive touchscreen panel while the Samsung Galaxy S23 has a Dynamic AMOLED 2X.
Which has the better camera, the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra or Samsung Galaxy S23?
The Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra features a 108 Megapixels rear camera, while the Samsung Galaxy S23 has a 50 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 Ultra or Samsung Galaxy S23?
The Samsung Galaxy S23 is cheaper SIM-free, starting from £209.00.
What storage options are available for the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra and Samsung Galaxy S23?
The Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra is available in 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, while the Samsung Galaxy S23 comes in 128GB, 256GB.
What processors do the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra and Samsung Galaxy S23 use?
The Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra is powered by the Exynos 2100, while the Samsung Galaxy S23 uses the Qualcomm SM8550 Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 (4 nm).
Which is easier to carry and hold, the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra or Samsung Galaxy S23?
The Samsung Galaxy S23 is the more portable of the two: it's 61g lighter at 167 grams, it's also the more compact phone at 146.3 x 70.9 x 7.6 mm, and is slimmer at 7.6mm thick.
Which is more water resistant, the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra or Samsung Galaxy S23?
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 Ultra and Samsung Galaxy S23 run?
The Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra runs Android 11 and the Samsung Galaxy S23 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.