Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra vs Samsung Galaxy S23 Plus
Our Verdict: The Galaxy S21 Ultra and the Galaxy S23 Plus are two years apart, which is enough for a real difference. The S21 Ultra 5G has the better camera on paper, 108MP versus 50MP, plus a 40MP selfie camera against 12MP, and the S21 Ultra 5G has the stronger screen, bigger at 6.8" against 6.6" and sharper at 516 PPI. The S23+ 5G is the lighter phone at 195g against 228g. Coming from the S21 Ultra 5G, the S23+ 5G is a genuine upgrade rather than a token one.
Buying outright, the S21 Ultra 5G starts at £235 SIM-free.
10 reviews 4.1
12 reviews
Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra
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Samsung Galaxy S23 Plus
|
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|---|---|---|
| Release Date | 29 January 2021 | 17 February 2023 |
| Expert Rating |
4.4 10 reviews |
4.1 12 reviews |
| Screen | 6.8" | 6.6" |
| Display | Dynamic AMOLED 2X capacitive touchscreen | Dynamic AMOLED 2X |
| Resolution | 1440 x 3200 | 1080 x 2340 |
| Pixels Per Inch | 516 | 390 |
| 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 | 4,700 mAh |
| Storage | 128GB, 256GB, 512GB | 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/6 |
| Bluetooth | 5.1 with A2DP, LE | 5.3 with A2DP, LE |
| Dimensions | 165.1 x 75.6 x 8.9 mm | 157.8 x 76.2 x 7.6 mm |
| Weight | 228 grams | 195 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 | - |
£57.33/mo
£30.00 upfront |
| SIM-free | £234.99 | £269.99 |
| Deals | Deals |
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Frequently Asked Questions
Which has the better screen, the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra or Samsung Galaxy S23 Plus?
The Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra has the bigger screen at 6.8" compared to the Samsung Galaxy S23 Plus's 6.6", the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra has the sharper display at 516 pixels per inch versus 390, and the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra uses a Dynamic AMOLED 2X capacitive touchscreen panel while the Samsung Galaxy S23 Plus has a Dynamic AMOLED 2X.
Which has the better camera, the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra or Samsung Galaxy S23 Plus?
The Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra features a 108 Megapixels rear camera, while the Samsung Galaxy S23 Plus 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 Plus?
The Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra is cheaper SIM-free, starting from £234.99.
What storage options are available for the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra and Samsung Galaxy S23 Plus?
The Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra is available in 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, while the Samsung Galaxy S23 Plus comes in 256GB, 512GB.
What processors do the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra and Samsung Galaxy S23 Plus use?
The Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra is powered by the Exynos 2100, while the Samsung Galaxy S23 Plus 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 Plus?
The Samsung Galaxy S23 Plus is the more portable of the two: it's 33g lighter at 195 grams, it's also the more compact phone at 157.8 x 76.2 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 Plus?
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 Plus run?
The Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra runs Android 11 and the Samsung Galaxy S23 Plus 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.