Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra vs Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra
Our verdict: Pixel density goes to the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra at 516 PPI. For photography, the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra leads with a 200MP main camera. Front-camera quality goes to the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra at 40MP. At 228g, the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra is the lighter of the two.
Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra
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Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra
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|---|---|---|
| Screen | 6.8" | 6.8" |
| Display | Dynamic AMOLED 2X capacitive touchscreen | Dynamic AMOLED 2X |
| Resolution | 1440 x 3200 | 1440 x 3080 |
| Pixels Per Inch | 516 | 500 |
| Rear Camera | 108 Megapixels | 200 Megapixels |
| Front Camera | 40 Megapixels | 12 Megapixels |
| Chipset | Exynos 2100 | Qualcomm SM8550-AC Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 (4 nm) |
| 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/6e |
| Bluetooth | 5.1 with A2DP, LE | 5.3, A2DP, LE |
| Dimensions | 165.1 x 75.6 x 8.9 mm | 163.4 x 78.1 x 8.9 mm |
| Weight | 228 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 | £239.99 | £404.99 |
| Deals | Deals |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which has the better screen, the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra or Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra?
Both phones have a similar screen size at around 6.8", the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra has the sharper display at 516 pixels per inch versus 500, and the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra uses a Dynamic AMOLED 2X capacitive touchscreen panel while the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra has a Dynamic AMOLED 2X.
Which has the better camera, the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra or Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra?
The Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra features a 108 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 Ultra or Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra?
The Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra is cheaper SIM-free, starting from £239.99.
What storage options are available for the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra and Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra?
The Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra is available in 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, while the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra comes in 256GB, 512GB.
What processors do the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra and Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra use?
The Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 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 Ultra or Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra?
The Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra is the more portable of the two — it's 5g lighter at 228 grams, it's also the more compact phone at 165.1 x 75.6 x 8.9 mm.
Which is more water resistant, the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 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 Ultra and Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra run?
The Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 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.