Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra vs Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge
Our Verdict: The Galaxy S25 Edge is four years newer than the Galaxy S21 Ultra, and it shows in the specs. The S25 Edge has the better camera on paper, 200MP versus 108MP, and the S21 Ultra 5G has the bigger battery of the two, 5000mAh against 3900mAh, which should mean longer between charges in day-to-day use. The S25 Edge is the lighter phone at 163g against 228g. Coming from the S21 Ultra 5G, the S25 Edge is a genuine upgrade rather than a token one.
Buying outright, the S21 Ultra 5G starts at £235 SIM-free.
10 reviews 3.8
11 reviews
Prices updated 26 July 2026
Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra
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Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge
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|---|---|---|
| Expert Rating | 4.4 10 reviews |
3.8 11 reviews |
| Screen | 6.8" | 6.7" |
| Display | Dynamic AMOLED 2X capacitive touchscreen | Dynamic AMOLED 2X |
| Resolution | 1440 x 3200 | 1440 x 3120 |
| Pixels Per Inch | 516 | 513 |
| Rear Camera | 108 Megapixels | 200 Megapixels |
| Front Camera | 40 Megapixels | 12 Megapixels |
| Chipset | Exynos 2100 | Qualcomm SM8750-3-AB Snapdragon 8 Elite (3 nm) |
| Battery | 5,000 mAh | 3,900 mAh |
| Storage | 128GB, 256GB, 512GB | 256GB, 512GB |
| OS | Android 11 | Android 15 |
| SIM Type | Nano SIM | nano-SIM and e-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 | 5.4, A2DP, LE |
| Dimensions | 165.1 x 75.6 x 8.9 mm | 159 x 76 x 5.8 mm |
| Weight | 228 grams | 163 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 | - |
£28.29/mo
£29.00 upfront |
| SIM-free | £234.99 | £499.00 |
| Prices updated 26 July 2026 | ||
| Deals | Deals | |
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Frequently Asked Questions
Which has the better screen, the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra or Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge?
Both phones have a similar screen size at around 6.8", both screens are similarly sharp at around 516 pixels per inch, and the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra uses a Dynamic AMOLED 2X capacitive touchscreen panel while the Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge has a Dynamic AMOLED 2X.
Which has the better camera, the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra or Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge?
The Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra features a 108 Megapixels rear camera, while the Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge 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 S25 Edge?
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 S25 Edge?
The Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra is available in 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, while the Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge comes in 256GB, 512GB.
What processors do the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra and Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge use?
The Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra is powered by the Exynos 2100, while the Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge uses the Qualcomm SM8750-3-AB Snapdragon 8 Elite (3 nm).
Which is easier to carry and hold, the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra or Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge?
The Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge is the more portable of the two: it's 65g lighter at 163 grams, it's also the more compact phone at 159 x 76 x 5.8 mm, and is slimmer at 5.8mm thick.
Which is more water resistant, the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra or Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge?
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 S25 Edge run?
The Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra runs Android 11 and the Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge runs Android 15. This is one of the biggest factors when choosing between the two, as each ecosystem has its own apps, services and features.