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Galaxy Note20 Ultra 5G vs Galaxy S21 5G

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Galaxy Note20 Ultra 5G

Starting at

£299.00
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Galaxy S21 5G

Starting at

£171.33£1,290.00 new
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(404 reviews)
(1,108 reviews)

What's the difference between the Galaxy Note20 Ultra 5G and Galaxy S21 5G?

Galaxy Note20 Ultra 5G vs S21 5G comes down to the RAM, battery and screen size. Refurbished, the Galaxy S21 5G starts at £171.33, £127.67 less than the Galaxy Note20 Ultra 5G. The Galaxy S21 5G is the newer model, released in 2021.

Refurbished from

£299£171.33

RAM

12 GB8 GB

Battery

4500 mAh4000 mAh

Screen size

6.9 inch6.2 inch

Main camera

108 megapixels12 megapixels

Software updates

Ended Sep 2025Ended Feb 2026
  • The Galaxy Note20 Ultra 5G has more RAM: 12 GB vs 8 GB.
  • The Galaxy Note20 Ultra 5G has a bigger battery: 4500 mAh vs 4000 mAh.
  • The Galaxy Note20 Ultra 5G has a bigger screen: 6.9 inch vs 6.2 inch.

Galaxy Note20 Ultra 5G vs Galaxy S21 5G specs

The Galaxy Note20 Ultra 5G and Galaxy S21 5G differ in screen size, camera resolution, battery capacity, and storage options. The Note20 Ultra offers a larger 6.9 inch screen with higher resolution and a 108-megapixel main camera, suiting users who want a more immersive display and detailed photos. The S21 has a 6.2 inch screen with full HD resolution and a 12-megapixel main camera, which fits those who prefer a more compact phone. Note20 Ultra has a bigger battery and more RAM, which benefits heavy users.

Galaxy Note20 Ultra 5G vs Galaxy S21 5G price

Storage

  • 128GBSold out
  • 256GBSold out
  • 512GBSold out

Galaxy Note20 Ultra 5G vs Galaxy S21 5G battery life and software updates

Battery life and software support are key to how long your phone stays useful. Here the Galaxy Note20 Ultra 5G and Galaxy S21 5G differ in battery capacity and software updates.

Battery Capacity

The Galaxy Note20 Ultra 5G has a 4500 mAh battery which suits users who need longer usage times between charges, especially for tasks like video watching or gaming. The Galaxy S21 5G has a 4000 mAh battery that fits well for everyday use and lighter daily tasks where a slightly smaller battery is sufficient.

Battery

4500 mAh4000 mAh

Fast charging

25 WN/A

Foldable

NoNo

Software updates

Ended Sep 2025Ended Feb 2026

Wireless charging

YesN/A

Year of release

20202021

Galaxy Note20 Ultra 5G vs Galaxy S21 5G performance

Chipset

N/AExynos 2100 (5 nm), Qualcomm SM8350 Snapdragon 888 5G (5 nm)

RAM

12 GB8 GB

Galaxy Note20 Ultra 5G vs Galaxy S21 5G screen

Screen size, resolution and refresh rate shape your viewing experience. Both phones offer smooth visuals but differ in size and sharpness.

Screen Size and Resolution

The Galaxy Note20 Ultra 5G has a large 6.9 inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X screen at 1440 x 3088 resolution. This makes it ideal for watching videos or multitasking with more screen space and sharper detail. The Galaxy S21 5G has a 6.2 inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X screen at 1080 x 2400 resolution, suiting users who prefer a more compact phone with a clear but less detailed display.

Refresh Rate

Both phones feature a 120 Hz refresh rate, which means scrolling and animations appear smooth. This is helpful for gaming or browsing, offering a better visual experience on either device.

Refresh rate

120 Hz120 Hz

Resolution

1440 x 30881080 x 2400

Screen size

6.9 inch6.2 inch

Screen type

Dynamic AMOLED 2XDynamic AMOLED 2X

Galaxy Note20 Ultra 5G vs Galaxy S21 5G camera

Camera quality and front-facing cameras affect your photos and video calls. Both phones share the same front camera resolution but differ in their main cameras.

Main Camera Resolution

The Galaxy Note20 Ultra 5G has a 108-megapixel main camera, which means it can capture more detailed and higher resolution images. This suits users who prioritise high-quality photos or want to crop images without losing detail. The Galaxy S21 5G has a 12-megapixel main camera, which is well suited for everyday photography and social media sharing.

Front Camera

Both the Galaxy Note20 Ultra 5G and Galaxy S21 5G have 10-megapixel front cameras. This means video calls and selfies will have similar clarity on either device.

Camera type

Triple (3x)N/A

Front camera

10 megapixels10 megapixels

Main camera

108 megapixels12 megapixels

Galaxy Note20 Ultra 5G vs Galaxy S21 5G size and design

Other features like SIM options, storage capacity, size and weight affect how the phones fit your lifestyle and daily use.

SIM Card Options

The Galaxy Note20 Ultra 5G supports one physical SIM and an eSIM, which suits users with a single physical SIM card and digital eSIM use. The Galaxy S21 5G supports dual physical SIM cards plus an eSIM, offering more flexibility for people who need to manage two physical SIMs, such as for work and personal use.

Storage Choices

The Galaxy Note20 Ultra 5G comes in 128GB, 256GB, and 512GB storage options, ideal for users needing more space for apps, photos, and files. The Galaxy S21 5G is available with 128GB or 256GB storage, which suits those with moderate storage needs.

Expandable Storage

The Galaxy Note20 Ultra 5G supports microSDXC cards, allowing you to add extra storage if needed. This is useful for users wanting to expand storage without replacing the device. The Galaxy S21 5G does not have this option.

Size and Weight

The Galaxy Note20 Ultra 5G measures 164.8 mm in height, 77.2 mm in width, and 8.1 mm in depth while weighing 208 g. This gives it a larger, heavier feel which suits users who prefer bigger phones with more screen space. The Galaxy S21 5G is smaller and lighter at 151.7 mm height, 71.2 mm width, 7.9 mm depth, and 169 g weight, ideal for those wanting a phone that is easier to hold and carry.

Carrier compatibility

UnlockedUnlocked

Connector

USB-CUSB-C

Depth

8.1 mm7.9 mm

Height

164.8 mm151.7 mm

Mobile network

5G5G

Release date

21 August 2020N/A

SD card slot

microSDXCNo

SIM card

Physical SIM + eSIMDual Physical SIM + eSIM

Weight

208 g169 g

Width

77.2 mm71.2 mm

Galaxy Note20 Ultra 5G or Galaxy S21 5G: which should you buy?

Buy the Galaxy Note20 Ultra 5G if

  • you want more RAM (12 GB vs 8 GB)
  • you want a bigger battery (4500 mAh vs 4000 mAh)
  • you want a bigger screen (6.9 inch vs 6.2 inch)

Buy the Galaxy S21 5G if

  • you want to spend less: it starts at £171.33, £127.67 less than the Galaxy Note20 Ultra 5G
  • you want a lighter build (169 g vs 208 g)

What our customers say

Customers who choose the Galaxy Note20 Ultra 5G appreciate its large screen and storage capacity. Many say the phone looks like new and performs well, with a few noting battery life can drain quickly. Some customers mention the phone's condition is excellent and recommend it for those wanting a big display and detailed camera. A few express concerns about marks or battery life, but overall the phone is praised for its performance and screen size.

Those buying the Galaxy S21 5G highlight its excellent condition and compact size. Reviews show the phone often looks like new with few marks and good battery life. Customers like the dual SIM option for flexibility and find the phone suitable for everyday use. The S21 5G appeals to users who want a smaller, reliable device with current software support and solid camera quality for daily photos.

Both phones suit different needs: the Note20 Ultra 5G is for those wanting a large screen and high-resolution camera, while the S21 5G fits users who prefer a smaller device with up-to-date software and dual SIM support.

Galaxy Note20 Ultra 5G vs Galaxy S21 5G FAQs

Galaxy Note20 Ultra 5G vs S21 5G comes down to the RAM, battery and screen size. The Galaxy Note20 Ultra 5G has more RAM: 12 GB vs 8 GB. The Galaxy Note20 Ultra 5G has a bigger battery: 4500 mAh vs 4000 mAh.

The Galaxy S21 5G is cheaper refurbished, from £171.33 compared with £299 for the Galaxy Note20 Ultra 5G.

The Galaxy Note20 Ultra 5G has a bigger battery: 4500 mAh vs 4000 mAh.

The Galaxy Note20 Ultra 5G has a higher-resolution main camera: 108 megapixels vs 12 megapixels.

Updates for the Galaxy Note20 Ultra 5G ended in Sep 2025. Updates for the Galaxy S21 5G ended in Feb 2026.

The Galaxy S21 5G adds a lighter build (169 g vs 208 g). Refurbished, it costs £127.67 less (from £171.33 vs £299).

Refurbished, the Galaxy Note20 Ultra 5G comes in 128GB, 256GB and 512GB, and the Galaxy S21 5G in 128GB and 256GB.

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