Galaxy S20 5G vs Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G
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Galaxy S20 5G
Starting at
£161.35£1,009.00 new
Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G
Starting at
£268.86£1,316.00 newWhat's the difference between the Galaxy S20 5G and Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G?
Galaxy S20 5G vs S21 Ultra 5G comes down to the battery, screen size and main camera. Refurbished, the Galaxy S20 5G starts at £161.35, £107.51 less than the Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G. The Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G is the newer model, released in 2021.
Refurbished from
Battery
Screen size
Main camera
Front camera
Software updates
- The Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G has a bigger battery: 5000 mAh vs 4000 mAh.
- The Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G has a bigger screen: 6.8 inch vs 6.2 inch.
- The Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G has a higher-resolution main camera: 108 megapixels vs 12 megapixels.
Galaxy S20 5G vs Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G specs
The Galaxy S20 5G and Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G both offer strong features but suit different needs. The S20 5G is a compact phone with a 6.2 inch screen and a solid 4000 mAh battery, making it a good choice if you prefer a lighter device with a microSDXC slot for extra storage. The S21 Ultra 5G has a larger 6.8 inch screen and a bigger 5000 mAh battery, ideal if you want more screen space and longer battery life. It also has a more advanced camera setup with higher megapixels for front and main cameras. Both phones have the same RAM and screen resolution with a 120 Hz refresh rate.
Galaxy S20 5G vs Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G price
Colour
Galaxy S20 5G vs Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G battery life and software updates
Durability covers battery size, software updates, and basic physical features. These affect how long each phone can last in daily use and how current the software remains.
Battery Capacity
The Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G has a 5000 mAh battery, meaning it can potentially last longer between charges. The Galaxy S20 5G offers a 4000 mAh battery, which suits users who do not require the longest battery life but still need solid all-day use.
Battery
Fast charging
Foldable
Ip rating
Software updates
Wireless charging
Year of release
Galaxy S20 5G vs Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G performance
Chipset
RAM
Galaxy S20 5G vs Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G screen
Screen quality influences how you view videos, browse, and interact with apps. Both phones share some characteristics but differ in size, which changes the experience.
Screen Size
The Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G has a larger 6.8 inch screen, offering more room for videos, games, and multitasking. The Galaxy S20 5G's 6.2 inch screen makes it more compact and easier to use with one hand, suitable if you prefer a smaller display.
Display Technology and Resolution
Both phones use Dynamic AMOLED 2X screens with a resolution of 1440 x 3200 and a 120 Hz refresh rate. This means they both deliver sharp, smooth visuals, so your choice depends mostly on the preferred screen size.
Refresh rate
Resolution
Screen size
Screen type
Galaxy S20 5G vs Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G camera
Camera quality is a key factor for many users. These phones have quadruple cameras but differ significantly in megapixel counts for front and main cameras.
Main Camera Detail
The Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G features a 108 megapixel main camera, capturing more detail in photos. The Galaxy S20 5G offers a 12 megapixel main camera, which suits users who want good quality shots without the highest resolution.
Front Camera Resolution
The Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G has a 40 megapixel front camera, ideal for selfies with greater detail. The Galaxy S20 5G has a 10 megapixel front camera, providing quality images for video calls and casual selfies.
Camera type
Front camera
Main camera
Galaxy S20 5G vs Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G size and design
Other features such as size, weight, SIM options, and storage influence the day to day handling and flexibility of each phone.
Physical Size and Weight
The Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G is larger and heavier at 165.1 mm tall, 75.6 mm wide, and 227 g. The Galaxy S20 5G is more compact and lighter at 151.7 mm tall, 69.1 mm wide, and 163 g. Choose the S21 Ultra if you want a bigger screen and do not mind extra weight. The S20 is suited to those who prefer a smaller, lighter device.
SIM and Storage Options
The Galaxy S20 5G supports dual physical SIM cards and includes a microSDXC slot for expandable storage. The Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G supports one physical SIM and an eSIM but does not have an SD card slot. Storage options for the S21 Ultra go up to 512GB, while the S20 5G offers up to 256GB.
Carrier compatibility
Connector
Depth
Height
Mobile network
Release date
SD card slot
SIM card
Weight
Width
Galaxy S20 5G or Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G: which should you buy?
Buy the Galaxy S20 5G if
- you want to spend less: it starts at £161.35, £107.51 less than the Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G
- you want a lighter build (163 g vs 227 g)
- you want a memory card slot
Buy the Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G if
- you want a bigger battery (5000 mAh vs 4000 mAh)
- you want a bigger screen (6.8 inch vs 6.2 inch)
- you want a higher-resolution main camera (108 megapixels vs 12 megapixels)
What our customers say
Customers of the Galaxy S20 5G appreciate its condition and performance, often noting it looks and works like new. They mention the phone is fast and responsive with good battery life, suitable for everyday use. Some customers highlight the ease of transferring data and the reliable software experience. A few note concerns about battery life lasting through the day and occasional heating, but overall satisfaction is high with this model.
Reviews for the Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G often describe it as looking almost new, with many satisfied by the phone's speed, reliability, and quality. Users enjoy the larger size and camera features, with some choosing it for a more sustainable option compared to buying new. There are mentions of good condition even when selecting lower condition grades. However, a few customers report issues with battery performance and device reliability.
The Galaxy S20 5G is suitable for those who want a lighter, compact phone with expandable storage and solid performance for daily tasks. The Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G fits users who prefer a larger screen and higher resolution cameras, along with longer battery life and the latest software updates.
Galaxy S20 5G vs Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G FAQs
Galaxy S20 5G vs S21 Ultra 5G comes down to the battery, screen size and main camera. The Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G has a bigger battery: 5000 mAh vs 4000 mAh. The Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G has a bigger screen: 6.8 inch vs 6.2 inch.
The Galaxy S20 5G is cheaper refurbished, from £161.35 compared with £268.86 for the Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G.
The Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G has a bigger battery: 5000 mAh vs 4000 mAh.
The Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G has a higher-resolution main camera: 108 megapixels vs 12 megapixels.
Updates for the Galaxy S20 5G ended in Mar 2025. Updates for the Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G ended in Feb 2026.
The Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G adds a bigger battery (5000 mAh vs 4000 mAh), a bigger screen (6.8 inch vs 6.2 inch) and a higher-resolution main camera (108 megapixels vs 12 megapixels). Refurbished, it costs £107.51 more (from £268.86 vs £161.35).
Refurbished, the Galaxy S20 5G comes in 128GB, and the Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G in 128GB, 256GB and 512GB.
