Galaxy S21 5G vs Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G
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Galaxy S21 5G
Starting at
£171.33£1,290.00 new
Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G
Starting at
£268.86£1,316.00 newWhat's the difference between the Galaxy S21 5G and Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G?
Galaxy S21 5G vs Ultra 5G comes down to the RAM, battery and screen size. Refurbished, the Galaxy S21 5G starts at £171.33, £97.53 less than the Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G.
Refurbished from
RAM
Battery
Screen size
Main camera
Front camera
- The Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G has more RAM: 12 GB vs 8 GB.
- 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.
Galaxy S21 5G vs Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G specs
The Galaxy S21 5G and Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G were both released in 2021 and share many core features such as 5G support, Android OS, and the same chipset options. The Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G suits you if you want a larger, higher-resolution screen and more RAM, which helps with multitasking and demanding apps. It also offers a bigger battery and more storage options, making it good for heavy users or those who want extra space. The Galaxy S21 5G is a great choice if you prefer a lighter, more compact phone with enough power and battery life for everyday use and want a dual physical SIM setup.
Galaxy S21 5G vs Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G price
Colour
Galaxy S21 5G vs Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G battery life and software updates
Durability covers battery capacity and software support, important for how long the phone lasts between charges and stays up to date.
Battery Capacity
The Galaxy S21 5G has a 4000 mAh battery, which supports daily use with good endurance. The Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G includes a larger 5000 mAh battery, offering longer use before needing a recharge. This suits users who spend more time on their phone away from chargers.
Battery
Foldable
Ip rating
Software updates
Wireless charging
Year of release
Galaxy S21 5G vs Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G performance
Performance depends on the chipset, RAM, and storage options. Both phones share the same chipsets, but RAM and storage vary, affecting multitasking and file space.
RAM Size
The Galaxy S21 5G comes with 8 GB of RAM, which is enough to keep everyday apps running smoothly and handle most tasks without trouble. The Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G offers 12 GB of RAM, which helps you keep more apps open and switch between them faster, useful if you use demanding apps or multitask frequently.
Storage Options
The Galaxy S21 5G is available with 128GB or 256GB storage, suitable for regular use including apps, photos, and media. The Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G adds a 512GB option, giving you more space for large files, videos, or extensive app collections.
Chipset
RAM
Galaxy S21 5G vs Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G screen
Screen quality influences how you see content, whether for watching videos or browsing. Both have high refresh rates and premium AMOLED screens, but size and resolution differ.
Screen Size
The Galaxy S21 5G features a 6.2 inch screen, making it more compact and easier to use with one hand. The Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G has a larger 6.8 inch display, offering a more spacious view which is better for watching videos or multitasking with split screen.
Resolution Detail
The Galaxy S21 5G has a 1080 x 2400 pixel resolution, giving clear and sharp images for everyday use. The Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G provides a higher 1440 x 3200 pixel resolution, which means sharper text and finer details, ideal if you want the best possible clarity on your screen.
Refresh Rate
Both phones have a 120 Hz refresh rate, which results in smooth scrolling and animations, enhancing the experience whether you are gaming or browsing.
Refresh rate
Resolution
Screen size
Screen type
Galaxy S21 5G vs Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G camera
Camera quality is a major difference, affecting how detailed your photos and videos appear. Front and main cameras vary significantly between these two models.
Front Camera
The Galaxy S21 5G has a 10 megapixel front camera, which is suitable for clear selfies and video calls. The Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G offers a more detailed 40 megapixel front camera, capturing finer detail for selfies or video conferencing.
Main Camera
The Galaxy S21 5G's main camera is 12 megapixels, good for everyday photography with accurate colours and detail. The Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G features a 108 megapixel main camera, allowing you to capture much more detail, which is ideal if you want high-resolution photos or like zooming in on images.
Camera type
Front camera
Main camera
Galaxy S21 5G vs Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G size and design
Other practical differences include size, weight, SIM options, and ports, which affect handling and connectivity.
Physical Size and Weight
The Galaxy S21 5G measures 151.7 mm in height, 71.2 mm in width and 7.9 mm in depth, weighing 169 g. This makes it lighter and easier to carry around. The Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G is larger at 165.1 mm height, 75.6 mm width and 8.9 mm depth, weighing 227 g, which suits users preferring a bigger phone to hold and view content on.
SIM Card Setup
The Galaxy S21 5G supports Dual Physical SIM plus eSIM, allowing you to use two physical SIM cards alongside a digital eSIM. The Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G supports Physical SIM plus eSIM, which is suitable if you do not require two physical SIM cards.
Connector Type
Both phones use USB Type-C connectors, standard for charging and wired connections.
Carrier compatibility
Connector
Depth
Height
Mobile network
Release date
SD card slot
SIM card
Weight
Width
Galaxy S21 5G or Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G: which should you buy?
Buy the Galaxy S21 5G if
- you want to spend less: it starts at £171.33, £97.53 less than the Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G
- you want a lighter build (169 g vs 227 g)
Buy the Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G if
- you want more RAM (12 GB vs 8 GB)
- you want a bigger battery (5000 mAh vs 4000 mAh)
- you want a bigger screen (6.8 inch vs 6.2 inch)
What our customers say
Customers of the Galaxy S21 5G praise its excellent condition and reliability. They often mention the phone looks like new or in pristine condition with good battery life. Many appreciate the compact size and dual SIM support, which suits users needing multiple lines or convenient internet access. Users highlight smooth performance for everyday tasks and express satisfaction with the quality of refurbished units, often recommending the device for its balance of features and ease of use.
For the Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G, customers value the larger screen and improved camera quality, noting that the phone works like new and offers fast, reliable performance. Some mention the phone's size and weight but appreciate the extra features and storage options. Reviews show that the Ultra suits users wanting a more spacious display and detailed photos. While most feedback is positive about the phone's condition and capabilities, a few customers mention issues unrelated to the device's core features.
Both phones appeal to different needs: the Galaxy S21 5G suits those wanting a compact, versatile device with dual SIM functionality, while the Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G fits users looking for a larger, higher-resolution screen and enhanced camera performance.
Galaxy S21 5G vs Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G FAQs
Galaxy S21 5G vs Ultra 5G comes down to the RAM, battery and screen size. The Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G has more RAM: 12 GB vs 8 GB. The Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G has a bigger battery: 5000 mAh vs 4000 mAh.
The Galaxy S21 5G is cheaper refurbished, from £171.33 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 S21 5G ended in Feb 2026. Updates for the Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G ended in Feb 2026.
Refurbished, the Galaxy S21 5G comes in 128GB and 256GB, and the Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G in 128GB, 256GB and 512GB.
