Galaxy S21 5G vs Galaxy S22 Ultra 5G
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Galaxy S21 5G
Starting at
£171.33£1,290.00 new
Galaxy S22 Ultra 5G
Starting at
£328.90£1,364.00 newWhat's the difference between the Galaxy S21 5G and Galaxy S22 Ultra 5G?
Galaxy S21 5G vs S22 Ultra 5G comes down to the battery, screen size and main camera. Refurbished, the Galaxy S21 5G starts at £171.33, £157.57 less than the Galaxy S22 Ultra 5G. The Galaxy S22 Ultra 5G is the newer model, released in 2022.
Refurbished from
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Screen size
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Software updates
- The Galaxy S22 Ultra 5G has a bigger battery: 5000 mAh vs 4000 mAh.
- The Galaxy S22 Ultra 5G has a bigger screen: 6.8 inch vs 6.2 inch.
- The Galaxy S22 Ultra 5G has a higher-resolution main camera: 108 megapixels vs 12 megapixels.
Galaxy S21 5G vs Galaxy S22 Ultra 5G specs
The Galaxy S21 5G and Galaxy S22 Ultra 5G cater to different needs with their distinct features. The Galaxy S21 5G suits those who prefer a compact phone with a lighter weight and a solid battery for everyday use. The Galaxy S22 Ultra 5G offers a larger, higher resolution screen and a significant camera upgrade, ideal for users who want a more immersive display and detailed photography. Storage options also vary, with the S22 Ultra 5G supporting up to 1TB, fitting users who need extensive space. Both devices support 5G and run Android, so your choice depends on whether you want a smaller phone or a larger one with advanced camera capabilities and more storage.
Galaxy S21 5G vs Galaxy S22 Ultra 5G price
Colour
Galaxy S21 5G vs Galaxy S22 Ultra 5G battery life and software updates
Battery life and software updates are key to how long your phone lasts daily and over time.
Battery Capacity
The Galaxy S21 5G has a 4000 mAh battery, which suits users looking for a reliable battery that supports daily activities without excessive bulk. The Galaxy S22 Ultra 5G offers a larger 5000 mAh battery, ideal if you want longer usage between charges or use power-intensive apps.
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Galaxy S21 5G vs Galaxy S22 Ultra 5G performance
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RAM
Galaxy S21 5G vs Galaxy S22 Ultra 5G screen
Screen size and resolution affect how much you see and how sharp content appears. Both phones use Dynamic AMOLED 2X technology for vibrant colours and brightness, but they differ in size and detail.
Screen Size
The Galaxy S21 5G has a 6.2 inch screen, making it easier to handle one-handed and carry in smaller pockets. The Galaxy S22 Ultra 5G offers a roomier 6.8 inch display, which suits watching videos, gaming, or multitasking with more space to see what you're doing.
Screen Resolution
With a resolution of 1080 x 2400, the Galaxy S21 5G delivers sharp images and clear text suitable for everyday use. The Galaxy S22 Ultra 5G has a higher resolution of 1440 x 3088, providing more detail and clarity, which is noticeable when viewing photos, videos, or reading small text.
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Resolution
Screen size
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Galaxy S21 5G vs Galaxy S22 Ultra 5G camera
Camera quality is crucial if you take photos or selfies regularly. Both devices have front and main cameras but differ widely in megapixel counts, affecting the amount of detail captured.
Front Camera
The Galaxy S21 5G features a 10 megapixel front camera, suitable for clear selfies and video calls. The Galaxy S22 Ultra 5G's 40 megapixel front camera captures greater detail, which benefits users who want higher quality selfies or professional-looking video calls.
Main Camera
With a 12 megapixel main camera, the Galaxy S21 5G is good for everyday photography, capturing solid photos in most situations. The Galaxy S22 Ultra 5G offers a 108 megapixel main camera, which captures much more detail and suits users focused on high-resolution images and advanced photography.
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Main camera
Galaxy S21 5G vs Galaxy S22 Ultra 5G size and design
Other practical differences affect handling, storage, and SIM options, which may influence your daily use and convenience.
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. Its smaller size and lighter weight make it comfortable for one-handed use and carrying around. The Galaxy S22 Ultra 5G is larger and heavier, at 163.3 mm height, 77.9 mm width, 8.9 mm depth, and 228 g weight, which suits users who prefer a larger display and don't mind the extra bulk.
SIM Card Options
The Galaxy S21 5G supports Dual Physical SIM plus eSIM, offering flexibility for users who want to use two physical SIM cards along with an eSIM. The Galaxy S22 Ultra 5G supports one Physical SIM plus eSIM, fitting those who use a combination of physical and digital SIM cards.
Storage Choices
The Galaxy S21 5G comes in 128GB and 256GB storage options, suitable for general use and average storage needs. The Galaxy S22 Ultra 5G offers more variety, including 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, and 1TB versions, ideal if you store lots of photos, videos, or apps.
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SD card slot
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Galaxy S21 5G or Galaxy S22 Ultra 5G: which should you buy?
Buy the Galaxy S21 5G if
- you want to spend less: it starts at £171.33, £157.57 less than the Galaxy S22 Ultra 5G
- you want a lighter build (169 g vs 228 g)
Buy the Galaxy S22 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 say the Galaxy S21 5G looks like new and works perfectly, often noting the phone's excellent condition and battery life. Many appreciate its lightweight and compact size, which suits daily use. They mention the phone runs smoothly and is reliable for multitasking with 8 GB of RAM. Some users choose the dual SIM option for managing separate calls and internet plans. Reviewers highlight the phone's solid overall performance and screen quality for everyday needs.
For the Galaxy S22 Ultra 5G, customers praise the larger, bright screen and the detailed cameras, especially the front camera and main 108 megapixel shooter. Many find the phone feels nearly new and enjoy the spacious display for media and gaming. The S Pen built into some models is also a point of satisfaction. Users note the heavier weight but feel it matches the phone's size and features. Storage options up to 1TB are appealing for those with extensive data needs.
Overall, the Galaxy S21 5G suits those wanting a lighter, smaller phone for everyday use, while the Galaxy S22 Ultra 5G fits users looking for a larger display and superior camera capabilities.
Galaxy S21 5G vs Galaxy S22 Ultra 5G FAQs
Galaxy S21 5G vs S22 Ultra 5G comes down to the battery, screen size and main camera. The Galaxy S22 Ultra 5G has a bigger battery: 5000 mAh vs 4000 mAh. The Galaxy S22 Ultra 5G has a bigger screen: 6.8 inch vs 6.2 inch.
The Galaxy S21 5G is cheaper refurbished, from £171.33 compared with £328.90 for the Galaxy S22 Ultra 5G.
The Galaxy S22 Ultra 5G has a bigger battery: 5000 mAh vs 4000 mAh.
The Galaxy S22 Ultra 5G has a higher-resolution main camera: 108 megapixels vs 12 megapixels.
Updates for the Galaxy S21 5G ended in Feb 2026. The Galaxy S22 Ultra 5G gets updates until Feb 2027.
The Galaxy S22 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 £157.57 more (from £328.90 vs £171.33).
Refurbished, the Galaxy S21 5G comes in 128GB and 256GB, and the Galaxy S22 Ultra 5G in 128GB, 256GB, 512GB and 1TB.
