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Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G vs Galaxy S22 Ultra 5G

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Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G

Starting at

£268.86£1,800.00 new
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Galaxy S22 Ultra 5G

Starting at

£328.90£1,364.00 new
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(674 reviews)
(626 reviews)

What's the difference between the Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G and Galaxy S22 Ultra 5G?

Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G vs S22 Ultra 5G comes down to the RAM, software updates and weight. Refurbished, the Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G starts at £268.86, £60.04 less than the Galaxy S22 Ultra 5G. The Galaxy S22 Ultra 5G is the newer model, released in 2022.

Refurbished from

£268.86£328.90

RAM

12 GB8 GB

Software updates

Ended Feb 2026Until Feb 2027

Weight

227 g228 g
  • The Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G has more RAM: 12 GB vs 8 GB.
  • The Galaxy S22 Ultra 5G has longer software support: until Feb 2027 vs ended Feb 2026.
  • Weight: 227 g on the Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G, 228 g on the Galaxy S22 Ultra 5G.

Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G vs Galaxy S22 Ultra 5G specs

The Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G and Galaxy S22 Ultra 5G share many features like screen size, battery capacity, and camera resolution, making both strong choices for users wanting a premium Samsung experience. The S21 Ultra offers more RAM at 12 GB, which suits those who keep many apps open or multitask heavily. The S22 Ultra has a slightly different screen resolution and adds a 1TB storage option, ideal for users needing extra space for files and media. Physical dimensions vary a little, with the S22 Ultra being a bit shorter and wider, which might affect hand feel and pocket fit.

Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G vs Galaxy S22 Ultra 5G price

Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G vs Galaxy S22 Ultra 5G battery life and software updates

Durability includes battery size, software updates, and physical design factors that affect everyday use and longevity.

Battery Capacity

Both the Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G and Galaxy S22 Ultra 5G come with a 5000 mAh battery. This capacity supports long usage times, whether for calls, media, or apps. If battery life is a priority, either device will meet your needs equally well.

Software Updates

This means you can use the newest features and security improvements on either phone, helping them stay useful and secure over time.

Battery

5000 mAh5000 mAh

Fast charging

N/A45 W

Foldable

NoNo

Ip rating

IP68IP68

Software updates

Ended Feb 2026Until Feb 2027

Wireless charging

YesYes

Year of release

20212022

Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G vs Galaxy S22 Ultra 5G performance

Chipset

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

RAM

12 GB8 GB

Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G vs Galaxy S22 Ultra 5G screen

Screen quality impacts how you experience videos, games, and everyday use. Both phones use Dynamic AMOLED 2X technology with the same screen size, offering vibrant colours and sharp images. Differences in resolution and aspect ratio may influence the display area and clarity for some users.

Screen Resolution

The Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G has a resolution of 1440 x 3200 pixels, providing a slightly taller display area compared to the Galaxy S22 Ultra 5G's 1440 x 3088 pixels. This means the S21 Ultra may show a bit more vertical content, which can be useful when reading or browsing.

Screen Size and Type

Both phones have a 6.8 inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X screen, great for watching videos, gaming, and general use. The identical screen size means you get the same amount of viewing space and the same type of high-quality panel on both devices.

Refresh rate

120 Hz120 Hz

Resolution

1440 x 32001440 x 3088

Screen size

6.8 inch6.8 inch

Screen type

Dynamic AMOLED 2XDynamic AMOLED 2X

Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G vs Galaxy S22 Ultra 5G camera

Audiovisual features focus on cameras and front-facing sensors, which are important for photography, video calls, and selfies. Both phones offer the same megapixel counts on their main and front cameras, indicating similar performance in capturing detail.

Main Camera

Both the Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G and the Galaxy S22 Ultra 5G have a 108 megapixel main camera. This high resolution helps capture detailed photos, suitable for users who want sharp pictures and versatility in photography.

Front Camera

Each phone features a 40 megapixel front camera, which delivers clear and detailed selfies and video calls. This is suitable for users who often use the front camera for social media or video conferencing.

Camera type

Quadruple (4x)N/A

Front camera

40 megapixels40 megapixels

Main camera

108 megapixels108 megapixels

Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G vs Galaxy S22 Ultra 5G size and design

Miscellaneous details include size, weight, connectivity, and storage options. These factors affect how the phones feel, how much data they can hold, and how they connect to networks and accessories.

Storage Options

The Galaxy S22 Ultra 5G offers storage choices up to 1TB, while the Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G caps at 512GB. If you need more space for apps, photos, or videos, the S22 Ultra's higher storage option is useful.

Physical Dimensions

The Galaxy S22 Ultra 5G is slightly shorter at 163.3 mm compared to 165.1 mm for the Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G, and a bit wider at 77.9 mm versus 75.6 mm. Both have the same depth of 8.9 mm. These differences may affect how each phone fits in your hand or pocket.

Weight

The Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G weighs 227 g and the Galaxy S22 Ultra 5G weighs 228 g. The difference is minimal and unlikely to be noticeable during daily use.

RAM

The Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G includes 12 GB of RAM, which supports heavy multitasking and keeping many apps open simultaneously. The Galaxy S22 Ultra 5G has 8 GB, sufficient for smooth everyday use and most apps.

Connector and SIM

Both phones use USB-C style connectors and support 5G networks, ensuring fast data speeds and wide carrier compatibility. They also both support a physical SIM card plus eSIM, offering flexible options for mobile plans.

Carrier compatibility

UnlockedUnlocked

Connector

USB-CUSB-C

Depth

8.9 mm8.9 mm

Height

165.1 mm163.3 mm

Mobile network

5G5G

Release date

29 January 202125 February 2022

SD card slot

NoNo

SIM card

Physical SIM + eSIMPhysical SIM + eSIM

Weight

227 g228 g

Width

75.6 mm77.9 mm

Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G or Galaxy S22 Ultra 5G: which should you buy?

Buy the Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G if

  • you want to spend less: it starts at £268.86, £60.04 less than the Galaxy S22 Ultra 5G
  • you want more RAM (12 GB vs 8 GB)

Buy the Galaxy S22 Ultra 5G if

  • you want longer software support (until Feb 2027 vs ended Feb 2026)
  • you want the newer model (2022)

What our customers say

Customers who chose the Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G often highlight how the phone looks almost new even in good or fair condition, with some saying it works like new and feels fast and reliable. Several customers mention the phone's strong performance and display quality, matching their needs for a high-end device without paying full price. Some have experienced minor issues like battery charging or device locking but generally appreciate the phone's quality and the choice to buy refurbished. The S21 Ultra appeals to those wanting more RAM and a slightly taller screen for reading and browsing.

Users of the Galaxy S22 Ultra 5G praise its near-new condition and appreciate features like the built-in S Pen and bright, clear display. Many say the device feels about 90 percent new, with good camera and screen quality. Customers note the S22 Ultra suits those who prefer a slightly wider phone and the option to pick from larger storage sizes. This model fits well for users wanting a spacious and visually sharp screen along with plenty of storage for apps and media.

Overall, the Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G suits buyers looking for extra memory and a taller screen experience, while the Galaxy S22 Ultra 5G benefits those who want more storage and a slightly different size. Both phones offer strong camera performance and modern connectivity, making either a solid choice based on your priorities.

Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G vs Galaxy S22 Ultra 5G FAQs

Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G vs S22 Ultra 5G comes down to the RAM, software updates and weight. The Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G has more RAM: 12 GB vs 8 GB. The Galaxy S22 Ultra 5G has longer software support: until Feb 2027 vs ended Feb 2026.

The Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G is cheaper refurbished, from £268.86 compared with £328.90 for the Galaxy S22 Ultra 5G.

Both have the same battery: 5000 mAh.

Both have the same main camera: 108 megapixels.

Updates for the Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G ended in Feb 2026. The Galaxy S22 Ultra 5G gets updates until Feb 2027.

The Galaxy S22 Ultra 5G adds longer software support (until Feb 2027 vs ended Feb 2026). Refurbished, it costs £60.04 more (from £328.90 vs £268.86).

Refurbished, the Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G comes in 128GB, 256GB and 512GB, and the Galaxy S22 Ultra 5G in 128GB, 256GB, 512GB and 1TB.

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