Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G vs Galaxy Xcover 5
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Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G
Starting at
£268.86£1,316.00 new
Galaxy Xcover 5
Starting at
£60.00What's the difference between the Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G and Galaxy Xcover 5?
Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G vs Xcover 5 comes down to the chipset, RAM and battery. Refurbished, the Galaxy Xcover 5 starts at £60, £208.86 less than the Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G.
Refurbished from
Chipset
RAM
Battery
Screen size
Screen type
- Chipset: Exynos 2100 (5 nm), Qualcomm SM8350 Snapdragon 888 5G (5 nm) on the Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G, Exynos 850 on the Galaxy Xcover 5.
- The Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G has more RAM: 12 GB vs 4 GB.
- The Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G has a bigger battery: 5000 mAh vs 3000 mAh.
Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G vs Galaxy Xcover 5 specs
The Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G and the Galaxy Xcover 5 both come from 2021 but serve different needs. The S21 Ultra 5G suits users who want a large, high-resolution screen with a smooth 120 Hz refresh rate, powerful performance, and advanced cameras. It supports 5G and offers multiple storage options. The Xcover 5 is designed for everyday use with a smaller screen, simpler performance, and a single camera. It supports microSD cards for storage expansion and works on 4G networks. If you want a device for media, multitasking, and photography, the Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G fits well. For straightforward, durable use with some storage flexibility, the Galaxy Xcover 5 is a practical choice.
Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G vs Galaxy Xcover 5 price
Colour
Storage
Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G vs Galaxy Xcover 5 battery life and software updates
Battery life and operating system are key to how long your phone lasts in daily use. The Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G and Galaxy Xcover 5 differ in battery size and OS version, which can affect your experience throughout the day.
Battery Capacity
The Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G has a 5000 mAh battery, which means it can support longer use between charges, especially for demanding apps and media. The Galaxy Xcover 5 has a 3000 mAh battery, which suits users who prefer lighter daily tasks or want a smaller device.
Operating System
This may influence the user interface and app compatibility in subtle ways, depending on your preferences and app requirements.
Battery
Foldable
Ip rating
OS at launch
Software updates
Wireless charging
Year of release
Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G vs Galaxy Xcover 5 performance
Processor power and memory affect how smoothly your phone runs apps and manages multitasking. The Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G and Galaxy Xcover 5 have different chipsets and RAM, shaping their performance profiles.
Chipset Differences
The Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G uses either the Exynos 2100 or Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 5G chipset, both built on 5 nm technology, which supports faster processing and better energy efficiency. The Galaxy Xcover 5 runs on the Exynos 850 chipset, which is suited to everyday tasks and simpler apps.
Memory Capacity
With 12 GB of RAM, the Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G can handle multiple apps running simultaneously and intensive processes smoothly. The Galaxy Xcover 5 offers 4 GB of RAM, enough for basic multitasking and common applications.
Storage Options
The Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G is available in 128GB, 256GB, and 512GB storage sizes, suitable for users storing large amounts of media and apps. The Galaxy Xcover 5 comes with 64GB of storage, which works well for everyday use and can be expanded with a microSD card.
Chipset
RAM
Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G vs Galaxy Xcover 5 screen
Screen size, type, resolution, and refresh rate shape your viewing and interaction experience. The Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G and Galaxy Xcover 5 differ in all these aspects, appealing to different priorities.
Screen Size and Type
The Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G has a 6.8 inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display, offering vibrant colours and deep contrast, ideal for watching videos and gaming. The Galaxy Xcover 5 has a smaller 5.3 inch PLS LCD screen, which suits users who prefer a compact device that is easier to handle.
Resolution and Clarity
With a resolution of 1440 x 3200, the Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G delivers very sharp and detailed images. The Galaxy Xcover 5's 720 x 1480 resolution provides a clear display for everyday use but with fewer pixels per inch.
Refresh Rate
The Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G supports a refresh rate of 120 Hz, which makes animations and scrolling appear smoother, enhancing the experience in games and apps. The Galaxy Xcover 5 has a 60 Hz refresh rate, suitable for standard usage with less emphasis on fluid motion.
Refresh rate
Resolution
Screen size
Screen type
Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G vs Galaxy Xcover 5 camera
Camera capabilities and front-facing camera resolution determine how well your phone captures photos and video calls. The Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G and Galaxy Xcover 5 take different approaches to photography.
Main Camera Setup
The Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G features a quadruple camera system, offering versatility for different photo styles. Its main camera has 108 megapixels, which captures fine detail and larger images. The Galaxy Xcover 5 uses a single 16 megapixel camera, providing straightforward photo quality for everyday snapshots.
Front Camera Quality
For selfies and video calls, the Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G offers a high-resolution 40 megapixel front camera, which can capture detailed and sharp images. The Galaxy Xcover 5 has a 5 megapixel front camera, which is suitable for simple video chats and casual selfies.
Camera type
Front camera
Main camera
Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G vs Galaxy Xcover 5 size and design
Other features like network compatibility, physical dimensions, and storage expandability affect how the device fits your lifestyle. The Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G and Galaxy Xcover 5 differ in these details.
Mobile Network and SIM
The Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G supports 5G networks, offering faster data speeds where available, and uses both a physical SIM and eSIM. The Galaxy Xcover 5 works on 4G networks and uses a physical SIM, which suits users not needing 5G connectivity.
Storage Expansion
The Galaxy Xcover 5 includes a microSDXC slot, allowing you to increase storage beyond the built-in 64GB. The Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G does not have a microSD card slot, so storage is fixed to the capacity you choose.
Device Size and Weight
The Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G measures 165.1 mm in height, 75.6 mm in width, and 8.9 mm in depth, weighing 227 g. This larger size suits users who prioritise a bigger screen and don't mind a heavier device. The Galaxy Xcover 5 is smaller and lighter at 147.1 mm tall, 71.6 mm wide, 9.2 mm thick, and 172 g, making it easier to handle and carry.
Connector Type
Both devices use USB-C connectors, commonly found for charging and data transfer.
Carrier compatibility
Connector
Depth
Height
Mobile network
Release date
SD card slot
SIM card
Weight
Width
Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G or Galaxy Xcover 5: which should you buy?
Buy the Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G if
- you want more RAM (12 GB vs 4 GB)
- you want a bigger battery (5000 mAh vs 3000 mAh)
- you want a bigger screen (6.8 inch vs 5.3 inch)
Buy the Galaxy Xcover 5 if
- you want to spend less: it starts at £60, £208.86 less than the Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G
- you want a lighter build (172 g vs 227 g)
- you want a memory card slot
What our customers say
Customers who buy the Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G often praise its condition, with many saying their refurbished phones look almost new or brand new. They find it fast, reliable, and suitable for their needs, appreciating the quality and large screen. Some note the phone works like new and has everything they want. A few mention challenges like battery issues or being locked out but overall customers are pleased with the performance and camera quality.
Galaxy Xcover 5 buyers highlight the phone's toughness and suitability for straightforward use. Many say the device works well and looks good, with some appreciating its size and ease of use. Customers like the removable back cover and the ability to use a microSD card for more storage. Setup can be a bit daunting for those less familiar with tech but with some help users find the phone meets their needs for everyday use.
Both phones suit different user types: the Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G fits those wanting a powerful, large-screen device with advanced cameras, while the Galaxy Xcover 5 appeals to users seeking a practical, smaller, and durable phone for daily tasks.
Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G vs Galaxy Xcover 5 FAQs
Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G vs Xcover 5 comes down to the chipset, RAM and battery. Chipset: Exynos 2100 (5 nm), Qualcomm SM8350 Snapdragon 888 5G (5 nm) on the Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G, Exynos 850 on the Galaxy Xcover 5. The Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G has more RAM: 12 GB vs 4 GB.
The Galaxy Xcover 5 is cheaper refurbished, from £60 compared with £268.86 for the Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G.
The Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G has a bigger battery: 5000 mAh vs 3000 mAh.
The Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G has a higher-resolution main camera: 108 megapixels vs 16 megapixels.
Updates for the Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G ended in Feb 2026. We don't have published update dates for the Galaxy Xcover 5.
Refurbished, the Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G comes in 128GB, 256GB and 512GB, and the Galaxy Xcover 5 in 64GB.
