Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G vs Galaxy Z Flip3 5G
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Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G
Starting at
£268.86£1,316.00 new
Galaxy Z Flip3 5G
Starting at
£229.00What's the difference between the Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G and Galaxy Z Flip3 5G?
Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G vs Z Flip3 5G comes down to the chipset, RAM and battery. Refurbished, the Galaxy Z Flip3 5G starts at £229, £39.86 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, Qualcomm SM8350 Snapdragon 888 5G (5 nm) on the Galaxy Z Flip3 5G.
- 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 3300 mAh.
Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G vs Galaxy Z Flip3 5G specs
The Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G and Galaxy Z Flip3 5G both run Android and offer 5G connectivity, but they suit different needs. The S21 Ultra 5G is a larger, heavier phone with a bigger battery, higher RAM, and a more advanced camera setup, making it ideal if you want long battery life, powerful performance, and detailed photography. The Z Flip3 5G offers a foldable design that makes it more compact and lighter, with a smaller battery and simpler cameras, suitable if you prefer portability and a unique foldable screen experience.
Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G vs Galaxy Z Flip3 5G price
Colour
- BlackStarting at £268.86
- Dark BlueStarting at £268.86
- SilverStarting at £268.86
- BrownStarting at £268.86
- Dark greyStarting at £268.86
- BlackSold out
- GreenSold out
- BeigeSold out
- PurpleSold out
- WhiteSold out
- PinkSold out
Storage
- 128GBSold out
- 256GBSold out
Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G vs Galaxy Z Flip3 5G battery life and software updates
Battery capacity, software updates, and build type influence how durable each phone feels in daily use.
Battery Capacity
The Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G has a 5000 mAh battery, suited to users who want longer usage time between charges. The Galaxy Z Flip3 5G has a 3300 mAh battery, fitting those who prioritise a more compact or foldable design over extended battery life.
Foldable Design
The Galaxy Z Flip3 5G is foldable, which lets you carry it in a smaller form when folded. This suits those who want a pocket-friendly device that transforms easily. The Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G is a traditional smartphone without folding, offering a consistent solid feel.
Battery
Foldable
Ip rating
Software updates
Wireless charging
Year of release
Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G vs Galaxy Z Flip3 5G performance
Performance depends on chipset, RAM, and storage options. Both phones offer strong chipsets from 2021 but differ in memory and storage choices that affect multitasking and file capacity.
Chipset Variants
The Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G comes with either the Exynos 2100 or Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 5G chipsets, while the Galaxy Z Flip3 5G uses the Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 5G chipset. Both chipsets provide smooth performance for everyday tasks and demanding apps.
Memory
With 12 GB RAM, the Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G suits users who keep many apps open or use intensive applications. The Galaxy Z Flip3 5G includes 8 GB RAM, which keeps everyday apps running smoothly and is good for typical day-to-day use.
Storage Options
The Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G offers 128GB, 256GB, and 512GB storage variants, ideal if you store many large files or apps. The Galaxy Z Flip3 5G is available with 128GB or 256GB, fitting users with moderate storage needs.
Chipset
RAM
Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G vs Galaxy Z Flip3 5G screen
Screen size, resolution, and refresh rate affect how you experience content. Both phones use Dynamic AMOLED 2X technology and support a 120 Hz refresh rate, but differ in size and resolution.
Screen Size and Resolution
The Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G has a larger 6.8 inch screen with 1440 x 3200 resolution, offering more room for video and sharper detail. The Galaxy Z Flip3 5G features a slightly smaller 6.7 inch screen with 1080 x 2640 resolution, which suits users who want a large but more compact foldable display.
Foldable Screen Type
The Galaxy Z Flip3 5G has a foldable Dynamic AMOLED 2X screen that folds in half, allowing for a unique style and easier pocket storage. The Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G features a standard Dynamic AMOLED 2X screen that stays flat.
Refresh rate
Resolution
Screen size
Screen type
Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G vs Galaxy Z Flip3 5G camera
Camera capabilities and front camera resolution are key for photography and video calls. These two phones offer different camera setups that suit different priorities.
Rear Camera Setup
The Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G has a quadruple camera system with a 108 megapixels main camera, suitable for users who want detailed photos and versatile shooting options. The Galaxy Z Flip3 5G offers a double camera system with a 12 megapixels main camera, fitting users who prefer a simpler, straightforward camera.
Front Camera Resolution
The Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G includes a 40 megapixels front camera, which captures high detail for selfies and video calls. The Galaxy Z Flip3 5G's front camera has 10 megapixels, which is enough for everyday video chats and selfies.
Camera type
Front camera
Main camera
Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G vs Galaxy Z Flip3 5G size and design
Other factors like size, weight, connectors, and network compatibility affect daily comfort and convenience when using each phone.
Size and Weight
The Galaxy Z Flip3 5G is thinner at 6.9 mm depth and lighter at 183 g, which suits users wanting a lighter and more pocket-friendly device. The Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G is thicker at 8.9 mm and heavier at 227 g, offering a solid, substantial feel.
Connectors
The Galaxy Z Flip3 5G includes both USB-C and a 3.5mm headphone jack, which is useful if you want wired headphones or accessories alongside USB-C. The Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G has a USB-C connector only.
Carrier and SIM Options
Both phones are unlocked and support 5G networks in the UK. Each supports Physical SIM and eSIM, allowing flexible carrier choices.
Dimensions
The Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G measures 165.1 mm in height and 75.6 mm in width. The Galaxy Z Flip3 5G measures 166 mm in height and 72.2 mm in width, making it slightly narrower but a touch taller when unfolded.
Carrier compatibility
Connector
Depth
Height
Mobile network
Release date
SD card slot
SIM card
Weight
Width
Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G or Galaxy Z Flip3 5G: which should you buy?
Buy the Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G if
- you want more RAM (12 GB vs 8 GB)
- you want a bigger battery (5000 mAh vs 3300 mAh)
- you want a higher-resolution main camera (108 megapixels vs 12 megapixels)
Buy the Galaxy Z Flip3 5G if
- you want to spend less: it starts at £229, £39.86 less than the Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G
- you want a lighter build (183 g vs 227 g)
- you want a headphone jack
What our customers say
Customers appreciate the Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G for its like-new condition and performance. Many mention the phone looks almost new and runs fast and reliably. The large screen, high RAM, and camera quality receive positive comments. Some note battery life and display issues, but overall, users find it a good value for the price and a sustainable choice.
Reviews for the Galaxy Z Flip3 5G highlight its clear and responsive screen and ease of data transfer from other devices. Several customers mention the battery life is shorter, which fits the phone's thinner, foldable design. Some found issues with carrier locking or screen protectors bending when folding. Despite this, many like the phone's look and function, appreciating the unique foldable form factor.
The Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G suits users wanting a larger, feature-rich phone with a stronger camera and longer battery. The Galaxy Z Flip3 5G is a good choice if you prefer a compact, foldable phone with solid performance for everyday use.
Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G vs Galaxy Z Flip3 5G FAQs
Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G vs Z Flip3 5G 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, Qualcomm SM8350 Snapdragon 888 5G (5 nm) on the Galaxy Z Flip3 5G. The Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G has more RAM: 12 GB vs 8 GB.
The Galaxy Z Flip3 5G is cheaper refurbished, from £229 compared with £268.86 for the Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G.
The Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G has a bigger battery: 5000 mAh vs 3300 mAh.
The Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G has a higher-resolution main camera: 108 megapixels vs 12 megapixels.
Updates for the Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G ended in Feb 2026. Updates for the Galaxy Z Flip3 5G ended in Sep 2026.
Refurbished, the Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G comes in 128GB, 256GB and 512GB, and the Galaxy Z Flip3 5G in 128GB and 256GB.
