Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G vs iPhone 12 mini
Shop Samsung Galaxy
Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G
Starting at
£268.86£1,316.00 new
iPhone 12 mini
Starting at
£161.35£579.00 newWhat's the difference between the Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G and iPhone 12 mini?
Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G vs iPhone 12 mini comes down to the chipset, RAM and battery. Refurbished, the iPhone 12 mini starts at £161.35, £107.51 less than the Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G. The Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G is the newer model, released in 2021.
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, Apple A14 Bionic (5 nm) on the iPhone 12 mini.
- 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 2227 mAh.
Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G vs iPhone 12 mini specs
The Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G and the iPhone 12 mini differ significantly in size, performance, and camera capabilities. The Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G suits users who want a large screen, high memory, and detailed cameras for multitasking and media. The iPhone 12 mini is ideal if you prefer a compact phone that fits easily in a pocket or handbag, running iOS with straightforward everyday use. Battery capacity and screen size also reflect these differences, with the Galaxy supporting longer use between charges and a roomier display, while the iPhone 12 mini offers portability and a crisp OLED screen.
Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G vs iPhone 12 mini price
Colour
Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G vs iPhone 12 mini battery life and software updates
Battery capacity and operating system are key factors in durability and daily use.
Battery Capacity
The Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G has a 5000 mAh battery, which suits heavy users who need longer use between charges. The iPhone 12 mini has a 2227 mAh battery, fitting lighter use or those who prefer charging more often or daily.
Operating System
The Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G runs Android, which offers extensive customisation options and compatibility with a wide range of apps. The iPhone 12 mini runs iOS, known for its smooth integration with other Apple devices and a consistent app experience. Your choice depends on which ecosystem you prefer.
Battery
Foldable
Ip rating
Software updates
Wireless charging
Year of release
Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G vs iPhone 12 mini performance
Performance differences centre on chipset, RAM, and storage options, influencing multitasking, app speed, and available space for files and media.
Processor and Memory
The Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G offers either the Exynos 2100 or Snapdragon 888 chipset paired with 12 GB RAM, making it well suited for intensive multitasking and demanding apps. The iPhone 12 mini uses the Apple A14 Bionic with 4 GB RAM, which handles everyday tasks smoothly and efficiently, ideal for typical daily use.
Storage Options
The Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G offers storage from 128GB up to 512GB, which fits users needing ample space for large files, apps, and media. The iPhone 12 mini offers options from 64GB to 256GB, suitable if you prefer a simpler setup or use cloud storage.
Chipset
RAM
Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G vs iPhone 12 mini screen
Screen size, resolution, and type impact how much you see and the quality of images and videos. These devices differ in size and display technology.
Screen Size and Resolution
The Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G has a 6.8 inch screen with 1440 x 3200 resolution, giving a large and detailed display that suits watching videos and multitasking. The iPhone 12 mini has a smaller 5.4 inch screen at 1080 x 2340 resolution, which fits easily in one hand and pockets while still offering sharp images.
Screen Type
The Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G uses Dynamic AMOLED 2X technology, which supports vibrant colours and smooth visuals, especially in high brightness. The iPhone 12 mini uses Super Retina XDR OLED, offering excellent contrast and colour accuracy in a compact form.
Refresh rate
Resolution
Screen size
Screen type
Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G vs iPhone 12 mini camera
Camera capabilities are a major difference, affecting photo and video detail and quality, especially for selfies and detailed shots.
Front Camera
The Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G has a 40 megapixel front camera, which captures highly detailed selfies and video calls. The iPhone 12 mini has a 12 megapixel front camera, suitable for clear selfies and everyday video use.
Main Camera
The Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G features a 108 megapixel main camera, ideal for detailed photography and large prints. The iPhone 12 mini has a 12 megapixel main camera, offering reliable photo quality that suits everyday snapshots and social media sharing.
Camera type
Front camera
Main camera
Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G vs iPhone 12 mini size and design
Other differences include physical size, weight, connectors, and network compatibility, which affect handling, charging, and network use.
Size and Weight
The Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G is larger and heavier at 165.1 mm tall, 75.6 mm wide, 8.9 mm deep, and 227 g. This suits those who prefer a substantial phone with a big display. The iPhone 12 mini is more compact and lighter at 131.5 mm tall, 64.2 mm wide, 7.4 mm deep, and 135 g, fitting easily in smaller pockets or bags.
Connector Type
The Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G uses a USB-C connector, common for many devices and accessories. The iPhone 12 mini uses a Lightning connector, compatible with Apple accessories and chargers.
Network and SIM
Both phones support 5G networks and offer physical SIM plus eSIM options, providing flexible mobile network choices.
Carrier compatibility
Connector
Depth
Height
Mobile network
Release date
SD card slot
SIM card
Weight
Width
Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G or iPhone 12 mini: 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 2227 mAh)
- you want a bigger screen (6.8 inch vs 5.4 inch)
Buy the iPhone 12 mini if
- you want to spend less: it starts at £161.35, £107.51 less than the Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G
- you want longer software support (supported, up to iOS 27 vs ended Feb 2026)
- you want a lighter build (135 g vs 227 g)
What our customers say
Customers say the Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G often looks almost new with few cosmetic marks, even in good condition. Many note it works like new, is fast and reliable, and suits those wanting a large, powerful phone. Some customers appreciate the battery life and high-quality screen and cameras. A few mention occasional issues with battery performance or device faults, but most are pleased with the value and quality of the refurbished phones.
For the iPhone 12 mini, customers frequently comment on its compact size fitting well in a handbag or pocket. Many find the phone looks like new or has only minor wear, with good battery health and smooth performance for everyday use. It is popular as a backup phone or for users who prefer a smaller device. Some users have reported issues with overheating or cosmetic damage in lower condition grades.
Overall, the Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G suits those who want a larger, high-performance phone with detailed cameras and generous storage. The iPhone 12 mini is better suited if you want a smaller, lightweight phone running iOS with reliable everyday performance.
Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G vs iPhone 12 mini FAQs
Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G vs iPhone 12 mini 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, Apple A14 Bionic (5 nm) on the iPhone 12 mini. The Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G has more RAM: 12 GB vs 4 GB.
The iPhone 12 mini is cheaper refurbished, from £161.35 compared with £268.86 for the Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G.
The Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G has a bigger battery: 5000 mAh vs 2227 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. The iPhone 12 mini is still supported and can run iOS 27.
Refurbished, the Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G comes in 128GB, 256GB and 512GB, and the iPhone 12 mini in 64GB, 128GB and 256GB.
