Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G vs iPhone 13
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Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G
Starting at
£268.86£1,316.00 new
iPhone 13
Starting at
£249.06£599.00 newWhat's the difference between the Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G and iPhone 13?
Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G vs iPhone 13 comes down to the chipset, RAM and battery. Refurbished, the iPhone 13 starts at £249.06, £19.80 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, Apple A15 Bionic (5 nm) on the iPhone 13.
- 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 3240 mAh.
Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G vs iPhone 13 specs
The Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G and iPhone 13 both arrived in 2021 but cater to different needs. The Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G suits those who want a larger, higher-resolution screen with a faster refresh rate and more RAM for extensive multitasking. Its cameras offer higher megapixel counts, ideal for detailed photos and selfies. The iPhone 13 fits buyers looking for a compact and lighter phone with iOS 15, a simpler screen size, and the familiar Lightning connector. Battery capacity is larger on the Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G, which may benefit heavy users. Both devices support 5G and offer the same storage options, making each a strong choice depending on your priorities.
Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G vs iPhone 13 price
Colour
Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G vs iPhone 13 battery life and software updates
Battery capacity and operating system influence daily use and longevity. Both phones came out in 2021 and have unlocked versions. These factors shape how long the device lasts on a charge and what software experience you get.
Battery Capacity
The Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G has a 5000 mAh battery, which suits users who need longer usage between charges, especially for heavy tasks or media consumption. The iPhone 13's 3240 mAh battery fits users with moderate daily use who prefer a smaller phone and Apple's power optimisation with iOS 15.
Operating System
The Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G runs Android, offering flexibility and customisation. The iPhone 13 uses iOS 15, known for its streamlined interface and integration with other Apple devices. Your choice depends on which ecosystem and user experience you prefer.
Battery
Foldable
Ip rating
OS at launch
Software updates
Wireless charging
Year of release
Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G vs iPhone 13 performance
Performance depends on chipset and memory. Both phones offer multiple storage sizes from 128GB to 512GB, letting you pick how much space you need for apps and files.
Chipset Variants
The Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G comes with either the Exynos 2100 or Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 chipset, both built on 5 nm technology. The iPhone 13 features the Apple A15 Bionic also on 5 nm. Each chipset provides strong performance for apps and games, with differences more noticeable under heavy or specialised use.
Memory Size
With 12 GB of RAM, the Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G is suited for users who multitask heavily or use demanding apps. The iPhone 13 has 4 GB of RAM, which supports everyday use smoothly and maintains efficient performance within iOS.
Chipset
RAM
Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G vs iPhone 13 screen
Screen size, resolution, and refresh rate affect how you view content and interact with the phone. Both use high-quality display types but differ in scale and smoothness.
Screen Size and Resolution
The Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G offers a larger 6.8 inch screen with a 1440 x 3200 resolution, providing a spacious and sharp display for watching videos and browsing. The iPhone 13's 6.1 inch screen with 1170 x 2532 resolution is more compact and easy to hold, suitable for those who prefer one-handed use.
Refresh Rate
At 120 Hz, the Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G's screen refreshes twice as often as the iPhone 13's 60 Hz. This results in smoother scrolling and animations, which is noticeable in games and fast-moving content. The iPhone 13's 60 Hz is standard and works well for everyday tasks.
Screen Type
The Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G uses Dynamic AMOLED 2X technology, which can deliver vibrant colours and deep contrast. The iPhone 13 features an OLED screen, also known for rich colours and good contrast. Both provide high-quality visuals but may differ in colour tuning and brightness.
Refresh rate
Resolution
Screen size
Screen type
Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G vs iPhone 13 camera
Camera quality influences your photos and video calls. Front and main camera megapixels differ notably, affecting detail capture.
Front Camera Megapixels
The Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G has a 40 megapixel front camera, ideal if you want high detail in selfies or video chats. The iPhone 13 offers a 12 megapixel front camera, which is well suited for everyday selfies and video calls with good quality.
Main Camera Megapixels
With 108 megapixels, the Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G is designed for capturing highly detailed photos, useful if you enjoy zooming in or cropping images. The iPhone 13 has a 12 megapixel main camera, which performs strongly in general photography and suits users looking for reliable, consistent shots.
Camera type
Front camera
Main camera
Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G vs iPhone 13 size and design
Various features affect everyday convenience and device handling. These include physical dimensions, connectors, network compatibility, and SIM options.
Physical Size and Weight
The Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G is larger and heavier, measuring 165.1 mm tall, 75.6 mm wide, 8.9 mm deep, and weighing 227 g. This suits users who want a big screen and don't mind the extra bulk. The iPhone 13 is smaller and lighter, at 146.7 mm tall, 71.5 mm wide, 7.7 mm deep, and 174 g, fitting comfortably in one hand or pocket.
Connector Type
The Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G uses a USB-C connector, which is common across many devices and accessories. The iPhone 13 uses the Lightning connector, familiar to Apple users and compatible with many Apple accessories.
SIM and Network
Both phones support 5G connectivity and accept a physical SIM plus eSIM, offering flexibility for mobile network use and dual SIM setups.
Storage Options
Both devices offer storage options of 128GB, 256GB, and 512GB. You can choose the capacity that fits your needs for apps, photos, and media without worrying about expandable storage.
Carrier compatibility
Connector
Depth
Height
Mobile network
Release date
SD card slot
SIM card
Weight
Width
Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G or iPhone 13: 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 3240 mAh)
- you want a bigger screen (6.8 inch vs 6.1 inch)
Buy the iPhone 13 if
- you want to spend less: it starts at £249.06, £19.80 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 (173 g vs 227 g)
What our customers say
Customers who bought the Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G appreciate its excellent condition and performance. Many say their phones look almost new, with some noting minor cosmetic marks expected from refurbished devices. The battery life is generally satisfactory for users, and the phone is described as fast and reliable. Some customers mention the large screen and camera capabilities positively. While a few have reported issues such as battery or functional faults, most value the phone's quality and feel it is a sustainable alternative to buying new.
Reviews for the iPhone 13 highlight its excellent condition and reliable operation. Buyers often mention the phone looks like new, with strong battery health, especially when opting for a new battery. The smaller size and iOS experience satisfy users, including those new to iPhone. The camera and screen quality receive positive mentions, and setup is described as straightforward. A minority have experienced network connection problems, but overall customers find the iPhone 13 a dependable choice with good value.
For buyers, the Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G suits those who want a larger screen, higher camera resolution, and more RAM for multitasking, while the iPhone 13 fits users who prefer a lighter, more compact phone with iOS and consistent performance in everyday use.
Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G vs iPhone 13 FAQs
Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G vs iPhone 13 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 A15 Bionic (5 nm) on the iPhone 13. The Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G has more RAM: 12 GB vs 4 GB.
The iPhone 13 is cheaper refurbished, from £249.06 compared with £268.86 for the Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G.
The Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G has a bigger battery: 5000 mAh vs 3240 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 13 is still supported and can run iOS 27.
Both come in 128GB, 256GB and 512GB refurbished.
