Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G vs iPhone 13 mini
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Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G
Starting at
£268.86£1,316.00 new
iPhone 13 mini
Starting at
£230.09£649.00 newWhat's the difference between the Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G and iPhone 13 mini?
Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G vs iPhone 13 mini comes down to the chipset, RAM and battery. Refurbished, the iPhone 13 mini starts at £230.09, £38.77 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 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 2438 mAh.
Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G vs iPhone 13 mini specs
The Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G and the iPhone 13 mini are both from 2021 but cater to different needs. The Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G offers a larger, higher resolution screen with a faster refresh rate, a more powerful chipset option and more RAM, plus a much bigger battery and a versatile camera setup with higher megapixels. It suits users who want a large display for multimedia, intensive performance and advanced photography. The iPhone 13 mini is smaller and lighter, with a compact screen and simpler camera system, making it ideal for those who prefer a pocket-friendly phone with iOS and still want good performance and up-to-date software support.
Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G vs iPhone 13 mini price
Colour
Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G vs iPhone 13 mini battery life and software updates
Durability covers battery size, software updates, and basic device build.
Battery Capacity
The Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G has a 5000 mAh battery, which is more than double the 2438 mAh battery of the iPhone 13 mini. This larger battery suits users who need longer usage between charges, such as heavy media consumers or those away from power sources for extended periods. The iPhone 13 mini's smaller battery matches its compact size and may suit users prioritising portability over runtime.
Operating System and Updates
The Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G runs on Android, while the iPhone 13 mini uses iOS. Your choice here depends on your preference for Android or iOS ecosystems.
Battery
Foldable
Ip rating
Software updates
Wireless charging
Year of release
Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G vs iPhone 13 mini performance
Performance depends on chipset power, RAM, and storage options. Both phones come in similar storage sizes, but their processors and memory are quite different, affecting how they handle apps and multitasking.
Chipset and Processing
The Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G is powered by either the Exynos 2100 or Snapdragon 888 chipset, both built on 5 nm technology. The iPhone 13 mini uses the Apple A15 Bionic, also 5 nm. Each chipset offers strong performance for everyday tasks and demanding apps. Your choice may align with your preference for Android or iOS app ecosystems.
RAM Capacity
With 12 GB of RAM, the Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G supports keeping many apps and processes active at once, which benefits heavy multitasking and gaming. The iPhone 13 mini has 4 GB of RAM, which suits everyday use and typical app performance on iOS, where RAM management differs from Android.
Storage Options
Both devices come in 128GB, 256GB, and 512GB storage options. This allows you to choose the amount of space you need for apps, media, and files, regardless of which phone you pick.
Chipset
RAM
Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G vs iPhone 13 mini screen
Screen quality affects how you view content and interact with your phone. The Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G offers a larger, higher resolution display with a faster refresh rate, while the iPhone 13 mini focuses on compactness with a high-quality OLED screen.
Screen Size and Resolution
The Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G features a 6.8 inch screen with a resolution of 1440 x 3200 pixels, offering a large and sharp display ideal for watching videos and multitasking. The iPhone 13 mini has a 5.4 inch screen at 1080 x 2340 pixels, providing a more pocket-friendly size that still delivers clear visuals.
Refresh Rate
The Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G supports a 120 Hz refresh rate, making animations and scrolling appear smoother. This is useful for gaming and general navigation. The iPhone 13 mini has a 60 Hz refresh rate, which suits everyday use and battery life.
Screen Technology
The Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G uses Dynamic AMOLED 2X technology, which enhances brightness and colour accuracy, making images vivid. The iPhone 13 mini employs Super Retina XDR OLED, offering excellent colour and contrast in a smaller format.
Refresh rate
Resolution
Screen size
Screen type
Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G vs iPhone 13 mini camera
Audiovisual features focus on cameras and front-facing photography. The Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G has a more complex camera system with higher megapixel counts, while the iPhone 13 mini offers a simpler setup that suits everyday photography needs.
Camera Setup
The Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G has a quadruple rear camera system, offering versatility for different types of photography. The iPhone 13 mini features a dual rear camera setup, which covers common photo needs simply and effectively.
Main Camera Resolution
With a 108 megapixel main camera, the Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G captures photos with high detail, making it suitable for users who want sharp images and more cropping options. The iPhone 13 mini's 12 megapixel main camera provides excellent photos suitable for everyday use and sharing.
Front Camera Quality
The front camera on the Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G is 40 megapixels, ideal for detailed selfies and video calls. The iPhone 13 mini has a 12 megapixel front camera, which works well for casual selfies and video chats.
Camera type
Front camera
Main camera
Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G vs iPhone 13 mini size and design
Other features include physical size, connectivity, and design details that affect how the devices feel and work daily.
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. It suits users comfortable with a larger, heavier phone. The iPhone 13 mini is smaller at 131.5 mm tall, 64.2 mm wide, and 7.5 mm deep, weighing 140 g, perfect for those wanting a compact and lightweight device.
Connector Type
The Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G uses a USB-C connector, common for many modern devices and accessories. The iPhone 13 mini uses a Lightning connector, which is standard for many Apple devices and accessories.
SIM and Network
Both phones support 5G networks and offer a combination of physical SIM and eSIM options, giving flexibility for mobile connectivity.
Carrier compatibility
Connector
Depth
Height
Mobile network
Release date
SD card slot
SIM card
Weight
Width
Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G or iPhone 13 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 2438 mAh)
- you want a bigger screen (6.8 inch vs 5.4 inch)
Buy the iPhone 13 mini if
- you want to spend less: it starts at £230.09, £38.77 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 (140 g vs 227 g)
What our customers say
Customers who chose the Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G often comment on its condition looking almost new, with many reporting no scratches and reliable performance. Several mention the phone's speed and that it meets their expectations for a flagship device, with good battery life noted by some. The high-quality screen and camera system come through in their experience, and many found the refurbished phone a practical and sustainable choice compared to new. Some customers have had trouble with battery performance or device issues, but overall the Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G is seen as a powerful and versatile device.
Those buying the iPhone 13 mini praise its compact size and excellent condition, often beyond what they expected for a 'good' or 'fair' refurbished grade. The phone's battery health is frequently noted as strong, with users happy to have iOS and the familiar Apple ecosystem. Several customers appreciate the smaller form factor, which is easy to handle and fits comfortably in pockets. The camera and screen deliver solid performance for everyday use, and buyers value the smooth setup and reliable operation.
In summary, customers looking for a large, high-performance phone with advanced camera options often prefer the Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G, while those who want a smaller, lighter device that is easy to use and fits in a pocket tend to choose the iPhone 13 mini. Both devices satisfy their users well within their respective strengths.
Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G vs iPhone 13 mini FAQs
Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G vs iPhone 13 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 A15 Bionic (5 nm) on the iPhone 13 mini. The Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G has more RAM: 12 GB vs 4 GB.
The iPhone 13 mini is cheaper refurbished, from £230.09 compared with £268.86 for the Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G.
The Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G has a bigger battery: 5000 mAh vs 2438 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 mini is still supported and can run iOS 27.
Both come in 128GB, 256GB and 512GB refurbished.
