Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G vs iPhone 13 Pro Max
Shop Samsung Galaxy
Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G
Starting at
£268.86£1,316.00 new
iPhone 13 Pro Max
Starting at
£418.75£1,049.00 newWhat's the difference between the Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G and iPhone 13 Pro Max?
Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G vs iPhone 13 Pro Max comes down to the chipset, RAM and battery. Refurbished, the Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G starts at £268.86, £149.89 less than the iPhone 13 Pro Max.
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 Pro Max.
- The Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G has more RAM: 12 GB vs 6 GB.
- The Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G has a bigger battery: 5000 mAh vs 4352 mAh.
Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G vs iPhone 13 Pro Max specs
The Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G and iPhone 13 Pro Max both offer strong performance and premium features from 2021 but they suit different needs. The Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G has a larger battery and more RAM which can benefit multitasking and longer daily use. Its screen is slightly bigger and sharper in resolution ideal for watching video or gaming. The iPhone 13 Pro Max offers very high performance with the Apple A15 Bionic chip and has a storage option up to 1TB fitting those who need extra space. Camera capabilities differ significantly with the Galaxy featuring higher megapixel counts on both main and front cameras which suits photography enthusiasts. The choice depends on whether you prioritise battery life screen size storage or camera detail.
Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G vs iPhone 13 Pro Max price
Colour
Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G vs iPhone 13 Pro Max battery life and software updates
Durability covers battery capacity operating system software updates and release year.
Battery Capacity
The Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G has a 5000 mAh battery which is larger than the iPhone 13 Pro Max's 4352 mAh. This means the Galaxy may last longer between charges especially for users who run many apps or use power-hungry features. The iPhone's smaller battery still supports a full day of use for many but may suit those with lighter daily demands.
Operating System
The Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G runs Android offering a wide range of customisation and app availability. The iPhone 13 Pro Max uses iOS 15 known for its smooth integration with other Apple products and regular updates. Your choice here depends on which OS ecosystem you prefer.
Software Updates
This keeps both phones current and secure in everyday use.
Battery
Foldable
Ip rating
OS at launch
Software updates
Wireless charging
Year of release
Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G vs iPhone 13 Pro Max performance
Performance includes chipset RAM and storage options. Both phones use advanced 5nm processors from 2021 but their memory and storage choices vary affecting multitasking and file capacity.
Processor Power
The Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G features either the Exynos 2100 or Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 both built on 5nm technology delivering high performance for demanding apps and games. The iPhone 13 Pro Max is powered by the Apple A15 Bionic also 5nm known for its efficiency and speed in iOS tasks. Both handle everyday and intensive use well.
RAM Capacity
With 12 GB of RAM the Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G can keep more apps open at once which benefits multitasking and heavy users. The iPhone 13 Pro Max offers 6 GB RAM adequate for smooth performance within the iOS environment and suitable for most users.
Storage Options
The Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G is available in 128GB 256GB and 512GB variants. The iPhone 13 Pro Max adds a 1TB option appealing to those who store large files such as videos and apps without relying on cloud services.
Chipset
RAM
Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G vs iPhone 13 Pro Max screen
Screen quality influences how you see content with refresh rate resolution size and type all playing a role. Both phones share a smooth 120 Hz refresh rate but differ in size and resolution.
Screen Size and Resolution
The Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G has a slightly larger 6.8 inch screen with a resolution of 1440 by 3200 pixels. This makes it well suited for immersive video viewing and detailed images. The iPhone 13 Pro Max has a 6.7 inch display with a resolution of 2778 by 1284 pixels offering a slightly taller but narrower view with sharp detail.
Screen Technology
The Galaxy uses Dynamic AMOLED 2X technology which typically offers vivid colours and deep contrasts. The iPhone 13 Pro Max has an OLED screen known for accurate colours and deep blacks. Both are excellent for media consumption and daily use.
Refresh rate
Resolution
Screen size
Screen type
Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G vs iPhone 13 Pro Max camera
Audiovisual features focus on camera arrangements and quality. The two phones differ in the number of cameras and megapixels influencing photography and video calls.
Camera Setup
The Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G has a quadruple rear camera system offering more versatility in shooting options. The iPhone 13 Pro Max has a triple camera array which is well regarded for balanced performance across photo and video.
Main Camera Resolution
With a 108 megapixel main camera the Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G captures highly detailed photos which is beneficial for users who want large prints or extensive cropping. The iPhone 13 Pro Max's 12 megapixel main camera produces sharp consistent images suitable for everyday photography.
Front Camera Details
The Galaxy's 40 megapixel front camera offers high resolution for selfies and video calls appealing to those who prioritise front-facing camera quality. The iPhone 13 Pro Max has a 12 megapixel front camera sufficient for clear video calls and selfies.
Camera type
Front camera
Main camera
Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G vs iPhone 13 Pro Max size and design
Other features include physical dimensions connectors SIM options and carrier compatibility which affect convenience and daily handling.
Physical Size and Weight
The Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G measures 165.1 mm tall 75.6 mm wide and 8.9 mm deep weighing 227 g. The iPhone 13 Pro Max is slightly smaller in height and depth at 160.8 mm and 7.7 mm but wider at 78.1 mm and heavier at 240 g. Choose based on your preference for screen size versus device size and weight.
Connector Type
The Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G uses a USB-C connector common on many Android devices and accessories. The iPhone 13 Pro Max uses Apple's Lightning connector which is standard for many Apple products.
SIM Card Options
The Galaxy supports a combination of a physical SIM and an eSIM offering flexibility for multiple numbers or carriers. The iPhone 13 Pro Max supports dual physical SIMs which may suit users who prefer physical cards for more straightforward carrier management.
Carrier Compatibility and Network
Both devices come unlocked and support 5G networks giving you freedom to choose any carrier and access to the latest mobile speeds.
Carrier compatibility
Connector
Depth
Height
Mobile network
Release date
SD card slot
SIM card
Weight
Width
Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G or iPhone 13 Pro Max: which should you buy?
Buy the Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G if
- you want to spend less: it starts at £268.86, £149.89 less than the iPhone 13 Pro Max
- you want more RAM (12 GB vs 6 GB)
- you want a bigger battery (5000 mAh vs 4352 mAh)
Buy the iPhone 13 Pro Max if
- you want longer software support (supported, up to iOS 27 vs ended Feb 2026)
What our customers say
Customers who chose the Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G often highlight how the phone looks almost new even in good condition with many praising its fast and reliable performance large battery and overall quality for the price. Some mention the excellent display and camera setup while a few note issues with battery or charging though the majority are very satisfied. The large screen and powerful hardware appeal to those wanting a device for multimedia and multitasking.
Reviewers of the iPhone 13 Pro Max frequently mention the phone's immaculate condition and sharp camera quality. Many customers describe smooth performance and good battery life with some impressed by the phone feeling like new despite being refurbished. The device suits those who want a premium iOS experience with high storage options and reliable day-to-day use. The iPhone's camera and display receive positive notes for clarity and sharpness.
Both phones attract buyers looking for premium refurbished devices with strong performance and excellent condition. The Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G suits those who want a larger screen more RAM and a higher resolution main camera. The iPhone 13 Pro Max fits users who prefer iOS higher storage capacity and a compact but sharp display.
Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G vs iPhone 13 Pro Max FAQs
Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G vs iPhone 13 Pro Max 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 Pro Max. The Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G has more RAM: 12 GB vs 6 GB.
The Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G is cheaper refurbished, from £268.86 compared with £418.75 for the iPhone 13 Pro Max.
The Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G has a bigger battery: 5000 mAh vs 4352 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 Pro Max is still supported and can run iOS 27.
Refurbished, the Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G comes in 128GB, 256GB and 512GB, and the iPhone 13 Pro Max in 128GB, 256GB, 512GB and 1TB.
