Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G vs iPhone 14 Plus
Shop Samsung Galaxy
Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G
Starting at
£268.86£1,316.00 new
iPhone 14 Plus
Starting at
£332.55£699.00 newWhat's the difference between the Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G and iPhone 14 Plus?
Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G vs iPhone 14 Plus comes down to the chipset, RAM and battery. Refurbished, the Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G starts at £268.86, £63.69 less than the iPhone 14 Plus. The iPhone 14 Plus is the newer model, released in 2022.
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 on the iPhone 14 Plus.
- 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 4323 mAh.
Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G vs iPhone 14 Plus specs
The Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G and iPhone 14 Plus offer distinct experiences suited to different users. The Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G has a larger battery, more RAM, a higher refresh rate screen, and much higher megapixel counts on both front and main cameras. This makes it suitable for those who want a powerful device with a very detailed camera and smooth display. The iPhone 14 Plus offers a slightly smaller screen by diagonal, a more compact and lighter design, and uses iOS with the Apple A15 Bionic chipset. It suits users who prefer the Apple ecosystem, a lighter phone, and a screen with Super Retina XDR OLED quality at 60 Hz.
Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G vs iPhone 14 Plus price
Colour
Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G vs iPhone 14 Plus battery life and software updates
Durability covers battery capacity, software updates, and physical design elements that affect everyday use.
Battery Capacity
The Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G has a 5000 mAh battery, which offers more capacity than the 4323 mAh battery in the iPhone 14 Plus. This larger battery suits users who need longer usage between charges, especially for heavy use like gaming or video streaming. The iPhone 14 Plus's battery capacity is still solid and can support a full day of typical use.
Operating System
The Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G runs Android, while the iPhone 14 Plus uses iOS. Your choice here depends on which platform you prefer and how you interact with apps and services.
Battery
Foldable
Ip rating
Software updates
Wireless charging
Year of release
Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G vs iPhone 14 Plus performance
Performance is shaped by the chipset and RAM, influencing speed, multitasking, and app handling. Both devices offer multiple storage options to suit your needs.
Chipset Differences
The Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G includes either the Exynos 2100 or Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 5G, both built on a 5 nm process, which provides strong performance for demanding tasks. The iPhone 14 Plus features the Apple A15 Bionic chipset, noted for efficient power use and smooth handling of iOS apps. Which chipset feels better depends on your preferred operating system and app ecosystem.
RAM Capacity
With 12 GB of RAM, the Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G offers more memory for keeping multiple apps active and handling intensive multitasking. The iPhone 14 Plus comes with 6 GB of RAM, which supports everyday use and app switching smoothly within iOS. Users who regularly multitask or use memory-heavy apps might notice the difference.
Storage Options
Both devices are available with 128GB, 256GB, and 512GB storage options. This range suits a variety of needs, from casual users who store mainly apps and photos to those who keep large media collections or work files on their phone.
Chipset
RAM
Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G vs iPhone 14 Plus screen
Screen quality affects how you view content, play games, or work on your device. The Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G and iPhone 14 Plus differ in refresh rate, resolution, size, and screen technology.
Refresh Rate and Smoothness
The Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G has a 120 Hz refresh rate, which delivers smoother scrolling and animations. This suits users who value fluid motion in gaming and everyday navigation. The iPhone 14 Plus has a 60 Hz refresh rate, which remains standard for many and provides a stable viewing experience.
Resolution and Screen Size
The Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G offers a 1440 x 3200 resolution on a 6.8 inch screen, creating very sharp and detailed visuals on a slightly larger display. The iPhone 14 Plus has a resolution of 1284 x 2778 on a 6.7 inch screen, providing a slightly smaller but still spacious and well-defined viewing area. Those who watch videos or read extensively may appreciate the Galaxy's larger and higher resolution screen.
Screen Technology
The Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G uses Dynamic AMOLED 2X technology, which enhances contrast and brightness, especially in bright conditions. The iPhone 14 Plus features a Super Retina XDR OLED screen known for accurate colour reproduction and sharp details. Both deliver high-quality displays suited to different preferences in colour and brightness.
Refresh rate
Resolution
Screen size
Screen type
Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G vs iPhone 14 Plus camera
Camera quality influences how well you capture photos and video calls. The Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G and iPhone 14 Plus differ significantly in megapixel counts for their front and main cameras.
Front Camera Detail
The Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G has a 40 megapixel front camera, which captures more detail in selfies and video calls. This suits users who prioritise high-resolution front-facing photography or content creation. The iPhone 14 Plus has a 12 megapixel front camera, which supports quality images and video suitable for everyday social and communication use.
Main Camera Resolution
With a main camera of 108 megapixels, the Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G captures very high detail, fitting for photography enthusiasts or those who want large, high-quality prints. The iPhone 14 Plus's 12 megapixel main camera offers excellent image quality optimised for colour accuracy and ease of use in typical photography scenarios.
Camera type
Front camera
Main camera
Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G vs iPhone 14 Plus size and design
Other features such as connectors, size, and SIM options add practical differences that affect how you use the device daily.
Connectors and SIM Cards
The Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G uses a USB-C connector, which is common across many devices and accessories. The iPhone 14 Plus has a Lightning connector, compatible with Apple-specific accessories. The Galaxy supports both a physical SIM and eSIM, giving you flexibility in managing multiple lines. The iPhone 14 Plus supports eSIM only, which suits users comfortable with digital SIM management.
Dimensions and Weight
The Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G is taller at 165.1 mm and thicker at 8.9 mm, and it weighs 227 g. The iPhone 14 Plus is slightly shorter at 160.8 mm, thinner at 7.8 mm, and considerably lighter at 150 g. If you prefer a lighter and slimmer phone for one-handed use or pocket comfort, the iPhone 14 Plus fits better. The Galaxy's size gives a larger screen but adds weight.
Carrier Compatibility and Networks
Both phones are unlocked and support 5G networks, so you can use them with a variety of UK carriers. This means you can choose your preferred mobile plan without restriction.
Carrier compatibility
Connector
Depth
Height
Mobile network
Release date
SD card slot
SIM card
Weight
Width
Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G or iPhone 14 Plus: which should you buy?
Buy the Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G if
- you want to spend less: it starts at £268.86, £63.69 less than the iPhone 14 Plus
- you want more RAM (12 GB vs 6 GB)
- you want a bigger battery (5000 mAh vs 4323 mAh)
Buy the iPhone 14 Plus if
- you want longer software support (supported, up to iOS 27 vs ended Feb 2026)
- you want a lighter build (203 g vs 227 g)
What our customers say
Customers buying the Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G often highlight its near-new condition even when ordered in good or fair condition. Many praise its speed, reliability, and large screen, appreciating its performance and the detailed camera system. Several reviews mention the phone looks brand new and works like new, with some users impressed by the overall quality and value for money. A few customers note issues with battery life or device faults, but most experience a positive balance between price and phone quality.
For the iPhone 14 Plus, customers appreciate the excellent condition phones that look almost brand new and have solid battery health. Many mention easy setup and the phone's suitability as an upgrade from older models. The lighter weight and ease of use with iOS are implied by satisfaction with the device's performance and screen quality. Users also note good battery life and the phone's reliability for everyday use.
Overall, the Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G suits those seeking a powerful Android phone with a very large screen and advanced camera detail. The iPhone 14 Plus appeals to users who want a lighter, simpler iOS device with a high-quality screen and solid all-round performance.
Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G vs iPhone 14 Plus FAQs
Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G vs iPhone 14 Plus 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 on the iPhone 14 Plus. 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 £332.55 for the iPhone 14 Plus.
The Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G has a bigger battery: 5000 mAh vs 4323 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 14 Plus is still supported and can run iOS 27.
Both come in 128GB, 256GB and 512GB refurbished.
