Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G vs OnePlus 8 Pro
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Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G
Starting at
£268.86£1,316.00 new
OnePlus 8 Pro
Starting at
£177.00What's the difference between the Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G and OnePlus 8 Pro?
Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G vs OnePlus 8 Pro comes down to the chipset, battery and screen size. Refurbished, the OnePlus 8 Pro starts at £177, £91.86 less than the Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G. The Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G is the newer model, released in 2021.
Refurbished from
Chipset
Battery
Screen size
Screen type
Main camera
- Chipset: Exynos 2100 (5 nm), Qualcomm SM8350 Snapdragon 888 5G (5 nm) on the Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G, Qualcomm SM8250 Snapdragon 865 5G (7 nm+) on the OnePlus 8 Pro.
- The Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G has a bigger battery: 5000 mAh vs 4510 mAh.
- Screen size: 6.8 inch on the Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G, 6.78 inch on the OnePlus 8 Pro.
Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G vs OnePlus 8 Pro specs
The Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G and the OnePlus 8 Pro share many features but differ in key areas that suit different users. It also comes with larger storage options and supports both a physical SIM and eSIM. The OnePlus 8 Pro has a slightly lighter and narrower design and uses a Snapdragon 865 chipset. Both have 12 GB of RAM and 5G connectivity. The OnePlus 8 Pro suits those who prefer a lighter phone and a Snapdragon 865 chipset with solid performance.
Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G vs OnePlus 8 Pro price
Colour
Storage
- 128GBSold out
- 256GBSold out
Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G vs OnePlus 8 Pro battery life and software updates
Battery capacity, software updates, and SIM options affect daily use and longevity. The Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G and OnePlus 8 Pro differ in these areas, influencing how long they last on a charge and what network setups they support.
Battery Capacity
The Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G has a 5000 mAh battery, which offers more power for longer use between charges. The OnePlus 8 Pro has a 4510 mAh battery, which still supports a full day of use but may require charging sooner during heavy activity.
SIM Card Support
The Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G supports a physical SIM plus an eSIM, allowing flexibility if you want to use multiple plans without swapping cards. The OnePlus 8 Pro uses dual physical SIMs, which suits users who prefer traditional SIM cards for multiple numbers.
Battery
Foldable
Ip rating
Software updates
Wireless charging
Year of release
Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G vs OnePlus 8 Pro performance
Performance depends on chipset, RAM, and storage capacity. Both phones have strong RAM, but different chipsets and storage options may attract different users.
Chipset
The Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G uses either the Exynos 2100 or Snapdragon 888 chipset, both built on a 5 nm process for efficient power use and strong performance. The OnePlus 8 Pro has the Snapdragon 865 chipset made on a 7 nm+ process, which still delivers good performance but uses an older manufacturing process.
RAM and Storage
Both devices come with 12 GB of RAM, keeping multitasking and demanding apps running smoothly. The Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G offers storage up to 512 GB, which suits users needing more space for apps, media, and files. The OnePlus 8 Pro offers up to 256 GB of storage, suitable for most users with moderate storage needs.
Chipset
RAM
Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G vs OnePlus 8 Pro screen
Screen size and type affect viewing comfort and display quality. Both devices offer high-resolution AMOLED screens but with slight differences that may appeal to different users.
Screen Size and Resolution
The Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G has a 6.8 inch screen with a resolution of 1440 x 3200, providing a slightly larger and sharper display. The OnePlus 8 Pro has a 6.78 inch screen and a resolution of 1440 x 3168, offering nearly the same sharpness in a marginally smaller size. The larger screen suits users who want more space for videos and multitasking.
Screen Type
The Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G uses Dynamic AMOLED 2X, which delivers vibrant colours and high brightness levels. The OnePlus 8 Pro has a Fluid AMOLED screen, which also offers rich colour and smooth visuals. Both screens are excellent for media consumption and gaming.
Refresh rate
Resolution
Screen size
Screen type
Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G vs OnePlus 8 Pro camera
Camera capabilities and front camera resolution influence photo and video quality. These devices have quadruple cameras but vary in megapixels, affecting detail and clarity.
Main Camera Resolution
The Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G features a 108 megapixel main camera, which captures more detail and allows for larger, clearer photos. The OnePlus 8 Pro has a 48 megapixel main camera, delivering high-quality images suitable for everyday photography.
Front Camera Resolution
For selfies and video calls, the Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G has a 40 megapixel front camera, offering sharper and more detailed images. The OnePlus 8 Pro's front camera is 16 megapixels, which is still good for clear self-portraits and video chatting.
Camera type
Front camera
Main camera
Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G vs OnePlus 8 Pro size and design
Other factors like size, weight, and SIM card types affect comfort and convenience. Each device has its own set of measurements and features that may suit different preferences.
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 is slightly larger and heavier, which may appeal if you prefer a substantial feel. The OnePlus 8 Pro is 165.3 mm tall, 74.4 mm wide, 8.5 mm deep, and weighs 199 g, making it lighter and a little narrower for easier one-handed use.
SIM Card Options
The Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G supports one physical SIM and one eSIM, offering more flexible network options without needing to swap physical cards. The OnePlus 8 Pro supports two physical SIM cards, which suits users who want to keep two numbers active with traditional SIMs.
Carrier compatibility
Connector
Depth
Height
Mobile network
Release date
SD card slot
SIM card
Weight
Width
Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G or OnePlus 8 Pro: which should you buy?
Buy the Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G if
- you want a bigger battery (5000 mAh vs 4510 mAh)
- you want a higher-resolution main camera (108 megapixels vs 48 megapixels)
- you want a higher-resolution front camera (40 megapixels vs 16 megapixels)
Buy the OnePlus 8 Pro if
- you want to spend less: it starts at £177, £91.86 less than the Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G
- you want a lighter build (199 g vs 227 g)
What our customers say
Customers who bought the Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G often praise its condition, with many saying it looks almost new or has no scratches. They find it fast, reliable, and suitable for everyday use with plenty of power. Some mention the battery life positively, while a few report issues with battery performance. The screen and overall quality are appreciated, with users enjoying the larger display and camera detail. The phone is seen as a sustainable choice compared to buying new.
Buyers of the OnePlus 8 Pro highlight that the phone works well and is in better condition than expected. Some report the battery drains quickly or gets hot, which may affect heavy users. The phone's size and performance are liked, and the dual SIM setup is user-friendly. Many customers find it a good value with a smooth experience for everyday tasks and appreciate the 12 GB RAM for running apps.
Both phones suit different kinds of users. The Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G appeals to those who want a larger screen, higher resolution cameras, and longer battery life. The OnePlus 8 Pro is suited to users who prefer a lighter phone with dual physical SIMs and solid performance for everyday use.
Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G vs OnePlus 8 Pro FAQs
Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G vs OnePlus 8 Pro comes down to the chipset, battery and screen size. Chipset: Exynos 2100 (5 nm), Qualcomm SM8350 Snapdragon 888 5G (5 nm) on the Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G, Qualcomm SM8250 Snapdragon 865 5G (7 nm+) on the OnePlus 8 Pro. The Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G has a bigger battery: 5000 mAh vs 4510 mAh.
The OnePlus 8 Pro is cheaper refurbished, from £177 compared with £268.86 for the Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G.
The Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G has a bigger battery: 5000 mAh vs 4510 mAh.
The Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G has a higher-resolution main camera: 108 megapixels vs 48 megapixels.
Updates for the Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G ended in Feb 2026. We don't have published update dates for the OnePlus 8 Pro.
Refurbished, the Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G comes in 128GB, 256GB and 512GB, and the OnePlus 8 Pro in 128GB and 256GB.
