Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G vs Sony Xperia 5 IV
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Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G
Starting at
£268.86£1,800.00 new
Sony Xperia 5 IV
Starting at
£419.00What's the difference between the Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G and Sony Xperia 5 IV?
Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G vs Sony Xperia 5 IV comes down to the chipset, RAM and screen size. Refurbished, the Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G starts at £268.86, £150.14 less than the Sony Xperia 5 IV. The Sony Xperia 5 IV is the newer model, released in 2022.
Refurbished from
Chipset
RAM
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 SM8450 Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 (4 nm) on the Sony Xperia 5 IV.
- The Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G has more RAM: 12 GB vs 8 GB.
- Screen size: 6.8 inch on the Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G, 6,1 inch on the Sony Xperia 5 IV.
Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G vs Sony Xperia 5 IV specs
The Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G and Sony Xperia 5 IV differ in several key areas that suit different users. The Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G offers a larger, higher resolution screen and a more powerful camera setup with a 108-megapixel main camera and a 40-megapixel front camera, making it ideal for photography enthusiasts and those who enjoy large, detailed displays. The Sony Xperia 5 IV has a more compact design with a 6.1-inch screen and includes a headphone jack and microSDXC slot for expandable storage, appealing to users who prefer smaller phones with versatile audio and storage options. Both have the same battery capacity and support 5G connectivity.
Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G vs Sony Xperia 5 IV price
Colour
- BlackStarting at £268.86
- Dark BlueStarting at £268.86
- SilverStarting at £268.86
- BrownStarting at £268.86
- Dark greyStarting at £268.86
- GreenSold out
- WhiteSold out
- BlackSold out
Storage
Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G vs Sony Xperia 5 IV battery life and software updates
Durability involves battery capacity, software updates, and basic device design.
Battery Capacity
Both the Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G and the Sony Xperia 5 IV have a 5000 mAh battery. This capacity provides substantial power for daily use, making either phone suitable for users who need a full day of usage without frequent recharging.
Battery
Foldable
Ip rating
Software updates
Wireless charging
Year of release
Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G vs Sony Xperia 5 IV performance
Performance differences come down to chipset, RAM, and storage options. These affect how smoothly apps run and how much data you can store on the device.
Chipset
The Sony Xperia 5 IV has a Qualcomm SM8450 Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 chipset built on a 4 nm process, offering a newer generation processor. The Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G uses either the Exynos 2100 or Qualcomm SM8350 Snapdragon 888 chipset, both on a 5 nm process. The Xperia 5 IV's chipset may suit users looking for the latest processing technology.
RAM
The Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G comes with 12 GB of RAM, which supports keeping many apps open and running smoothly, useful for multitasking or heavier app use. The Xperia 5 IV has 8 GB of RAM, which is sufficient for everyday apps and general use.
Storage Options
The Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G is stocked in three storage options: 128GB, 256GB, and 512GB, allowing you to choose based on your storage needs. The Sony Xperia 5 IV is available with 128GB storage, which suits typical daily use and can be expanded with a microSDXC card.
Chipset
RAM
Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G vs Sony Xperia 5 IV screen
Screen quality impacts how you view content and interact with the phone. Both phones have high refresh rates but differ in size, resolution, and panel type.
Screen Size and Resolution
The Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G features a larger 6.8-inch screen with a higher resolution of 1440 x 3200 pixels, providing a spacious and sharp display ideal for watching videos or browsing. The Sony Xperia 5 IV has a smaller 6.1-inch screen with a 1080 x 2520 resolution, which makes it more compact and easier to use with one hand.
Screen Type
The Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G uses a Dynamic AMOLED 2X screen, which typically offers vivid colours and deep blacks. The Sony Xperia 5 IV has an OLED screen, which also delivers vibrant colours and good contrast. Both screens support a 120 Hz refresh rate, ensuring smooth scrolling and animations.
Refresh rate
Resolution
Screen size
Screen type
Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G vs Sony Xperia 5 IV camera
Audiovisual features focus on camera capabilities and audio connectors. These affect photo quality and how you connect headphones or other audio devices.
Camera Setup
The Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G offers a quadruple rear camera setup with a 108-megapixel main camera and a 40-megapixel front camera, well suited for users who prioritise photography and high-detail selfies. The Sony Xperia 5 IV has a triple rear camera setup with a 12-megapixel main camera and a 12-megapixel front camera, which fits everyday photography needs.
Audio Connectors
The Sony Xperia 5 IV includes both a USB-C port and a 3.5mm headphone jack, providing flexibility for wired audio connections without needing an adapter. The Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G uses a USB-C connector only, which suits users comfortable with wireless headphones or adapters.
Camera type
Front camera
Main camera
Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G vs Sony Xperia 5 IV size and design
Additional features include device size, weight, network, SIM options, and storage expandability. These details influence comfort, compatibility, and convenience.
Size and Weight
The Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G is larger and heavier, measuring 165.1 mm tall, 75.6 mm wide, and weighing 227 g. The Sony Xperia 5 IV is more compact and lighter at 156 mm tall, 67 mm wide, and 172 g. If you prefer a lighter phone that's easier to carry or use one-handed, the Xperia 5 IV is a good choice.
Storage Expansion
The Sony Xperia 5 IV supports microSDXC cards, allowing you to expand storage beyond the built-in 128GB. The Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G does not have a microSD slot, so you choose storage size at purchase.
SIM and Network
Both phones support 5G and include a physical SIM plus eSIM, giving you flexible options for mobile network connections.
Carrier compatibility
Connector
Depth
Height
Mobile network
Release date
SD card slot
SIM card
Weight
Width
Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G or Sony Xperia 5 IV: which should you buy?
Buy the Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G if
- you want to spend less: it starts at £268.86, £150.14 less than the Sony Xperia 5 IV
- you want more RAM (12 GB vs 8 GB)
- you want a higher-resolution main camera (108 megapixels vs 12 megapixels)
Buy the Sony Xperia 5 IV if
- you want a lighter build (172 g vs 227 g)
- you want a headphone jack
- you want a memory card slot
What our customers say
Customers say the Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G generally looks like new, with many noting it has minimal or no scratches and performs reliably. Buyers appreciate its speed, large screen, and camera quality. Some mention the phone feels fast and suitable for multitasking thanks to its memory. A few customers experienced issues with battery life or condition, but most praise the phone's overall quality and value for the price.
For the Sony Xperia 5 IV, customers highlight its compact size and good performance with positive comments about battery life and speed. Some users appreciate the headphone jack and microSDXC slot. A few mention that some phones arrive with software tailored for the Japanese market requiring language changes and removal of apps. Despite this, many find the phone well made and enjoy its screen and camera for everyday use.
The Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G suits buyers who want a large, high-resolution display and a detailed camera setup along with more RAM and storage options. The Sony Xperia 5 IV fits those who prefer a smaller, lighter phone with flexible audio and storage choices.
Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G vs Sony Xperia 5 IV FAQs
Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G vs Sony Xperia 5 IV comes down to the chipset, RAM and screen size. Chipset: Exynos 2100 (5 nm), Qualcomm SM8350 Snapdragon 888 5G (5 nm) on the Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G, Qualcomm SM8450 Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 (4 nm) on the Sony Xperia 5 IV. The Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G has more RAM: 12 GB vs 8 GB.
The Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G is cheaper refurbished, from £268.86 compared with £419 for the Sony Xperia 5 IV.
Both have the same battery: 5000 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. We don't have published update dates for the Sony Xperia 5 IV.
Refurbished, the Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G comes in 128GB, 256GB and 512GB, and the Sony Xperia 5 IV in 128GB.
