Galaxy S21 vs S21+ vs S21 Ultra - Full Comparison Guide

What's The Difference Between Galaxy S21, S21 FE, S21 Plus vs S21 Ultra?

When choosing a new Samsung phone, the Samsung Galaxy S21 series has a lot to offer. There are impressive Dynamic AMOLED 2X displays, super responsive 120Hz refresh rates and pro-grade camera set-ups to be found across the different Galaxy S21 models, so choosing the right one is not an easy decision. That’s why we’ve put together this Galaxy S21 comparison guide so you have all the information you need to help you decide on the right one for you.

Which Samsung Galaxy S21 model is the best?

When you compare Samsung Galaxy S21 models, you might be unsure whether the Galaxy S21 FE, S21 Ultra, S21+ or even the S21 is best. Choosing the right model very much depends on what you are looking for from your phone and how you use it day-to-day.

If you’re seeking the most powerful phone, opt for either the Galaxy S21 FE 5G or Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra - they both have the fastest processor ever seen in a Samsung phone! If you are looking for the phone with the most immersive display the Galaxy S21 Ultra is the biggest at an impressive 6.8”*. If you’re looking for the Galaxy S21 with the most affordable price tag? It's the fan favourite; Galaxy S21 FE 5G. Or if you’re looking for something smaller, lighter and long lasting? The Galaxy S21 has a generous 4000mAh battery** and a pocket friendly weight.

To help with your decisions we’ve outlined the key specs for each of the Galaxy S21 models in the table below. You can also find out more on our handy Galaxy S21 models comparison page.

Display
Battery
RAM + Storage
microSD
Water & dust resistance
Mobile payments
Dimensions
Weight

: Galaxy S21 Ultra
Display : 6.8’’ QHD+ (3,200x1,440) (515 ppi) Dynamic AMOLED 2X (10~120Hz)"
Battery : 5,000mAh
RAM + Storage : RAM + Storage :12GB + 128/256/512GB 16GB + 512GB
microSD : Not supporting
Water & dust resistance : IP68
Mobile payments : Samsung Pay (NFC)
Dimensions : 75.6 x 165.1 x 8.9 mm
Weight : 227g (Sub6)

: Galaxy S21+
Display : 6.7’’ FHD+ (2,400x1,080) (394 ppi) Dynamic AMOLED 2X (48~120Hz)
Battery : 4,800mAh
RAM + Storage : 8GB + 128/256GB
microSD : microSD :Not supporting
Water & dust resistance : IP68
Mobile payments : Samsung Pay (NFC)
Dimensions : 75.6 x 161.5 x 7.8 mm
Weight : 200g (Sub6)

: Galaxy S21
Display : 6.2’’ FHD+ (2,400x1,080) (421 ppi) Dynamic AMOLED 2X (48~120Hz)
Battery : 4,000mAh
RAM + Storage : RAM + Storage :8GB + 128/256GB
microSD : Not supporting
Water & dust resistance : IP68
Mobile payments : Mobile payments :Samsung Pay (NFC)
Dimensions : 71.2 x 151.7 x 7.9 mm
Weight : 169g (Sub6)

: Galaxy S21 FE
Display : 6.4” FHD+ (2,400x1,080) (407 ppi) Dynamic AMOLED 2X (60Hz/120Hz)
Battery : Battery :4,500mAh
RAM + Storage : 6GB + 128GB 8GB + 128/256GB
microSD : up to 1TB
Water & dust resistance : IP68
Mobile payments : Samsung Pay (MST + NFC)
Dimensions : 74.5 x 159.8 x 8.4 mm
Weight : 190g

*Measured diagonally, Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G's screen size is 6.8" in the full rectangle and 6.6" with accounting for the rounded corners; actual viewable area is less due to the rounded corners and camera hole.
**Typical value tested under third-party laboratory condition. Typical value is the estimated average value considering the deviation in battery capacity among the battery samples tested under IEC 61960 standard. Rated (minimum) capacity is 3880mAh for Galaxy S21 5G. Actual battery life may vary depending on network environment, usage patterns and other factors.

Samsung S21 Colours

Galaxy S21 Colours

• Phantom Violet
• Phantom Grey
• Phantom White
• Phantom Pink

Galaxy S21 Ultra Colours

• Phantom Black
• Phantom Silver

Galaxy S21+ Colours

• Phantom Violet
• Phantom Black
• Phantom Silver

Galaxy S21 FE Colours

• Graphite
• Olive
• Lavender
• White

Samsung Galaxy S21 FE vs S21

The latest phone to join the Galaxy S21 family is the epic Galaxy S21 FE 5G. This is a phone designed with Galaxy fans in mind. It brings together all the favourite elements from previous Galaxy S21 models into one powerful package. There are four gorgeous colours to choose from including the subtle yet colourful Olive or Lavender. And when it comes to the display the immense 6.4 inch* Dynamic AMOLED 2X screen has you covered for all your gaming and multitasking needs. The long lasting battery and powerful chip make sure it keeps running throughout the day and night. If that’s not enough, fans will love the fact it has the most affordable price tag across the Galaxy S21 range.

So how does the Samsung Galaxy S21 FE differ from the Galaxy S21? Both the Galaxy S21 and S21 FE have optimal Dynamic AMOLED 2X display technology and boast screen refresh rates of up to 120Hz - that’s a screen update 120 times every second! But the Galaxy S21 has a smaller screen measuring 6.2 inch compared with a slightly larger 6.4 inch for the Galaxy S21 FE*. If you use your phone to play graphic intensive games or for multitasking the larger screen on the Samsung Galaxy S21 FE is likely to be the right choice for you.

You can learn more about the differences between these two models in our ‘What's The Difference Between The S21 and S21 FE?’ buying guide.

*Measured diagonally, Galaxy S21 5G's screen size is 6.2" in the full rectangle and 6.1" with accounting for the rounded corners and Galaxy S21 FE 5G’s screen size is 6.4" in the full rectangle and 6.3” with accounting for the rounded corners; actual viewable area is less due to the rounded corners and camera hole.

Samsung Galaxy S21 vs S21+

The Galaxy S21+ takes the already impressive specs of the Samsung Galaxy S21 and enhances them with a larger 6.7 inch screen and an extra 800mAh of battery power to keep it going all day*. The Galaxy S21+ is slightly heavier at 200g to account for the larger screen and battery so if you’re looking for a lighter, smaller phone, then the Galaxy S21 is the right choice. But if you want a larger, more immersive screen for watching videos and playing games then the Samsung Galaxy S21+ is your best option.

*Typical value tested under third-party laboratory condition. Typical value is the estimated average value considering the deviation in battery capacity among the battery samples tested under IEC 61960 standard. Rated (minimum) capacity is 4660mAh for Galaxy S21+ 5G. Actual battery life may vary depending on network environment, usage patterns and other factors.

What’s the difference between S21 5G and S21 Ultra 5G?

The main differences between the two phones is their size, battery life and camera. The Galaxy S21 has a screen size of 6.2 inches and has a charge of up to 5-6 hours*, whereas the S21 Ultra measures in at 6.8 inches and can last for up to 8 hours after a full charge.

The S21 Ultra also out performs the S21 with regards to photography with its professional grade camera. The S21’s camera still boasts an impressive triple rear camera and 10-megapixel front camera, but if you’re looking to capture professional looking photos, the S21 Ultra is the phone for you.

Ultrawide
Rear Camera
Wide
Rear Camera
Tele 1
Rear Camera
Tele 2
Rear Camera
ToF
Rear Camera
Wide
Front Camera

: Galaxy S21 Ultra
Ultrawide
Rear Camera : 12MP F2.2 [Dual Pixel AF] 1/2.55”,
1.4㎛
Wide
Rear Camera : 108MP F1.8 [PD-Laser AF],
OIS,
1/1.33”,
0.8㎛
Tele 1
Rear Camera : 10 MP F2.4 [3x, Dual Pixel AF],
OIS,
1/3.24”,
1.22µm
Tele 2
Rear Camera : 10 MP F4.9 [10x, Dual Pixel AF],
OIS,
1/3.24” 1.22㎛
ToF
Rear Camera : -
Wide
Front Camera : 40MP(PD) F2.2 0.7㎛

: Galaxy S21+
Ultrawide
Rear Camera : 12MP F2.2 [Dual Pixel AF] FOV xxx°,
1/2.55”,
1.4㎛
Wide
Rear Camera : 12MP F1.8 [Dual Pixel AF],
OIS,
FOV xxx°,
1/1.76”,
1.8㎛
Tele 1
Rear Camera : 64MP F2.0 [3x],
OIS,
1/1.72”,
0.8㎛
Tele 2
Rear Camera : -
ToF
Rear Camera : -
Wide
Front Camera : 10MP(2PD) F2.2 1.22㎛

: Galaxy S21
Ultrawide
Rear Camera : 12MP,
F2.2 1/2.55” 1.4㎛
Wide
Rear Camera : 12MP F1.8 [Dual Pixel AF],
OIS,
1/1.76” 1.8㎛
Tele 1
Rear Camera : 64MP F2.0 [3x],
OIS,
1/1.72”,
0.8㎛
Tele 2
Rear Camera : -
ToF
Rear Camera : -
Wide
Front Camera : 10MP(2PD) F2.2 1.22㎛

: Galaxy S21 FE
Ultrawide
Rear Camera : 12MP F2.2,
1.12㎛
Wide
Rear Camera : 12MP F1.8 [Dual Pixel],
OIS,
1.8㎛
Tele 1
Rear Camera : 8MP F2.4 [3x],
OIS,
1.0㎛
Tele 2
Rear Camera : -
ToF
Rear Camera : -
Wide
Front Camera : 32MP FF F2.2 0.8㎛

All models of the Samsung Galaxy S21 have very quick processors. However, the Galaxy S21 Ultra has a larger amount of RAM (12/16GB) compared to the Galaxy S21 (8GB), allowing you to experience all the graphics-heavy gaming with zero lag or delays. If you are planning to film a professional 8K content, you may also find the enhanced amount of expandable storage offered in the Galaxy S21 Ultra more appropriate for your needs (going up to 512GB as opposed to 256GB).

*Typical value tested under third-party laboratory condition. Typical value is the estimated average value considering the deviation in battery capacity among the battery samples tested under IEC 61960 standard. Actual battery life may vary depending on network environment, usage patterns and other factors.

Samsung Galaxy S21+ vs S21 Ultra

Whilst the Samsung Galaxy S21+ has a stunning display and plenty of power to last you all day, the 6.8 inch* Edge Quad HD+ screen and 5000mAh battery** of the Galaxy S21 Ultra is the next step up. If you need a decent camera, the Galaxy S21+ should be more than just enough. Whilst the Galaxy S21 Ultra, with its quad rear camera and a 40-megapixel front camera, is the best choice for keen mobile photographers. The Galaxy S21 Ultra also has S Pen compatibility*, helping you paint, write and annotate on your phone. The Galaxy S21 Ultra has a slightly larger physical size and battery size than the Galaxy S21+ as it is the largest and most powerful model out of the Galaxy S21 range.

*Measured diagonally, Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G's screen size is 6.8"" in the full rectangle and 6.6"" with accounting for the rounded corners; actual viewable area is less due to the rounded corners and camera hole.
**Typical value tested under third-party laboratory condition. Typical value is the estimated average value considering the deviation in battery capacity among the battery samples tested under IEC 61960 standard. Rated (minimum) capacity is 4855mAh for Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G. Actual battery life may vary depending on network environment, usage patterns and other factors.
***S Pen sold separately.

*Measured diagonally, Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G's screen size is 6.8"" in the full rectangle and 6.6"" with accounting for the rounded corners; actual viewable area is less due to the rounded corners and camera hole.
**Typical value tested under third-party laboratory condition. Typical value is the estimated average value considering the deviation in battery capacity among the battery samples tested under IEC 61960 standard. Rated (minimum) capacity is 4855mAh for Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G. Actual battery life may vary depending on network environment, usage patterns and other factors.
***S Pen sold separately.

Is a Galaxy S21 series phone worth it?

Absolutely! The Samsung Galaxy S21 smartphone series is one of Samsung's flagship phone series in 2021 alongside the groundbreaking Galaxy Z range which includes the epic folding phones; Galaxy Z Fold3 and Galaxy Z Flip3, and more recently the ground-breaking 2022 foldable phones, the Galaxy Z Fold4 and Galaxy Flip4. The phones in the Galaxy S21 are bursting with industry leading tech, professional grade cameras and crystal clear, super responsive screens. The intelligent processors and large powerful batteries keep Galaxy S21 smartphones running smoothly throughout the day and well into the night. So whether you're multitasking, gaming or filming 8K video content you can rest safe in the knowledge that your phone has you covered. All the Samsung smartphones in the Galaxy S21 series are 5G compatible* so they are future proofed for the next generation. Not to mention the premium design features and fabulous choice of colours to choose from.

If you have an older phone and are looking to upgrade to the latest and most powerful Samsung smartphones ever, look no further than the latest Galaxy S23, S23+ and S23 Ultra. You will undoubtedly find a smartphone from the Galaxy S23 series a worthwhile upgrade as the Galaxy S23 range is ripping up the rule book of what’s possible with a smartphone. This bold series brings the biggest leap in a Galaxy for performance, productivity and video creation. Find out the differences between Galaxy S22 and Galaxy S23 models and learn more about how you can upgrade to the latest Galaxy phone with exclusive deals at Samsung Flex.

*5G functionality requires compatible network connection and tariff.