Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra & Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra share many similarities, but there are also important differences, such as quality, performance, features, design, and connectivity. If you want the best one between them, I Would recommend the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra rather than the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra.
Why Do I Recommend The Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra?
- The Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra has a Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chipset that accelerates multitasking, boosts gaming frame rates, and extends battery life, compared to the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra’s Snapdragon 888.
- Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra features a 200 MP main camera sensor that captures finer detail and brighter low-light photos while enabling 8K video at 30 fps, compared to the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra’s 108 MP unit.
- It includes a built-in Bluetooth-enabled S Pen with an internal charging silo that keeps the stylus always on hand for note-taking and remote camera control, whereas the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra has separate, non-Bluetooth S Pen with no storage.
- The Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra comes with UFS 4.0 storage that doubles read-and-write speeds for quicker app launches and large file transfers, compared to the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra’s UFS 3.1 memory.
- Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra supports 45 W wired charging that replenishes its 5 000 mAh battery in about an hour, while the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra has 25 W ceiling.
- It has a Dynamic AMOLED 2X panel that reaches 1 750 nits peak brightness for better outdoor readability and more efficient adaptive refresh, compared to the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra’s 1 500 nits screen.
- The Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra features Gorilla Glass Victus 2 protection that withstands drops onto rough surfaces more effectively to reduce repair risk, compared to the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra’s Gorilla Glass Victus.
- Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra includes LPDDR5X RAM that delivers higher bandwidth and lower power draw for smoother multitasking and AR experiences, compared to the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra’s LPDDR5 memory.
Maybe the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra price can make you comfortable because it’s a little bit cheaper than the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra. But you have to compromise all the above-mentioned features. Now the Decision is Yours. I hope it was helpful to choose the right one.
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Side By Side Comparison
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra | Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra |
| Operating System (Launch) | Android 13 | Android 11 |
| Chipset | Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 for Galaxy (4nm) | Snapdragon 888 (5nm) / Exynos 2100 (5nm) |
| GPU | Adreno 740 | Adreno 660 / Mali-G78 MP14 |
| RAM Type | LPDDR5X | LPDDR5 |
| Storage Type | UFS 4.0 | UFS 3.1 |
| Storage Options | 256GB / 512GB / 1TB | 128GB / 256GB / 512GB |
| S Pen Support | Built-in with silo & Bluetooth LE | Supported, no built-in silo |
| Main Rear Camera | 200 MP | 108 MP |
| Front Camera | 12 MP | 40 MP |
| Peak Display Brightness | 1750 nits | 1500 nits |
| Display Protection | Gorilla Glass Victus 2 | Gorilla Glass Victus |
| Display Resolution | 3088 x 1440 | 3200 x 1440 |
| Wired Charging Speed | 45W | 25W |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.3 | 5.1 |
| Weight | 234g | 229g |
| Software Support | Android 17 + 5 years security | Android 15 (final) + 4 years security |
| Video Recording (Main) | 8K@30fps | 8K@24fps |
| Color Options (Varied) | Green, Phantom Black, Lavender, Cream | Phantom Black, Phantom Silver, Navy, Brown, Titanium |
| Price | Check S23 Ultra Price | Check S21 Ultra Price |
What Common Both Can Do?
- Dynamic AMOLED 2X Display: Both phones use Samsung’s high-end Dynamic AMOLED 2X panel, delivering vibrant colors, deep contrast, 120Hz adaptive refresh rate, and HDR10+ support. Whether gaming or streaming, the visual experience is stunning and smooth on both.
- Same Size Display: Both feature a 6.8-inch screen, giving users a large canvas for content consumption, multitasking, and S Pen use (supported on both).
- Battery Capacity: Each device includes a 5000 mAh battery, supporting extended use for productivity, gaming, and media throughout the day without needing a recharge.
- Wireless and Reverse Charging: Both phones support 15W fast wireless charging and 4.5W reverse wireless charging (PowerShare), allowing users to top up accessories like Galaxy Buds or another phone.
- Dual Telephoto Lens Setup: Both models have a pair of 10 MP telephoto cameras—one with 3x optical zoom and another with 10x optical periscope zoom—enabling high-quality optical zoom without digital loss.
- Ultra-Wide Camera: A 12 MP ultra-wide lens with a 120° field of view is available on both, making it easy to capture landscape shots or group photos without distortion.
- IP68 Water and Dust Resistance: Both phones are IP68 certified, meaning they’re safe from dust and can be submerged in up to 1.5 meters of water for up to 30 minutes.
- Stereo Audio System: AKG-tuned stereo speakers with Dolby Atmos are included in both devices, providing immersive, loud, and clear audio for movies, games, and calls.
- 5G and Wi-Fi 6E: Despite their different release years, both flagships support full 5G networks and Wi-Fi 6E for high-speed connectivity.
- No microSD or Headphone Jack: Neither device includes a microSD card slot or a 3.5mm headphone jack, signaling Samsung’s long-term shift toward internal storage and wireless audio.
- Under-Display Fingerprint Scanner: Both use ultrasonic fingerprint sensors embedded under the screen, known for being secure and fast.
- One UI Software Experience: While launched with different versions, both devices support Samsung’s One UI ecosystem, with regular feature-rich updates and a consistent interface across devices.
Common Features
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra | Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra |
| Build Quality | Aluminum frame, Gorilla Glass front & back | Aluminum frame, Gorilla Glass front & back |
| Display Type | Dynamic AMOLED 2X, 120Hz, HDR10+ | Dynamic AMOLED 2X, 120Hz, HDR10+ |
| Screen Size | 6.8 inches | 6.8 inches |
| Battery Capacity | 5000 mAh | 5000 mAh |
| Wireless Charging | 15W Qi Wireless Charging | 15W Qi Wireless Charging |
| Reverse Wireless Charging | Wireless PowerShare | Wireless PowerShare |
| Rear Telephoto Cameras | Dual 10 MP Telephoto | Dual 10 MP Telephoto |
| Ultra-Wide Camera | 12 MP Ultra-Wide | 12 MP Ultra-Wide |
| IP Rating | IP68 Dust/Water Resistant | IP68 Dust/Water Resistant |
| Stereo Speakers | Yes | Yes |
| No microSD Slot | No expandable storage | No expandable storage |
| Biometrics | Ultrasonic Under-Display Fingerprint | Ultrasonic Under-Display Fingerprint |
| Connectivity | 5G, Wi-Fi 6E, NFC, USB-C | 5G, Wi-Fi 6E, NFC, USB-C |
| One UI Experience | Samsung One UI | Samsung One UI |
| No 3.5mm Headphone Jack | No | No |
| Price | Check S23 Ultra Price | Check S21 Ultra Price |
FAQ
Does the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra have better performance than the S21 Ultra? Is the camera on the S23 Ultra better than the S21 Ultra? Do both phones have the same display size? Which phone has better display brightness? Is the S Pen built into both devices? Which device has longer software support? Is the charging speed better on the S23 Ultra? Do both phones support wireless charging? Is there a difference in front camera quality? Do both devices have the same zoom capabilities? Are both phones water and dust resistant? Do both phones support 5G and Wi-Fi 6E? Which phone has better durability? Do either of the phones support expandable storage? Is the audio experience similar on both phones? |
