Samsung Galaxy S24 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 S24 Ultra rather than the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra.
Why Do I Recommend The Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra?
- The Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra features Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chip that delivers faster app loading, enhanced gaming performance, and superior AI processing, compared to the Galaxy S21 Ultra’s older Snapdragon 888.
- Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra has a 200MP main camera sensor that captures sharper details, better dynamic range, and improved low-light photos, compared to the 108MP sensor on the Galaxy S21 Ultra.
- It includes a built-in S Pen with an integrated slot that enables precise handwriting, advanced drawing, and quick note-taking on the go, while the Galaxy S21 Ultra lacks integrated storage for the S Pen.
- The Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra supports Galaxy AI features like Live Translate, Circle to Search, and Generative Edit that enhance real-time communication, productivity, and photo editing capabilities, while the Galaxy S21 Ultra lacks AI tools.
- Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra features a flat Gorilla Glass Armor display that reduces glare, resists scratches better, and improves stylus usability, compared to the Galaxy S21 Ultra’s curved Gorilla Glass Victus screen.
- It has a 50MP 5x telephoto lens that captures clearer zoomed-in shots at medium ranges with better detail retention, compared to the 10MP 10x lens on the Galaxy S21 Ultra.
- The Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra supports UFS 4.0 storage that significantly increases read/write speeds for quicker file transfers and app launches, compared to the slower UFS 3.1 of Galaxy S21 Ultra.
Maybe the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra price can make you comfortable because it’s a little bit cheaper than the Samsung Galaxy S24 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.
.
Side By Side Comparison
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra | Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra |
| Processor | Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 for Galaxy | Exynos 2100 / Snapdragon 888 |
| GPU | Adreno 750 | Mali-G78 MP14 / Adreno 660 |
| RAM Type | LPDDR5X | LPDDR5 |
| Storage Type | UFS 4.0 | UFS 3.1 |
| Display Size | 6.8 inches, flat | 6.8 inches, curved |
| Display Protection | Gorilla Glass Armor | Gorilla Glass Victus |
| Peak Brightness | 2,600 nits | 1,500 nits |
| Body Frame | Titanium | Aluminum |
| Dimensions (mm) | 162.3 x 79.0 x 8.6 | 165.1 x 75.6 x 8.9 |
| Weight | 232g | 228g |
| S Pen | Built-in | Optional, no slot |
| Main Camera | 200 MP, f/1.7, 1/1.3″ sensor | 108 MP, f/1.8, 1/1.33″ sensor |
| Telephoto Camera 1 | 50 MP, 5x Optical Zoom | 10 MP, 10x Optical Zoom |
| Front Camera | 12 MP | 40 MP |
| Video Recording | 8K@30fps | 8K@24fps |
| AI Features | Galaxy AI | None |
| Charging Speed (Wired) | 45W | 25W |
| Battery Efficiency | Improved due to newer chipset | Less efficient |
| Operating System at Launch | Android 14 | Android 11 |
| Software Update Policy | 7 Years OS + Security | 4 Years OS + 5 Years Security |
| Bluetooth Version | Bluetooth 5.3 | Bluetooth 5.2 |
| Wi-Fi Version | Wi-Fi 7 | Wi-Fi 6E |
| USB Type | USB-C 3.2 | USB-C 3.2 |
| Samsung DeX | Wireless DeX + PC Continuity | Wireless DeX only |
| Cooling System | Vapor chamber cooling | Smaller cooling system |
| Audio Technology | Dolby Atmos with spatial enhancements | Dolby Atmos standard |
| Base Storage Variant | 256GB | 128GB |
| Price | Check S24 Ultra Price | Check S21 Ultra Price |
What Common Both Can Do?
- Display Technology: Both phones feature large 6.8″ Dynamic AMOLED 2X displays with Quad HD+ resolution and up to 120Hz adaptive refresh rate. This ensures smooth scrolling, vivid color reproduction, deep contrast, and exceptional clarity for multimedia and gaming on both devices.
- Fingerprint Sensor: Each uses an ultrasonic fingerprint sensor under the display, providing secure and fast biometric authentication even with wet or dusty fingers.
- Camera Capabilities: Both devices have a quad rear camera setup that includes a 12MP ultrawide sensor with Dual Pixel Autofocus and a 10MP telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom. They also support Samsung’s signature Space Zoom of up to 100x digital zoom.
- Video Performance: 4K video at 60fps, slow motion (1080p@240fps), and super slow motion (720p@960fps) recording modes are present on both phones, ensuring high-quality video capture for creators and casual users alike.
- Audio and Multimedia: Stereo speakers tuned with Dolby Atmos are included in both models, enhancing immersive audio playback for video watching, gaming, or music.
- Battery and Charging: A 5000mAh battery powers both phones, with support for fast wired charging, fast wireless charging (15W), and reverse wireless charging (Wireless PowerShare) to juice up accessories like Galaxy Buds or another phone.
- Water and Dust Resistance: IP68 rating on both phones ensures protection from dust and water immersion up to 1.5 meters for 30 minutes, adding durability and reliability in harsh environments.
- Connectivity Standards: Both support full 5G capabilities (Sub-6 + mmWave), Wi-Fi 6E (S24 Ultra also supports Wi-Fi 7), Bluetooth 5.x, NFC, USB-C 3.2, and dual SIM options (including eSIM). Both exclude microSD and 3.5mm headphone jacks.
- Productivity Tools: Wireless Samsung DeX is supported on both, allowing users to cast a desktop-like environment to monitors or TVs for multitasking and productivity.
Common Features
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra | Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra |
| Display Size | 6.8 inches Dynamic AMOLED 2X | 6.8 inches Dynamic AMOLED 2X |
| Ultrasonic Fingerprint | Under-display Ultrasonic | Under-display Ultrasonic |
| Rear Camera Count | Quad Camera Setup | Quad Camera Setup |
| Ultrawide Camera | 12 MP with Dual Pixel AF | 12 MP with Dual Pixel AF |
| 3x Telephoto Camera | 10 MP 3x Optical Zoom | 10 MP 3x Optical Zoom |
| Digital Zoom Max | Up to 100x Space Zoom | Up to 100x Space Zoom |
| Video Capabilities | 4K@60fps, 1080p@60/240fps, 720p@960fps | 4K@60fps, 1080p@60/240fps, 720p@960fps |
| Stereo Speakers | Stereo speakers with Dolby Atmos | Stereo speakers with Dolby Atmos |
| Battery Capacity | 5000 mAh | 5000 mAh |
| Wireless Charging | Fast Wireless Charging 2.0 (15W) | Fast Wireless Charging 2.0 (15W) |
| Reverse Charging | Wireless PowerShare | Wireless PowerShare |
| Water Resistance | IP68 certified | IP68 certified |
| 5G Connectivity | Sub-6GHz & mmWave support | Sub-6GHz & mmWave support |
| Dual SIM Support | Yes | Yes |
| Samsung DeX | Wireless DeX supported | Wireless DeX supported |
| NFC | Supported | Supported |
| USB Type-C | USB-C 3.2 | USB-C 3.2 |
| No microSD slot | No | No |
| No 3.5mm jack | No | No |
| Price | Check S24 Ultra Price | Check S21 Ultra Price |
FAQ
Does the Galaxy S24 Ultra have better performance than the Galaxy S21 Ultra? Is the S Pen built into the Galaxy S24 Ultra like the Note series? How do the main cameras compare between the two phones? Do both phones have a 100x zoom capability? Which phone has a brighter screen? Are both phones water and dust resistant? What are the differences in build material between the two models? How long will each phone receive software updates? Do both phones support wireless charging and reverse wireless charging? Which device has better video recording capabilities? Does the Galaxy S24 Ultra include new AI features? Are the displays flat or curved on each device? Which device supports Wi-Fi 7? Is the front camera better on the S21 Ultra since it has more megapixels? Is there a microSD card slot in either phone? |