Samsung S21 Ultra vs S24 – Check Which One Is Best & Why?

Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra & Samsung Galaxy S24 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 S21 Ultra rather than the Samsung Galaxy S24. 

Why Do I Recommend The Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra

  • The Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra features a 108MP main camera with dual telephoto lenses that enable significantly higher zoom levels and sharper long-range shots, compared to the Galaxy S24’s 50MP main sensor with single telephoto lens.
  • Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra features a larger 6.8-inch WQHD+ display that enhances media consumption and multitasking with more screen real estate, compared to the Galaxy S24’s smaller 6.2-inch FHD+ display.
  • It includes dual telephoto lenses with 3x and 10x optical zoom to capture clear images at multiple distances, while the Galaxy S24 supports only a single 3x optical zoom.
  • The Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra has up to 16GB of RAM that boosts performance for demanding apps and professional-level multitasking, compared to the Galaxy S24’s maximum of 8GB RAM.
  • Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra comes with a larger 5000mAh battery that extends overall usage time for heavy tasks like gaming, video streaming, and multitasking, compared to the Galaxy S24’s 4000mAh battery.
  • It includes a 40MP front-facing camera that captures more detailed and higher-resolution selfies and video calls, compared to the 12MP front camera on the Galaxy S24.
  • The Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra supports the S Pen with a built-in digitizer that enables precise handwriting, drawing, and screen annotation, while the Galaxy S24 lacks any stylus compatibility.
  • Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra supports wired and wireless Samsung DeX that transforms the phone into a desktop-like experience for productivity, while the Galaxy S24 supports DeX wirelessly only.

Maybe the Samsung Galaxy S24 price can make you comfortable because it’s a little bit cheaper than the Samsung Galaxy S21 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

FeatureSamsung Galaxy S21 UltraSamsung Galaxy S24
Processor (Global)Exynos 2100Exynos 2400
Processor (USA)Snapdragon 888Snapdragon 8 Gen 3
RAM12GB / 16GB8GB
Frame MaterialAluminumArmor Aluminum 2
Glass ProtectionGorilla Glass Victus front/backGorilla Glass Victus 2 front/back
Dimensions (mm)165.1 x 75.6 x 8.9147 x 70.6 x 7.6
Weight228g167g
Display Size6.8 inches6.2 inches
Display Resolution3200 x 14402340 x 1080
Peak Brightness1500 nits2600 nits
Storage TypeUFS 3.1UFS 4.0
Rear CamerasQuad: 108MP + 10MP + 10MP + 12MPTriple: 50MP + 10MP + 12MP
Telephoto CapabilitiesDual Telephoto: 3x Optical + 10x OpticalSingle Telephoto: 3x Optical
Max Zoom100x Space Zoom30x Space Zoom
Main Camera Sensor Size1/1.33”1/1.56”
Laser AutofocusYesNo
Front Camera40MP12MP
Front Camera Features4K@60fps4K@60fps, Super HDR
AI FeaturesScene OptimizerGalaxy AI
Battery Capacity5000 mAh4000 mAh
S Pen SupportYesNo
OS at LaunchAndroid 11, One UI 3.1Android 14, One UI 6.1
Update Policy4 OS + 5 years security7 OS + 7 years security
Audio Zoom (Video)YesNo
PriceCheck S21 Ultra PriceCheck Samsung S24 Price

What Common Both Can Do?

  • Dynamic AMOLED 2X Display: Both devices use Samsung’s top-tier Dynamic AMOLED 2X technology, ensuring vivid colors, deep blacks, and great contrast for immersive viewing.
  • 120Hz Adaptive Refresh Rate: Both displays support smooth scrolling and animations with an adaptive refresh rate up to 120Hz, adjusting based on usage to save battery.
  • HDR10+ Certification: Both screens support HDR10+, enabling dynamic color and contrast optimization when watching supported content like HDR movies or streaming on Netflix or YouTube.
  • Ultrasonic Fingerprint Sensor: Both phones include an ultrasonic fingerprint sensor under the display, providing secure and fast biometric authentication even with moist or dirty fingers.
  • 5G Network Support: Each model supports sub-6GHz and mmWave 5G bands (depending on region), ensuring high-speed connectivity on next-gen mobile networks.
  • Wi-Fi 6E: Both support Wi-Fi 6E, the extended version of Wi-Fi 6, for better bandwidth, lower latency, and less congestion on supported routers.
  • Dolby Atmos Stereo Sound: Each model includes stereo speakers tuned by AKG with Dolby Atmos, providing rich and immersive sound quality whether watching media or gaming.
  • 2D Face Unlock: In addition to fingerprint unlocking, both phones support facial recognition using the front camera for convenient unlocking (though not as secure as 3D systems).
  • IP68 Water & Dust Resistance: Both are certified to survive submersion in 1.5 meters of water for up to 30 minutes, and are protected from dust ingress.
  • 15W Wireless Charging & 4.5W Reverse Charging: You can wirelessly charge either device at up to 15W, and both support reverse wireless charging for powering accessories like Galaxy Buds or another phone.
  • Samsung DeX Support: Both devices can run a desktop-like environment via Samsung DeX. The S21 Ultra supports both wired and wireless DeX, while the S24 supports wireless only.
  • Samsung Knox Security: Both come with Samsung Knox, a defense-grade security platform built into the hardware and software to protect user data from boot-up.
  • USB Type-C 3.2 Port: Both models feature a USB Type-C port that supports high-speed data transfer and fast charging.
  • eSIM & Dual SIM Options: Each supports eSIM functionality and dual SIM in select markets, offering flexibility for global users or frequent travelers.

Common Features

FeatureSamsung Galaxy S21 UltraSamsung Galaxy S24
Display TechnologyDynamic AMOLED 2XDynamic AMOLED 2X
Refresh Rate120Hz Adaptive120Hz Adaptive
HDR SupportHDR10+HDR10+
Fingerprint SensorUltrasonic under-displayUltrasonic under-display
5G ConnectivityYesYes
Wi-Fi SupportWi-Fi 6EWi-Fi 6E
Bluetooth VersionBluetooth 5.2Bluetooth 5.3
Stereo SpeakersYesYes
Face RecognitionYesYes
Water & Dust ResistanceIP68 certifiedIP68 certified
Wireless ChargingYesYes
Reverse Wireless ChargingYesYes
Samsung DeX SupportYesYes
Samsung Knox SecurityYesYes
USB-C PortUSB Type-C 3.2USB Type-C 3.2
Dual SIM SupportYesYes
Price Check S21 Ultra Price Check Samsung S24 Price

FAQ

Is the Galaxy S24 more compact than the Galaxy S21 Ultra?
Yes, the Galaxy S24 is significantly more compact and lightweight compared to the larger and heavier Galaxy S21 Ultra, making it easier to handle and more pocket-friendly.

Do both the Galaxy S21 Ultra and S24 have 5G support?
Yes, both smartphones support 5G connectivity, including sub-6GHz and mmWave bands depending on the region and carrier.

Which phone has better zoom capabilities?
The Galaxy S21 Ultra has superior zoom capabilities with dual telephoto lenses (3x and 10x optical) and up to 100x Space Zoom, while the Galaxy S24 is limited to 3x optical and 30x Space Zoom.

Does the Galaxy S24 support the S Pen like the S21 Ultra?
No, the Galaxy S24 does not support the S Pen, while the Galaxy S21 Ultra supports it with a dedicated digitizer (though the pen is sold separately).

Which device has a brighter screen?
The Galaxy S24 has a brighter display, reaching up to 2600 nits peak brightness compared to the S21 Ultra’s 1500 nits, which improves visibility under direct sunlight.

Is there a difference in selfie camera resolution?
Yes, the Galaxy S21 Ultra has a 40MP front camera, while the Galaxy S24 uses a 12MP front camera with enhanced processing and Super HDR support.

Do both phones support wireless charging?
Yes, both the Galaxy S21 Ultra and Galaxy S24 support 15W wireless charging and 4.5W reverse wireless charging for powering accessories.

Which phone will receive software updates for a longer period?
The Galaxy S24 will receive longer support with 7 years of Android OS and security updates, whereas the Galaxy S21 Ultra is limited to 4 OS updates and 5 years of security patches.

Does the Galaxy S24 have better AI features than the S21 Ultra?
Yes, the Galaxy S24 features Galaxy AI, which includes Live Translate, Circle to Search, and AI-generated photo editing tools, which are not available on the S21 Ultra.

What is the main difference in battery capacity?
The Galaxy S21 Ultra has a larger 5000mAh battery, while the Galaxy S24 has a smaller 4000mAh battery, though it benefits from a more efficient chipset.

Is there a difference in build quality between the two phones?
Yes, the Galaxy S24 uses newer materials like Gorilla Glass Victus 2 and Armor Aluminum 2, while the S21 Ultra uses the older Gorilla Glass Victus and standard aluminum frame.

Do both phones support Samsung DeX?
Yes, both support Samsung DeX. The S21 Ultra supports both wired and wireless DeX, while the S24 only supports wireless DeX mode.

Are stereo speakers present on both models?
Yes, both models feature stereo speakers tuned by AKG with Dolby Atmos support for immersive audio playback.

Is there a difference in storage performance?
Yes, the Galaxy S24 uses UFS 4.0 storage, which provides faster read/write speeds than the UFS 3.1 storage used in the Galaxy S21 Ultra.

Can both phones be used in water?
Yes, both the Galaxy S21 Ultra and Galaxy S24 have an IP68 rating, meaning they are dustproof and can withstand submersion in water up to 1.5 meters for 30 minutes.

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