Skip to content
MxMob

Sign in to MxMob

Keep a shortlist across your devices, get told when a phone you are waiting for launches or drops in price, and save comparisons to come back to.

or

We store your email, name and what you save — nothing else, never sold, never used to target advertising. Delete it all any time from your account page. See our privacy policy.

Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G vs Samsung Galaxy S23 Plus

Compare Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G vs Samsung Galaxy S23 Plus side by side: Exynos 2100 / Snapdragon 888 5G (5 nm) vs Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 for Galaxy…

Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G official product image

Samsung

Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G

$1,199

9categories won

Samsung Galaxy S23 Plus official product image

Samsung

Galaxy S23 Plus

$999

9categories won

4 categories tied · 22 scored in total · add a third phone

Information Gain

Which one wins?

MxMob Algorithmic Verdict

Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G takes the overall win

Overall Pick

The Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G claims the overall win over the Samsung Galaxy S23 Plus, delivering a stronger technical package across battery endurance and core hardware. For battery longevity and charging speed, the Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G takes the lead, while the Galaxy S23 Plus is the clear choice for demanding 3D gaming and heavy multitasking. Choose the Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G if you want the highest performance ceiling, or opt for the Galaxy S23 Plus if its lower retail price better fit your budget.

🔋 BatteryGalaxy S21 Ultra 5G

Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G wins on endurance with 5,000 mAh and 25W fast charging.

🎮 GamingGalaxy S23 Plus

Galaxy S23 Plus provides greater sustained gaming output with its Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 for Galaxy (4 nm) and 8GB RAM.

📸 CameraGalaxy S21 Ultra 5G

Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G wins photography with 108MP main imaging and 10x dedicated optical zoom.

🏷️ ValueGalaxy S23 Plus

Galaxy S23 Plus wins on budget and value at $999 compared to $1199.

Category verdicts are computed algorithmically from verified technical specifications and hardware benchmarks. Rows where neither figure is objectively better — screen size preference, operating system choice, aesthetic build materials — are displayed for direct reference without scoring bias.

Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G vs Galaxy S23 Plus: specifications compared

Display

Display comparison between the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G, Samsung Galaxy S23 Plus
SpecificationGalaxy S21 Ultra 5GGalaxy S23 Plus
Screen size
6.8"
6.6"
Resolution
1440 x 3200Winner
1080 x 2340
Pixel density
516 ppiWinner
390 ppi
Refresh rate
120 Hz
120 Hz
Peak brightness
1500 nits
1750 nitsWinner

Performance

Performance comparison between the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G, Samsung Galaxy S23 Plus
SpecificationGalaxy S21 Ultra 5GGalaxy S23 Plus
Chipset
Exynos 2100 / Snapdragon 888 5G (5 nm)
Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 for Galaxy (4 nm)
Process node
5 nm
4 nmWinner
AnTuTu score
870,000
3,200,000Winner
Geekbench multi
3800
10800Winner
Maximum RAM
12 GBWinner
8 GB
Maximum storage
128GB
512GBWinner

Camera

Camera comparison between the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G, Samsung Galaxy S23 Plus
SpecificationGalaxy S21 Ultra 5GGalaxy S23 Plus
Main sensor
108 MPWinner
50 MP
Rear cameras
4Winner
3
Optical zoom
10xWinner
3x
Ultrawide
12 MP
12 MP
Selfie camera
40 MPWinner
12 MP
Max video
8K at 24fps / 4K at 60fps all cameras
8K at 30fps

Battery and charging

Battery and charging comparison between the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G, Samsung Galaxy S23 Plus
SpecificationGalaxy S21 Ultra 5GGalaxy S23 Plus
Capacity
5,000 mAhWinner
4,700 mAh
Wired charging
25 W
45 WWinner
Wireless charging
15 W
15 W

Design

Design comparison between the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G, Samsung Galaxy S23 Plus
SpecificationGalaxy S21 Ultra 5GGalaxy S23 Plus
Weight
227 g
196 gWinner
Thickness
8.9 mm
7.6 mmWinner
Water resistance
IP68
IP68
Build
Aluminum frame, Gorilla Glass Victus front and back
Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2 front and back, Armor Aluminum frame

Software and support

Software and support comparison between the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G, Samsung Galaxy S23 Plus
SpecificationGalaxy S21 Ultra 5GGalaxy S23 Plus
Operating system
Android 11
Android 13, upgradable to Android 15 (One UI 7)
OS updates
4 years
4 years
Security updates
5 yearsWinner
4 years

Connectivity and value

Connectivity and value comparison between the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G, Samsung Galaxy S23 Plus
SpecificationGalaxy S21 Ultra 5GGalaxy S23 Plus
5G
Yes
Yes
Wi-Fi
Wi-Fi 6E (802.11ax)
Wi-Fi 7 (802.11be, tri-band 2.4/5/6GHz, 320MHz bandwidth)
Storage expansion
None
None
3.5mm jack
No
No
Launch price
$1,199
$999Winner

Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G

The Galaxy S21 Ultra debuted Samsung's seamless Contour-Cut camera housing, simultaneously running 1440p QHD+ resolution alongside a buttery 120Hz refresh rate backed by 12GB to 16GB of RAM.

Display
6.8"
Chipset
Exynos 2100 / Snapdragon 888 5G (5 nm)
Main camera
108MP
Battery
5,000mAh
Full Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G specifications →

Samsung Galaxy S23 Plus

The Samsung Galaxy S23 Plus hit a flagship golden ratio with its customized Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 for Galaxy chip, 4700 mAh battery, 45W charging, 1750-nit AMOLED screen, and comprehensive Galaxy AI suite.

Display
6.6"
Chipset
Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 for Galaxy (4 nm)
Main camera
50MP
Battery
4,700mAh
Full Galaxy S23 Plus specifications →

Other comparisons