Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G vs Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra

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

Samsung

Galaxy S23 Ultra

$1,199

7categories won

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

Information Gain

Which one wins?

MxMob Algorithmic Verdict

Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra takes the overall win

Overall Pick

The Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra proves superior overall against the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G, outperforming on gaming and photography. In camera testing, the Galaxy S23 Ultra leads with superior optics, while battery endurance leans towards the Galaxy S23 Ultra. Choose the Galaxy S23 Ultra if you want the highest performance ceiling, or opt for the Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G if its specific hardware strengths better fit your budget.

🔋 BatteryGalaxy S23 Ultra

Galaxy S23 Ultra takes battery honors offering 5,000 mAh alongside 45W charging.

🎮 GamingGalaxy S23 Ultra

Galaxy S23 Ultra provides greater sustained gaming output with its Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 for Galaxy and 12GB RAM.

📸 CameraGalaxy S23 Ultra

Galaxy S23 Ultra takes photography with 200MP optics and 10x optical telephoto capabilities.

🏷️ ValueTie

Both handsets sit in the exact same pricing bracket around $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 Ultra: specifications compared

Display

Display comparison between the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G, Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra
Specification	Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G	Galaxy S23 Ultra
Screen size	6.8"	6.8"
Resolution	1440 x 3200Winner	1440 x 3088
Pixel density	516 ppiWinner	501 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 Ultra
Specification	Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G	Galaxy S23 Ultra
Chipset	Exynos 2100 / Snapdragon 888 5G (5 nm)	Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 for Galaxy
Process node	5 nm	4 nmWinner
AnTuTu score	870,000	1,520,000Winner
Geekbench multi	3800	5340Winner
Maximum RAM	12 GB	12 GB
Maximum storage	128GB	1TBWinner

Camera

Camera comparison between the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G, Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra
Specification	Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G	Galaxy S23 Ultra
Main sensor	108 MP	200 MPWinner
Rear cameras	4	4
Optical zoom	10x	10x
Ultrawide	12 MP	12 MP
Selfie camera	40 MPWinner	12 MP
Max video	8K at 24fps / 4K at 60fps all cameras	8K at 30fps / 4K at 60fps

Battery and charging

Battery and charging comparison between the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G, Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra
Specification	Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G	Galaxy S23 Ultra
Capacity	5,000 mAh	5,000 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 Ultra
Specification	Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G	Galaxy S23 Ultra
Weight	227 gWinner	234 g
Thickness	8.9 mm	8.9 mm
Water resistance	IP68	IP68
Build	Aluminum frame, Gorilla Glass Victus front and back	Armor Aluminum frame, Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2 front and back

Software and support

Software and support comparison between the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G, Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra
Specification	Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G	Galaxy S23 Ultra
Operating system	Android 11	Android 13
OS updates	4 years	4 years
Security updates	5 years	5 years

Connectivity and value

Connectivity and value comparison between the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G, Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra
Specification	Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G	Galaxy S23 Ultra
5G	Yes	Yes
Wi-Fi	Wi-Fi 6E (802.11ax)	Wi-Fi 6E (802.11ax)
Storage expansion	None	None
3.5mm jack	No	No
Launch price	$1,199	$1,199