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Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G vs Samsung Galaxy S26

Compare Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G vs Samsung Galaxy S26 side by side: Exynos 2100 / Snapdragon 888 5G (5 nm) vs Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 / Samsung…

Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G official product image

Samsung

Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G

$1,199

7categories won

Samsung Galaxy S26 official product image

Samsung

Galaxy S26

$790

10categories won

5 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 S26, 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 S26 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 S26 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 S26

Galaxy S26 provides greater sustained gaming output with its Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 / Samsung Exynos 2600 and 12GB RAM.

📸 CameraGalaxy S21 Ultra 5G

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

🏷️ ValueGalaxy S26

Galaxy S26 wins on budget and value at $790 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 S26: specifications compared

Display

Display comparison between the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G, Samsung Galaxy S26
SpecificationGalaxy S21 Ultra 5GGalaxy S26
Screen size
6.8"
6.3"
Resolution
1440 x 3200Winner
1080 x 2340
Pixel density
516 ppiWinner
409 ppi
Refresh rate
120 Hz
120 Hz
Peak brightness
1500 nits
2600 nitsWinner

Performance

Performance comparison between the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G, Samsung Galaxy S26
SpecificationGalaxy S21 Ultra 5GGalaxy S26
Chipset
Exynos 2100 / Snapdragon 888 5G (5 nm)
Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 / Samsung Exynos 2600
Process node
5 nm
2 nmWinner
AnTuTu score
870,000
3,064,672Winner
Geekbench multi
3800
10824Winner
Maximum RAM
12 GB
12 GB
Maximum storage
128GB
512GBWinner

Camera

Camera comparison between the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G, Samsung Galaxy S26
SpecificationGalaxy S21 Ultra 5GGalaxy S26
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 / 4K at 120fps

Battery and charging

Battery and charging comparison between the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G, Samsung Galaxy S26
SpecificationGalaxy S21 Ultra 5GGalaxy S26
Capacity
5,000 mAhWinner
4,300 mAh
Wired charging
25 W
25 W
Wireless charging
15 W
15 W

Design

Design comparison between the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G, Samsung Galaxy S26
SpecificationGalaxy S21 Ultra 5GGalaxy S26
Weight
227 g
167 gWinner
Thickness
8.9 mm
7.2 mmWinner
Water resistance
IP68
IP68
Build
Aluminum frame, Gorilla Glass Victus front and back
Glass front (Gorilla Glass Victus 2), glass back (Gorilla Glass Victus 2), aluminum frame

Software and support

Software and support comparison between the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G, Samsung Galaxy S26
SpecificationGalaxy S21 Ultra 5GGalaxy S26
Operating system
Android 11
Android 16
OS updates
4 years
7 yearsWinner
Security updates
5 years
7 yearsWinner

Connectivity and value

Connectivity and value comparison between the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G, Samsung Galaxy S26
SpecificationGalaxy S21 Ultra 5GGalaxy S26
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
$790Winner

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 S26

The Samsung Galaxy S26 is a premium compact smartphone suited for buyers who want top-tier performance without the bulk. Priced at $789.99, it pairs a powerful 2nm processor and exceptional seven-year update support with a bright 6.3-inch LTPO display, though its 25W charging speeds lag behind the competition.

Display
6.3"
Chipset
Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 / Samsung Exynos 2600
Main camera
50MP
Battery
4,300mAh
Full Galaxy S26 specifications →

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