Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G vs Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8
Compare Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G vs Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 side by side: Exynos 2100 / Snapdragon 888 5G (5 nm) vs Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5…
Samsung
Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G
$1,199
7categories won
Samsung
Galaxy Z Fold 8
$1,900
13categories won
1 categories tied · 21 scored in total · add a third phone
Which one wins?
Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G takes the overall win
The Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G claims the overall win over the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8, 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 Z Fold 8 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 Z Fold 8 if its specific hardware strengths better fit your budget.
Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G wins on endurance with 5,000 mAh and 25W fast charging.
Galaxy Z Fold 8 provides greater sustained gaming output with its Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 Mobile Platform for Galaxy and 16GB RAM.
Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G wins photography with 108MP main imaging and 10x dedicated optical zoom.
Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G provides a sharper value proposition, coming in at $1199 vs $1900.
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 Z Fold 8: specifications compared
Display
| Specification | Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G | Galaxy Z Fold 8 |
|---|---|---|
| Screen size | 6.8" | 7.6" |
| Resolution | 1440 x 3200Winner | 1848 x 2448 |
| Pixel density | 516 ppiWinner | 404 ppi |
| Refresh rate | 120 Hz | 120 Hz |
| Peak brightness | 1500 nits | 2400 nitsWinner |
Performance
| Specification | Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G | Galaxy Z Fold 8 |
|---|---|---|
| Chipset | Exynos 2100 / Snapdragon 888 5G (5 nm) | Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 Mobile Platform for Galaxy |
| Process node | 5 nm | 3 nmWinner |
| AnTuTu score | 870,000 | 2,400,000Winner |
| Geekbench multi | 3800 | 8900Winner |
| Maximum RAM | 12 GB | 16 GBWinner |
| Maximum storage | 128GB | 1TBWinner |
Camera
| Specification | Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G | Galaxy Z Fold 8 |
|---|---|---|
| Main sensor | 108 MPWinner | 50 MP |
| Rear cameras | 4Winner | 2 |
| Optical zoom | 10x | — |
| Ultrawide | 12 MP | 50 MPWinner |
| Selfie camera | 40 MPWinner | 10 MP |
| Max video | 8K at 24fps / 4K at 60fps all cameras | 8K at 30fps / 4K at 120fps |
Battery and charging
| Specification | Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G | Galaxy Z Fold 8 |
|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 5,000 mAhWinner | 4,800 mAh |
| Wired charging | 25 W | 45 WWinner |
| Wireless charging | 15 W | 20 WWinner |
Design
| Specification | Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G | Galaxy Z Fold 8 |
|---|---|---|
| Weight | 227 g | 201 gWinner |
| Thickness | 8.9 mm | 4.5 mmWinner |
| Water resistance | IP68 | IP48 |
| Build | Aluminum frame, Gorilla Glass Victus front and back | Armor Aluminum frame, glass back |
Software and support
| Specification | Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G | Galaxy Z Fold 8 |
|---|---|---|
| Operating system | Android 11 | Android 17 |
| OS updates | 4 years | 6 yearsWinner |
| Security updates | 5 years | 6 yearsWinner |
Connectivity and value
| Specification | Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G | Galaxy Z Fold 8 |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | $1,199Winner | $1,900 |
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
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8
The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 is a premium $1900 book-style foldable aimed at power users and multitasking enthusiasts. Featuring a remarkably thin 4.5mm profile, dual 120Hz AMOLED displays, and the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 chipset, it delivers high-end performance, though its high price demands serious investment.
- Display
- 7.6"
- Chipset
- Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 Mobile Platform for Galaxy
- Main camera
- 50MP
- Battery
- 4,800mAh
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