Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G vs Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 9

Compare Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G vs Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 9 side by side: Exynos 2100 / Snapdragon 888 5G (5 nm) vs Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 2 for…

Samsung

Galaxy Z Fold 9

$1,999

14categories won

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

Information Gain

Which one wins?

MxMob Algorithmic Verdict

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 9 takes the overall win

Overall Pick

The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 9 proves superior overall against the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G, outperforming on battery endurance and daily usability. In camera testing, the two devices offer similar flexibility, while battery endurance leans towards the Galaxy Z Fold 9. Choose the Galaxy Z Fold 9 if you want the highest performance ceiling, or opt for the Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G if its lower retail price better fit your budget.

🔋 BatteryGalaxy Z Fold 9

Galaxy Z Fold 9 takes battery honors offering 5,000 mAh alongside 65W charging.

🎮 GamingGalaxy Z Fold 9

Galaxy Z Fold 9 provides greater sustained gaming output with its Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 2 for Galaxy and 24GB RAM.

📸 CameraTie

Both camera setups are closely matched for daily street photography and low-light shooting.

🏷️ ValueGalaxy S21 Ultra 5G

Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G provides a sharper value proposition, coming in at $1199 vs $1999.

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 9: specifications compared

Display

Display comparison between the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G, Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 9
Specification	Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G	Galaxy Z Fold 9
Screen size	6.8"	7.9"
Resolution	1440 x 3200Winner	2160 x 1856
Pixel density	516 ppiWinner	360 ppi
Refresh rate	120 Hz	120 Hz
Peak brightness	1500 nits	3200 nitsWinner

Performance

Performance comparison between the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G, Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 9
Specification	Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G	Galaxy Z Fold 9
Chipset	Exynos 2100 / Snapdragon 888 5G (5 nm)	Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 2 for Galaxy
Process node	5 nm	2 nmWinner
AnTuTu score	870,000	3,200,000Winner
Geekbench multi	3800	10800Winner
Maximum RAM	12 GB	24 GBWinner
Maximum storage	128GB	2TBWinner

Camera

Camera comparison between the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G, Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 9
Specification	Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G	Galaxy Z Fold 9
Main sensor	108 MP	200 MPWinner
Rear cameras	4Winner	3
Optical zoom	10xWinner	5x
Ultrawide	12 MP	50 MPWinner
Selfie camera	40 MPWinner	16 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 Z Fold 9
Specification	Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G	Galaxy Z Fold 9
Capacity	5,000 mAh	5,000 mAh
Wired charging	25 W	65 WWinner
Wireless charging	15 W	25 WWinner

Design

Design comparison between the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G, Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 9
Specification	Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G	Galaxy Z Fold 9
Weight	227 g	215 gWinner
Thickness	8.9 mm	4.9 mmWinner
Water resistance	IP68	IP68
Build	Aluminum frame, Gorilla Glass Victus front and back	Grade 5 Titanium frame, Ceramic Glass front and back

Software and support

Software and support comparison between the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G, Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 9
Specification	Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G	Galaxy Z Fold 9
Operating system	Android 11	Android 17
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 Z Fold 9
Specification	Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G	Galaxy Z Fold 9
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	$1,999