Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G • Unlocked vs Galaxy S21+ 5G • Unlocked

The Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G and the Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G, both released in January 2021, are part of the same flagship smartphone series. While they share a common design language and the Android operating system, they cater to slightly different user needs through variations in display quality, camera capabilities, and overall size. The Ultra model offers a more advanced camera setup and a higher-resolution screen, while the Plus model provides a balanced experience in a slightly more compact form factor.

Both the Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G and the Galaxy S21+ 5G were launched in January 2021, meaning they started their software support lifecycle at the same time. They both run on Android 11 out of the box and are upgradable to newer Android versions, with Samsung typically providing several years of major OS updates and security patches.

• Software Longevity: Both devices are expected to receive similar durations of software support from Samsung, ensuring they remain functional and secure for an extended period.
• Physical Durability: Both models feature Corning Gorilla Glass Victus on the front and back, offering robust protection against drops and scratches. They also share an IP68 rating for dust and water resistance, capable of submersion in up to 1.5 meters of water for 30 minutes.
• Repairability: While specific repairability scores can vary, both devices are designed with modern smartphone construction, which generally involves specialized tools and expertise for internal repairs.

Both the Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G and the Galaxy S21+ 5G are equipped with the same generation of powerful processors, providing a consistent performance baseline for daily tasks and demanding applications. The primary difference in performance lies in the available RAM configurations.

• Multitasking and Responsiveness: The Galaxy S21 Ultra offers configurations with 12GB or 16GB of RAM, allowing for more intensive multitasking and keeping a greater number of applications open in the background without slowdowns. The Galaxy S21+ comes with 8GB of RAM, which is sufficient for most everyday usage and moderate multitasking.
• Storage Options: The S21 Ultra is available with 128GB, 256GB, or 512GB of internal storage, providing ample space for apps, photos, and videos. The S21+ offers 128GB or 256GB storage options. Neither device includes a microSD card slot for expandable storage.
• Battery Behavior: The Galaxy S21 Ultra features a 5,000 mAh battery, while the Galaxy S21+ has a 4,800 mAh battery. In real-world use, the S21 Ultra's larger battery, combined with its more power-efficient display technology, often translates to extended usage times, with some users reporting over 7 hours of screen-on time. The S21+ also offers reliable all-day battery life for many users.

Both devices feature Dynamic AMOLED 2X displays with adaptive 120Hz refresh rates, offering smooth scrolling and vibrant visuals. However, there are notable differences in resolution and size.

• Resolution and Clarity: The Galaxy S21 Ultra boasts a 6.8-inch display with a Quad HD+ resolution (3200 x 1440 pixels), resulting in a higher pixel density of 515 pixels per inch (PPI). This provides exceptionally sharp images and text. The Galaxy S21+ has a 6.7-inch display with a Full HD+ resolution (2400 x 1080 pixels) and a pixel density of 394 PPI, which still offers a clear and enjoyable viewing experience for most content.
• Brightness and Color: The S21 Ultra's display can reach a peak brightness of 1,500 nits, making it highly visible even in bright outdoor conditions and enhancing HDR content. It also incorporates a new low-power OLED technology for improved efficiency. The S21+ also offers impressive brightness and color accuracy, suitable for various viewing environments.
• Design and Viewing Experience: The S21 Ultra features a slightly curved display, while the S21+ has a flat display. The Ultra's larger screen and higher resolution provide a more immersive experience for media consumption and detailed work.

The camera systems are a significant differentiator, with the Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G featuring a more versatile and advanced setup for photography enthusiasts.

• Main Camera: The S21 Ultra features a 108MP main sensor, capturing highly detailed images, especially in good lighting. The S21+ has a 12MP wide-angle main camera, which still delivers quality photos in everyday scenarios.
• Zoom Capabilities: The S21 Ultra includes two dedicated telephoto lenses (one with 3x optical zoom and another with 10x optical zoom), providing superior long-range photography and up to 100x digital zoom. The S21+ features a 64MP telephoto lens with 3x hybrid optic zoom and up to 30x digital zoom.
• Front Camera and Video: The S21 Ultra has a 40MP front camera for high-resolution selfies and video calls. The S21+ has a 10MP front camera. Both devices are capable of recording 8K video at 24 frames per second and 4K video at 30/60 frames per second.