Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G • Unlocked vs Galaxy S23+ • Unlocked

The Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G, released in January 2021, and the Samsung Galaxy S23 Plus, launched in February 2023, represent different generations within Samsung's premium smartphone lineup. Both devices offer a high-end Android experience, but the S23 Plus introduces advancements in processing power, display brightness, and battery efficiency, alongside a refined camera system. Both operate on the Android platform, with Samsung's One UI overlay, providing a consistent user experience across the brand.

When considering the long-term usability of these devices, their release timelines and software support are key factors.

• Release Timeline: The Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G, released in January 2021, is an older model compared to the Galaxy S23 Plus, which launched in February 2023. This two-year difference directly impacts their remaining software support.
• OS Support Duration: Samsung typically provides several years of major Android operating system updates and extended security updates for its flagship devices. The Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G has likely received its final major OS updates by early 2026, with security updates continuing for a period. The Galaxy S23 Plus, being newer, is expected to receive major OS updates for a longer duration, potentially until 2028, offering a more extended period of current software features and security patches.
• Physical Durability: Both phones feature robust builds with IP68 water and dust resistance, contributing to their physical durability. The S23 Plus benefits from newer Gorilla Glass Victus 2 on its front and back, offering enhanced protection against drops and scratches compared to the Gorilla Glass Victus on the S21 Ultra 5G.

The performance of a smartphone is crucial for daily tasks, from app usage to demanding games and multitasking.

• Processing Capabilities: The Galaxy S23 Plus features a newer generation processor that offers improved efficiency and faster speeds for demanding applications and multitasking compared to the S21 Ultra 5G. This results in smoother operation and quicker app loading times on the S23 Plus.
• Battery Behavior: Despite the S21 Ultra 5G having a larger battery capacity (5000 mAh vs 4700 mAh), the S23 Plus often demonstrates better real-world battery longevity due to its more power-efficient processor and optimized software. The S21 Ultra 5G's larger, higher-resolution display can contribute to faster battery drain, especially with the 120Hz refresh rate enabled.
• Storage and RAM: Both devices offer ample internal storage options, typically ranging from 128GB to 512GB, though the S21 Ultra 5G also had a 1TB option. Neither device supports expandable storage via a microSD card. The S21 Ultra 5G was available with up to 16GB of RAM, while the S23 Plus typically comes with 8GB of RAM.

The display is a primary interaction point, and both devices offer high-quality viewing experiences with some notable differences.

• Display Technology and Resolution: Both devices feature Dynamic AMOLED 2X displays, known for vibrant colors and deep blacks. The Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G boasts a higher QHD+ resolution (3200 x 1440 pixels) across its 6.8-inch screen, resulting in a sharper image with a higher pixel density. The Galaxy S23 Plus has a 6.6-inch display with a Full HD+ resolution (2340 x 1080 pixels).
• Brightness and Refresh Rate: The Galaxy S23 Plus offers a higher peak brightness of 1750 nits, which can improve visibility in bright outdoor conditions. The S21 Ultra 5G has a peak brightness of 1500 nits. Both phones feature an adaptive refresh rate of up to 120Hz for smooth scrolling and responsiveness. The S21 Ultra 5G's adaptive refresh rate can go as low as 10Hz, while the S23 Plus can go as low as 48Hz.
• Screen Size and Viewing Experience: The S21 Ultra 5G provides a larger viewing area at 6.8 inches, which can be more immersive for media consumption and multitasking. The S23 Plus, at 6.6 inches, offers a slightly more compact form factor while still providing a substantial display.

Both smartphones offer capable camera systems, but they cater to slightly different photographic priorities.

• Rear Camera System: The Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G features a more versatile quad-camera setup, including a 108MP main sensor, a 12MP ultrawide, a 10MP telephoto with 3x optical zoom, and a 10MP periscope telephoto with 10x optical zoom, allowing for significant zoom capabilities. The Galaxy S23 Plus has a triple-camera system with a 50MP main sensor, a 12MP ultrawide, and a 10MP telephoto with 3x optical zoom.
• Photography Performance: The S21 Ultra 5G is often praised for its extensive zoom range and detailed shots, particularly with its dedicated periscope lens. The S23 Plus, while not matching the S21 Ultra's zoom, offers improved low-light performance and dynamic range, though some users report issues with heavy image processing leading to blurry or oversaturated photos in certain conditions.
• Video Recording and Front Camera: Both devices are capable of recording 8K video, with the S21 Ultra 5G at 24fps and the S23 Plus at 30fps. The S21 Ultra 5G features a 40MP front camera, while the S23 Plus has a 12MP front camera, both capable of capturing detailed selfies and video calls.