S21 Ultra vs S23 Ultra: Which Samsung Reigns Supreme?
Struggling to decide between the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra and its successor, the S23 Ultra? You’re not alone. Both phones boast impressive features and top-of-the-line specs, making the choice a tough one for any smartphone enthusiast.
This in-depth comparison dives into the key differences and similarities between these two powerhouses. We’ll explore everything from the camera capabilities and processing power to the battery life and overall design. Get ready to discover which device truly deserves your hard-earned money.
Whether you’re looking to upgrade from an older Samsung model or simply curious about the latest advancements, this article will equip you with the knowledge needed to make an informed decision. Let’s see how the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra stacks up against the formidable Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra.
Specs at a Glance:
| Feature | s21 ultra | s23 ultra |
|---|---|---|
| Display Size | 6.8 inches | 6.8 inches |
| Display Technology | Dynamic AMOLED 2X | Dynamic AMOLED 2X |
| Resolution | 1440 x 3200 pixels | 1440 x 3088 pixels |
| Processor | Exynos 2100 / Snapdragon 888 | Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 for Galaxy |
| RAM | 12GB / 16GB | 8GB / 12GB |
| Internal Storage | 128GB / 256GB / 512GB | 256GB / 512GB / 1TB |
| Main Camera | 108MP + 12MP + 10MP + 10MP | 200MP + 12MP + 10MP + 10MP |
| Front Camera | 40MP | 12MP |
| Battery | 5000 mAh | 5000 mAh |
| Charging Speed | 25W | 45W |
| Operating System | Android 11, upgradable | Android 13, upgradable |
| S Pen Support | Yes | Yes |
Feature-by-Feature Breakdown
Processor
- S21 Ultra: Powered by either a Snapdragon 888 or Exynos 2100 depending on the region. Offers solid performance for its time, handling most tasks with ease. However, it can show some thermal throttling under heavy loads.
- S23 Ultra: Features a custom-tuned Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 for Galaxy. Delivers significantly improved performance and efficiency. It handles demanding tasks and gaming with virtually no lag or thermal issues.
- Winner: S23 Ultra
Main Camera
- S21 Ultra: Boasts a 108MP main sensor, alongside ultrawide and telephoto lenses. Produces excellent images in good lighting conditions, and offers impressive zoom capabilities. Low-light performance is decent, but can struggle compared to newer generations.
- S23 Ultra: Features a refined 200MP main sensor, paired with improved ultrawide and telephoto lenses. Captures incredibly detailed images with enhanced dynamic range and superior low-light performance. Zoom capabilities are further improved, offering even better clarity at longer ranges.
- Winner: S23 Ultra
Display
- S21 Ultra: Equipped with a vibrant 6.8-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display with a 120Hz refresh rate. Provides a smooth and immersive viewing experience. Brightness is good, but may struggle slightly in direct sunlight compared to the S23 Ultra.
- S23 Ultra: Also features a 6.8-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display with a 120Hz refresh rate, but with improved brightness and efficiency. Offers a visibly brighter and more color-accurate display, making it easier to see in all conditions.
- Winner: S23 Ultra
Battery Life
- S21 Ultra: Comes with a 5000mAh battery, offering all-day battery life for moderate to heavy usage. Battery drain can be noticeable with intensive use of the camera or gaming.
- S23 Ultra: Also packs a 5000mAh battery, but with a more efficient processor and display. Battery life is noticeably improved, often lasting well into a second day with moderate use.
- Winner: S23 Ultra
Design and Build Quality
- S21 Ultra: Features a sleek design with a metal frame and Gorilla Glass Victus on both sides. Offers a premium feel, but the camera bump is quite pronounced.
- S23 Ultra: Refines the design with a more integrated camera module and a slightly boxier aesthetic. The build quality remains top-notch, with Gorilla Glass Victus 2 providing even greater durability.
- Winner: S23 Ultra
Software and Updates
- S21 Ultra: Launched with Android 11 and received updates, but is now nearing the end of its software support lifespan. Feature updates will be limited.
- S23 Ultra: Ships with Android 13 (upgradeable) and will receive several years of major Android updates and security patches. Provides a longer-term software experience.
- Winner: S23 Ultra
Stylus (S Pen)
- S21 Ultra: Supports the S Pen (sold separately), offering a stylus experience for note-taking and drawing. The pen is not integrated into the phone.
- S23 Ultra: Includes an integrated S Pen, with improved latency and functionality. The S Pen is stored within the phone’s body.
- Winner: S23 Ultra
Price and Value
- S21 Ultra: Available at lower prices on the used market, representing good value for money, especially if you prioritize features and performance over the latest technology.
- S23 Ultra: Commands a premium price, but offers cutting-edge technology and a superior user experience, making it a good investment for those who want the best.
- Winner: S23 Ultra
Winner by Category:
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Processor | s23 ultra |
| Main Camera | s23 ultra |
| Charging Speed | s23 ultra |
| Software | s23 ultra |
| Overall Performance | s23 ultra |
What They Have in Common:
- Display Technology: Both phones boast stunning Dynamic AMOLED 2X displays, providing vibrant colors and excellent clarity for an immersive viewing experience.
- S Pen Integration: Both the s21 Ultra and s23 Ultra offer seamless S Pen support, enhancing productivity and creativity with features like note-taking and precise drawing.
- 5g Connectivity: Both devices support 5G, ensuring fast download and streaming speeds for a smooth online experience.
- Water Resistance: Both phones are IP68 rated for water and dust resistance, providing peace of mind against accidental spills and exposure.
- Battery Capacity: Both phones share a 5000 mAh battery capacity, designed to provide all-day usage.
S21 Ultra Vs S23 Ultra Buying Guide
Performance and Processing Power
The Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra boasts a significant performance leap over the S21 Ultra, primarily due to the newer Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 for Galaxy processor. This new chip provides substantially faster processing speeds, improved graphics rendering, and enhanced overall responsiveness. The S21 Ultra, while still capable, utilizes either an Exynos or Snapdragon 888 processor, which is noticeably less efficient. This difference translates to smoother multitasking, faster app loading times, and a more fluid gaming experience on the S23 Ultra.
Camera Capabilities
The S23 Ultra’s camera system is a major upgrade. It features a 200MP main sensor, delivering sharper, more detailed images and improved low-light performance compared to the S21 Ultra’s 108MP sensor. The S23 Ultra also incorporates advanced image processing algorithms, resulting in better dynamic range, color accuracy, and overall image quality. The S23 Ultra offers improved zoom capabilities and video recording, making it a superior choice for photography enthusiasts.
Display Quality and Features
Both phones feature excellent displays, but the S23 Ultra refines the experience. While both offer vibrant AMOLED panels with high refresh rates, the S23 Ultra’s display is brighter and offers improved outdoor visibility. It also has refined color accuracy and supports adaptive refresh rate technology for smoother scrolling and better battery efficiency. The S23 Ultra’s display is also more resistant to scratches and impacts, thanks to improved glass technology.
Battery Life and Charging
The S23 Ultra generally delivers better battery life, owing to the more efficient processor and software optimization. While both phones have similar battery capacities, the S23 Ultra can last longer on a single charge. Both support fast charging, but the S23 Ultra might show slightly faster charging speeds in some scenarios. Wireless charging is available on both devices, providing convenient charging options.
Design and Build Quality
The S23 Ultra features a slightly refined design with a more boxy shape compared to the S21 Ultra. Both phones have a premium build with glass and metal construction, but the S23 Ultra uses more durable materials. The S23 Ultra also offers a more integrated S Pen slot, improving the overall aesthetics and user experience. Both devices are water and dust resistant, offering robust protection against the elements.
Software and User Experience
The S23 Ultra ships with the latest version of Samsung’s One UI, offering a more refined and feature-rich user experience. It benefits from longer software support and security updates. While the S21 Ultra is receiving updates, it will eventually fall behind in terms of software updates compared to the S23 Ultra. The S23 Ultra’s software is also optimized for its newer hardware, resulting in a smoother and more responsive user interface.
Who Should Buy What?
Buy s21 ultra If…
- You want a premium phone at a potentially lower price point.
- You are happy with a slightly older processor.
- You prioritize the classic Samsung design aesthetic.
- You want a phone with a great camera system without the absolute latest tech.
Buy s23 ultra If…
- You want the latest and greatest technology, including a more powerful processor.
- You need significantly improved camera performance, especially in low light.
- You desire faster charging speeds.
- You want the best possible performance and features Samsung has to offer.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the main differences between the S21 Ultra and S23 Ultra?
The S23 Ultra boasts a faster processor (Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 for Galaxy), a superior camera system (200MP sensor), a brighter display, and improved battery life. It also offers a more refined design and the latest software features. The S21 Ultra is still a capable phone, but the S23 Ultra provides a significant upgrade in nearly every aspect.
Is the S23 Ultra’s camera worth the upgrade?
Yes, the S23 Ultra’s camera is a major improvement. The 200MP sensor, combined with advanced image processing, delivers noticeably sharper, more detailed photos and better low-light performance. The improved zoom capabilities and video recording make it a superior choice for photography enthusiasts and those wanting higher quality photos and videos.
How does the battery life compare between the two phones?
The S23 Ultra generally offers better battery life due to its more efficient processor and software optimization. While both phones have similar battery capacities, the S23 Ultra can last longer on a single charge. The difference might not be huge, but it’s often noticeable, especially with heavy usage and longer gaming sessions.
Which phone is better for gaming?
The S23 Ultra is significantly better for gaming. The Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 for Galaxy processor offers a substantial performance boost, leading to smoother gameplay, faster loading times, and improved graphics rendering. The S23 Ultra also has a more efficient cooling system, helping to prevent thermal throttling during extended gaming sessions.
Does the S23 Ultra support the S Pen?
Yes, both phones support the S Pen. However, the S23 Ultra has a more integrated S Pen slot, making it more convenient to store and access. The S Pen functionality is largely the same on both devices, offering features like note-taking, drawing, and remote control capabilities. The S23 Ultra’s S Pen also offers slightly reduced latency for a more responsive feel.
Is the S23 Ultra more durable than the S21 Ultra?
Yes, the S23 Ultra is built with more durable materials. Both phones feature glass and metal construction, but the S23 Ultra’s display has improved scratch and impact resistance. The overall build quality of the S23 Ultra has been refined, making it a more robust device, better able to withstand the rigors of daily use.
Should I upgrade from the S21 Ultra to the S23 Ultra?
If you prioritize performance, camera quality, battery life, and the latest software features, then upgrading from the S21 Ultra to the S23 Ultra is a worthwhile investment. The S23 Ultra offers significant improvements in all these areas. However, if you are satisfied with the S21 Ultra’s performance and features, the upgrade may not be necessary.
Final Verdict
The Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra clearly outperforms the S21 Ultra in several key areas. With its superior processor, vastly improved camera system, enhanced display, and extended battery life, the S23 Ultra offers a more refined and compelling user experience. While the S21 Ultra remains a capable device, the S23 Ultra represents a significant upgrade, particularly for those seeking the best in mobile technology.
Winner: Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra