Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G Vs iPhone 15 Pro

Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G
Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G
Starting at

Refurbished price:£186.00

Versus £1,800.00 new

See options
iPhone 15 Pro
iPhone 15 Pro
Starting at

Refurbished price:£399.00

Versus £999.00 new

See options

Ratings

The Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G, released in January 2021, and the iPhone 15 Pro, launched in September 2023, represent flagship offerings from their respective manufacturers. These devices operate on distinct ecosystems, Android for the S21 Ultra and iOS for the iPhone 15 Pro, leading to fundamental differences in user experience. Key differentiators include their release timelines, display sizes, and camera system philosophies.

Scores

Durability

The practical lifespan of a smartphone is often influenced by its release timeline, software support, and physical durability.

  • Release Timeline: The Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G was introduced in January 2021, making it a device from an earlier generation. The iPhone 15 Pro, released in September 2023, benefits from a more recent launch date.
  • Software Longevity: The Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G received its final major Android OS update (Android 15) in May 2025, with security updates concluding around February 2026. The iPhone 15 Pro is expected to receive major iOS updates for approximately 5-7 years from its release, potentially extending its software support until around 2030-2032, with security updates continuing for an even longer period.
  • Build Materials: Both devices feature robust construction. The Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G incorporates Gorilla Glass Victus on its front and back, paired with an aluminum frame. The iPhone 15 Pro uses Ceramic Shield for its front display, a textured matte glass back, and a titanium frame. Both models carry an IP68 rating for dust and water resistance.

Year of Release

2021

2023

Compatible with latest Update

Yes

Yes

OS

Android

iOS

Foldable

No

No

Performance

Performance in daily use is shaped by a device's internal components, affecting everything from app responsiveness to battery endurance.

  • System Responsiveness: The iPhone 15 Pro, with its more recent processor, offers enhanced speed and efficiency for demanding applications and multitasking. The Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G, while still capable, relies on an earlier generation processor.
  • Multitasking Capabilities: The Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G was available with up to 16GB of RAM, providing ample capacity for running multiple applications simultaneously. The iPhone 15 Pro comes with 8GB of RAM, which is optimized for the iOS ecosystem to handle various tasks smoothly.
  • Battery Behavior: The Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G is equipped with a 5000 mAh battery, which many users report provides a full day of use under moderate conditions, though heavy usage may require mid-day charging. The iPhone 15 Pro has a 3274 mAh battery, and some users have noted that heavy use can lead to more frequent charging.

Memory (GB)

12 GB

8 GB

Screen quality

The visual experience on a smartphone is largely determined by its display technology and specifications.

  • Display Technology and Size: The Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G features a larger 6.8-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display, offering a spacious viewing area. The iPhone 15 Pro has a more compact 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR OLED display. Both technologies provide deep blacks and vibrant colors.
  • Resolution and Brightness: The S21 Ultra 5G boasts a QHD+ resolution (3200 x 1440 pixels), resulting in a high pixel density. The iPhone 15 Pro offers a resolution of 2556 x 1179 pixels. In terms of brightness, the iPhone 15 Pro can reach a higher peak brightness of 2000 nits, compared to the S21 Ultra 5G's 1500 nits, which can be beneficial for outdoor visibility.
  • Refresh Rate: Both devices feature adaptive refresh rates up to 120Hz, which contributes to smoother scrolling and more fluid animations.

Resolution

1440 x 3200

1179 x 2556

Screen type

Dynamic AMOLED 2X

LTPO Super Retina XDR OLED

Audiovisual

Camera systems are a significant aspect of modern smartphones, with both devices offering advanced photographic and videographic capabilities.

  • Rear Camera Systems: The Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G includes a versatile quad-camera setup, featuring a 108MP main sensor, a 12MP ultrawide lens, and two 10MP telephoto lenses providing 3x and 10x optical zoom. The iPhone 15 Pro has a triple-camera system, comprising a 48MP main sensor, a 12MP ultrawide, and a 12MP telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom.
  • Photography and Video Features: The S21 Ultra 5G is noted for its extensive zoom capabilities and can record video at up to 8K resolution. The iPhone 15 Pro excels in video recording with features like ProRes, and its main camera supports ProRAW for advanced photo editing.
  • Front Camera and Audio: The S21 Ultra 5G features a 40MP front camera, while the iPhone 15 Pro has a 12MP front camera. Some iPhone 15 Pro users have expressed disappointment with the front camera's performance. Both devices offer stereo speakers for media consumption.

Main camera

108 megapixels

48 megapixels

Front camera

40 megapixels

12 megapixels

Miscellaneous

Beyond core features, several practical elements contribute to the overall user experience of these smartphones.

  • Connectivity and Ports: Both devices support 5G networks and Wi-Fi 6E for fast wireless connectivity. The Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G uses Bluetooth 5.2, while the iPhone 15 Pro features the slightly newer Bluetooth 5.3. Both have transitioned to a USB-C port for charging and data transfer, with the iPhone 15 Pro supporting USB 3 speeds.
  • Biometric Security: The Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G offers an under-display fingerprint sensor and face recognition for unlocking. The iPhone 15 Pro relies on its Face ID system for secure authentication.
  • Physical Design and Handling: The Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G is a larger and heavier device, measuring 165.1 x 75.6 x 8.9 mm and weighing 227g. The iPhone 15 Pro is more compact and lighter at 146.6 x 70.6 x 8.25 mm and 187g, making it potentially easier for one-handed use. The S21 Ultra 5G also supports the S Pen (sold separately), offering additional functionality for note-taking and drawing. The iPhone 15 Pro introduces a customizable Action Button.

Weight

227 g

187 g

Screen size (in)

6.8

6.1

Mobile network

5G

5G

SIM card

Dual Physical SIM + eSIM

Physical SIM + eSIM

Carrier compatibility

Unlocked

Unlocked

Connector

USB-C

USB-C

The Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G and the iPhone 15 Pro cater to different user preferences, largely shaped by their respective operating systems and design philosophies. Users often praise the Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G for its expansive and vibrant display, its versatile camera system with impressive zoom capabilities, and the added functionality of S Pen support. However, some users have noted that its battery life, while generally good, might not consistently last a full day for heavy users, and the in-display fingerprint sensor has occasionally been reported as less reliable.

The iPhone 15 Pro is frequently lauded for its powerful performance, advanced video recording features like ProRes, and its more compact, lightweight design. Its long-term software support is also a significant advantage. Conversely, some initial user feedback highlighted concerns about battery life under heavy usage and occasional software issues, such as overheating or Wi-Fi connectivity problems, though many of these were addressed through updates.

Users prioritizing a large screen, extensive camera zoom, and the flexibility of the Android ecosystem with stylus support may find the Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G well-suited to their needs. Those who value a more compact device, cutting-edge processing power, advanced video capabilities, and the consistent, long-term software experience of iOS will likely lean towards the iPhone 15 Pro. Both devices offer robust features, and choosing between them often comes down to individual priorities within their distinct ecosystems. For those considering either device, exploring quality-assured refurbished options can be an eco-friendly alternative.

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