Samsung S21 5g Vs S20 Ultra Is Upgrading Really Worth It

When Samsung released the Galaxy S21 5G, many owners of the S20 Ultra were left wondering: should I upgrade? After all, the S20 Ultra set a high bar with its 108MP camera, 120Hz display, and bold design. The S21 5G arrived as a more refined, slightly more affordable flagship—but does it offer enough new to justify leaving behind one of Samsung’s most powerful phones?

The answer isn’t simple. It depends on how you use your phone, what features matter most to you, and whether you’re still satisfied with your current device. This in-depth comparison breaks down every key area—from hardware and camera performance to software longevity and real-world usability—to help you make an informed decision.

Design and Build: Subtle Changes, Different Feel

The S20 Ultra stood out with its sleek, angular design and premium glass-and-metal construction. Its large 6.9-inch curved display gave it a futuristic look, but also made it bulky and harder to handle one-handed. The S21 5G, while slightly smaller at 6.2 inches, feels significantly more compact and balanced.

Samsung shifted materials with the S21 series, replacing glass on the back with a matte-finish polycarbonate plastic. While this reduces the “premium” feel, it makes the phone lighter (171g vs 220g) and less prone to fingerprints. The camera housing is now integrated into the metal frame, creating a seamless, modern aesthetic that divides opinion but undeniably stands out.

Tip: If you prioritize comfort and daily usability over luxury materials, the S21 5G’s lighter build may be a genuine upgrade—even if it’s not \"glass.\"

Display and Performance: Refinement Over Revolution

Both phones feature Dynamic AMOLED 2X displays with 120Hz refresh rates, HDR10+ support, and excellent brightness. The S20 Ultra has a slight edge in peak brightness (1500 nits vs 1300 nits) and resolution (QHD+ vs FHD+), but only under close inspection will most users notice the difference.

Performance-wise, the S21 5G uses the newer Exynos 2100 (or Snapdragon 888, depending on region), which offers about 10–15% better CPU and GPU performance than the S20 Ultra’s Exynos 990 or Snapdragon 865+. More importantly, it’s more power-efficient, contributing to better thermal management during extended gaming or video editing.

In real-world usage, both devices are exceptionally fast. Apps launch instantly, multitasking is smooth, and 5G connectivity is stable. However, the S21 5G benefits from improved Wi-Fi 6E support (in select models), offering faster wireless speeds in compatible environments.

“Flagship performance today is so advanced that generational gains are subtle. The real differentiators are efficiency and sustained performance.” — David Kim, Mobile Hardware Analyst at TechPulse Asia

Camera Comparison: Evolution, Not Leap

The S20 Ultra was a photography powerhouse, especially for zoom. Its 108MP main sensor and periscope telephoto lens offered up to 100x Space Zoom—a gimmicky number, but still impressive in controlled conditions. The S21 5G scales back to a 12MP main sensor, relying on pixel binning and improved processing rather than sheer megapixel count.

Here’s how the cameras stack up:

Feature	S20 Ultra	S21 5G
Main Sensor	108MP (f/1.8)	12MP (f/1.8, Dual Pixel AF)
Ultra-Wide	12MP (f/2.2)	12MP (f/2.2)
Telephoto	48MP (f/3.5, 100x zoom)	64MP (f/2.0, 3x hybrid zoom)
Front Camera	40MP (f/2.0)	10MP (f/2.2)
Video Recording	8K @ 24fps, 4K @ 60fps	8K @ 24fps, 4K @ 60fps

The S21 5G simplifies the setup but improves consistency. Its 64MP telephoto lens produces sharper mid-range zoom shots (up to 30x) with better low-light performance. The removal of the ToF sensor doesn’t significantly impact portrait mode thanks to enhanced AI processing.

For everyday photography, the S21 5G often produces more natural color tones and better dynamic range, especially in challenging lighting. Samsung also introduced Director’s View and Pro Video mode, giving creators more control over multi-lens recording.

Mini Case Study: Portrait Photographer’s Experience

Lena Park, a Seoul-based mobile photographer, upgraded from the S20 Ultra to the S21 5G primarily for portability. “I shoot street portraits and travel content,” she says. “The S20 Ultra’s zoom was incredible, but I rarely used beyond 10x. The S21 feels better in hand, focuses faster in low light, and the colors match my editing style more closely out of the box. For my work, the trade-off was worth it.”

Battery Life and Charging: Efficiency Gains Matter

The S20 Ultra packs a 5,000mAh battery—larger than the S21 5G’s 4,000mAh unit. Yet, in typical usage, both deliver similar endurance. How? The S21 5G’s smaller display, optimized processor, and adaptive 120Hz refresh rate (10–120Hz) reduce power draw significantly.

In real-world testing:

• S20 Ultra: Lasts 10–11 hours of screen-on time (SOT)
• S21 5G: Delivers 8.5–9.5 hours SOT, despite the smaller battery

Charging speeds remain unchanged: 25W wired, 15W wireless, and reverse wireless charging. However, the S21 5G ships without a charger or earbuds—a cost-cutting move that saves money but adds inconvenience.

Tip: If you're coming from the S20 Ultra, consider reusing your old 45W charger for faster top-ups on the S21 5G.

Software and Longevity: Where the S21 Pulls Ahead

This is a critical factor. Samsung promises four generations of Android OS updates and five years of security patches for the S21 series. In contrast, the S20 Ultra launched with Android 10 and will likely receive its final major update with Android 14.

If you plan to keep your phone beyond two years, the S21 5G offers longer software support, better future-proofing, and access to newer One UI features like enhanced DeX, improved privacy dashboard, and better tablet-like multitasking.

Additionally, the S21 5G supports newer Bluetooth 5.2 and improved location accuracy via dual-frequency GPS, which benefits navigation and fitness apps.

Is Upgrading Worth It? A Practical Checklist

Before deciding, ask yourself the following. Check each item that applies to your situation:

1. ✅ My S20 Ultra shows signs of battery degradation or performance lag
2. ✅ I value a lighter, more compact phone for daily use
3. ✅ I want longer software support (4+ OS updates)
4. ✅ I frequently record video and want better stabilization and audio options
5. ✅ I prefer consistent photo quality over extreme zoom capabilities
6. ✅ I’m willing to sacrifice some screen size and glass-back prestige for durability and comfort

If you checked three or more, upgrading makes sense. If you rely heavily on 100x zoom or love the QHD+ display, staying put is reasonable—especially if your S20 Ultra is still performing well.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can the S21 5G match the S20 Ultra’s zoom?

No, not in raw reach. The S20 Ultra’s 100x Space Zoom is unmatched. However, the S21 5G delivers sharper, more usable results between 10x and 30x due to its improved telephoto lens and AI processing. Beyond that, quality drops quickly on both.

Is the plastic back on the S21 5G durable?

Yes. While it lacks the premium feel of glass, the matte polycarbonate is scratch-resistant, less slippery, and doesn’t show smudges. Most users report fewer accidental drops and no cracking from minor impacts.

Should I wait for the S22 or S23 instead?

If you can wait, yes. But keep in mind that each generation brings incremental improvements. The core experience—performance, camera, display—is already excellent on the S21 5G. Waiting means missing out on nearly a year of flagship features.

Final Verdict: Upgrade Only If You Value Refinement Over Raw Power

The Samsung Galaxy S21 5G isn’t a revolutionary upgrade over the S20 Ultra. It’s a refinement—one that prioritizes balance, efficiency, and long-term usability over headline-grabbing specs. You lose the 108MP sensor and 100x zoom, but gain better ergonomics, longer software support, and more consistent camera performance.

If your S20 Ultra still runs smoothly and meets your needs, hold onto it. But if you’ve noticed slowdowns, carry discomfort, or want peace of mind with future updates, the S21 5G is a smart, practical step forward. It proves that sometimes, less—when thoughtfully designed—can actually be more.

🚀 Ready to make the switch? Evaluate your priorities using the checklist above, and share your thoughts. Have you upgraded? What changed your mind? Join the conversation below.