Samsung Galaxy A55 (SM-A556E/DS 128GB) vs Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra (SM-G998B/DS 128GB)

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Side by side comparison between Samsung Galaxy A55 vs Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra phones, differences, pros, cons and full specifications. What's the better?

8/6/2024 8:02 PM, updated: 9/27/2024 2:43 AM

Compare Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra X Samsung Galaxy A55 (SM-A556E/DS 128GB) 05Points

Specifications Compare Models Pictures

6.6"
AMOLED

1080x2340

50
MP

32mp

8GB
RAM

Octa-core

5000
mAh

(Non removable)

17Points Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra (SM-G998B/DS 128GB) Compare Samsung Galaxy A55 X

Specifications Compare Models Pictures

6.8"
AMOLED

1440x3200

108
MP

40mp

12GB
RAM

Octa-core

5000
mAh

(Non removable)

What's the better phone? Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra (SM-G998B/DS 128GB)

The phonemore's choice is much more technical than personal. Therefore, you shouldn't only consider this. Our goal is to help you, but what's important to us may not be important to you. You decide which one is the best! Comment!

5 Advantages Samsung Galaxy A55 (SM-A556E/DS 128GB)	vs	17 Advantages Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra (SM-G998B/DS 128GB)
+2.75GHz 64bit Octa-core (4nm)11% More powerful processor, you can open your applications faster	vs	2.9GHz 64bit Octa-core (5nm)
+Until 1TB microSD, microSDXCAdvantage More external storage for files using memory cards	vs	Not supported
+213 grams (7.46 ounces)7% Lighter	vs	227 grams (7.95 ounces)
+8.2 millimeters (0.32 inches)9% Thinner	vs	8.9 millimeters (0.35 inches)
+5.3 + A2DP/LEAdvantage Bluetooth 5.3 + A2DP/LE is newer and faster	vs	5.2 + A2DP/LE
8GB LPDDR5	vs	+12GB LPDDR550% More RAM memory. Typically more responsive and better for multitasking.
1080x2340 pixels	vs	+1440x3200 pixels82% Higher resolution screen
390 PPI	vs	+516 PPI32% Crisper display of text, images and videos because it has more pixels per inch (ppi)
6.6"	vs	+6.8"3% Larger screen
(triple camera) 50MP + 12MP + 5MP	vs	+(quad camera) 108MP + 10MP + 10MP + 12MP109% Higher resolution main camera
Only digital zoom	vs	+Digital and optical zoomAdvantage The zoom allows for better focus and approach to take pictures
1/1.56" inches	vs	+1/1.33" inches17% The larger sensor camera lets you take photos with better depth.
(front) 32MP	vs	+(front) 40MP25% Higher resolution secondary camera to take pictures and selfies
4K UHD (3840x2160)	vs	+8K UHD (7680x4320)3 times More image quality for recording videos with the primary camera
(5G Sub6) 3000 Mbps	vs	+(5G SA/NSA) 5000 Mbps67% Faster for surfing the internet and download files
Not supported	vs	+BarometerAdvantage Sensors help you use the device
Virtual proximity sensor	vs	+Proximity sensorAdvantage Sensors help you use the device
Not supported	vs	+UWB (Ultra Wideband)Advantage Sensors help you use the device
Not supported	vs	+Qi wireless charging (Qi/PMA)Advantage Wireless charging is another way to charge the battery.
Not supported	vs	+FMAdvantage The radio lets you listen to your songs and sports in general
Not supported	vs	+DLNAAdvantage With DLNA technology you can access and play media files on TV, tablet or DLNA compatible device.
USB 2.0 Type-C, USB OTG On-The-Go	vs	+USB 3.2 Type-C, USB OTG On-The-GoAdvantage Newer and faster USB version for transferring photos, mp3 or data.

40 Common items in both devices

128GB (109GB available) / 128GB (101GB available)

UFS 3.1

Aluminum frame, glass front/back

Super AMOLED / Dynamic AMOLED

HDR10+

120Hz

16 million

+33 specs and more in the table below

Check the comparison table below for more items that are not evaluated in comparison score above.

Highlight differences

📱 Model features
	Galaxy A55 (SM-A556E/DS 128GB)	Galaxy S21 Ultra (SM-G998B/DS 128GB)
Change model		Choose the model
Model	Galaxy A55 (SM-A556E/DS 128GB)	Galaxy S21 Ultra (SM-G998B/DS 128GB)
Other model names	Galaxy A55 5G SM-A556E/Dual-SIM	Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G (SM-G998B/Dual-SIM)
Country or region available	(Latin America), Brazil	(Global, International)
Brand	Samsung	Samsung
Release date	3/15/2024, Announced: 3/11/2024	1/29/2021, Announced: 1/14/2021
Depth	8.2 millimeters (0.32 inches)	8.9 millimeters (0.35 inches)
Size (width x height)	77.4 x 161.1 millimeters (3.05 x 6.34 in)	75.6 x 165.1 millimeters (2.98 x 6.5 in)
Weight	213 grams (7.46 ounces)	227 grams (7.95 ounces)
Build, materials	Aluminum frame, glass front/back Back: Corning Gorilla Glass	Aluminum frame, glass front/back
Protection against water and others	IP67 certified: dust proof and waterproof over 1 meter and 30min	IP68 certified: water-resistant up to 1.5 meters for 30min and dust-resistant
📲 Display
	Galaxy A55 (SM-A556E/DS 128GB)	Galaxy S21 Ultra (SM-G998B/DS 128GB)
Display type	Super AMOLED	Dynamic AMOLED
Screen size	6.6" inches	6.8" inches
Screen-to-body ratio	~85.8% (screen-to-body ratio)	~89.4% (screen-to-body ratio)
Display resolution	1080x2340 pixels (19.5:9)	1440x3200 pixels (20:9)
Touchscreen	Capacitive Multitouch	Capacitive Multitouch 10-points
Pixel density (dot pitch)	390 PPI	516 PPI
Colors	16 million	16 million
Scratch-resistant glass	Gorilla Glass Victus	Gorilla Glass Victus
Refresh rate	120Hz	120Hz
Display features	HDR10+ Always-On Display	1500nits[peak] HDR10+ Always-On Display
🤖 Operating System
	Galaxy A55 (SM-A556E/DS 128GB)	Galaxy S21 Ultra (SM-G998B/DS 128GB)
System version	Android 14	Android 11
Firmware update	feature not registered	Android 14
User Interface	One UI 6.1	One UI 3.1 / 4.1 / 5.1 / 6.0
⚙️ Processor
	Galaxy A55 (SM-A556E/DS 128GB)	Galaxy S21 Ultra (SM-G998B/DS 128GB)
Chipset	64bit: Samsung Exynos 1480 (4nm)	64bit: Samsung Exynos 2100 (5nm)
CPU	Octa-core, 2 processors: 4x 2.75GHz ARM Cortex-A78 (Quad-core) 4x 2GHz ARM Cortex-A55 (Quad-core)	Octa-core, 3 processors: 1x 2.9GHz ARM Cortex-X1 (Single-core) 3x 2.8GHz ARM Cortex-A78 (Triple-core) 4x 2.2GHz ARM Cortex-A55 (Quad-core)
GPU graphical controller	Samsung Xclipse 530	ARM Mali-G78 MP14 (854MHz)
Performance (benchmark)	AnTuTu: 635598 (v9), 726158 (v10) Geekbench: 3259 (v5), 3350 (v6)	AnTuTu: 657150 (v8), 727634 (v9) Geekbench: 3457 (v5.2) GFXBench: 51fps (ES 3.1 onscreen)
💽 Memory and storage
	Galaxy A55 (SM-A556E/DS 128GB)	Galaxy S21 Ultra (SM-G998B/DS 128GB)
RAM memory	8GB LPDDR5	12GB LPDDR5
Internal storage	128GB (109GB available) UFS 3.1	128GB (101GB available) UFS 3.1
External storage	Until 1TB microSD, microSDXC (hybrid slot/shares the same SIM-2 slot)	Not supported
📶 Mobile networks
	Galaxy A55 (SM-A556E/DS 128GB)	Galaxy S21 Ultra (SM-G998B/DS 128GB)
Dual-SIM	Dual-SIM Standby - Call active on one sim card (hybrid slot/shares the same microSD slot)	Dual-SIM Standby - Call active on one sim card
SIM card	1 slot (Single-SIM) nano-SIM (4FF) + e-SIM	2 slots (Dual-SIM) nano-SIM (4FF) + e-SIM
Maximum Download / Upload	3000/1024 Mbps	5000/1920 Mbps
Network technology	2G, 3G, 4G, 5G	2G, 3G, 4G, 5G
Frequency, bands	Expand band details Collapse details
GSM MHz band	Quad-Band 850/900/1800/1900	Quad-Band 850/900/1800/1900
Primary 2G network	GSM 850/900/1800/1900	GSM 850/900/1800/1900
Primary 3G network	UMTS 850/900/1700/1900/2100	UMTS 850/900/1700/1900/2100
Primary 4G network	LTE Cat18 (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 20, 25, 26, 28, 66) TD-LTE (38, 40, 41) VoLTE	LTE Cat20 (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 28, 32, 66) TD-LTE (38, 39, 40, 41) VoLTE
Primary 5G network	SA/NSA/Sub6 (1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 26, 28, 40, 41, 66, 77, 78)	SA/NSA/Sub6 (1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41, 66, 77, 78)
Primary data network	GPRS, EDGE, UMTS, HSDPA, HSUPA, HSPA+, TD-LTE, LTE, LTE-A, SA/NSA, Sub6	GPRS, EDGE, UMTS, HSDPA, HSUPA, HSPA+, TD-LTE, LTE, LTE-A, SA/NSA
Secondary 2G network	Not supported	GSM 850/900/1800/1900
Secondary 3G network	Not supported	UMTS 850/900/1700/1900/2100
Secondary 4G network	Not supported	LTE Cat20 (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 28, 32, 66) TD-LTE (38, 39, 40, 41) VoLTE
Secondary data network	Not supported	GPRS, EDGE, UMTS, HSDPA, HSUPA, HSPA+, TD-LTE, LTE, LTE-A, SA/NSA
📷 Camera
	Galaxy A55 (SM-A556E/DS 128GB)	Galaxy S21 Ultra (SM-G998B/DS 128GB)
Back camera (main camera)	(triple camera) 50 megapixels 12MP ultrawide f/2.2123°1/3.06"1.12µm 5MP macro f/2.4	(quad camera) 108 megapixels 10MP periscope telephoto f/4.9240mm1/3.24"1.22µmPDAFOIS10x-optical-zoom 10MP telephoto f/2.470mm1/3.24"1.22µmPDAFOIS3x-optical-zoom 12MP ultrawide f/2.213mm1/2.55"1.4µmPDAFSuper-Steady-video
Main camera resolution	8160x6120 pixels	12000x9000 pixels
Video recording (primary)	4K UHD (3840x2160) 30 fps	8K UHD (7680x4320) 24 fps
Flash	LED flash	LED flash
Focal aperture	f/1.8 (aperture)	f/1.8 (aperture)
Focal length	feature not registered	26mm (lens)
Sensor size	1/1.56" inches	1/1.33" inches
Pixel size	1µm pixel	1.8µm pixel
Autofocus	PDAF: phase detection autofocus	PDAF: phase detection autofocus on both cameras
Touch focus	Supported	Supported
Image stabilization	OIS: Optical stabilization	OIS: Optical stabilization
Zoom	Only digital zoom	Digital and optical zoom
Face/smile detection	Face detection, Smile detection	Face detection, Smile detection
BSI sensor	Supported	Supported
HDR	HDR photo on both cameras	HDR photo/video on both cameras
Camera extras	4K@30fps 1080p@30/60fps 720p@240fps (slow motion)	4K@60fps 1080p@240fps 720p@960fps
📸 Front camera
	Galaxy A55 (SM-A556E/DS 128GB)	Galaxy S21 Ultra (SM-G998B/DS 128GB)
Front camera (secondary)	32 megapixels	40 megapixels
Front camera resolution	6528x4896 pixels	7296x5472 pixels
Video recording (secondary)	4K UHD (3840x2160)	4K UHD (3840x2160)
Front flash	Not supported	Not supported
Focal aperture	f/2.2 (aperture)	f/2.2 (aperture)
Focal length	26mm (lens)	26mm (lens)
Sensor size	1/2.74" inches	1/2.8" inches
Pixel size	0.8µm pixel	0.7µm pixel
🔉 Sound and multimedia
	Galaxy A55 (SM-A556E/DS 128GB)	Galaxy S21 Ultra (SM-G998B/DS 128GB)
Loudspeaker	Stereo sound	Stereo sound 32-bit/384kHz Dolby Atmos Tuned by AKG
Active noise cancellation	2 microphones or more	3 microphones
Radio	Not supported	FM
TV	Not supported	Not supported
Video formats	MP4, H.265, H.264, H.263, XviD, MKV	MP4, H.265, H.264, H.263, XviD, MKV
Audio formats	MP3, WAV, WMA, eAAC+, FLAC	MP3, WAV, WMA, eAAC+, FLAC
🔌 Connectivity
	Galaxy A55 (SM-A556E/DS 128GB)	Galaxy S21 Ultra (SM-G998B/DS 128GB)
USB	USB 2.0 Type-C, USB OTG On-The-Go	USB 3.2 Type-C, USB OTG On-The-Go
Audio output	Type-C reversible connector	Type-C reversible connector
TV output	USB Type-C (reversible)	USB Type-C (reversible)
Bluetooth	5.3 + A2DP/LE	5.2 + A2DP/LE
WiFi	802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/ax [wifi6] (2.4GHz, 5GHz) + MIMO WiFi Direct, hotspot	802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/ax [wifi6] (2.4GHz, 5GHz) + MIMO WiFi Direct, hotspot
DLNA	Not supported	Supported
GPS	A-GPS, GeoTagging, GLONASS, GALILEO, BeiDou, QZSS	A-GPS, GeoTagging, GLONASS, GALILEO, BeiDou
NFC	Supported	Supported
Infrared port	Not supported	Not supported
🧭 Sensors
	Galaxy A55 (SM-A556E/DS 128GB)	Galaxy S21 Ultra (SM-G998B/DS 128GB)
Sensors	Accelerometer Ambient light sensor Compass Face unlock Fingerprint sensor (under display) Gyroscope Hall effect Virtual proximity sensor	Accelerometer Ambient light sensor Barometer Compass Face unlock Fingerprint sensor (under display) Gesture Gyroscope Hall effect Proximity sensor UWB (Ultra Wideband)
Vibrating alert	Supported	Supported
🔋 Battery
	Galaxy A55 (SM-A556E/DS 128GB)	Galaxy S21 Ultra (SM-G998B/DS 128GB)
Battery type	Li-Ion: lithium-ion (Non removable)	LiPo: li-ion polymer (Non removable)
Battery capacity	5000 mAh	5000 mAh
Charger, watts	25W Wired fast charging	25W Wired fast charging USB Power Delivery 3.0
Inductive / wireless charging	Not supported	15W Qi wireless charging (Qi/PMA) 4.5W Reverse wireless charging
Talk time autonomy	feature not registered	feature not registered
Standby	feature not registered	feature not registered
➕ Other features
	Galaxy A55 (SM-A556E/DS 128GB)	Galaxy S21 Ultra (SM-G998B/DS 128GB)
Call control	Voice dialing, Voice recorder, Voice commands	Voice dialing, Voice recorder, Voice commands
Messaging	SMS (T9), MMS, E-mail, Push mail	SMS (T9), MMS, E-mail, Push mail
Hands-free calling	Supported	Supported
Video calling	Supported	Supported
Ringtones	Polyphonic and customized	Polyphonic and customized
Web browser	HTML, XHTML, HTML5	HTML, XHTML, HTML5
Antenna	Internal antenna	Internal antenna
Qwerty physical keyboard	Not supported	Not supported
Miscellaneous	• Colors: Navy, Iceblue, Lilac, Lemon	• Colors: Phantom Black, Silver, Titanium, Navy, Brown • Samsung Pay (Visa, MasterCard) • Samsung DeX • Stylus pen support
☢️ Radiation rate
	Galaxy A55 (SM-A556E/DS 128GB)	Galaxy S21 Ultra (SM-G998B/DS 128GB)
SAR 1.6W/kg (USA, Mexico, etc.)	feature not registered	0.24W/kg (head), 0.72W/kg (body)
SAR 2W/kg (Europe, UK, etc.)	feature not registered	0.714W/kg (head), 1.58W/kg (body)