Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra (SM-G998U1 128GB) vs Samsung Galaxy S21 FE (SM-G990E/DS 128GB/8GB)

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

1/19/2022 6:21 PM, updated: 11/21/2023 5:15 AM

Compare Samsung Galaxy S21 FE X Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra (SM-G998U1 128GB) 15Points

Specifications Compare Models Pictures

6.8"
AMOLED

1440x3200

108
MP

40mp

12GB
RAM

Octa-core

5000
mAh

(Non removable)

02Points Samsung Galaxy S21 FE (SM-G990E/DS 128GB/8GB) Compare Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra X

Specifications Compare Models Pictures

6.4"
AMOLED

1080x2400

12.2
MP

32mp

8GB
RAM

Octa-core

4500
mAh

(Non removable)

What's the better phone? Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra (SM-G998U1 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!

15 Advantages Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra (SM-G998U1 128GB)	vs	2 Advantages Samsung Galaxy S21 FE (SM-G990E/DS 128GB/8GB)
+2.84GHz 64bit Octa-core (5nm)5% More powerful processor, you can open your applications faster	vs	2.9GHz 64bit Octa-core (5nm)
+12GB LPDDR550% More RAM memory. Typically more responsive and better for multitasking.	vs	8GB LPDDR5
+1440x3200 pixels78% Higher resolution screen	vs	1080x2400 pixels
+516 PPI26% Crisper display of text, images and videos because it has more pixels per inch (ppi)	vs	411 PPI
+6.8"6% Larger screen	vs	6.4"
+(quad camera) 108MP + 10MP + 10MP + 12MP3 times Higher resolution main camera	vs	(triple camera) 12.2MP + 12MP + 8MP
+1/1.33" inches32% The larger sensor camera lets you take photos with better depth.	vs	1/1.76" inches
+(front) 40MP25% Higher resolution secondary camera to take pictures and selfies	vs	(front) 32MP
+8K UHD (7680x4320)3 times More image quality for recording videos with the primary camera	vs	4K UHD (3840x2160)
+(5G Sub6) 5000 Mbps150% Faster for surfing the internet and download files	vs	(5G SA/NSA) 2000 Mbps
+UWB (Ultra Wideband)Advantage Sensors help you use the device	vs	Not supported
+5000 mAh11% Battery - higher amperage (mAh) allows more device usage time, but it also depends on the hardware and use	vs	4500 mAh
+1 slot (Single-SIM) + e-SIM (Eletronic)Advantage You can have more mobile carriers/operators on the same device.	vs	2 slots (Dual-SIM)
+FMAdvantage The radio lets you listen to your songs and sports in general	vs	Not supported
+5.2 + A2DP/LEAdvantage Bluetooth 5.2 + A2DP/LE is newer and faster	vs	5.0 + A2DP/LE
227 grams (7.95 ounces)	vs	+177 grams (6.2 ounces)28% Lighter
8.9 millimeters (0.35 inches)	vs	+7.9 millimeters (0.31 inches)13% Thinner

39 Common items in both devices

128GB (101GB available) / 128GB (97GB available)

UFS 3.1

Aluminum frame, glass front/back / Aluminum body, glass front, plastic back

Dynamic AMOLED

HDR10+

120Hz

16 million

+32 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 S21 Ultra (SM-G998U1 128GB)	Galaxy S21 FE (SM-G990E/DS 128GB/8GB)
Change model		Choose the model
Model	Galaxy S21 Ultra (SM-G998U1 128GB)	Galaxy S21 FE (SM-G990E/DS 128GB/8GB)
Other model names	Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G (SM-G998U1) Unlocked	Galaxy S21 FE 5G SM-G990B/Dual-SIM (Exynos)
Country or region available	USA	Philippines, India, Malaysia, Thailand
Brand	Samsung	Samsung
Release date	1/29/2021, Announced: 1/14/2021	1/7/2022, Announced: 1/4/2022
Depth	8.9 millimeters (0.35 inches)	7.9 millimeters (0.31 inches)
Size (width x height)	75.6 x 165.1 millimeters (2.98 x 6.5 in)	74.5 x 155.7 millimeters (2.93 x 6.13 in)
Weight	227 grams (7.95 ounces)	177 grams (6.2 ounces)
Build, materials	Aluminum frame, glass front/back	Aluminum body, glass front, plastic back
Protection against water and others	IP68 certified: water-resistant up to 1.5 meters for 30min and dust-resistant	IP68 certified: water-resistant up to 1.5 meters for 30min and dust-resistant
📲 Display
	Galaxy S21 Ultra (SM-G998U1 128GB)	Galaxy S21 FE (SM-G990E/DS 128GB/8GB)
Display type	Dynamic AMOLED	Dynamic AMOLED
Screen size	6.8" inches	6.4" inches
Screen-to-body ratio	~89.4% (screen-to-body ratio)	~85.3% (screen-to-body ratio)
Display resolution	1440x3200 pixels (20:9)	1080x2400 pixels (20:9)
Touchscreen	Capacitive Multitouch 10-points	Capacitive Multitouch 10-points
Pixel density (dot pitch)	516 PPI	411 PPI
Colors	16 million	16 million
Scratch-resistant glass	Gorilla Glass Victus	Gorilla Glass Victus
Refresh rate	120Hz	120Hz
Display features	1500nits[peak] HDR10+ Always-On Display	1300nits[peak] HDR10+ Always-On Display
🤖 Operating System
	Galaxy S21 Ultra (SM-G998U1 128GB)	Galaxy S21 FE (SM-G990E/DS 128GB/8GB)
System version	Android 11	Android 12
Firmware update	Android 14	Android 14
User Interface	One UI 3.1 / 4.1 / 5.1 / 6.0	One UI 4.1 / 5.1 / 6.0
⚙️ Processor
	Galaxy S21 Ultra (SM-G998U1 128GB)	Galaxy S21 FE (SM-G990E/DS 128GB/8GB)
Chipset	64bit: Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 (SM8350) (5nm)	64bit: Samsung Exynos 2100 (5nm)
CPU	Octa-core, 3 processors: 1x 2.84GHz Kryo 680 (Single-core) 3x 2.42GHz Kryo 680 (Triple-core) 4x 1.8GHz Kryo 680 (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	Qualcomm Adreno 660 (840MHz)	ARM Mali-G78 MP14 (854MHz)
Performance (benchmark)	AnTuTu: 681099 (v8), 809165 (v9) Geekbench: 3539 (v5.2) GFXBench: 54fps (ES 3.1 onscreen)	feature not registered
💽 Memory and storage
	Galaxy S21 Ultra (SM-G998U1 128GB)	Galaxy S21 FE (SM-G990E/DS 128GB/8GB)
RAM memory	12GB LPDDR5	8GB LPDDR5
Internal storage	128GB (101GB available) UFS 3.1	128GB (97GB available) UFS 3.1
External storage	Not supported	Not supported
📶 Mobile networks
	Galaxy S21 Ultra (SM-G998U1 128GB)	Galaxy S21 FE (SM-G990E/DS 128GB/8GB)
Dual-SIM	Dual-SIM Standby - Call active on one sim card	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)
Maximum Download / Upload	5000/1920 Mbps	2000/1024 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	CDMA 800/1900, GSM 850/900/1800/1900	GSM 850/900/1800/1900
Primary 3G network	CDMA2000 1xEV-DO UMTS 850/900/1700/1900/2100	UMTS 850/900/1700/1900/2100
Primary 4G network	LTE Cat20 (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 14, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 28, 30, 66, 71) TD-LTE (38, 39, 40, 41, 46, 48) VoLTE	LTE Cat20 (1, 3, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 20, 28) TD-LTE (34, 38, 39, 40, 41) VoLTE
Primary 5G network	SA/NSA/Sub6 (2, 5, 25, 41, 66, 71) mmWave (260, 261)	SA/NSA/Sub6 (1, 3, 5, 8, 28, 41, 78, 79)
Primary data network	GPRS, EDGE, CDMA2000 EV-DO Rev 0, CDMA2000 EV-DO Rev A, 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	CDMA 800/1900, GSM 850/900/1800/1900	GSM 850/900/1800/1900
Secondary 3G network	CDMA2000 1xEV-DO UMTS 850/900/1700/1900/2100	UMTS 850/900/1700/1900/2100
Secondary 4G network	LTE Cat20 (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 14, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 28, 30, 66, 71) TD-LTE (38, 39, 40, 41, 46, 48) VoLTE	LTE Cat20 (1, 3, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 20, 28) TD-LTE (34, 38, 39, 40, 41) VoLTE
Secondary data network	GPRS, EDGE, CDMA2000 EV-DO Rev 0, CDMA2000 EV-DO Rev A, 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
📷 Camera
	Galaxy S21 Ultra (SM-G998U1 128GB)	Galaxy S21 FE (SM-G990E/DS 128GB/8GB)
Back camera (main camera)	(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	(triple camera) 12.2 megapixels 12MP ultrawide f/2.2123°13mm1/3"1.12µm 8MP telephoto f/2.476mm1/4.5"1.0µmPDAFOIS3x-optical-zoom
Main camera resolution	12000x9000 pixels	4032x3024 pixels
Video recording (primary)	8K UHD (7680x4320) 24 fps	4K UHD (3840x2160) 60 fps
Flash	LED flash	LED flash
Focal aperture	f/1.8 (aperture)	f/1.8 (aperture)
Focal length	26mm lens	26mm lens
Sensor size	1/1.33" inches	1/1.76" inches
Pixel size	1.8µm pixel	1.8µm pixel
Autofocus	PDAF: phase detection autofocus on both cameras	PDAF: phase detection autofocus
Touch focus	Supported	Supported
Image stabilization	OIS: Optical stabilization	OIS: Optical stabilization
Zoom	Digital and optical zoom	Digital and optical zoom
Face/smile detection	Face detection, Smile detection	Face detection, Smile detection
BSI sensor	Supported	Supported
HDR	HDR photo/video on both cameras	HDR photo/video on both cameras
Camera extras	4K@60fps 1080p@240fps 720p@960fps	4K@30/60fps 1080p@30/60fps 1080p@240fps (slow motion) 720p@960fps (slow motion)
📸 Front camera
	Galaxy S21 Ultra (SM-G998U1 128GB)	Galaxy S21 FE (SM-G990E/DS 128GB/8GB)
Front camera (secondary)	40 megapixels	32 megapixels
Front camera resolution	7296x5472 pixels	6528x4896 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	1/2.8" inches	1/2.74" inches
Pixel size	0.7µm pixel	0.8µm pixel
🔉 Sound and multimedia
	Galaxy S21 Ultra (SM-G998U1 128GB)	Galaxy S21 FE (SM-G990E/DS 128GB/8GB)
Loudspeaker	Stereo sound 32-bit/384kHz Dolby Atmos Tuned by AKG	Stereo sound 32-bit/384kHz Dolby Atmos Tuned by AKG
Active noise cancellation	2 microphones or more	2 microphones or more
Radio	FM	Not supported
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 S21 Ultra (SM-G998U1 128GB)	Galaxy S21 FE (SM-G990E/DS 128GB/8GB)
USB	USB 3.2 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 SlimPort®
Bluetooth	5.2 + A2DP/LE	5.0 + 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	Supported	Supported
GPS	A-GPS, GeoTagging, GLONASS, GALILEO, BeiDou	A-GPS, GeoTagging, GLONASS, GALILEO, BeiDou
NFC	Supported	Supported
Infrared port	Not supported	Not supported
🧭 Sensors
	Galaxy S21 Ultra (SM-G998U1 128GB)	Galaxy S21 FE (SM-G990E/DS 128GB/8GB)
Sensors	Accelerometer Ambient light sensor Barometer Compass Face unlock Fingerprint sensor (under display) Gesture Gyroscope Hall effect Proximity sensor UWB (Ultra Wideband)	Accelerometer Ambient light sensor Barometer Compass Face unlock Fingerprint sensor (under display) Gyroscope Hall effect Proximity sensor
Vibrating alert	Supported	Supported
🔋 Battery
	Galaxy S21 Ultra (SM-G998U1 128GB)	Galaxy S21 FE (SM-G990E/DS 128GB/8GB)
Battery type	LiPo: li-ion polymer (Non removable)	LiPo: li-ion polymer (Non removable)
Battery capacity	5000 mAh	4500 mAh
Charger, watts	25W Wired fast charging USB Power Delivery 3.0	25W Wired fast charging Reverse charging by cable USB Power Delivery 3.0
Inductive / wireless charging	15W Qi wireless charging (Qi/PMA) 4.5W Reverse wireless charging	15W Qi wireless charging 4.5W Reverse wireless charging
Talk time autonomy	feature not registered	feature not registered
Standby	feature not registered	feature not registered
➕ Other features
	Galaxy S21 Ultra (SM-G998U1 128GB)	Galaxy S21 FE (SM-G990E/DS 128GB/8GB)
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: Phantom Black, Silver, Titanium, Navy, Brown • Samsung Pay (Visa, MasterCard) • Samsung DeX • Stylus pen support	• Colors: Graphite, White, Lavender, Olive
☢️ Radiation rate
	Galaxy S21 Ultra (SM-G998U1 128GB)	Galaxy S21 FE (SM-G990E/DS 128GB/8GB)
SAR 1.6W/kg (USA, Mexico, etc.)	0.77W/kg (head), 1.02W/kg (body)	0.65W/kg (head), 1.19W/kg (body)
SAR 2W/kg (Europe, UK, etc.)	feature not registered	0.93W/kg (head), 1.319W/kg (body)