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Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra (SM-G998U1 256GB) vs Apple iPhone 16 Plus (256GB)

Side by side comparison between Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra vs Apple iPhone 16 Plus phones, differences, pros, cons and full specifications. What's the better?

,
Compare Apple iPhone 16 Plus X Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra (SM-G998U1 256GB) 16Points
6.8"
AMOLED

1440x3200

108
MP

40mp

12GB
RAM

Octa-core

5000
mAh

(Non removable)

vs
11Points Apple iPhone 16 Plus (256GB) Compare Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra X
6.7"
OLED

1290x2796

48
MP

12mp

8GB
RAM

Hexa-core

4674
mAh

(Non removable)

What's the better phone? Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra (SM-G998U1 256GB)

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!

Galaxy S21 Ultra (SM-G998U1 256GB)} 16 Advantages Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra (SM-G998U1 256GB) vs iPhone 16 Plus (256GB)} 11 Advantages Apple iPhone 16 Plus (256GB)
+12GB LPDDR550%
More RAM memory. Typically more responsive and better for multitasking.
vs8GB LPDDR5X
+120Hz100%
The display reproduces more frames per second because the frequency (Hertz) is higher, improves fluidity and tires your eyes less.
vs60Hz
+1440x3200 pixels28%
Higher resolution screen
vs1290x2796 pixels
+516 PPI12%
Crisper display of text, images and videos because it has more pixels per inch (ppi)
vs460 PPI
+6.8"1%
Larger screen
vs6.7"
+(quad camera) 108MP + 10MP + 10MP + 12MP133%
Higher resolution main camera
vs(dual camera) 48MP + 12MP
+Digital and optical zoomAdvantage
The zoom allows for better focus and approach to take pictures
vsOnly digital zoom
+1/1.33" inches17%
The larger sensor camera lets you take photos with better depth.
vs1/1.56" inches
+(front) 40MP2 times
Higher resolution secondary camera to take pictures and selfies
vs(dual front camera) 12MP + 0.3MP
+8K UHD (7680x4320)3 times
More image quality for recording videos with the primary camera
vs4K UHD (3840x2160)
+3500000 apps (Google Play Store)52%
More apps available to download and use
vs2300000 apps (App Store)
+Fingerprint sensor (under display)Advantage
Sensors help you use the device
vsNot supported
+5000 mAh7%
Battery - higher amperage (mAh) allows more device usage time, but it also depends on the hardware and use
vs4674 mAh
+FMAdvantage
The radio lets you listen to your songs and sports in general
vsNot supported
+DLNAAdvantage
With DLNA technology you can access and play media files on TV, tablet or DLNA compatible device.
vsNot supported
+USB 3.2 Type-C, USB OTG On-The-GoAdvantage
Newer and faster USB version for transferring photos, mp3 or data.
vsUSB 2.0 Type-C reversible connector
2.84GHz 64bit Octa-core (5nm)vs+3.78GHz 64bit Hexa-core (3nm)30%
More powerful processor, you can open your applications faster
UFS 3.1vs+NVMe (SSD)Advantage
Fastest write and read storage.
227 grams (7.95 ounces)vs+199 grams (6.97 ounces)14%
Lighter
8.9 millimeters (0.35 inches)vs+7.8 millimeters (0.31 inches)14%
Thinner
16 millionvs+1 billion62 times
More colors on the screen is better quality images and videos
LED flashvs+Dual-LED flashAdvantage
The Dual-LED flash helps in dark places or in low light
f/1.8 (aperture)vs+f/1.6 (aperture)13%
Diaphragm opening (Aperture) of the camera which has the smallest F number takes photos with better light exposure.
5G Sub6vs+5G mmWaveAdvantage
The 5G mmWave network is newer and faster
25Wvs+30W20%
More power (watts) to charge the battery faster. Sometimes, the charger that comes with the device doesn't have the same power supported by the device. Check before you buy it.
802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/ax [wifi6]vs+802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/ax/be [wifi7/6E/6]Advantage
WiFi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/ax/be [wifi7/6E/6] is newer and faster
5.2 + A2DP/LEvs+5.3 + A2DP/LEAdvantage
Bluetooth 5.3 + A2DP/LE is newer and faster

34 Common items in both devices
256GB (220GB available) / 256GB (230GB available)
Aluminum frame, glass front/back
Dynamic AMOLED / Super Retina XDR OLED
HDR10+ / Dolby Vision/HDR10
PDAF: phase detection autofocus on both cameras
OIS: Optical stabilization
BSI sensor
+27 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 Clear highlight

📱 Model features

Galaxy S21 Ultra (SM-G998U1 256GB)iPhone 16 Plus (256GB)
ModelGalaxy S21 Ultra (SM-G998U1 256GB)iPhone 16 Plus (256GB)
Other model namesGalaxy S21 Ultra 5G (SM-G998U1) UnlockediPhone 16 Plus (A3290, A3082, A3289, A3291)
Country or region availableUSA
USA
(Global, International)
(Global, International)
BrandSamsungApple
Release date1/29/2021, Announced: 1/14/20219/20/2024, Announced: 9/9/2024
Depth8.9 millimeters (0.35 inches)7.8 millimeters (0.31 inches)
Size (width x height)75.6 x 165.1 millimeters (2.98 x 6.5 in)77.8 x 160.9 millimeters (3.06 x 6.33 in)
Weight227 grams (7.95 ounces)199 grams (6.97 ounces)
Build, materialsAluminum frame, glass front/backAluminum frame, glass front/back
Protection against water and othersIP68 certified: water-resistant up to 1.5 meters for 30min and dust-resistantIP68 certified: water-resistant up to 1.5 meters for 30min and dust-resistant

📲 Display

Galaxy S21 Ultra (SM-G998U1 256GB)iPhone 16 Plus (256GB)
Display typeDynamic AMOLEDSuper Retina XDR OLED
Screen size6.8" inches6.7" inches
Screen-to-body ratio~89.4% (screen-to-body ratio)~88% (screen-to-body ratio)
Display resolution1440x3200 pixels (20:9)1290x2796 pixels (19.5:9)
TouchscreenCapacitive Multitouch 10-pointsCapacitive Multitouch 10-points
Pixel density (dot pitch)516 PPI460 PPI
Colors16 million1 billion
Scratch-resistant glassGorilla Glass VictusCeramic Shield
Refresh rate120Hz60Hz
Display features1500nits[peak]
HDR10+
Always-On Display
1000nits[typ], 2000nits[peak]
Dolby Vision/HDR10
Oleophobic coating screen
True-tone
Wide color gamut

🤖 Operating System

Galaxy S21 Ultra (SM-G998U1 256GB)iPhone 16 Plus (256GB)
System versionAndroid 11iOS 18
Firmware updateAndroid 15feature not registered
User InterfaceOne UI 3.1 / 4.1 / 5.1 / 6.0 / 7.0feature not registered

⚙️ Processor

Galaxy S21 Ultra (SM-G998U1 256GB)iPhone 16 Plus (256GB)
Chipset64bit: Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 (SM8350) (5nm)64bit: Apple A18 (3nm)
CPUOcta-core, 3 processors:
1x 2.84GHz Kryo 680 (Single-core)
3x 2.42GHz Kryo 680 (Triple-core)
4x 1.8GHz Kryo 680 (Quad-core)
Hexa-core, 2 processors:
2x 3.78GHz P-Core (Dual-core)
4x 2.1GHz E-Core (Quad-core)
GPU graphical controllerQualcomm Adreno 660 (840MHz)A18 GPU (5-core)
Performance (benchmark)AnTuTu: 681099 (v8), 809165 (v9)
Geekbench: 3539 (v5.2)
GFXBench: 54fps (ES 3.1 onscreen)
AnTuTu: 1539646 (v10)
Geekbench: 7988 (v6.0)

💽 Memory and storage

Galaxy S21 Ultra (SM-G998U1 256GB)iPhone 16 Plus (256GB)
RAM memory12GB LPDDR58GB LPDDR5X
Internal storage256GB (220GB available)
UFS 3.1
256GB (230GB available)
NVMe (SSD)
External storageNot supportedNot supported

📶 Mobile networks

Galaxy S21 Ultra (SM-G998U1 256GB)iPhone 16 Plus (256GB)
Dual-SIMDual-SIM Standby - Call active on one sim cardDual-SIM Standby - Call active on one sim card
SIM card1 slot (Single-SIM)
nano-SIM (4FF) + e-SIM
1 slot (Single-SIM)
nano-SIM (4FF) + e-SIM
Maximum Download / Upload5000/1920 Mbps5000/1024 Mbps
Network technology2G, 3G, 4G, 5G2G, 3G, 4G, 5G
Frequency, bands Expand band details Collapse details
GSM MHz bandQuad-Band 850/900/1800/1900Quad-Band 850/900/1800/1900
Primary 2G networkCDMA 800/1900, GSM 850/900/1800/1900CDMA 800/1900, GSM 850/900/1800/1900
Primary 3G networkCDMA2000 1xEV-DO
UMTS 850/900/1700/1900/2100
CDMA2000 1xEV-DO
UMTS 850/900/1700/1900/2100
Primary 4G networkLTE 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
VoLTE
A3290 (International):
LTE (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 28, 30, 32, 53, 66)
TD-LTE (34, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 48, 53)
A3082 e-SIM only (USA):
LTE (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 14, 17, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 28, 29, 30, 32, 53, 66, 71)
TD-LTE (34, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 48, 53)
A3289 (Canada, Mexico, EMEA):
LTE (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 11, 12, 13, 14, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 25, 26, 28, 29, 30, 32, 53, 66, 71
TD-LTE (34, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 48, 53)
A3291 No e-SIM (China):
LTE (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 28, 30, 32, 66)
TD-LTE (34, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 48)
Primary 5G networkSA/NSA/Sub6 (2, 5, 25, 41, 66, 71)
mmWave (260, 261)
A3290 (International):
SA/NSA/Sub6 (1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 12, 20, 25, 26, 28, 30, 38, 40, 41, 48, 53, 66, 70, 75, 76, 77, 78, 79)
A3082 e-SIM only (USA):
SA/NSA/Sub6 (1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 12, 14, 20, 25, 26, 28, 29, 30, 38, 40, 41, 48, 53, 66, 70, 71, 75, 76, 77, 78, 79)
mmWave (258, 260, 261)
A3289 (Canada, Mexico, EMEA):
SA/NSA/Sub6 (1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 12, 14, 20, 25, 26, 28, 29, 30, 38, 40, 41, 48, 53, 66, 70, 71, 75, 76, 77, 78, 79 SA/NSA/Sub6)
A3291 No e-SIM (China):
SA/NSA/Sub6 (1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 12, 20, 25, 26, 28, 30, 38, 40, 41, 48, 66, 70, 75, 76, 77, 78, 79)
Primary data networkGPRS, EDGE, CDMA2000 EV-DO Rev 0, CDMA2000 EV-DO Rev A, UMTS, HSDPA, HSUPA, HSPA+, TD-LTE, LTE, LTE-A, SA/NSA, Sub6GPRS, EDGE, CDMA2000 EV-DO Rev 0, CDMA2000 EV-DO Rev A, UMTS, HSDPA, HSUPA, HSPA+, TD-LTE, LTE, LTE-A, SA/NSA, Sub6, mmWave
Secondary 2G networkCDMA 800/1900, GSM 850/900/1800/1900Not supported
Secondary 3G networkCDMA2000 1xEV-DO
UMTS 850/900/1700/1900/2100
Not supported
Secondary 4G networkLTE 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
Not supported
Secondary data networkGPRS, EDGE, CDMA2000 EV-DO Rev 0, CDMA2000 EV-DO Rev A, UMTS, HSDPA, HSUPA, HSPA+, TD-LTE, LTE, LTE-A, SA/NSA, Sub6Not supported

📷 Camera

Galaxy S21 Ultra (SM-G998U1 256GB)iPhone 16 Plus (256GB)
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
(dual camera)
48 megapixels
12MP ultrawide f/2.213mm120°0.7µmPDAF
Main camera resolution12000x9000 pixels8000x6000 pixels
Video recording (primary)8K UHD (7680x4320) 24 fps4K UHD (3840x2160) 60 fps
FlashLED flashDual-LED flash
Focal aperturef/1.8 (aperture)f/1.6 (aperture)
Focal length26mm (lens)26mm (lens)
Sensor size1/1.33" inches1/1.56" inches
Pixel size1.8µm pixel1µm pixel
AutofocusPDAF: phase detection autofocus on both camerasPDAF: phase detection autofocus on both cameras
Touch focusSupportedSupported
Image stabilizationOIS: Optical stabilizationOIS: Optical stabilization
ZoomDigital and optical zoomOnly digital zoom
Face/smile detectionFace detection, Smile detectionFace detection, Smile detection
BSI sensorSupportedSupported
HDRHDR photo/video on both camerasHDR photo/video on both cameras
Camera extras4K@60fps
1080p@240fps
720p@960fps
4K@24/25/30/60fps
1080p@25/30/60/120/240fps
Dolby Vision HDR (60fps)

📸 Front camera

Galaxy S21 Ultra (SM-G998U1 256GB)iPhone 16 Plus (256GB)
Front camera (secondary)40 megapixels(dual front camera)
12 megapixels
0.3MP SL 3D
Front camera resolution7296x5472 pixels4000x3000 pixels
Video recording (secondary)4K UHD (3840x2160)4K UHD (3840x2160)
Front flashNot supportedNot supported
Focal aperturef/2.2 (aperture)f/1.9 (aperture)
Focal length26mm (lens)23mm (lens)
Sensor size1/2.8" inches1/3.6" inches
Pixel size0.7µm pixelfeature not registered

🔉 Sound and multimedia

Galaxy S21 Ultra (SM-G998U1 256GB)iPhone 16 Plus (256GB)
LoudspeakerStereo sound
32-bit/384kHz
Dolby Atmos
Tuned by AKG
Stereo sound
Dolby Atmos
Spatial Audio 3D
Active noise cancellation3 microphones3 microphones
RadioFMNot supported
TVNot supportedNot supported
Video formatsMP4, H.265, H.264, H.263, XviD, MKVMP4, H.265, H.264, H.263, XviD, MKV
Audio formatsMP3, WAV, WMA, eAAC+, FLACMP3, WAV, WMA, eAAC+, FLAC

🔌 Connectivity

Galaxy S21 Ultra (SM-G998U1 256GB)iPhone 16 Plus (256GB)
USBUSB 3.2 Type-C, USB OTG On-The-GoUSB 2.0 Type-C reversible connector
Audio outputType-C reversible connectorType-C reversible connector
TV outputUSB Type-C (reversible)USB Type-C (reversible)
Bluetooth5.2 + A2DP/LE5.3 + A2DP/LE
WiFi802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/ax [wifi6] (2.4GHz, 5GHz) + MIMO
WiFi Direct, hotspot
802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/ax/be [wifi7/6E/6] (2.4GHz, 5GHz, 6GHz) + MIMO
WiFi hotspot
DLNASupportedNot supported
GPSA-GPS, GeoTagging, GLONASS, GALILEO, BeiDouA-GPS, GeoTagging, GLONASS, GALILEO, BeiDou, QZSS
NFCSupportedSupported
Infrared portNot supportedNot supported

🧭 Sensors

Galaxy S21 Ultra (SM-G998U1 256GB)iPhone 16 Plus (256GB)
SensorsAccelerometer
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
Gyroscope
Proximity sensor
UWB (Ultra Wideband)
Vibrating alertSupportedSupported

🔋 Battery

Galaxy S21 Ultra (SM-G998U1 256GB)iPhone 16 Plus (256GB)
Battery typeLiPo: li-ion polymer (Non removable)Li-Ion: lithium-ion (Non removable)
Battery capacity5000 mAh4674 mAh
Charger, watts25W Wired fast charging
USB Power Delivery 3.0
30W Wired fast charging
4.5W Reverse charging by cable
USB Power Delivery 2.0
Inductive / wireless charging15W Qi wireless charging (Qi/PMA)
4.5W Reverse wireless charging
25W Qi wireless charging
Talk time autonomyfeature not registeredfeature not registered
Standbyfeature not registeredfeature not registered

➕ Other features

Galaxy S21 Ultra (SM-G998U1 256GB)iPhone 16 Plus (256GB)
Call controlVoice dialing, Voice recorder, Voice commandsVoice dialing, Voice recorder, Voice commands
MessagingSMS (T9), MMS, E-mail, Push mailSMS (T9), MMS, E-mail, Push mail
Hands-free callingSupportedSupported
Video callingSupportedSupported
RingtonesPolyphonic and customizedPolyphonic and customized
Web browserHTML, XHTML, HTML5HTML, XHTML, HTML5
AntennaInternal antennaInternal antenna
Qwerty physical keyboardNot supportedNot supported
Miscellaneous• Colors: Phantom Black, Silver, Titanium, Navy, Brown
• Samsung Pay (Visa, MasterCard)
• Samsung DeX
• Stylus pen support
• Colors: Black, White, Pink, Teal, Ultramarine
• Apple Intelligence
• Apple Pay
• Face ID
• MagSafe

☢️ Radiation rate

Galaxy S21 Ultra (SM-G998U1 256GB)iPhone 16 Plus (256GB)
SAR 1.6W/kg (USA, Mexico, etc.)0.77W/kg (head), 1.02W/kg (body)feature not registered
SAR 2W/kg (Europe, UK, etc.)feature not registeredfeature not registered
X

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