Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra (SM-G998U1 256GB) vs Apple iPhone XS (512GB)
Side by side comparison between Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra vs Apple iPhone XS phones, differences, pros, cons and full specifications. What's the better?
,
6.8"
AMOLED
AMOLED
1440x3200
108
MP
MP
40mp
12GB
RAM
RAM
Octa-core
5000
mAh
mAh
(Non removable)
vs
5.8"
AMOLED
AMOLED
1125x2436
12
MP
MP
7.1mp
4GB
RAM
RAM
Hexa-core
2658
mAh
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!
26 Advantages 
7 Advantages | 29 Common items in both devices |
| Dynamic AMOLED / Super AMOLED |
| HDR10+ / Dolby Vision/HDR10 |
| 16 million |
| Digital and optical zoom |
| PDAF: phase detection autofocus on both cameras / PDAF: phase detection autofocus |
| OIS: Optical stabilization |
| BSI sensor |
| +22 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 XS (512GB) | |
| Model | Galaxy S21 Ultra (SM-G998U1 256GB) | iPhone XS (512GB) |
| Other model names | Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G (SM-G998U1) Unlocked | iPhone Xs A1920, A2097, A2098, A2100 |
| Country or region available |  USA |  (Global, International) |
| Brand | Samsung | Apple |
| Release date | 1/29/2021, Announced: 1/14/2021 | 9/21/2018, Announced: 9/12/2018 |
| Depth | 8.9 millimeters (0.35 inches) | 7.7 millimeters (0.3 inches) |
| Size (width x height) | 75.6 x 165.1 millimeters (2.98 x 6.5 in) | 70.9 x 143.6 millimeters (2.79 x 5.65 in) |
| Weight | 227 grams (7.95 ounces) | 177 grams (6.2 ounces) |
| Build, materials | Aluminum frame, glass front/back | Stainless steel body, glass front/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 256GB) | iPhone XS (512GB) | |
| Display type | Dynamic AMOLED | Super AMOLED |
| Screen size | 6.8" inches | 5.8" inches |
| Screen-to-body ratio | ~89.4% (screen-to-body ratio) | ~81.1% (screen-to-body ratio) |
| Display resolution | 1440x3200 pixels (20:9) | 1125x2436 pixels (19.5:9) |
| Touchscreen | Capacitive Multitouch 10-points | Capacitive Multitouch 10-points |
| Pixel density (dot pitch) | 516 PPI | 463 PPI |
| Colors | 16 million | 16 million |
| Scratch-resistant glass | Gorilla Glass Victus | Scratch-resistant glass |
| Refresh rate | 120Hz | 60Hz |
| Display features | 1500nits[peak] HDR10+ Always-On Display | 625nits[typ] Dolby Vision/HDR10 Oleophobic coating screen |
🤖 Operating System | ||
| Galaxy S21 Ultra (SM-G998U1 256GB) | iPhone XS (512GB) | |
| System version | Android 11 | iOS 12 |
| Firmware update | Android 15 | iOS 18 |
| User Interface | One UI 3.1 / 4.1 / 5.1 / 6.0 / 7.0 | feature not registered |
⚙️ Processor | ||
| Galaxy S21 Ultra (SM-G998U1 256GB) | iPhone XS (512GB) | |
| Chipset | 64bit: Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 (SM8350) (5nm) | 64bit: Apple A12 Bionic (7nm) |
| 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) | Hexa-core, 2 processors: 2x 2.25GHz Vortex (Dual-core) 4x 1.6GHz Tempest (Quad-core) |
| GPU graphical controller | Qualcomm Adreno 660 (840MHz) | Apple GPU (4-Core) |
| Performance (benchmark) | AnTuTu: 681099 (v8), 809165 (v9) Geekbench: 3539 (v5.2) GFXBench: 54fps (ES 3.1 onscreen) | AnTuTu: 346379 (v7) Geekbench: 11472 (v4.4) GFXBench: 47fps (ES 3.1 onscreen) |
💽 Memory and storage | ||
| Galaxy S21 Ultra (SM-G998U1 256GB) | iPhone XS (512GB) | |
| RAM memory | 12GB LPDDR5 | 4GB LPDDR4X |
| Internal storage | 256GB (220GB available) UFS 3.1 | 512GB (498GB available) NVMe (SSD) |
| External storage | Not supported | Not supported |
📶 Mobile networks | ||
| Galaxy S21 Ultra (SM-G998U1 256GB) | iPhone XS (512GB) | |
| Dual-SIM | Dual-SIM Standby - Call active on one sim card | Not supported |
| SIM card | 1 slot (Single-SIM) nano-SIM (4FF) + e-SIM | 1 slot (Single-SIM) nano-SIM (4FF) |
| Maximum Download / Upload | 5000/1920 Mbps | 1024/150 Mbps |
| Network technology | 2G, 3G, 4G, 5G | 2G, 3G, 4G |
| 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 | CDMA 800/1900, GSM 850/900/1800/1900 |
| Primary 3G network | CDMA2000 1xEV-DO UMTS 850/900/1700/1900/2100 | All models: CDMA2000 1xEV-DO UMTS 850/900/1700/1900/2100 A2100 model: TD-SCDMA 1900/2000 |
| 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 Cat16 VoLTE A1920/A2100 models: LTE (Bands 1,2,3,4,5,7,8,12,13,14, 17, 18, 19,20,25,26,29,30,32,66,71) TD-LTE (Bands 34,38,39,40, 41,46) A2097 model: LTE (Bands 1,2,3,4,5,7,8,12,13,14, 17, 18, 19, 20,25,26,28,29,30,32,66) TD-LTE (Bands 34,38,39,40, 41,46) A2098 model: LTE (Bands 1,2,3,4,5,7,8,11,12,13,14, 17, 18, 19, 20,21,25,26,28,29,30,66) TD-LTE (Bands 34,38,39,40, 41,42,46) |
| Primary 5G network | SA/NSA/Sub6 (2, 5, 25, 41, 66, 71) mmWave (260, 261) | Not supported |
| 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, CDMA2000 EV-DO Rev 0, CDMA2000 EV-DO Rev A, TD-SCDMA, UMTS, TD-HSDPA, HSDPA, HSUPA, HSPA+, TD-LTE, LTE, LTE-A |
| Secondary 2G network | CDMA 800/1900, GSM 850/900/1800/1900 | Not supported |
| Secondary 3G network | CDMA2000 1xEV-DO UMTS 850/900/1700/1900/2100 | Not supported |
| 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 | Not supported |
| 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 | Not supported |
📷 Camera | ||
| Galaxy S21 Ultra (SM-G998U1 256GB) | iPhone XS (512GB) | |
| 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) 12 megapixels 12MP f/2.452mm1.0µm |
| Main camera resolution | 12000x9000 pixels | 4000x3000 pixels |
| Video recording (primary) | 8K UHD (7680x4320) 24 fps | 4K UHD (3840x2160) 60 fps |
| Flash | LED flash | Quad-LED flash |
| Focal aperture | f/1.8 (aperture) | f/1.8 (aperture) |
| Focal length | 26mm (lens) | 28mm (lens) |
| Sensor size | 1/1.33" inches | 1/2.55" inches |
| Pixel size | 1.8µm pixel | 1.4µm 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 | 1080p@240fps |
📸 Front camera | ||
| Galaxy S21 Ultra (SM-G998U1 256GB) | iPhone XS (512GB) | |
| Front camera (secondary) | 40 megapixels | 7.1 megapixels |
| Front camera resolution | 7296x5472 pixels | 3072x2304 pixels |
| Video recording (secondary) | 4K UHD (3840x2160) | Full HD (1920x1080) |
| Front flash | Not supported | Not supported |
| Focal aperture | f/2.2 (aperture) | f/2.2 (aperture) |
| Focal length | 26mm (lens) | 32mm (lens) |
| Sensor size | 1/2.8" inches | feature not registered |
| Pixel size | 0.7µm pixel | feature not registered |
🔉 Sound and multimedia | ||
| Galaxy S21 Ultra (SM-G998U1 256GB) | iPhone XS (512GB) | |
| Loudspeaker | Stereo sound 32-bit/384kHz Dolby Atmos Tuned by AKG | Stereo sound |
| Active noise cancellation | 3 microphones | 3 microphones |
| Radio | FM | Not supported |
| TV | Not supported | Not supported |
| Video formats | MP4, H.265, H.264, H.263, XviD, MKV | MPEG4, H.265, H.264, MOV |
| Audio formats | MP3, WAV, WMA, eAAC+, FLAC | MP3, WAV, AAX+, AIFF |
🔌 Connectivity | ||
| Galaxy S21 Ultra (SM-G998U1 256GB) | iPhone XS (512GB) | |
| USB | USB 3.2 Type-C, USB OTG On-The-Go | USB 2.0 proprietary connector |
| Audio output | Type-C reversible connector | proprietary audio output |
| TV output | USB Type-C (reversible) | Proprietary TV-out |
| 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 [wifi5] (2.4GHz, 5GHz) + MIMO WiFi hotspot |
| DLNA | Supported | Not supported |
| GPS | A-GPS, GeoTagging, GLONASS, GALILEO, BeiDou | A-GPS, GeoTagging, GLONASS, GALILEO, QZSS |
| NFC | Supported | Supported |
| Infrared port | Not supported | Not supported |
🧭 Sensors | ||
| Galaxy S21 Ultra (SM-G998U1 256GB) | iPhone XS (512GB) | |
| Sensors | Accelerometer Ambient light sensor Barometer Compass Face unlock 2D Fingerprint sensor (under display) Gesture Gyroscope Hall effect Proximity sensor UWB (Ultra Wideband) | Accelerometer Ambient light sensor Barometer Compass Face unlock 3D Gyroscope Proximity sensor |
| Vibrating alert | Supported | Supported |
🔋 Battery | ||
| Galaxy S21 Ultra (SM-G998U1 256GB) | iPhone XS (512GB) | |
| Battery type | LiPo: li-ion polymer (Non removable) | Li-Ion: lithium-ion (Non removable) |
| Battery capacity | 5000 mAh | 2658 mAh |
| Charger, watts | 25W Wired fast charging USB Power Delivery 3.0 | 15W Wired fast charging USB Power Delivery 2.0 |
| Inductive / wireless charging | 15W Qi wireless charging (Qi/PMA) 4.5W Reverse wireless charging | Qi wireless charging |
| Talk time autonomy | feature not registered | 20 hours |
| Standby | feature not registered | feature not registered |
➕ Other features | ||
| Galaxy S21 Ultra (SM-G998U1 256GB) | iPhone XS (512GB) | |
| 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: Space Gray, Silver, Gold • Lightning to 3.5mm headphone jack adapter included • Apple Pay • AirDrop, iCloud, FaceTime, Siri • Face ID |
☢️ Radiation rate | ||
| Galaxy S21 Ultra (SM-G998U1 256GB) | iPhone XS (512GB) | |
| 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 registered | feature not registered |