Xiaomi 12S Ultra (256GB/12GB) vs Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra (SM-G998U1 256GB)
Side by side comparison between Xiaomi 12S Ultra vs Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra phones, differences, pros, cons and full specifications. What's the better?
,
6.73"
AMOLED
AMOLED
1440x3200
50
MP
MP
32mp
12GB
RAM
RAM
Octa-core
4860
mAh
mAh
(Non removable)
vs
6.8"
AMOLED
AMOLED
1440x3200
108
MP
MP
40mp
12GB
RAM
RAM
Octa-core
5000
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!
10 Advantages 
13 Advantages | 33 Common items in both devices |
| 12GB LPDDR5 |
| 256GB (218GB available) / 256GB (220GB available) |
| UFS 3.1 |
| Dolby Vision/HDR10+ / HDR10+ |
| 120Hz |
| 1440x3200 pixels |
| Digital and optical zoom |
| +26 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 | ||
| Xiaomi 12S Ultra (256GB/12GB) | Galaxy S21 Ultra (SM-G998U1 256GB) | |
| Model | 12S Ultra (256GB/12GB) | Galaxy S21 Ultra (SM-G998U1 256GB) |
| Other model names | 小米12S Ultra 5G (2203121C) 12GB RAM | Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G (SM-G998U1) Unlocked |
| Country or region available |  (Global, International) |  USA |
| Brand | Xiaomi | Samsung |
| Release date | 7/9/2022, Announced: 7/4/2022 | 1/29/2021, Announced: 1/14/2021 |
| Depth | 9 millimeters (0.35 inches) | 8.9 millimeters (0.35 inches) |
| Size (width x height) | 74.97 x 163.17 millimeters (2.95 x 6.42 in) | 75.6 x 165.1 millimeters (2.98 x 6.5 in) |
| Weight | 225 grams (7.88 ounces) | 227 grams (7.95 ounces) |
| Build, materials | Aluminum frame, glass front, leather back | Aluminum frame, 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 | ||
| Xiaomi 12S Ultra (256GB/12GB) | Galaxy S21 Ultra (SM-G998U1 256GB) | |
| Display type | AMOLED | Dynamic AMOLED |
| Screen size | 6.73" inches | 6.8" inches |
| Screen-to-body ratio | ~89.4% (screen-to-body ratio) | ~89.4% (screen-to-body ratio) |
| Display resolution | 1440x3200 pixels (20:9) | 1440x3200 pixels (20:9) |
| Touchscreen | Capacitive Multitouch 10-points | Capacitive Multitouch 10-points |
| Pixel density (dot pitch) | 521 PPI | 516 PPI |
| Colors | 1 billion | 16 million |
| Scratch-resistant glass | Gorilla Glass Victus | Gorilla Glass Victus |
| Refresh rate | 120Hz | 120Hz |
| Display features | 1000nits[typ], 1500nits[peak] Dolby Vision/HDR10+ | 1500nits[peak] HDR10+ Always-On Display |
🤖 Operating System | ||
| Xiaomi 12S Ultra (256GB/12GB) | Galaxy S21 Ultra (SM-G998U1 256GB) | |
| System version | Android 12 | Android 11 |
| Firmware update | Android 13 | Android 14 |
| User Interface | MIUI 13 / 14 | One UI 3.1 / 4.1 / 5.1 / 6.0 |
⚙️ Processor | ||
| Xiaomi 12S Ultra (256GB/12GB) | Galaxy S21 Ultra (SM-G998U1 256GB) | |
| Chipset | 64bit: Qualcomm Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 (SM8475) (4nm) | 64bit: Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 (SM8350) (5nm) |
| CPU | Octa-core, 3 processors: 1x 3.19GHz ARM Cortex-X2 (Single-core) 3x 2.75GHz ARM Cortex-A710 (Triple-core) 4x 2GHz ARM Cortex-A510 (Quad-core) | 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) |
| GPU graphical controller | Qualcomm Adreno 730 (818MHz) | Qualcomm Adreno 660 (840MHz) |
| Performance (benchmark) | AnTuTu: 1039412 (v9) Geekbench: 4300 (v5.1) GFXBench: 51fps (ES 3.1 onscreen) | AnTuTu: 681099 (v8), 809165 (v9) Geekbench: 3539 (v5.2) GFXBench: 54fps (ES 3.1 onscreen) |
💽 Memory and storage | ||
| Xiaomi 12S Ultra (256GB/12GB) | Galaxy S21 Ultra (SM-G998U1 256GB) | |
| RAM memory | 12GB LPDDR5 | 12GB LPDDR5 |
| Internal storage | 256GB (218GB available) UFS 3.1 | 256GB (220GB available) UFS 3.1 |
| External storage | Not supported | Not supported |
📶 Mobile networks | ||
| Xiaomi 12S Ultra (256GB/12GB) | Galaxy S21 Ultra (SM-G998U1 256GB) | |
| Dual-SIM | Dual-SIM Standby - Call active on one sim card | Dual-SIM Standby - Call active on one sim card |
| SIM card | 2 slots (Dual-SIM) nano-SIM (4FF) | 1 slot (Single-SIM) nano-SIM (4FF) + e-SIM |
| Maximum Download / Upload | 2000/1024 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 | CDMA 800, GSM 850/900/1800/1900 | CDMA 800/1900, GSM 850/900/1800/1900 |
| Primary 3G network | CDMA2000 1xEV-DO UMTS 800/850/900/1700/1900/2100 | CDMA2000 1xEV-DO UMTS 850/900/1700/1900/2100 |
| Primary 4G network | LTE Cat20 (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 17, 18, 19, 26) TD-LTE (34, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42) VoLTE | 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 |
| Primary 5G network | SA/NSA (1, 3, 5, 8, 28, 38, 40, 41, 77, 78, 79) | SA/NSA/Sub6 (2, 5, 25, 41, 66, 71) mmWave (260, 261) |
| 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 | GPRS, EDGE, CDMA2000 EV-DO Rev 0, CDMA2000 EV-DO Rev A, UMTS, HSDPA, HSUPA, HSPA+, TD-LTE, LTE, LTE-A, SA/NSA, Sub6 |
| Secondary 2G network | GSM 850/900/1800/1900 | CDMA 800/1900, GSM 850/900/1800/1900 |
| Secondary 3G network | UMTS 800/850/900/1700/1900/2100 | CDMA2000 1xEV-DO UMTS 850/900/1700/1900/2100 |
| Secondary 4G network | LTE Cat20 (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 17, 18, 19, 26) TD-LTE (34, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42) VoLTE | 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 |
| Secondary data network | GPRS, EDGE, UMTS, HSDPA, HSUPA, HSPA+, TD-LTE, LTE, LTE-A, SA/NSA | GPRS, EDGE, CDMA2000 EV-DO Rev 0, CDMA2000 EV-DO Rev A, UMTS, HSDPA, HSUPA, HSPA+, TD-LTE, LTE, LTE-A, SA/NSA, Sub6 |
📷 Camera | ||
| Xiaomi 12S Ultra (256GB/12GB) | Galaxy S21 Ultra (SM-G998U1 256GB) | |
| Back camera (main camera) | (quad camera) 50 megapixels 48MP periscope telephoto f/4.1120mm1/2"0.8µmPDAFOIS5x-optical-zoom 48MP ultrawide f/2.213mm128°1/2"0.8µmDual-PixelPDAF 0.3MP TOF 3D depth | (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) | 8K UHD (7680x4320) 24 fps | 8K UHD (7680x4320) 24 fps |
| Flash | Dual-LED flash | LED flash |
| Focal aperture | f/1.9 (aperture) | f/1.8 (aperture) |
| Focal length | 23mm lens | 26mm lens |
| Sensor size | 1/1" inches | 1/1.33" inches |
| Pixel size | 1.6µm pixel | 1.8µm pixel |
| Autofocus | LDAF/PDAF: laser/phase detection autofocus | PDAF: phase detection autofocus on both cameras |
| 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@480fps Sony IMX989 Leica optics | 4K@60fps 1080p@240fps 720p@960fps |
📸 Front camera | ||
| Xiaomi 12S Ultra (256GB/12GB) | Galaxy S21 Ultra (SM-G998U1 256GB) | |
| 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/2.4 (aperture) | f/2.2 (aperture) |
| Focal length | 25mm lens | 26mm lens |
| Sensor size | feature not registered | 1/2.8" inches |
| Pixel size | 0.7µm pixel | 0.7µm pixel |
🔉 Sound and multimedia | ||
| Xiaomi 12S Ultra (256GB/12GB) | Galaxy S21 Ultra (SM-G998U1 256GB) | |
| Loudspeaker | Stereo sound 24-bit/192kHz Tuned by Harman Kardon | Stereo sound 32-bit/384kHz Dolby Atmos Tuned by AKG |
| Active noise cancellation | 2 microphones or more | 2 microphones or more |
| 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 | ||
| Xiaomi 12S Ultra (256GB/12GB) | Galaxy S21 Ultra (SM-G998U1 256GB) | |
| 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 | 5.2 + A2DP/LE | 5.2 + A2DP/LE |
| WiFi | 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/ax [wifi6E/6] (2.4GHz, 5GHz, 6GHz) + 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, QZSS, NavIC | A-GPS, GeoTagging, GLONASS, GALILEO, BeiDou |
| NFC | Supported | Supported |
| Infrared port | Supported | Not supported |
🧭 Sensors | ||
| Xiaomi 12S Ultra (256GB/12GB) | Galaxy S21 Ultra (SM-G998U1 256GB) | |
| Sensors | Accelerometer Ambient light sensor Barometer Compass Face unlock Fingerprint sensor (under display) Gyroscope 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 | ||
| Xiaomi 12S Ultra (256GB/12GB) | Galaxy S21 Ultra (SM-G998U1 256GB) | |
| Battery type | LiPo: li-ion polymer (Non removable) | LiPo: li-ion polymer (Non removable) |
| Battery capacity | 4860 mAh | 5000 mAh |
| Charger, watts | 67W Wired fast charging Reverse charging by cable Quick Charge 4 USB Power Delivery 3.0 | 25W Wired fast charging USB Power Delivery 3.0 |
| Inductive / wireless charging | 50W Qi wireless charging 10W Reverse wireless charging | 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 | ||
| Xiaomi 12S Ultra (256GB/12GB) | Galaxy S21 Ultra (SM-G998U1 256GB) | |
| 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: Black, Dark Green | • Colors: Phantom Black, Silver, Titanium, Navy, Brown • Samsung Pay (Visa, MasterCard) • Samsung DeX • Stylus pen support |
☢️ Radiation rate | ||
| Xiaomi 12S Ultra (256GB/12GB) | Galaxy S21 Ultra (SM-G998U1 256GB) | |
| SAR 1.6W/kg (USA, Mexico, etc.) | feature not registered | 0.77W/kg (head), 1.02W/kg (body) |
| SAR 2W/kg (Europe, UK, etc.) | feature not registered | feature not registered |