Apple iPhone 16 vs Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra
The Verdict
Apple's iPhone 16 delivers a modern, efficient flagship experience at a significantly lower price point than Samsung's Galaxy S21 Ultra. Both phones feature IP68 water resistance and 5G connectivity, but they diverge substantially in design and capabilities. iPhone 16 offers a brighter 2000-nit OLED display with newer A18 chip performance and current iOS 18 software, while the Galaxy S21 Ultra commands attention with its superior 120Hz LTPO display, larger 6.8-inch screen, and exceptional 108MP camera system with dual optical zoom lenses. Samsung's 5000mAh battery provides considerably more endurance than iPhone's 3561mAh capacity. However, the S21 Ultra arrives with older Android 11 software and heavier 227g build. For most users, iPhone 16's superior price-to-performance ratio, newer OS, and refined camera system justify the choice, especially given comparable everyday performance. Galaxy S21 Ultra suits professionals demanding zoom capabilities and battery longevity despite its premium pricing. iPhone 16 is the smarter purchase for value-conscious buyers.
Who Should Buy
Buy the Apple iPhone 16 if…
- →A18 chip enables Apple Intelligence
- →New Camera Control button
- →Compact and lightweight design
Buy the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra if…
- →100x Space Zoom with 10x optical telephoto
- →108 MP main sensor with excellent detail
- →S Pen support (first S-series to do so)
Category Scores
Pros & Cons
Apple iPhone 16
Pros
- A18 chip enables Apple Intelligence
- New Camera Control button
- Compact and lightweight design
- Improved 48 MP main camera
- Strong battery life for its size
Cons
- Still 60Hz display in 2024
- USB-C limited to USB 2.0 speeds
- No telephoto lens
- No always-on display
Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra
Pros
- 100x Space Zoom with 10x optical telephoto
- 108 MP main sensor with excellent detail
- S Pen support (first S-series to do so)
- 1440p 120Hz LTPO adaptive display
- 5000 mAh battery with all-day endurance
Cons
- Heavy at 227 g
- Snapdragon 888 can overheat under load
- S Pen sold separately, no silo slot
- Slow 25W charging for the class
- No charger or earbuds in the box
Full Specifications
| Spec | Apple iPhone 16 | Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra |
|---|---|---|
| Software | iOS 18 | Android 11, One UI 3.1 |
| Body | ||
| Weight | 170 g | 227 g |
| Material | Aluminum frame | Aluminum frame, Gorilla Glass Victus |
| IP rating | IP68 | IP68 |
| Dimensions | 147.6 x 71.6 x 7.8 mm | 165.1 x 75.6 x 8.9 mm |
| Camera | ||
| Main camera | 48 MP | 108 MP, f/1.8, OIS |
| Front camera | 12 MP | 40 MP, f/2.2 |
| Video | 4K@60fps Dolby Vision | 8K@24fps, 4K@60fps |
| Ultrawide | 12 MP | 12 MP, f/2.2 |
| Periscope | — | 10 MP, f/4.9, 10x optical zoom |
| Telephoto | — | 10 MP, f/2.4, 3x optical zoom |
| Memory | ||
| RAM | 8 GB | 12 GB |
| Storage options | 128 GB, 256 GB, 512 GB | 128 GB, 256 GB, 512 GB |
| Battery | ||
| Capacity | 3561 mAh | 5000 mAh |
| Charging | 20W wired | 25W wired |
| Wireless charging | 25W MagSafe | 15W wireless |
| Display | ||
| Size | 6.1 inches | 6.8 inches |
| Type | Super Retina XDR OLED | Dynamic AMOLED 2X, LTPO |
| Resolution | 2556 x 1179 | 3200 x 1440 |
| Refresh rate | 60Hz | 120Hz |
| Brightness (nits) | 2000 | 1500 |
| Processor | ||
| CPU | Hexa-core | Octa-core (1x2.84 GHz + 3x2.42 GHz + 4x1.8 GHz) |
| GPU | Apple GPU (5-core) | Adreno 660 |
| Chipset | Apple A18 | Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 |
| Connectivity | ||
| 5G | ||
| NFC | ||
| USB | USB-C 2.0 | USB-C 3.2 |
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 7 | Wi-Fi 6 |
| Bluetooth | 5.3 | 5.2 |
Related Comparisons
This comparison is based on verified manufacturer specifications covering display, performance, camera, battery, and build quality. Scores are generated by analyzing specs across weighted categories on a 10-point scale. Learn more about our methodology.
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