Category Breakdown
Camera
Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G
Main sensor resolution (108 MP)
WinsBattery
Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G
Battery capacity (5,000 mAh)
WinsCharging
Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G
Wired charging speed (25W)
WinsPerformance
Pixel 8a
AnTuTu benchmark (1,193,520 pts)
WinsDisplay
Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G
Screen size (6.8")
WinsWeight
Pixel 8a
Total weight (188g)
WinsValue
Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G
Specs-per-dollar (server score) (10/10)
WinsFull Spec Comparison
| Spec | Pixel 8a | Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G |
|---|---|---|
Display | ||
| 6.1" | 6.8" | |
| 1,080 × 2,400 | 1,440 × 3,200 | |
| OLED | Dynamic AMOLED 2X | |
| 120Hz | 120Hz | |
| 2,000 nits | 1,500 nits | |
Camera | ||
| 64 MP | 108 MP | |
| Dual | Quad | |
| — | 10x | |
| Yes | Yes | |
| Fingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, barometer, compass, gyro, proximity | Fingerprint (under display, Fingerprint (under display, ultrasonic), accelerometer, barometer, compass, gyro, proximity, ultrasonic) | |
Performance | ||
| Google Tensor G3 (4 nm) | Exynos 2100 (5 nm) - InternationalQualcomm SM8350 Snapdragon 888 5G (5 nm) - USA/China | |
| 1,193,520 | 657,150 | |
| 2,427 | — | |
| 8 GB | 16 GB | |
| 256 GB | 512 GB | |
Battery | ||
| 4,492 mAh | 5,000 mAh | |
| 18W | 25W | |
| 8W | 15W | |
Build | ||
| 188g | 227g | |
| 8.9mm | 8.9mm | |
| Glass front (Gorilla Glass 3), aluminum frame, plastic back | Glass front (Gorilla Glass Victus), glass back (Gorilla Glass Victus), aluminum frame | |
| IP67 | IP68 | |
| Upper Mid-Range | Upper Mid-Range | |
Who Each Phone Is Really For
If your priorities differ from the verdict above, start here.
Best overall value
Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G
Highest value score — most specs per dollar.
Budget pick
Google Pixel 8a
Lowest price while still competitive.
Photography
Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G
Highest resolution main camera.