Samsung Galaxy M21 vs Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra
The Samsung Galaxy M21 (2020) runs on the Exynos 9611, while the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra (2025) runs on the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite. By overall MobileRank rating, the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra leads — 80/100 vs 42/100 (a 38-point difference). Key differences: the Samsung Galaxy M21 has the bigger battery (6000 mAh vs 5000); the main camera is 48 MP vs 200 MP; the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra is faster in AnTuTu (3,128,552 vs 355,351); the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra has NFC for contactless payments, the Samsung Galaxy M21 doesn't; the Samsung Galaxy M21 is noticeably lighter (188g vs 218g).
Profile comparison
Category scores
Samsung Galaxy M21
Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra
What makes Samsung Galaxy M21 better?
- Bigger battery: 6000 vs 5000 mAh
- Lighter: 188g vs 218g
- Better portability (57/100 vs 46/100)
What makes Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra better?
- Higher AnTuTu: 3128552 vs 355351
- Better Geekbench Single: 3100 vs 365
- Better Geekbench Multi: 9760 vs 1107
- Faster charging: 45W vs 15W
- Better main camera: 200MP vs 48MP
- Higher performance (92/100 vs 25/100)
- Better camera (81/100 vs 36/100)
- Longer battery life (56/100 vs 51/100)
- Better display (88/100 vs 83/100)
Comparison verdict
Comparing the Samsung Galaxy M21 vs the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra, the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra scores 38 points higher (80/100 vs 42/100). In the "performance" category, the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra leads (92/100 vs 25/100). In the "camera" category, the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra leads (81/100 vs 36/100). In the "performance" category, the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra significantly outperforms the Samsung Galaxy M21 (92/100 vs 25/100). In the "display" category, the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra is a bit better (88/100 vs 83/100). In the "camera" category, the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra significantly outperforms the Samsung Galaxy M21 (81/100 vs 36/100). In the "battery" category, the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra is a bit better (56/100 vs 51/100). In the "portability" category, the Samsung Galaxy M21 is a bit better (57/100 vs 46/100).
Specs comparison
| Specification | Samsung Galaxy M21 | Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Processor | Exynos 9611 | Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite | |
| AnTuTu | 355351 | 3128552 | |
| Geekbench Single | 365 | 3100 | |
| Geekbench Multi | 1107 | 9760 | |
| Display | 6.4" Super AMOLED | 6.9" Dynamic AMOLED 2X | |
| Resolution | 1080x2340 | 3120x1440 | |
| Refresh rate | — | 120 Hz | |
| Battery | 6000 mAh | 5000 mAh | |
| Charging | 15W | 45W | |
| Wireless charging | 0W | 15W | |
| DXOMark (camera) | — | 151 | |
| Main camera | 48 MP | 200 MP | |
| Ultrawide | 8 MP | 50 MP | |
| Telephoto | 0 MP | 50 MP | |
| Front camera | 20 MP | 12 MP | |
| RAM | 4GB / 6GB | 12GB / 16GB | |
| Storage | 64GB / 128GB | 256GB / 512GB / 1TB | |
| OS | Android 10.0; One UI 2 | Android 15 / One UI 7 | |
| Brightness (peak) | 420 nits | 2600 nits | |
| NFC | no | yes | |
| Protection | — | IP68 | |
| Dimensions | 159.0×75.1×8.9 mm | 162.8×77.6×8.2 mm | |
| Weight | 188 g | 218 g | |
| Launch price | — | $1299 |
Camera comparison
Samsung Galaxy M21
- Main: 48MP f/2.0
- Ultrawide: 8MP
- Front: 20MP
Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra
- Main: 200MP f/1.7
- Ultrawide: 50MP
- Telephoto: 50MP
- Front: 12MP
Display comparison
Samsung Galaxy M21
- 6.4" Super AMOLED
- Resolution: 1080x2340
- Refresh rate: —
Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra
- 6.9" Dynamic AMOLED 2X
- Resolution: 3120x1440
- Refresh rate: 120 Hz
Battery and charging
Samsung Galaxy M21
- 6000 mAh
- Wired: 15W
- No wireless charging
Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra
- 5000 mAh
- NanoReview test: web browsing 11:10 hrs, total 28:43 hrs
- Wired: 45W
- Wireless: 15W
Overall performance score
We compared Samsung Galaxy M21 and Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra, covering their specs and all relevant benchmarks.
Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra leads Samsung Galaxy M21 by 88.6% in our overall performance rating.
Benchmarks
Launch prices and where to check today's
Samsung Galaxy M21
Price unknownDetailed category analysis
performance
In the "performance" category, the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra significantly outperforms the Samsung Galaxy M21 (92/100 vs 25/100).
display
In the "display" category, the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra is a bit better (88/100 vs 83/100).
camera
In the "camera" category, the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra significantly outperforms the Samsung Galaxy M21 (81/100 vs 36/100).
battery
In the "battery" category, the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra is a bit better (56/100 vs 51/100).
portability
In the "portability" category, the Samsung Galaxy M21 is a bit better (57/100 vs 46/100).
Frequently asked questions
Which is better: the Samsung Galaxy M21 or the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra?
The Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra significantly outperforms the Samsung Galaxy M21 by 38 points (80/100 vs 42/100).
What is the rating of the Samsung Galaxy M21 and the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra?
The Samsung Galaxy M21 has a MobileRank rating of 42/100, the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra — 80/100.
Which has the better camera: the Samsung Galaxy M21 or the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra?
The Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra leads on camera score (81/100 vs 36/100).
Which is more powerful: the Samsung Galaxy M21 or the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra?
The Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra leads on performance (92/100 vs 25/100).
Should you choose the Samsung Galaxy M21 over the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra?
The Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra is a better fit for gamers and power users, mobile photography enthusiasts.