Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra vs Vivo iQOO 15T
The Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra (2021) runs on the Samsung Exynos 2100, while the Vivo iQOO 15T (2026) runs on the MediaTek Dimensity 9500; launch prices were $1199 and $499. By overall MobileRank rating, the Vivo iQOO 15T leads — 82/100 vs 61/100 (a 21-point difference). Key differences: the Vivo iQOO 15T has the bigger battery (8000 mAh vs 5000); the main camera is 108 MP vs 200 MP; the Vivo iQOO 15T is faster in AnTuTu (4,704,310 vs 1,074,182).
Profile comparison
Category scores
Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra
Vivo iQOO 15T
What makes Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra better?
- Overall rating 61/100
What makes Vivo iQOO 15T better?
- Higher AnTuTu: 4704310 vs 1074182
- Better Geekbench Single: 3293 vs 1435
- Better Geekbench Multi: 10243 vs 3555
- Bigger battery: 8000 vs 5000 mAh
- Faster charging: 100W vs 25W
- Better main camera: 200MP vs 108MP
- Higher refresh rate: 144Hz vs 120Hz
- Lighter: 216g vs 228g
- Cheaper at launch: $499 vs $1199
- Higher performance (97/100 vs 63/100)
- Better camera (65/100 vs 55/100)
- Longer battery life (75/100 vs 52/100)
- Better display (99/100 vs 89/100)
- Better portability (44/100 vs 33/100)
Comparison verdict
Comparing the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra vs the Vivo iQOO 15T, the Vivo iQOO 15T scores 21 points higher (82/100 vs 61/100). In the "performance" category, the Vivo iQOO 15T leads (97/100 vs 63/100). In the "camera" category, the Vivo iQOO 15T leads (65/100 vs 55/100). In the "battery" category, the Vivo iQOO 15T leads (75/100 vs 52/100). Value score: Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra — 32/100, Vivo iQOO 15T — 86/100; it shows how far a model sits above or below the usual level for its price, and is not part of the overall rating. In the "performance" category, the Vivo iQOO 15T significantly outperforms the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra (97/100 vs 63/100). In the "display" category, the Vivo iQOO 15T is a bit better (99/100 vs 89/100). In the "camera" category, the Vivo iQOO 15T is a bit better (65/100 vs 55/100). In the "battery" category, the Vivo iQOO 15T notably outperforms the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra (75/100 vs 52/100). In the "portability" category, the Vivo iQOO 15T is a bit better (44/100 vs 33/100).
Specs comparison
| Specification | Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra | Vivo iQOO 15T | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Processor | Samsung Exynos 2100 | MediaTek Dimensity 9500 | |
| AnTuTu | 1074182 | 4704310 | |
| Geekbench Single | 1435 | 3293 | |
| Geekbench Multi | 3555 | 10243 | |
| Display | 6.8" AMOLED | 6.8" LTPO AMOLED | |
| Resolution | 3200x1440 | 1440x3168 | |
| Refresh rate | 120 Hz | 144 Hz | |
| Battery | 5000 mAh | 8000 mAh | |
| Charging | 25W | 100W | |
| Wireless charging | 15W | 0W | |
| DXOMark (camera) | 117 | — | |
| Main camera | 108 MP | 200 MP | |
| Ultrawide | 12 MP | 50 MP | |
| Telephoto | 10 MP | 0 MP | |
| Front camera | 40 MP | 16 MP | |
| RAM | 12GB / 16GB | 12GB / 16GB | |
| Storage | 128GB / 256GB / 512GB | 256GB / 512GB / 1TB | |
| OS | Android 11 | Android 16 | |
| Brightness (peak) | 1500 nits | — | |
| NFC | yes | yes | |
| Protection | IP68 | IP68 | |
| Dimensions | 165.1×75.6×8.9 mm | — | |
| Weight | 228 g | 216 g | |
| Launch price | $1199 | $499 |
Camera comparison
Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra
- Main: 108MP f/1.8
- Ultrawide: 12MP
- Telephoto: 10MP
- Front: 40MP
Vivo iQOO 15T
- Main: 200MP f/1.8
- Ultrawide: 50MP
- Front: 16MP
Display comparison
Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra
- 6.8" AMOLED
- Resolution: 3200x1440
- Refresh rate: 120 Hz
Vivo iQOO 15T
- 6.8" LTPO AMOLED
- Resolution: 1440x3168
- Refresh rate: 144 Hz
Battery and charging
Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra
- 5000 mAh
- Wired: 25W
- Wireless: 15W
Vivo iQOO 15T
- 8000 mAh
- Wired: 100W
- No wireless charging
Overall performance score
We compared Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra and Vivo iQOO 15T, covering their specs and all relevant benchmarks.
Vivo iQOO 15T leads Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra by 77.2% in our overall performance rating.
Benchmarks
Launch prices and where to check today's
Launch price difference: $700. Vivo iQOO 15T was $700 cheaper at launch.
Detailed category analysis
performance
In the "performance" category, the Vivo iQOO 15T significantly outperforms the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra (97/100 vs 63/100).
display
In the "display" category, the Vivo iQOO 15T is a bit better (99/100 vs 89/100).
camera
In the "camera" category, the Vivo iQOO 15T is a bit better (65/100 vs 55/100).
battery
In the "battery" category, the Vivo iQOO 15T notably outperforms the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra (75/100 vs 52/100).
portability
In the "portability" category, the Vivo iQOO 15T is a bit better (44/100 vs 33/100).
Frequently asked questions
Which is better: the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra or the Vivo iQOO 15T?
The Vivo iQOO 15T significantly outperforms the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra by 21 points (82/100 vs 61/100).
What is the rating of the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra and the Vivo iQOO 15T?
The Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra has a MobileRank rating of 61/100, the Vivo iQOO 15T — 82/100.
Which has the better camera: the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra or the Vivo iQOO 15T?
The Vivo iQOO 15T leads on camera score (65/100 vs 55/100).
Which is more powerful: the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra or the Vivo iQOO 15T?
The Vivo iQOO 15T leads on performance (97/100 vs 63/100).
Should you choose the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra over the Vivo iQOO 15T?
The Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra is a better fit for active users. The Vivo iQOO 15T is a better fit for gamers and power users, those who care about battery life, budget-conscious buyers.