Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra vs Vivo X500
The Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra (2021) runs on the Samsung Exynos 2100, while the Vivo X500 (2026) runs on the MediaTek Dimensity 9600M; launch prices were $1199 and $820. By overall MobileRank rating, the Vivo X500 leads — 89/100 vs 61/100 (a 28-point difference). Key differences: the Vivo X500 has the bigger battery (7500 mAh vs 5000); the main camera is 108 MP vs 50 MP; the Vivo X500 is faster in AnTuTu (3,930,719 vs 1,074,182); the Vivo X500 is noticeably lighter (211g vs 228g).
Profile comparison
Category scores
Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra
Vivo X500
What makes Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra better?
- Better main camera: 108MP vs 50MP
- Overall rating 61/100
What makes Vivo X500 better?
- Higher AnTuTu: 3930719 vs 1074182
- Better Geekbench Single: 3302 vs 1435
- Better Geekbench Multi: 10240 vs 3555
- Bigger battery: 7500 vs 5000 mAh
- Faster charging: 90W vs 25W
- Higher refresh rate: 144Hz vs 120Hz
- Faster wireless charging: 40W vs 15W
- Lighter: 211g vs 228g
- Cheaper at launch: $820 vs $1199
- Higher performance (96/100 vs 63/100)
- Better camera (87/100 vs 55/100)
- Longer battery life (84/100 vs 52/100)
- Better display (94/100 vs 89/100)
- Better portability (50/100 vs 33/100)
Comparison verdict
Comparing the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra vs the Vivo X500, the Vivo X500 scores 28 points higher (89/100 vs 61/100). In the "performance" category, the Vivo X500 leads (96/100 vs 63/100). In the "camera" category, the Vivo X500 leads (87/100 vs 55/100). In the "battery" category, the Vivo X500 leads (84/100 vs 52/100). Value score: Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra — 32/100, Vivo X500 — 92/100; 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 X500 significantly outperforms the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra (96/100 vs 63/100). In the "display" category, the Vivo X500 is a bit better (94/100 vs 89/100). In the "camera" category, the Vivo X500 significantly outperforms the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra (87/100 vs 55/100). In the "battery" category, the Vivo X500 significantly outperforms the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra (84/100 vs 52/100). In the "portability" category, the Vivo X500 notably outperforms the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra (50/100 vs 33/100).
Specs comparison
| Specification | Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra | Vivo X500 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Processor | Samsung Exynos 2100 | MediaTek Dimensity 9600M | |
| AnTuTu | 1074182 | 3930719 | |
| Geekbench Single | 1435 | 3302 | |
| Geekbench Multi | 3555 | 10240 | |
| Display | 6.8" AMOLED | 6.6" AMOLED | |
| Resolution | 3200x1440 | 1260x2750 | |
| Refresh rate | 120 Hz | 144 Hz | |
| Battery | 5000 mAh | 7500 mAh | |
| Charging | 25W | 90W | |
| Wireless charging | 15W | 40W | |
| DXOMark (camera) | 117 | — | |
| Main camera | 108 MP | 50 MP | |
| Ultrawide | 12 MP | 50 MP | |
| Telephoto | 10 MP | 64 MP | |
| Front camera | 40 MP | 50 MP | |
| RAM | 12GB / 16GB | 12GB | |
| Storage | 128GB / 256GB / 512GB | 256GB / 512GB / 1TB | |
| OS | Android 11 | Android 17 | |
| Brightness (peak) | 1500 nits | 4000 nits | |
| NFC | yes | yes | |
| Protection | IP68 | IP68/IP69 | |
| Dimensions | 165.1×75.6×8.9 mm | 157.0×75.0×8.2 mm | |
| Weight | 228 g | 211 g | |
| Launch price | $1199 | $820 |
Camera comparison
Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra
- Main: 108MP f/1.8
- Ultrawide: 12MP
- Telephoto: 10MP
- Front: 40MP
Vivo X500
- Main: 50MP f/1.7
- Ultrawide: 50MP
- Telephoto: 64MP
- Front: 50MP
Display comparison
Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra
- 6.8" AMOLED
- Resolution: 3200x1440
- Refresh rate: 120 Hz
Vivo X500
- 6.6" AMOLED
- Resolution: 1260x2750
- Refresh rate: 144 Hz
Battery and charging
Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra
- 5000 mAh
- Wired: 25W
- Wireless: 15W
Vivo X500
- 7500 mAh
- Wired: 90W
- Wireless: 40W
Overall performance score
We compared Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra and Vivo X500, covering their specs and all relevant benchmarks.
Vivo X500 leads Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra by 72.7% in our overall performance rating.
Benchmarks
Launch prices and where to check today's
Launch price difference: $379. Vivo X500 was $379 cheaper at launch.
Detailed category analysis
performance
In the "performance" category, the Vivo X500 significantly outperforms the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra (96/100 vs 63/100).
display
In the "display" category, the Vivo X500 is a bit better (94/100 vs 89/100).
camera
In the "camera" category, the Vivo X500 significantly outperforms the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra (87/100 vs 55/100).
battery
In the "battery" category, the Vivo X500 significantly outperforms the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra (84/100 vs 52/100).
portability
In the "portability" category, the Vivo X500 notably outperforms the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra (50/100 vs 33/100).
Frequently asked questions
Which is better: the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra or the Vivo X500?
The Vivo X500 significantly outperforms the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra by 28 points (89/100 vs 61/100).
What is the rating of the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra and the Vivo X500?
The Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra has a MobileRank rating of 61/100, the Vivo X500 — 89/100.
Which has the better camera: the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra or the Vivo X500?
The Vivo X500 leads on camera score (87/100 vs 55/100).
Which is more powerful: the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra or the Vivo X500?
The Vivo X500 leads on performance (96/100 vs 63/100).
Should you choose the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra over the Vivo X500?
The Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra is a better fit for active users. The Vivo X500 is a better fit for gamers and power users, mobile photography enthusiasts, those who care about battery life, budget-conscious buyers.