Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra vs. iPhone 12 Pro Max: Which Top-End Phone is for You?
In the ever-evolving world of smartphones, two giants continue to dominate headlines and the hearts of users: Samsung and Apple. Their 2021 flagships—the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra and the iPhone 12 Pro Max—are technological marvels, each representing the pinnacle of their respective ecosystems. But which one should you choose? This comprehensive comparison covers design, display, performance, cameras, software, battery life, and ecosystem to help you decide which ultra-premium device best fits your needs.
1. Design and Build Quality
Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra
Dimensions: 165.1 x 75.6 x 8.9 mm
Weight: 228g
Materials: Gorilla Glass Victus (front and back), aluminum frame
Colors: Phantom Black, Phantom Silver, and more
iPhone 12 Pro Max
Dimensions: 160.8 x 78.1 x 7.4 mm
Weight: 228g
Materials: Ceramic Shield front, Gorilla Glass back, stainless steel frame
Colors: Silver, Graphite, Gold, Pacific Blue
Comparison: Both phones exude luxury and durability. The S21 Ultra’s matte finish resists fingerprints, while the iPhone 12 Pro Max’s glossy back and flat-edged stainless steel frame offer a classic, premium feel. The S21 Ultra is slightly taller and thicker, but both phones are heavy, signaling their robust builds. Both are IP68-rated for water and dust resistance.
Winner: Tie—depends on your preference for curved (Samsung) vs. flat (Apple) edges.
2. Display
Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra
Size: 6.8-inch
Type: Dynamic AMOLED 2X
Resolution: 3200 x 1440 (WQHD+)
Refresh Rate: 120Hz (adaptive)
Peak Brightness: 1500 nits
HDR: HDR10+
iPhone 12 Pro Max
Size: 6.7-inch
Type: Super Retina XDR OLED
Resolution: 2778 x 1284
Refresh Rate: 60Hz
Peak Brightness: 1200 nits
HDR: HDR10, Dolby Vision
Comparison: Samsung’s display is brighter, sharper, and smoother thanks to its adaptive 120Hz refresh rate and higher resolution. The iPhone 12 Pro Max’s OLED is stunning, with accurate colors and deep blacks, but is limited to 60Hz, making animations less fluid compared to the S21 Ultra.
Winner: Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra—for its superior refresh rate and resolution.
3. Performance
Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra
Chipset: Snapdragon 888 (USA/China/Korea) / Exynos 2100 (Global)
RAM: 12GB/16GB
Storage: 128GB/256GB/512GB (no microSD support)
OS: Android 11 (One UI 3.1), upgradable
iPhone 12 Pro Max
Chipset: Apple A14 Bionic
RAM: 6GB
Storage: 128GB/256GB/512GB (no microSD support)
OS: iOS 14, upgradable
Comparison: Apple’s A14 Bionic chip is renowned for its raw power and efficiency, consistently outperforming Qualcomm and Samsung’s best in benchmarks. However, the S21 Ultra’s Snapdragon 888/Exynos 2100 is no slouch, handling multitasking and gaming with ease. Both phones offer ample storage, but neither has expandable memory.
Winner: iPhone 12 Pro Max—slightly ahead in processing power and efficiency.
4. Camera Systems
Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra
Quad Rear Cameras:
108MP wide
12MP ultra-wide
10MP 10x periscope telephoto
10MP 3x telephoto
Front Camera: 40MP
Zoom: 100x Space Zoom (10x optical)
Video: Up to 8K at 24fps, 4K at 60fps
iPhone 12 Pro Max
Triple Rear Cameras:
12MP wide (with sensor-shift OIS)
12MP ultra-wide
12MP 2.5x telephoto
LiDAR scanner
Front Camera: 12MP
Zoom: 2.5x optical, 12x digital
Video: Up to 4K at 60fps, Dolby Vision HDR
Comparison: The S21 Ultra is a camera powerhouse, offering incredible zoom capabilities and a high-resolution main sensor. Its versatility shines in telephoto and ultra-wide shots. The iPhone 12 Pro Max produces more consistent, natural-looking photos, especially in low light, thanks to its larger sensor and advanced computational photography.
For video, the iPhone’s Dolby Vision HDR and unmatched stabilization make it the go-to for content creators, while the S21 Ultra’s 8K recording is impressive but less practical due to file sizes and limited playback options.
Winner: Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra for zoom and versatility; iPhone 12 Pro Max for video and color accuracy.
5. Software and Ecosystem
Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra
OS: Android 11 (One UI 3.1), upgradable
Features: Customization, split-screen, S Pen support (first in S series)
Ecosystem: Integrates with Windows, Samsung Galaxy devices, SmartThings
iPhone 12 Pro Max
OS: iOS 14, upgradable
Features: Seamless updates, Face ID, privacy controls, widgets
Ecosystem: Unmatched integration with Macs, iPads, Apple Watch, AirPods, HomeKit
Comparison: Android’s flexibility and Samsung’s One UI offer deep customization and multitasking. The S21 Ultra now supports the S Pen (sold separately), a boon for productivity.
Apple’s iOS is polished, secure, and offers timely updates for years. The Apple ecosystem is unrivaled—features like AirDrop, Handoff, and Universal Clipboard make moving between devices seamless.
Winner: iPhone 12 Pro Max for ecosystem and longevity; S21 Ultra for customization.
6. Battery Life and Charging
Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra
Battery: 5000mAh
Charging: 25W wired, 15W wireless, 4.5W reverse wireless
Charger in Box: No
iPhone 12 Pro Max
Battery: 3687mAh
Charging: 20W wired, 15W MagSafe wireless
Charger in Box: No
Comparison: The S21 Ultra’s larger battery usually translates to longer screen-on time, especially with the adaptive refresh rate dialed down. Both phones easily last a full day, but Samsung takes the edge in endurance. Neither includes a charger in the box.
Apple’s MagSafe is an innovative magnetic wireless charging solution, but Samsung’s reverse wireless charging lets you top up accessories or other phones.
Winner: Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra—larger battery and more charging options.
7. 5G, Connectivity, and Extras
Both phones support a wide range of 5G bands, Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5, and NFC. Samsung’s Ultra supports UWB (Ultra Wideband) and S Pen, while the iPhone’s UWB powers features like AirTag tracking and CarKey.
Biometrics:
S21 Ultra: Ultrasonic fingerprint scanner, face unlock (less secure)
iPhone 12 Pro Max: Face ID (industry-leading facial recognition)
Audio:
Both have stereo speakers, no headphone jack.
8. Price and Value
Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra
Launch Price: $1199 (USD)
Frequently discounted
iPhone 12 Pro Max
Launch Price: $1099 (USD)
Holds value longer
Comparison: The S21 Ultra often sees price cuts and bundles. The iPhone 12 Pro Max holds its value better for trade-ins and resale.
9. Which Should You Buy?
Choose the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra if:
You want the best display in the business
You need powerful zoom and camera versatility
You prefer Android’s flexibility and customization
You value S Pen support
You want longer battery life
Choose the iPhone 12 Pro Max if:
You want the fastest, most efficient chip
You prefer Apple’s polished, secure software and ecosystem
You shoot a lot of video or want the best video stabilization
You value long-term updates and resale value
You already own other Apple devices
10. Final Thoughts
Both the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra and the iPhone 12 Pro Max are exceptional devices, representing the best of Android and iOS. The S21 Ultra dazzles with its display, camera versatility, and battery life, while the iPhone 12 Pro Max shines in performance, video, and ecosystem integration.
Your choice comes down to priorities: display and camera flexibility (Samsung) versus performance and ecosystem (Apple). Either way, you’re getting a top-end phone that will serve you well for years to come.
Still undecided?
If you’re deeply embedded in the Apple ecosystem, the iPhone 12 Pro Max is the logical choice.
If you crave customization, cutting-edge hardware, and the best Android has to offer, the Galaxy S21 Ultra is your phone.
No matter your pick, you’re choosing excellence.
