Samsung Galaxy Note 20 Ultra (SM-N985F) vs Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra (SM-G998B 128GB)

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Side by side comparison between Samsung Galaxy Note 20 Ultra vs Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra phones, differences, pros, cons and full specifications. What's the better?

11/14/2021 4:15 PM, updated: 9/27/2024 2:43 AM

Compare Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra X Samsung Galaxy Note 20 Ultra (SM-N985F) 07Points

Specifications Compare Models Pictures

6.9"
AMOLED

1440x3088

108
MP

10mp

8GB
RAM

Octa-core

4500
mAh

(Non removable)

14Points Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra (SM-G998B 128GB) Compare Samsung Galaxy Note 20 Ultra X

Specifications Compare Models Pictures

6.8"
AMOLED

1440x3200

108
MP

40mp

12GB
RAM

Octa-core

5000
mAh

(Non removable)

What's the better phone? Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra (SM-G998B 128GB)

The phonemore's choice is much more technical than personal. Therefore, you shouldn't only consider this. Our goal is to help you, but what's important to us may not be important to you. You decide which one is the best! Comment!

7 Advantages Samsung Galaxy Note 20 Ultra (SM-N985F)	vs	14 Advantages Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra (SM-G998B 128GB)
+256GB (221GB available)119% More internal storage for applications and files	vs	128GB (101GB available)
+Until 1TB microSD, microSDXCAdvantage More external storage for files using memory cards	vs	Not supported
+208 grams (7.28 ounces)9% Lighter	vs	227 grams (7.95 ounces)
+8.1 millimeters (0.32 inches)10% Thinner	vs	8.9 millimeters (0.35 inches)
+Stainless steel body, glass front/backAdvantage More resistant material	vs	Aluminum frame, glass front/back
+6.9"1% Larger screen	vs	6.8"
+ANT+Advantage Sensors help you use the device	vs	Not supported
2.73GHz 64bit Octa-core (7nm)	vs	+2.9GHz 64bit Octa-core (5nm)13% More powerful processor, you can open your applications faster
8GB LPDDR5	vs	+12GB LPDDR550% More RAM memory. Typically more responsive and better for multitasking.
UFS 3.0	vs	+UFS 3.1Advantage Fastest write and read storage.
1440x3088 pixels	vs	+1440x3200 pixels4% Higher resolution screen
494 PPI	vs	+516 PPI4% Crisper display of text, images and videos because it has more pixels per inch (ppi)
(triple camera) 108MP + 12MP + 12MP	vs	+(quad camera) 108MP + 10MP + 10MP + 12MP6% Higher resolution main camera
(front) 10MP	vs	+(front) 40MP3 times Higher resolution secondary camera to take pictures and selfies
Android 13	vs	+Android 14Advantage Android 14 is newer and safer
4G LTE-A	vs	+5G SA/NSAAdvantage The 5G SA/NSA network is newer and faster
(4G LTE-A) 2000 Mbps	vs	+(5G SA/NSA) 5000 Mbps150% Faster for surfing the internet and download files
4500 mAh	vs	+5000 mAh11% Battery - higher amperage (mAh) allows more device usage time, but it also depends on the hardware and use
1 slot (Single-SIM) (dedicated slot)	vs	+1 slot (Single-SIM) + e-SIM (Eletronic)Advantage You can have more mobile carriers/operators on the same device.
Not supported	vs	+FMAdvantage The radio lets you listen to your songs and sports in general
5.0 + A2DP/LE	vs	+5.2 + A2DP/LEAdvantage Bluetooth 5.2 + A2DP/LE is newer and faster

42 Common items in both devices

Dynamic AMOLED

HDR10+

120Hz

16 million

LED flash

Digital and optical zoom

PDAF: phase detection autofocus on both cameras

+35 specs and more in the table below

Check the comparison table below for more items that are not evaluated in comparison score above.

Highlight differences

📱 Model features
	Galaxy Note 20 Ultra (SM-N985F)	Galaxy S21 Ultra (SM-G998B 128GB)
Change model		Choose the model
Model	Galaxy Note 20 Ultra (SM-N985F)	Galaxy S21 Ultra (SM-G998B 128GB)
Other model names	Galaxy Note20 Ultra 4G-LTE SM-N985F Single-SIM (Exynos)	Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G (SM-G998B Single-SIM)
Country or region available	(Latin America), South Africa, Australia, New Zealand	Australia
Brand	Samsung	Samsung
Release date	8/21/2020, Announced: 8/5/2020	1/29/2021, Announced: 1/14/2021
Depth	8.1 millimeters (0.32 inches)	8.9 millimeters (0.35 inches)
Size (width x height)	77.2 x 164.8 millimeters (3.04 x 6.49 in)	75.6 x 165.1 millimeters (2.98 x 6.5 in)
Weight	208 grams (7.28 ounces)	227 grams (7.95 ounces)
Build, materials	Stainless steel body, glass front/back	Aluminum frame, glass front/back
Protection against water and others	IP68 certified: water-resistant up to 1.5 meters for 30min and dust-resistant	IP68 certified: water-resistant up to 1.5 meters for 30min and dust-resistant
📲 Display
	Galaxy Note 20 Ultra (SM-N985F)	Galaxy S21 Ultra (SM-G998B 128GB)
Display type	Dynamic AMOLED	Dynamic AMOLED
Screen size	6.9" inches	6.8" inches
Screen-to-body ratio	~92.5% (screen-to-body ratio)	~89.4% (screen-to-body ratio)
Display resolution	1440x3088 pixels	1440x3200 pixels (20:9)
Touchscreen	Capacitive Multitouch 10-points	Capacitive Multitouch 10-points
Pixel density (dot pitch)	494 PPI	516 PPI
Colors	16 million	16 million
Scratch-resistant glass	Gorilla Glass Victus	Gorilla Glass Victus
Refresh rate	120Hz	120Hz
Display features	1500nits[peak] HDR10+ Always-On Display 120Hz@FHD 60Hz@QHD	1500nits[peak] HDR10+ Always-On Display
🤖 Operating System
	Galaxy Note 20 Ultra (SM-N985F)	Galaxy S21 Ultra (SM-G998B 128GB)
System version	Android 10	Android 11
Firmware update	Android 13	Android 14
User Interface	One UI 2.5 / 3.1 / 4.1 / 5.0	One UI 3.1 / 4.1 / 5.1 / 6.0
⚙️ Processor
	Galaxy Note 20 Ultra (SM-N985F)	Galaxy S21 Ultra (SM-G998B 128GB)
Chipset	64bit: Samsung Exynos 990 (7nm)	64bit: Samsung Exynos 2100 (5nm)
CPU	Octa-core, 3 processors: 2x 2.73GHz Mongoose M5 (Dual-core) 2x 2.5GHz ARM Cortex-A76 (Dual-core) 4x 2GHz ARM Cortex-A55 (Quad-core)	Octa-core, 3 processors: 1x 2.9GHz ARM Cortex-X1 (Single-core) 3x 2.8GHz ARM Cortex-A78 (Triple-core) 4x 2.2GHz ARM Cortex-A55 (Quad-core)
GPU graphical controller	ARM Mali-G77 MP11 (800MHz)	ARM Mali-G78 MP14 (854MHz)
Performance (benchmark)	feature not registered	AnTuTu: 657150 (v8), 727634 (v9) Geekbench: 3457 (v5.2) GFXBench: 51fps (ES 3.1 onscreen)
💽 Memory and storage
	Galaxy Note 20 Ultra (SM-N985F)	Galaxy S21 Ultra (SM-G998B 128GB)
RAM memory	8GB LPDDR5	12GB LPDDR5
Internal storage	256GB (221GB available) UFS 3.0	128GB (101GB available) UFS 3.1
External storage	Until 1TB microSD, microSDXC (dedicated slot)	Not supported
📶 Mobile networks
	Galaxy Note 20 Ultra (SM-N985F)	Galaxy S21 Ultra (SM-G998B 128GB)
Dual-SIM	Not supported	Dual-SIM Standby - Call active on one sim card
SIM card	1 slot (Single-SIM) nano-SIM (4FF)	1 slot (Single-SIM) nano-SIM (4FF) + e-SIM
Maximum Download / Upload	2000/316 Mbps	5000/1920 Mbps
Network technology	2G, 3G, 4G	2G, 3G, 4G, 5G
Frequency, bands	Expand band details Collapse details
GSM MHz band	Quad-Band 850/900/1800/1900	Quad-Band 850/900/1800/1900
Primary 2G network	GSM 850/900/1800/1900	GSM 850/900/1800/1900
Primary 3G network	UMTS 850/900/1700/1900/2100	UMTS 850/900/1700/1900/2100
Primary 4G network	LTE Cat20 (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 28, 32, 66) TD-LTE (38, 39, 40, 41) VoLTE	LTE Cat20 (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 28, 32, 66) TD-LTE (38, 39, 40, 41) VoLTE
Primary 5G network	Not supported	SA/NSA/Sub6 (1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41, 66, 77, 78)
Primary data network	GPRS, EDGE, UMTS, HSDPA, HSUPA, HSPA+, TD-LTE, LTE, LTE-A	GPRS, EDGE, UMTS, HSDPA, HSUPA, HSPA+, TD-LTE, LTE, LTE-A, SA/NSA
Secondary 2G network	Not supported	GSM 850/900/1800/1900
Secondary 3G network	Not supported	UMTS 850/900/1700/1900/2100
Secondary 4G network	Not supported	LTE Cat20 (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 28, 32, 66) TD-LTE (38, 39, 40, 41) VoLTE
Secondary data network	Not supported	GPRS, EDGE, UMTS, HSDPA, HSUPA, HSPA+, TD-LTE, LTE, LTE-A, SA/NSA
📷 Camera
	Galaxy Note 20 Ultra (SM-N985F)	Galaxy S21 Ultra (SM-G998B 128GB)
Back camera (main camera)	(triple camera) 108 megapixels 12MP periscope telephoto f/3.0120mm1.0µmPDAFOIS5x-optical-zoom50x-hybrid-zoom 12MP ultrawide f/2.2120°13mm1/2.55"1.4µm	(quad camera) 108 megapixels 10MP periscope telephoto f/4.9240mm1/3.24"1.22µmPDAFOIS10x-optical-zoom 10MP telephoto f/2.470mm1/3.24"1.22µmPDAFOIS3x-optical-zoom 12MP ultrawide f/2.213mm1/2.55"1.4µmPDAFSuper-Steady-video
Main camera resolution	12000x9000 pixels	12000x9000 pixels
Video recording (primary)	8K UHD (7680x4320) 24 fps	8K UHD (7680x4320) 24 fps
Flash	LED flash	LED flash
Focal aperture	f/1.8 (aperture)	f/1.8 (aperture)
Focal length	26mm (lens)	26mm (lens)
Sensor size	1/1.33" inches	1/1.33" inches
Pixel size	0.8µm pixel	1.8µm pixel
Autofocus	PDAF: phase detection autofocus on both cameras	PDAF: phase detection autofocus on both cameras
Touch focus	Supported	Supported
Image stabilization	OIS: Optical stabilization	OIS: Optical stabilization
Zoom	Digital and optical zoom	Digital and optical zoom
Face/smile detection	Face detection, Smile detection	Face detection, Smile detection
BSI sensor	Supported	Supported
HDR	HDR photo/video on both cameras	HDR photo/video on both cameras
Camera extras	4K@60fps 1080p@240fps 720p@960fps	4K@60fps 1080p@240fps 720p@960fps
📸 Front camera
	Galaxy Note 20 Ultra (SM-N985F)	Galaxy S21 Ultra (SM-G998B 128GB)
Front camera (secondary)	10 megapixels	40 megapixels
Front camera resolution	3872x2592 pixels	7296x5472 pixels
Video recording (secondary)	4K UHD (3840x2160)	4K UHD (3840x2160)
Front flash	Not supported	Not supported
Focal aperture	f/2.2 (aperture)	f/2.2 (aperture)
Focal length	26mm (lens)	26mm (lens)
Sensor size	1/3.2" inches	1/2.8" inches
Pixel size	1.22µm pixel	0.7µm pixel
🔉 Sound and multimedia
	Galaxy Note 20 Ultra (SM-N985F)	Galaxy S21 Ultra (SM-G998B 128GB)
Loudspeaker	Stereo sound 32-bit/384kHz Dolby Atmos Tuned by AKG	Stereo sound 32-bit/384kHz Dolby Atmos Tuned by AKG
Active noise cancellation	2 microphones or more	3 microphones
Radio	Not supported	FM
TV	Not supported	Not supported
Video formats	MP4, H.265, H.264, H.263, XviD, MKV	MP4, H.265, H.264, H.263, XviD, MKV
Audio formats	MP3, WAV, WMA, eAAC+, FLAC	MP3, WAV, WMA, eAAC+, FLAC
🔌 Connectivity
	Galaxy Note 20 Ultra (SM-N985F)	Galaxy S21 Ultra (SM-G998B 128GB)
USB	USB 3.2 Type-C, USB OTG On-The-Go	USB 3.2 Type-C, USB OTG On-The-Go
Audio output	Type-C reversible connector	Type-C reversible connector
TV output	USB Type-C (reversible)	USB Type-C (reversible)
Bluetooth	5.0 + A2DP/LE	5.2 + A2DP/LE
WiFi	802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/ax [wifi6] (2.4GHz, 5GHz) + MIMO WiFi Direct, hotspot	802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/ax [wifi6] (2.4GHz, 5GHz) + MIMO WiFi Direct, hotspot
DLNA	Supported	Supported
GPS	A-GPS, GeoTagging, GLONASS, GALILEO, BeiDou	A-GPS, GeoTagging, GLONASS, GALILEO, BeiDou
NFC	Supported	Supported
Infrared port	Not supported	Not supported
🧭 Sensors
	Galaxy Note 20 Ultra (SM-N985F)	Galaxy S21 Ultra (SM-G998B 128GB)
Sensors	Accelerometer Ambient light sensor ANT+ Barometer Compass Face unlock Fingerprint sensor (under display) Gyroscope Hall effect Proximity sensor UWB (Ultra Wideband)	Accelerometer Ambient light sensor Barometer Compass Face unlock Fingerprint sensor (under display) Gesture Gyroscope Hall effect Proximity sensor UWB (Ultra Wideband)
Vibrating alert	Supported	Supported
🔋 Battery
	Galaxy Note 20 Ultra (SM-N985F)	Galaxy S21 Ultra (SM-G998B 128GB)
Battery type	Li-Ion: lithium-ion (Non removable)	LiPo: li-ion polymer (Non removable)
Battery capacity	4500 mAh	5000 mAh
Charger, watts	25W Wired fast charging USB Power Delivery 3.0	25W Wired fast charging USB Power Delivery 3.0
Inductive / wireless charging	15W Qi wireless charging (Qi/PMA) 4.5W Reverse wireless charging	15W Qi wireless charging (Qi/PMA) 4.5W Reverse wireless charging
Talk time autonomy	feature not registered	feature not registered
Standby	feature not registered	feature not registered
➕ Other features
	Galaxy Note 20 Ultra (SM-N985F)	Galaxy S21 Ultra (SM-G998B 128GB)
Call control	Voice dialing, Voice recorder, Voice commands	Voice dialing, Voice recorder, Voice commands
Messaging	SMS (T9), MMS, E-mail, Push mail	SMS (T9), MMS, E-mail, Push mail
Hands-free calling	Supported	Supported
Video calling	Supported	Supported
Ringtones	Polyphonic and customized	Polyphonic and customized
Web browser	HTML, XHTML, HTML5	HTML, XHTML, HTML5
Antenna	Internal antenna	Internal antenna
Qwerty physical keyboard	Not supported	Not supported
Miscellaneous	• Colors: Mystic Black, Mystic Bronze, Mystic White • Ultrasonic fingerprint sensor • Bixby • Samsung DeX • Samsung Pay (MST, NFC) • Stylus pen (Bluetooth integration)	• Colors: Phantom Black, Silver, Titanium, Navy, Brown • Samsung Pay (Visa, MasterCard) • Samsung DeX • Stylus pen support
☢️ Radiation rate
	Galaxy Note 20 Ultra (SM-N985F)	Galaxy S21 Ultra (SM-G998B 128GB)
SAR 1.6W/kg (USA, Mexico, etc.)	feature not registered	0.24W/kg (head), 0.72W/kg (body)
SAR 2W/kg (Europe, UK, etc.)	0.315W/kg (head), 1.47W/kg (body)	0.714W/kg (head), 1.58W/kg (body)