Saudi Arabia Used Mobile: iPhone 13 vs Samsung S21 ultra

Choosing between the iPhone 13 and the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra isn’t just about design or brand preference — it’s about practical performance after extended use. Both devices were launched in 2021, both are packed with advanced features, and both remain widely available in used condition from trusted sellers in Saudi Arabia.

But when buying a Saudi Arabia used mobile, the condition of the device, software support, battery health, and long-term reliability matter just as much as the original specifications. It’s important to know how these two flagships compare not on paper, but in real-life usage after two or more years.

This comparison focuses on key differences that affect your experience today: display quality, processor efficiency, camera consistency, build durability, and overall value for a used phone. If you’re planning to buy one of these devices used, this article will help you make the better choice, clearly and confidently.

1. Design and Build Quality

• iPhone 13: Comes with a flat-edged aluminum frame, ceramic shield front, and glossy glass back. It feels premium and dense in hand, with excellent symmetry and durability.
• Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra: Features a premium Gorilla Glass Victus back and front with an aluminum frame. It feels robust and luxurious, with a slightly curved display that adds to its flagship appeal.
• Used Mobile Insight: In the Saudi Arabia used mobile market, iPhone 13 units typically retain their premium finish better, while S21 models may exhibit visible wear on the back over time.

2. Display Technology and Visual Experience

• iPhone 13: 6.1″ Super Retina XDR OLED, HDR10, Dolby Vision, 800 nits typical brightness, and up to 1200 nits peak. Excellent color accuracy and deep contrast.
• Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra: 6.8″ Dynamic AMOLED 2X, WQHD+ resolution, 120Hz refresh rate, HDR10+ support, and 1500 nits peak brightness. Smoother animations and vibrant colors.
• Used Mobile Insight: iPhone 13‘s display ages well with fewer issues like burn-in. S21 users should check for screen retention or dead pixels in used mobile listings.

3. Processor and Overall Performance

• iPhone 13: Powered by the A15 Bionic chip (5nm), offering top-tier performance in gaming, multitasking, and rendering. Known for energy efficiency and stability.
• Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra: Runs on the Exynos 2100 (5nm) in international models, offering solid multitasking but slightly lower sustained performance compared to A15. 
• Used Mobile Insight: In the Saudi Arabia used mobile context, iPhone 13 units show better thermal control under pressure. S21 Ultra may throttle more under heavy loads

4. Software Experience and Updates

• iPhone 13: Receives major iOS updates until at least 2026, with extended security support. Offers fluid UI, long app support, and high resale value.
• Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra: Launched with Android 11, upgradable to Android 14. Samsung promises 4 years of security updates and 3 years of OS upgrades.

5. Camera System Breakdown

• iPhone 13: Dual 12MP rear cameras (wide and ultra-wide) with excellent computational photography. Front camera is 12MP TrueDepth, offering consistent skin tones and strong video quality.
• Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra: Quad camera setup: 108MP wide, 12MP ultra-wide, 10MP 3x telephoto, and 10MP 10x periscope telephoto. Front camera is 40MP. Exceptional zoom and flexibility for advanced photography.
• Used Mobile Insight: iPhone 13 provides more accurate white balance and color consistency. S21 Ultra offers unmatched zoom capabilities and versatility for content creators.

6. Battery Life and Charging Speed

• iPhone 13: 3240mAh battery, up to 7.5 hours screen-on time. Supports 20W wired and 15W MagSafe wireless charging.
• Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra: 5000mAh battery with up to 8.5 hours of screen-on time. Supports 25W wired charging and 15W wireless charging (Qi standard).
• Used Mobile Insight: Battery health is key in any Saudi Arabia used mobile. iPhone 13 batteries often retain 85–90% capacity after two years. Samsung S21 batteries may degrade faster with heavy use.

7. Storage and RAM Configuration

• iPhone 13: Available in 128GB, 256GB, and 512GB variants, with 4GB RAM. No microSD slot.
• Samsung S21 Ultra: Comes with 8GB RAM and 128/256GB storage options. No expandable storage. 
• Used Mobile Insight: S21 provides better multitasking thanks to more RAM. iPhone 13 compensates with superior RAM management via iOS.

8. Durability and IP Rating in Saudi Conditions

• iPhone 13: IP68 rated for dust and water resistance (6m for 30 minutes). Ceramic Shield offers better drop protection.
• Samsung S21 Ultra: Also IP68 rated (1.5m for 30 minutes). Gorilla Glass Victus front, but Glasstic back is less durable. 
• Used Mobile Insight: In the dusty and hot environment of Saudi Arabia, iPhone 13 proves more resistant to both heat and fine particle damage

9. Connectivity and Extra Features

• iPhone 13: 5G, Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.0, MagSafe accessories, Face ID.
• Samsung S21 Ultra: 5G, Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.0, in-display fingerprint sensor, DeX desktop mode.
• Used Mobile Insight: S21’s extra features like DeX and flexible biometrics may appeal to power users. iPhone 13’s Face ID and MagSafe are more integrated for Apple users.

10. Resale Value and Availability in Saudi Arabia

• iPhone 13: Holds value better over time. Easy to resell or trade-in. Widely available in excellent condition.
• Samsung S21 Ultra: Depreciates faster, but more affordable to purchase initially. Still available in large numbers.
• Used Mobile Insight: For buyers and resellers in the Saudi Arabia used mobile market, iPhone 13 is more attractive due to stable pricing and continued demand.

11. Common Issues in Used Models

• iPhone 13: Replaced screens may lose True Tone function. Non-genuine parts affect Face ID. Battery replacements must be OEM.
• Samsung S21 Ultra: Risk of burn-in on display, especially if used at high brightness. Camera autofocus may become inconsistent with age.
• Used Mobile Insight: Always verify battery health and screen authenticity when buying any Saudi Arabia used mobile device.

Despite their differences, both iPhone 13 and Samsung S21Ultra offer excellent value, each suited to a different kind of user. Some prioritize software longevity and durability, others prefer display smoothness and flexibility.

At Soum, we make it easy to find your perfect match. We offer both models and many more from older to latest generations, whether used or new, all carefully inspected and fairly priced.

Visit our website or download the Soum app today to browse and buy confidently.