PhoneLifespan

Galaxy M16 5G vs Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G

vs

Winner

Samsung Galaxy M16 5G

Lifespan decides this one: the Galaxy M16 5G is supported until Feb 2031 at $2.66 per month of safe use, while the Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G is already past its support window. On a which-lasts-longer question, that's not a tie — it's the whole answer.

Value Score: Galaxy M16 5G 75 · Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G 40 methodology

The lifespan decider

When specs are close, support length decides it — this is what each phone costs per month of safe use.

Samsung Galaxy M16 5G $150
Safe to buy$2.66/mo
2025◆ Buy-by Feb 20292031
Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G $320
Avoid buyingsupport ended
2021◆ Buy-by Jan 20242026

Category by category

Display
Galaxy M16 5G 50Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G 80

The Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G's screen is the better one — 6.8-inch dynamic amoled 2x, 3200x1440 (qhd+), 120hz.

Performance
Galaxy M16 5G 42Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G 62

The Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G's Snapdragon 888 (US) / Exynos 2100 (global) is simply the faster chip.

Camera
Galaxy M16 5G 55Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G 79

The Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G has the stronger camera system (3 real rear lenses vs 1).

Battery
Galaxy M16 5G 80Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G 80

Battery capacities are close enough not to decide this.

Software longevity
Galaxy M16 5G 67Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G 0

The Galaxy M16 5G is supported until Feb 2031 — 61 months longer than the Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G.

Value
Galaxy M16 5G 75Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G 40

Overall value goes to the Galaxy M16 5G at $2.66 per month of safe use.

Full spec table
SpecGalaxy M16 5GGalaxy S21 Ultra 5G
Price (street)$150$320
Display6.7-inch Super AMOLED, 1080 x 2340 (FHD+), 90Hz6.8-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X, 3200x1440 (QHD+), 120Hz
ChipsetMediaTek Dimensity 6300Snapdragon 888 (US) / Exynos 2100 (global)
RAM4GB/6GB/8GB12GB/16GB
Storage128GB/256GB128GB/256GB/512GB
Battery5,000 mAh5,000 mAh
Charging25W wired25W wired, 15W wireless
Rear cameras50MP main, 5MP ultra-wide, 2MP macro108MP main, 12MP ultra-wide, 10MP telephoto 10x
Dimensions164.6 × 77.9 × 7.9 mm165.1 × 75.6 × 8.9 mm
Weight191 g229 g
Water resistanceNoneIP68
Supported untilFeb 2031Jan 2026

Scores and verdicts are computed from our verified database — see exactly how. Specs from manufacturer documentation; prices reflect major US retailers.