Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra

I’ve spent countless hours testing the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra, using it for everything from casual daily tasks to more demanding workloads. After putting it through its paces — including testing its camera, battery life, and overall performance — it’s clear that this phone has plenty to offer. However, it’s not without its downsides.

When Samsung launched the Galaxy S21 Ultra, it set high expectations. With a 108MP camera, Exynos 2100 (or Snapdragon 888) processor, and a 6.8-inch AMOLED display, it was built to compete with the best flagships like the iPhone 12 Pro Max or Google Pixel 6 Pro. But does it really live up to the hype? More importantly, is it worth the price? Let’s dive into my experience with the S21 Ultra and see how it performs in the real world.

Galaxy S21 Ultra Specs

Here’s a quick overview of the Galaxy S21 Ultra’s specs, which are still competitive, even in today’s flagship landscape.

Pros and Cons of Galaxy S21 Ultra

Pros

• The 108MP camera captures stunning detail, even when zoomed in.
• The Exynos 2100 or Snapdragon 888 processors offer solid performance with no noticeable lag during multitasking.
• The 6.8-inch AMOLED display is bright, colorful, and supports a smooth 120Hz refresh rate.
• The 5,000mAh battery ensures a full day of usage, even with heavy multitasking.
• Optional S Pen support adds an extra layer of productivity for note-taking and drawing.

Cons

• The large size makes one-handed use difficult, much like other large phones.
• There’s no microSD card slot for expandable storage, which might be limiting for some users.
• The S Pen is sold separately, which adds to the overall cost.
• The 100x Space Zoom, while impressive on paper, can sometimes result in less-than-ideal image quality.

Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra: Key Features

1. Camera System

The S21 Ultra’s 108MP camera delivers impressive shots, especially in daylight conditions. The zoom capabilities, with both 3x and 10x optical zoom, allow for great close-up shots. The Space Zoom feature is fun, but at 100x, it’s more of a novelty, as images become grainy at maximum zoom.

Compared to competitors like the iPhone 12 Pro Max, Samsung’s camera excels in detail and zoom, but Apple’s software processing tends to produce more balanced and natural colors.

In low-light conditions, Samsung’s Night Mode does a good job, though it’s still not quite as reliable as the Google Pixel 6 Pro when it comes to capturing night shots with more natural lighting.

2. Performance

With either the Exynos 2100 or Snapdragon 888 chipset, the S21 Ultra is a performance powerhouse. I played several graphics-intensive games and ran multiple apps simultaneously without any slowdowns. It handled everything from 4K video editing to gaming with ease.

Compared to phones like the OnePlus 9 Pro, which also uses the Snapdragon 888, the S21 Ultra feels more polished, though both deliver impressive performance for their price.

3. Display

The 6.8-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display on the S21 Ultra is among the best on the market. Colors are vibrant, blacks are deep, and the 120Hz refresh rate makes everything feel smooth, whether you’re scrolling through social media or playing games.

Compared to the iPhone 12 Pro Max, I found the S21 Ultra’s display to be slightly more vibrant, though both are excellent in their own right.

4. Battery Life

The 5,000mAh battery on the S21 Ultra lasted me through an entire day of regular use, including some gaming, browsing, and video streaming. On lighter usage days, I could stretch it into the next day.

While it’s on par with the iPhone 12 Pro Max in terms of longevity, it’s not quite as power-efficient as Google’s Pixel 6 Pro in some scenarios, like extended periods of video playback.

5. S Pen

One of the standout features of the S21 Ultra is its S Pen support. Though not included in the box, the S Pen can be purchased separately, and it adds a layer of productivity that’s especially useful for note-taking, sketching, or precise editing.

For those coming from Samsung’s Note series, the S Pen will feel right at home. However, if you’re looking for a stylus right out of the box, you may be disappointed, as it’s an optional accessory rather than built-in like the S23 Ultra.

My Final Thoughts

After spending a good amount of time with the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra, I’m convinced that it’s still one of the best smartphones out there, even though newer models like the S23 Ultra have arrived.

The camera system is stellar, particularly for its zoom capabilities, and the performance is top-tier with either chipset option. While the lack of expandable storage and the separate S Pen purchase might be deal-breakers for some, the S21 Ultra remains a solid choice for those seeking a premium experience.