Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra

The Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra is the ultimate flagship from the S21 series announced in early 2021. It offers only the best of the best and the newest specifications. And where the S21 and S21+ are just modest upgrades over their predecessors, that's definitely not the case with this S21 Ultra. Here, we're going to take a look at how that works.

The smartest kid in class

The S21 and S21+ have some obvious downgrades alongside improvements. A lower screen resolution, plastic back for the S21 and less RAM memory for the S21+. With this S21 Ultra, there are only improvements. Except for one perhaps and that is the lack of a memory card slot. It is missing in the entire S21 series. That is not a problem, because besides 128GB, you can also get a version with 256GB and even 512GB. With the latter, you get 16GB of RAM memory instead of the standard 12GB. Although in almost all cases that will also be more than enough.

Screen without compromises

The Galaxy S21 Ultra features a 6.8-inch AMOLED screen. That features a Quad HD+ resolution of 3200 by 1440 pixels. New this year is that also in this high resolution the higher 120 Hz refresh rate works. You don't have to choose this year. Images are not only razor sharp, they're also very smooth. Now a higher refresh rate has its effect on the battery life. Therefore, Samsung applies an adaptive speed. If images do not move, the image is refreshed 10 times per second, and 120 times if there is movement. This saves the battery. Not that this is necessary, because the battery is 5000 mAh. Just like its predecessor but more than enough to last the day.

For the first time S-Pen support

The screen has another new feature. It is the first non-Note phone that can handle the S-Pen. With that pen you can operate the S21 Ultra but you can also make notes or complete drawings with it. The pen can be bought separately and cannot be stored in the phone itself like in the Galaxy Note. You can buy a case that fits the pen. If you have a Wacom stylus at home, you can also use it. The pen is a handy additional function. If you make frequent use of it, we still recommend the Note 20. Keeping the pen in the device is more convenient, there are more functions and your device will warn you if you leave without a pen.

Most important Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra specifications

• 6,8-inch Infinity-O Display with 120Hz at QHD+ resolution
• S-Pen control via separately available stylus
• 108+12+10MP camera with ultra-wide-angle and 3-10x optical zoom
• 40MP selfie camera with PDAF autofocus
• Extremely powerful Exynos 2100 processor on 5nm with 12 or 16GB RAM memory
• 128, 256 and 512GB of storage (non-expandable)
• 5000 mAh battery with fast charging and wireless charging
• First phone with WiFi 6E support
• Waterproof IP68 housing with updated look

Camera with something to choose from

Improvements have also been made on the camera front. The main camera still counts 108MP but the autofocus problems of the S20 Ultra have been fixed. The laser autofocus provides a helping hand. There is also a 12MP ultra-wide-angle camera, a 10MP telephoto camera with 3x optical zoom and another 10MP telephoto camera but with 10x optical zoom. A double telephoto camera; you don't see that much. The 10x zoom camera works with a periscope lens while the 3x zoom lens works with a fixed focal length. The latter will take better pictures in low light because the light travels a shorter distance to the sensor. The periscope lens refracts the light and then some is lost. By using 2 techniques, Samsung hopes to bring the best of 2 worlds together.

Ready for the future

Another big improvement can be found deep inside the device. The processor has been given a thorough overhaul. Samsung still applies its own Exynos chipset for the European market, but it can finally compete well with the Qualcomm version that Asian and North American models are equipped with. The chipset is baked on 5nm and many dozens of percent more powerful. In terms of graphics, there is even more improvement. Good news for gamers. So expect unprecedentedly powerful performance under any circumstances. The S21 Ultra is also the only S21 model with the new WiFi 6E which enables even higher internet speeds at home. Provided, of course, that your router supports it. There is also Ultra Wideband (UWB), which enables new applications with indoor positioning. The S21 Ultra is ready for the future.

Pro and cons Galaxy S21 Ultra

• Optional S-Pen control
• 120Hz in QHD+ resolution
• Versatile 108MP camera
• Powerful performance

• No more expandable memory