If you’re looking for proof that premium smartphones from 2021 are still relevant—and even excellent—in 2024, look no further than the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G. Even though it’s been a few years now, this Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra review confirms that the device continues to impress, particularly in areas like performance, camera capabilities, and that iconic 120Hz OLED screen.
Beyond being an impressive Android flagship, the S21 Ultra brings innovations that many phones today are still catching up to. From dual telephoto cameras to a stylus-friendly design without a dedicated slot, and yes—even S Pen support, this phone offers features you’d expect from a modern flagship… but was released long before most competitors were ready to challenge it.
Whether you use your smartphone for work, media, photography—or all of the above—you’ll find the Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G holds its own against newer models, especially at a more affordable price point now. Let’s break down what makes this phone special, how it performs today, and why it might still be one of the best choices for heavy users in 2024.
Design and Build Quality
Premium Feel with Pro-Level Construction
The Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G immediately feels different in your hand. It’s not just heavy—it’s dense and solid. Despite its large size (6.8 inches), the device strikes a careful balance between a substantial build and comfortable grip.
- Front: Protected by Corning Gorilla Glass Victus
- Back: Textured glass offering both beauty and grip
- Frame: Aluminum alloy gives it durability and a polished feel
Its sleek edges and curved glass create a luxurious look, while the overall structure ensures minimal flex when held tightly—a key indicator of its industrial design success. Whether you’re typing rapidly or watching video content horizontally, the S21 Ultra provides stability and comfort over extended periods.
Even if you’re accustomed to smaller devices, there’s little doubt about this phone’s presence. You won’t forget you’re holding something powerful, both visually and in terms of performance. It’s big, beautiful, and built for impact.
Ergonomics and Daily Usability
In 2024, we’re seeing thinner bezels and smarter designs, but Samsung didn’t hold back on making this phone substantial. While it may be a bit much for one-hand use, those with medium or larger hands will appreciate its tactile precision and responsive controls.
“It’s massive, but it doesn’t overwhelm.” – Long-term user report
One unique aspect that sets the Galaxy S21 Ultra apart from earlier Galaxy phones is its stylus compatibility—though the S Pen isn’t included in the box. This marks a major shift for Samsung, as the S21 Ultra joins the foldable Z series as one of only a few phones with native S Pen support (albeit requiring purchase of the pen separately).
This means it functions almost like a Galaxy Note, without the Note branding or dedicated compartment. For students, creative professionals, and note-takers, this feature adds serious value to what’s already a premium device.
Display & Visual Experience
6.8-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X with Adaptive 120Hz
There are few better smartphone displays available when comparing the Galaxy S21 Ultra’s 6.8-inch Dynamic AMOLED panel. This is especially true for users who want peak brightness, excellent contrast, and fluid motion handling. The HDR10+ certification brings vibrant colors to streaming content and gaming alike, and the adaptive 120Hz refresh rate delivers a smooth, energy-efficient user experience.
Key Display Specs:
- Resolution: 3200 x 1440 pixels
- Type: Dynamic AMOLED 2X
- Refresh Rate: Adaptive 10–120Hz
- Peak Brightness: 1500 nits
- Coverage: Gorilla Glass Victus
What’s interesting is how Samsung has managed to combine ultra-high resolution with fast motion clarity—a pairing that often presents challenges on other high-refresh displays. On the S21 Ultra, video playback looks crisp, scrolling through apps feels instantaneous, and even high-intensity games maintain visual fidelity without frame drops or noticeable delay.
Color Accuracy and Outdoor Visibility
Watching a 4K HDR movie or editing photos on this screen is genuinely enjoyable thanks to its wide color gamut and natural skin tones. Whether indoors or outside, text remains legible and colors remain vivid under direct sunlight. The panel’s peak brightness easily outshines competition from even some current devices at similar price ranges.
The phone also supports Always On Display, which shows widgets, time, and notifications without fully waking up the screen. It works reliably with minimal battery drain, and is optimized for readability in nearly every situation—including bright daylight.
Performance, Software, and Multitasking
The Power Behind the Scenes
In global markets, the Galaxy S21 Ultra launched with either the Exynos 2100 or Snapdragon 888 chipset. While these processors are aging, they continue to offer excellent performance in 2024 when paired with 12GB or 16GB of RAM.
During our testing phase, the phone handled intensive multitasking tasks with ease. Even running multiple apps simultaneously—like YouTube, Chrome, Google Docs, and Photoshop Express—didn’t cause stuttering or lag, which speaks volumes for its system responsiveness and software optimization.
“This device still holds its own whether for business productivity or mobile gaming.” — Tech reviewer
One UI: Polished Android with Real Utility
The One UI 3.x interface, originally based on Android 11 but since upgraded to newer versions through official OTA updates, is one of the standout strengths of this model in 2024. The customization options, gesture controls, privacy features, and accessibility tools all contribute to a clean yet powerful user experience.
Even after three years of service, Samsung continues to push software updates for the Galaxy S21 Ultra, making it eligible for Android 14. This level of ongoing support shows that Samsung understands long-term usability matters, especially for premium buyers who invest significant cash into unlocked Android devices.
Battery Life and Fast Charging
Lasting Through Long Days
Equipped with a 5000mAh battery, the Galaxy S21 Ultra outperforms many mid-range phones released in 2023. Under heavy usage—which includes video calls, social media browsing, GPS navigation, and photo editing—expect to get full-day coverage reliably.
That said, moderate users can go into a second day occasionally depending on usage patterns. The display’s adaptive refresh rate plays a big role here, helping stretch battery life when scrolling through articles or reading documents.
Charging Speeds and Convenience
Thanks to its 25W wired fast charging and 15W wireless charging capability, a drained battery can come back to full within an hour or so. Even a quick 10-minute charge gives you around 40% boost—ideal for travelers or anyone in a pinch.
Wireless PowerShare is also included, letting you share charge with earbuds, wearables, or another compatible device. These features, once considered novelties, are now mainstream—and the S21 Ultra handles them well.
Camera System: Still Among the Best
Four Cameras, Countless Possibilities
The primary camera sensor remains one of the best 108MP units in any smartphone released post-2020. With smart pixel binning, it captures detailed shots in both daylight and low-light conditions, with minimal noise and improved clarity. Combined with f/1.8 aperture, OIS stabilization, and advanced computational photography, the image output rivals some standalone cameras.
- Primary: 108MP, f/1.8, OIS
- Ultra-Wide: 12MP, f/2.2, 120° FOV
- Telephoto #1: 10MP, f/2.4, 3x zoom
- Telephoto #2: 10MP, f/4.9, 10x zoom
- Front Camera: 40MP, f/2.2
What makes the camera setup special isn’t just the quantity of lenses—but their versatility. The secondary telephoto lens alone enables clear 10x optical zoom, perfect for wildlife photography or distant landmarks. The dual periscope telephoto system allows for up to 100x hybrid zoom, although realistic clarity tends to cap around 30–50x due to atmospheric interference.
Night Mode, Portraits, and Video Features
Night mode on the S21 Ultra delivers excellent results. Whether capturing starry skies or dimly lit urban landscapes, the camera manages exposure efficiently, reducing noise while preserving detail.
For vloggers, influencers, and creators, front-facing camera performance has improved dramatically over the years, with enhanced autofocus, smoother zoom, and cinematic video modes at 4K @60fps. HDR video capture also enhances color depth and tonal dynamics, ideal for YouTube filming or live streaming.
Pros and Cons Summary
Why Buy the Galaxy S21 Ultra in 2024?
Pros:
- Outstanding AMOLED 1440p screen with adaptive 120Hz
- Robust performance with flagship-grade specs
- Dual telephoto cameras for advanced zoom capabilities
- Fully stylus-ready (S Pen-compatible)
- Long-term software updates (up to Android 14)
- Cinema-quality video recording with HDR support
Cons:
- Large form factor may not suit small-handed users
- S Pen must be purchased separately (no longer included)
- Moderate-to-heavy use drains battery quickly
- Heavier than most contemporaries (227g)
Conclusion: A Flagship That Still Deserves Respect
If you’re looking for a powerful Android phone in 2024, don’t overlook the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G. Its combination of premium materials, excellent battery endurance, advanced camera array, and refined software experience make it a compelling buy—even without the latest chipsets or flashy new features introduced in newer releases.
It’s clear Samsung aimed to set a benchmark three years ago—and for the most part, they succeeded. The Galaxy S21 Ultra is proof that a well-built, thoughtfully designed device doesn’t have to be outdated after a year. In many ways, it continues to define what a premium Android flagship should be.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra waterproof?
Yes, the Galaxy S21 Ultra is IP68 certified, meaning it’s completely dustproof and can survive immersion in up to 1.5 meters of freshwater for up to 30 minutes.
Does it support 5G connectivity?
Absolutely—every variant of the Galaxy S21 Ultra supports 5G networks along with 4G, 3G, and 2G fallback connections for global roaming flexibility.
Is the S Pen included with purchase?
No, the S Pen is sold separately and does not come in the standard retail box. However, any Wacom-compatible stylus can be used in conjunction with the screen.
Does it take good photos at night?
Definitely! With its large sensor and updated Night Mode algorithm, the phone excels at capturing detail-rich images in low light environments. The ultra-wide and wide lenses also perform better than expected, even in near darkness.
How long will it receive updates?
Samsung guarantees Android OS security updates and feature upgrades for approximately four years after launch. As of Q1 2024, it’s eligible for Android 14 (One UI 6).
Can I upgrade the storage?
No, unfortunately, the Galaxy S21 Ultra does not support microSD cards. Storage options are fixed at either 128GB, 256GB, or 512GB depending on the model chosen during purchase.
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