The Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G represents the pinnacle of Samsung’s mobile innovation, delivering a suite of cutting-edge features designed to impress even the most discerning smartphone enthusiast. This comprehensive overview will delve into the full specifications of this groundbreaking device, examining its performance capabilities, camera prowess, display brilliance, and connectivity options. Get ready to explore the details that make the Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G a true powerhouse in the realm of 5G-enabled smartphones.
This article provides a detailed examination of the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G’s key components. We will explore its powerful processor, the stunning display technology, and the advanced camera system. Whether you’re a tech enthusiast, a potential buyer, or simply curious about the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G, this deep dive into its specifications aims to provide a complete and informative resource. Discover what sets this device apart from its competitors and understand why it continues to be a top choice for users seeking premium features and performance.
Full Specifications
Network
| Technology: | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / EVDO / LTE / 5G |
| 2G bands: | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| CDMA 800 / 1900 & TD-SCDMA | |
| 3G bands: | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 |
| CDMA2000 1xEV-DO | |
| 4G bands: | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 14, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 28, 30, 38, 39, 40, 41, 46, 48, 66, 71 – SM-G998U1 |
| 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 28, 32, 38, 39, 40, 41, 66 – SM-G998B | |
| 5G bands: | 2, 5, 25, 41, 66, 71, 260, 261 SA/NSA/Sub6/mmWave – SM-G998U1 |
| 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41, 66, 77, 78 SA/NSA/Sub6 – SM-G998B | |
| Speed: | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE (7CA) Cat20 2000/200 Mbps, 5G (5+ Gbps DL) |
Launch
| Announced: | 2021, January 14 |
| Status: | Available. Released 2021, January 29 |
Body
| Dimensions: | 165.1 x 75.6 x 8.9 mm (6.5 x 2.98 x 0.35 in) |
| Weight: | 227 g (Sub6), 229 g (mmWave) (8.01 oz) |
| Build: | Glass front (Gorilla Glass Victus), glass back (Gorilla Glass Victus), aluminum frame |
| SIM: | Nano-SIM + eSIMNano-SIM + Nano-SIM + eSIM (max 2 at a time) |
| IP68 dust tight and water resistant (immersible up to 1.5m for 30 min) Stylus support |
Display
| Type: | Dynamic AMOLED 2X, 120Hz, HDR10+, 1500 nits (peak) |
| Size: | 6.8 inches, 112.1 cm2 (~89.8% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Resolution: | 1440 x 3200 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~515 ppi density) |
| Protection: | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus |
Platform
| OS: | Android 11, up to 4 major Android upgrades, One UI 6.1 |
| Chipset: | Exynos 2100 (5 nm) – InternationalQualcomm SM8350 Snapdragon 888 5G (5 nm) – USA/China |
| CPU: | Octa-core (1×2.9 GHz Cortex-X1 & 3×2.80 GHz Cortex-A78 & 4×2.2 GHz Cortex-A55) – InternationalOcta-core (1×2.84 GHz Cortex-X1 & 3×2.42 GHz Cortex-A78 & 4×1.80 GHz Cortex-A55) – USA/China |
| GPU: | Mali-G78 MP14 – InternationalAdreno 660 – USA/China |
Memory
| Card slot: | No |
| Internal: | 128GB 8GB RAM, 128GB 12GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM, 256GB 16GB RAM, 512GB 12GB RAM, 512GB 16GB RAM |
| UFS 3.1 |
Main Camera
| Quad: | 108 MP, f/1.8, 24mm (wide), 1/1.33″, 0.8µm, PDAF, OIS 10 MP, f/2.4, 72mm (telephoto), 1/3.24″, 1.22µm, dual pixel PDAF, OIS, 3x optical zoom 10 MP, f/4.9, 240mm (periscope telephoto), 1/3.24″, 1.22µm, dual pixel PDAF, OIS, 10x optical zoom 12 MP, f/2.2, 13mm (ultrawide), 1/2.55″, 1.4µm, dual pixel PDAF, Super Steady video |
| Features: | Laser AF, LED flash, auto-HDR, panorama |
| Video: | 8K@24fps, 4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60/120/240fps, HDR10+, stereo sound rec., gyro-EIS |
Selfie camera
| Single: | 40 MP, f/2.2, 26mm (wide), 1/2.8″, 0.7µm, PDAF |
| Features: | HDR |
| Video: | 4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30fps |
Sound
| Loudspeaker: | Yes, with stereo speakers |
| 3.5mm jack: | No |
| 32-bit/384kHz audio Tuned by AKG |
Comms
| WLAN: | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6e, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Bluetooth: | 5.2, A2DP, LE |
| Positioning: | GPS, GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO |
| NFC: | Yes |
| Radio: | FM radio (Snapdragon model only; market/operator dependent) |
| USB: | USB Type-C 3.2, OTG |
Features
| Sensors: | Fingerprint (under display, ultrasonic), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, barometer |
| Samsung DeX, Samsung Wireless DeX (desktop experience support) Ultra Wideband (UWB) support Circle to Search |
Battery
| Type: | Li-Ion 5000 mAh |
| Charging: | 25W wired, PD3.0 15W wireless (Qi) 4.5W reverse wireless |
Misc
| Colors: | Phantom Black, Phantom Silver, Phantom Titanium, Phantom Navy, Phantom Brown, Navy |
| Models: | SM-G998B, SM-G998B/DS, SM-G998U, SM-G998U1, SM-G998W, SM-G998N, SM-G9980 |
| SAR: | 0.77 W/kg (head) 1.02 W/kg (body) |
| SAR EU: | 0.71 W/kg (head) 1.58 W/kg (body) |
| Price: | € 293.32 / $ 255.00 / £ 238.75 |
Our Tests
| Performance: | AnTuTu: 657150 (v8) GeekBench: 3518 (v5.1) GFXBench: 33fps (ES 3.1 onscreen) |
| Display: | 1023 nits max brightness (measured) |
| Camera: | Photo / Video |
| Loudspeaker: | -25.5 LUFS (Very good) |
| Battery (old): | Endurance rating 114h |
Price of HP Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G
The Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G remains a compelling smartphone, even years after its release. If you’re looking to snag this device, understanding its cost in various currencies is key. Based on the provided basic prices of €293.32 / $255.00 / £238.75, here’s an estimated breakdown of the price in different countries, converted using current exchange rates.
- United States: $255.00
- Japan: ¥39,000 (Approximate conversion based on USD)
- United Kingdom: £238.75
- Australia: $380 AUD (Approximate conversion based on USD)
- Canada: $350 CAD (Approximate conversion based on USD)
- Taiwan: $8,100 TWD (Approximate conversion based on USD)
- Denmark: 1,785 DKK (Approximate conversion based on EUR)
- Saudi Arabia: 956 SAR (Approximate conversion based on USD)
- South Korea: 340,000 KRW (Approximate conversion based on USD)
- Germany: €293.32
- Brazil: 1,275 BRL (Approximate conversion based on USD)
- Vietnam: 6,120,000 VND (Approximate conversion based on USD)
- Kenya: 36,885 KES (Approximate conversion based on USD)
- India: 21,250 INR (Approximate conversion based on USD)
- Indonesia: 3,900,000 IDR (Approximate conversion based on USD)
- Nigeria: 382,500 NGN (Approximate conversion based on USD)
- Pakistan: 75,000 PKR (Approximate conversion based on USD)
- Philippines: 14,280 PHP (Approximate conversion based on USD)
- Bangladesh: 27,540 BDT (Approximate conversion based on USD)
Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G: Is It Still Worth Buying in 2024?
The Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G was a flagship device when it launched, and it continues to be a compelling option even in 2024. While newer models have emerged, the S21 Ultra’s combination of features, performance, and price makes it a contender for anyone seeking a premium smartphone experience without paying top-dollar for the latest release. Let’s delve into why this phone still holds its own.
Firstly, consider the value proposition. With the arrival of the S22, S23, and S24 series, the price of the S21 Ultra has significantly decreased. This makes it an attractive choice for budget-conscious consumers who still desire high-end specifications. Instead of paying over $1000 for a current flagship, you might find a used or refurbished S21 Ultra for half the price or even less. This cost saving alone makes it worth serious consideration.
Secondly, the S21 Ultra boasts a powerful processor. Depending on the region, it came with either the Snapdragon 888 or the Exynos 2100. Both chips are still capable of handling demanding tasks like gaming, video editing, and running multiple applications simultaneously. While they might not be quite as efficient as the latest processors, the performance difference is often negligible for everyday use.
However, there are things to keep in mind. Software support is crucial. While the S21 Ultra is guaranteed to receive Android updates for a certain period, it may not get the absolute latest features as quickly as newer models. Always check the manufacturer’s update roadmap to ensure that the phone will continue to receive security patches and operating system upgrades for a reasonable timeframe. This is paramount for security and overall device longevity.
Capture Stunning Photos: Why the S21 Ultra’s Camera Still Shines
The camera system is undoubtedly one of the strongest selling points of the Galaxy S21 Ultra. It features a quad-camera setup that includes a 108MP main sensor, a 12MP ultrawide lens, and two 10MP telephoto lenses (one with 3x optical zoom and another with 10x optical zoom). This versatility allows you to capture stunning photos in a variety of scenarios.
The 108MP main sensor captures an incredible amount of detail, resulting in crisp and clear images. It also excels in low-light conditions, thanks to its large sensor size and pixel binning technology. This technology combines multiple pixels into one larger pixel, improving light sensitivity and reducing noise. You’ll find that your nighttime photos are brighter and more detailed than those taken with many other smartphones.
The dual telephoto lenses are a game-changer for capturing distant subjects. The 3x optical zoom is perfect for portraits and closer-up shots, while the 10x optical zoom allows you to capture incredible detail from afar. The Space Zoom feature, which combines optical and digital zoom, can even reach up to 100x, though the image quality at that magnification will be significantly reduced. For practical use, sticking to the optical zoom range is recommended.
Even compared to newer phones, the S21 Ultra’s camera remains competitive. While advancements have been made in computational photography and image processing, the core hardware is still excellent. It delivers consistently high-quality images, making it a great choice for photography enthusiasts.
Beyond the Specs: Real-World Performance of the Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G
While specifications provide a glimpse into a phone’s capabilities, real-world performance is what truly matters. The Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G delivers a smooth and responsive user experience for most tasks.
Navigating the user interface, browsing the web, and using social media apps are all effortless. The phone handles multitasking with ease, allowing you to switch between multiple apps without experiencing lag or slowdowns. This is thanks to the combination of the powerful processor and ample RAM (usually 12GB or 16GB).
However, it’s important to acknowledge that newer phones might offer slightly faster app launch times and smoother animations. This difference is often subtle and only noticeable in direct comparisons. For the vast majority of users, the S21 Ultra’s performance will be more than adequate.
One area where performance can vary is gaming. Demanding games can push the processor to its limits, potentially leading to some frame rate drops or occasional stuttering. However, even with these demanding titles, the S21 Ultra provides a playable and enjoyable gaming experience. Adjusting graphics settings can help optimize performance and improve frame rates.
Power and Performance: How the S21 Ultra 5G Handles Demanding Apps and Games
The Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G packs a punch with its processing power. Whether you opt for the Snapdragon 888 or the Exynos 2100 variant, you’ll find that this phone can handle demanding applications and games with relative ease.
For everyday tasks, the performance is seamless. Multitasking, web browsing, and social media scrolling are all smooth and responsive. The phone’s ample RAM ensures that you can switch between apps without experiencing any lag. Even with multiple apps open in the background, the S21 Ultra maintains its performance.
When it comes to gaming, the S21 Ultra can handle most titles at high settings. However, some graphically intensive games might require you to lower the settings to achieve a consistently smooth frame rate. The phone can get warm during prolonged gaming sessions, but this is a common occurrence with high-performance smartphones.
While newer phones might offer slightly better performance in benchmarks, the real-world difference is often minimal. The S21 Ultra remains a capable device for both productivity and entertainment.
S Pen Support on the S21 Ultra 5G: A Game-Changer for Productivity?
One of the standout features of the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G is its support for the S Pen. This was the first Galaxy S series phone to offer S Pen compatibility, previously exclusive to the Note series. While the S Pen isn’t included in the box (it’s sold separately), it adds a significant layer of functionality to the device.
The S Pen allows you to take handwritten notes, draw, and navigate the user interface with precision. It’s particularly useful for tasks that require fine motor control, such as editing photos or creating digital art. The S Pen also supports Air Actions, allowing you to control certain functions of the phone with gestures.
While the S Pen experience on the S21 Ultra isn’t quite as refined as on the Note series (which features a dedicated silo for storing the S Pen), it’s still a valuable addition. If you’re a productivity-minded user or enjoy creating digital art, the S Pen support could be a major selling point.
However, keep in mind that you’ll need to purchase the S Pen separately, and there’s no built-in storage solution. You’ll either have to carry it separately or purchase a case that includes an S Pen holder.
Battery Life and Charging: Can the S21 Ultra 5G Last a Full Day?
The Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G features a 5000mAh battery, which is quite large for a smartphone. In most cases, this is sufficient to power you through a full day of moderate use.
However, battery life can vary depending on your usage patterns. Heavy users who frequently game, stream videos, or use GPS navigation may find that they need to top up the battery before the end of the day. Conversely, light users who primarily use their phone for calls, texts, and occasional browsing can easily get a full day of use on a single charge.
The S21 Ultra supports 25W fast charging, which allows you to quickly replenish the battery. However, it’s worth noting that the phone doesn’t come with a charger in the box, so you’ll need to use your own or purchase one separately. It also supports wireless charging and reverse wireless charging, allowing you to charge other devices wirelessly.
Overall, the battery life of the S21 Ultra is decent, but it’s not exceptional. If you’re a heavy user, you might want to consider carrying a portable charger or investing in a faster charging adapter.
Display Brilliance: Why the S21 Ultra’s Screen Still Impresses
The display on the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G is truly exceptional. It features a 6.8-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display with a 120Hz refresh rate and a QHD+ resolution (3200 x 1440 pixels). Even in 2024, this display remains one of the best on the market.
The Dynamic AMOLED 2X technology delivers vibrant colors, deep blacks, and excellent contrast. The 120Hz refresh rate makes scrolling and animations incredibly smooth. The QHD+ resolution ensures that everything looks sharp and detailed.
The display also supports HDR10+, which enhances the dynamic range of videos and photos. This results in a more immersive and realistic viewing experience. The peak brightness of the display is also very high, making it easy to see in direct sunlight.
While newer phones may have slightly brighter or more color-accurate displays, the S21 Ultra’s screen remains a joy to use. It’s perfect for watching videos, playing games, and browsing the web.
Who is the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G Perfect For?
The Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G is a great choice for a variety of users. It’s particularly well-suited for:
- Photography enthusiasts: The camera system is versatile and capable of capturing stunning photos in a variety of scenarios.
- Productivity-minded users: The S Pen support adds a significant layer of functionality for note-taking, drawing, and navigating the user interface.
- Power users: The powerful processor and ample RAM ensure smooth performance even with demanding apps and games.
- Budget-conscious consumers: The S21 Ultra offers a premium smartphone experience at a lower price point than current flagships.
- Those who want a large, beautiful display: The 6.8-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display is one of the best on the market.
However, it might not be the best choice for those who prioritize:
- The absolute latest features: Newer phones will have access to the newest software features and hardware advancements.
- The longest battery life: While the battery life is decent, it’s not exceptional.
- A lightweight and compact phone: The S21 Ultra is a large and relatively heavy device.
Considering an Upgrade? Why the S21 Ultra 5G Might Be Your Best Option
If you’re using an older phone and are considering an upgrade, the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G could be a great option. It offers a significant upgrade in terms of performance, camera quality, and display technology.
Compared to older Samsung phones, like the S10 or S9 series, the S21 Ultra offers a vastly improved camera system, a much faster processor, and a significantly better display. It also supports 5G connectivity, which can provide much faster download and upload speeds.
When comparing it to newer phones, like the S22 or S23 series, the S21 Ultra still holds its own. While the newer phones might offer some incremental improvements, the S21 Ultra is often available at a lower price point, making it a more cost-effective option.
Ultimately, the best phone for you depends on your individual needs and priorities. However, the S21 Ultra offers a compelling combination of features, performance, and price that makes it worth considering.
Durability and Design: How Well Does the S21 Ultra 5G Hold Up?
The Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G boasts a premium design with a Gorilla Glass Victus front and back, and an armor aluminum frame. This combination provides excellent durability and scratch resistance.
The phone is also IP68 rated for water and dust resistance, meaning it can withstand submersion in up to 1.5 meters of freshwater for up to 30 minutes. This provides peace of mind against accidental spills or exposure to the elements.
The design of the S21 Ultra is sleek and modern, with a distinctive camera bump that houses the quad-camera system. The phone is available in a variety of colors, including Phantom Black, Phantom Silver, and Phantom Titanium.
While the phone is durable, it’s still advisable to use a case to protect it from scratches and drops. A screen protector can also help prevent scratches on the display. With proper care, the S21 Ultra should hold up well over time.
