The Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra is one of the most highly anticipated smartphones of 2021, boasting an impressive array of features, a sleek design, and top-of-the-line specs. But with a hefty price tag to match, many potential buyers are left wondering: is the S21 Ultra worth buying? In this article, we’ll delve into the details of this flagship device, exploring its pros and cons, to help you make an informed decision.
Design and Display
The S21 Ultra’s design is undoubtedly one of its strongest suits. The phone’s sleek, contoured body is crafted from durable glass and metal, giving it a premium feel that’s hard to match. The device is available in a range of colors, including Phantom Black, Phantom Silver, and Phantom Titanium, each with a unique finish that adds to the phone’s visual appeal.
But it’s the display that truly steals the show. The S21 Ultra boasts a massive 6.8-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display, with a Quad HD+ resolution and a 120Hz refresh rate. This means that the screen is not only incredibly sharp and vibrant but also silky smooth, making it perfect for gaming, video streaming, and browsing.
Display Features
The S21 Ultra’s display is packed with features that enhance the viewing experience. These include:
- Eye Care: A feature that adjusts the screen’s color temperature to reduce eye strain and promote better sleep.
- Blue Light Filter: A feature that filters out blue light, which can interfere with your sleep patterns.
- Always-On Display: A feature that allows you to view important information, such as the time and notifications, even when the screen is locked.
Performance
The S21 Ultra is powered by a large 5000mAh battery, which provides all-day battery life, even with heavy use. The phone also supports fast charging, with the ability to charge up to 100% in just 30 minutes.
But it’s the phone’s performance that truly sets it apart. The S21 Ultra is equipped with a powerful Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 chipset, paired with up to 16GB of RAM and 512GB of internal storage. This means that the phone can handle even the most demanding tasks with ease, from gaming and video editing to multitasking and more.
Benchmark Scores
The S21 Ultra’s performance is backed up by impressive benchmark scores. In Geekbench 5, the phone scored:
- Single-Core Score: 1134
- Mult-Core Score: 3686
These scores indicate that the S21 Ultra is one of the fastest smartphones on the market, outperforming many of its competitors.
Camera
The S21 Ultra’s camera is another area where the phone truly shines. The device is equipped with a quad-camera setup, featuring a 108MP primary sensor, a 40MP front camera, and support for 8K video recording.
Camera Features
The S21 Ultra’s camera is packed with features that enhance the photography experience. These include:
- Super Steady Video: A feature that uses advanced stabilization to reduce camera shake and produce smoother video.
- Live Focus: A feature that allows you to adjust the depth of field in real-time, creating a professional-looking bokeh effect.
- Pro Mode: A feature that gives you manual control over camera settings, such as ISO, aperture, and shutter speed.
Software
The S21 Ultra runs on Android 11, with Samsung’s One UI 3.1 skin on top. This means that the phone has access to all the latest Android features, including a redesigned interface, improved performance, and enhanced security.
Software Features
The S21 Ultra’s software is packed with features that enhance the user experience. These include:
- Edge Panels: A feature that allows you to access frequently used apps and features from the edge of the screen.
- Bixby Routines: A feature that allows you to automate tasks and customize your phone’s behavior based on your habits and preferences.
- Secure Folder: A feature that allows you to store sensitive files and apps in a secure, encrypted environment.
Verdict
So, is the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra worth buying? The answer is a resounding yes. With its stunning design, impressive display, powerful performance, and advanced camera, the S21 Ultra is one of the best smartphones on the market.
However, it’s worth noting that the phone’s high price tag may be a barrier for some buyers. The S21 Ultra starts at around $899 for the base model, with prices increasing to over $1,300 for the top-of-the-line variant.
Alternatives
If you’re looking for alternatives to the S21 Ultra, there are several options to consider. These include:
- Samsung Galaxy S21: A more affordable version of the S21 Ultra, with a smaller display and fewer features.
- Apple iPhone 13 Pro: A flagship smartphone from Apple, with a similar price tag to the S21 Ultra.
- Google Pixel 6 Pro: A flagship smartphone from Google, with a focus on camera performance and software experience.
Ultimately, the decision to buy the S21 Ultra will depend on your individual needs and preferences. If you’re looking for a premium smartphone with all the bells and whistles, the S21 Ultra is an excellent choice. But if you’re on a budget or prefer a more affordable option, there are plenty of alternatives to consider.
| Specification | Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra |
|---|---|
| Display | 6.8-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X, Quad HD+ |
| Processor | Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 |
| RAM | Up to 16GB |
| Storage | Up to 512GB |
| Battery | 5000mAh |
| Camera | Quad-camera setup, 108MP primary sensor |
| Software | Android 11, One UI 3.1 |
In conclusion, the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra is a powerful and feature-packed smartphone that is well worth considering. With its stunning design, impressive display, and advanced camera, the S21 Ultra is one of the best smartphones on the market. However, its high price tag may be a barrier for some buyers, and there are plenty of alternatives to consider if you’re on a budget or prefer a more affordable option.
What are the key features of the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra?
The Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra boasts an impressive array of features, including a large 6.8-inch Dynamic AMOLED display, a long-lasting 5000mAh battery, and a powerful Exynos 2100 chipset. It also features a quad-camera setup with a 108MP primary sensor, a 40MP front camera, and support for 5G connectivity. Additionally, the device comes with up to 16GB of RAM and 512GB of internal storage.
These features make the Galaxy S21 Ultra an ideal choice for those who want a high-performance device that can handle demanding tasks such as gaming and video editing. The large display and long-lasting battery also make it perfect for watching videos and browsing the web on the go.
How does the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra compare to other flagship devices?
The Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra is one of the best flagship devices available in the market, and it compares favorably to other high-end smartphones. It has a larger display and a more powerful chipset than the Apple iPhone 13 Pro, and its camera system is on par with the Google Pixel 6 Pro. The device also has a longer-lasting battery than the OnePlus 9 Pro, making it a great choice for those who want a device that can last all day.
However, the Galaxy S21 Ultra is not without its competitors. The Huawei P40 Pro, for example, has a more advanced camera system, and the Oppo Find X3 Pro has a faster charging system. Ultimately, the choice between these devices will depend on individual preferences and needs.
Is the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra worth buying for gaming?
The Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra is an excellent choice for gaming, thanks to its powerful Exynos 2100 chipset and large 6.8-inch display. The device can handle demanding games such as Fortnite and PUBG with ease, and its long-lasting battery means that you can play for hours on end without needing to recharge. Additionally, the device supports 5G connectivity, which means that you can enjoy fast and seamless online gaming.
However, it’s worth noting that the Galaxy S21 Ultra can get hot during intense gaming sessions, which may affect performance. Additionally, the device does not have a headphone jack, which may be a drawback for some gamers. Nevertheless, the Galaxy S21 Ultra is one of the best gaming smartphones available, and it’s definitely worth considering if you’re a serious gamer.
How is the camera performance of the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra?
The Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra has a quad-camera setup that includes a 108MP primary sensor, a 40MP front camera, and support for 8K video recording. The camera system is one of the best available, and it can capture stunning photos and videos in a variety of lighting conditions. The device also has a range of camera modes, including a pro mode that allows you to adjust settings such as ISO and exposure compensation.
However, the camera system is not without its flaws. The device can struggle with low-light photography, and the front camera can be a bit slow to focus. Additionally, the camera app can be a bit cluttered and difficult to navigate. Nevertheless, the Galaxy S21 Ultra has one of the best camera systems available, and it’s definitely worth considering if you’re a serious photographer.
Is the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra worth buying for its battery life?
The Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra has a long-lasting 5000mAh battery that can easily last a day and a half with moderate use. The device also supports fast charging, which means that you can quickly top up the battery when you’re on the go. Additionally, the device has a power-saving mode that can help extend battery life even further.
However, it’s worth noting that the Galaxy S21 Ultra’s battery life can vary depending on how you use the device. If you’re a heavy user who likes to play games and watch videos all day, you may need to recharge the device more frequently. Nevertheless, the Galaxy S21 Ultra has one of the best battery lives available, and it’s definitely worth considering if you’re looking for a device that can last all day.
How durable is the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra?
The Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra is a durable device that can withstand rough handling. The device has a IP67 rating, which means that it can withstand being submerged in water up to 1.5 meters for up to 30 minutes. The device also has a toughened glass back and a metal frame, which can help protect it against scratches and drops.
However, it’s worth noting that the Galaxy S21 Ultra is not indestructible. The device can still be damaged if you drop it from a great height or subject it to excessive wear and tear. Additionally, the device’s screen can be prone to scratches and cracks if you don’t use a screen protector. Nevertheless, the Galaxy S21 Ultra is a well-built device that can withstand normal use and handling.
Is the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra worth buying for its price?
The Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra is a premium device with a price to match. The device starts at around $1,000, which is definitely on the high side. However, the device’s impressive features and performance make it worth considering if you’re looking for a high-end smartphone. Additionally, the device’s long-lasting battery and durable design mean that it can last for years to come, which can help justify the cost.
However, it’s worth noting that there are other devices available that offer similar features and performance at a lower price. The Google Pixel 6 Pro, for example, has a similar camera system and a lower price point. Ultimately, the decision to buy the Galaxy S21 Ultra will depend on your individual needs and budget.