Samsung, a pivotal player in the ever-evolving tech landscape, consistently delivers high-caliber devices. The Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra, released in January 2021, is no exception.
In this comprehensive review, we’ll delve into all facets of this flagship phone, from its stunning display and robust performance to its multifaceted camera system. We’ll also explore some compelling alternatives for those surveying their options in the premium smartphone market.
Design and Craftsmanship
The design and assembly quality of a smartphone is crucial in gauging its overall allure and endurance. The Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra excels in both domains, offering a luxurious and refined design that distinguishes it in the crowded smartphone arena.
Design Aesthetics
The S21 Ultra extends the design narrative established by its Galaxy S series predecessors. Its elegant, minimalist, and contemporary aesthetic is instantly identifiable as a Samsung flagship. The Phantom Black and Phantom Silver color schemes bestow the device with a refined and deluxe appearance.
- A noticeable design evolution is the contoured camera housing on the rear. Instead of a separate bump, the camera modules are seamlessly integrated into the device’s frame. This not only elevates the phone’s aesthetics but also enhances its overall durability and lens protection;
- The front is dominated by a large display with minimal bezels and a cut-out for the front camera. The display’s curved edges add an extra touch of appeal and ergonomic comfort.
Despite its sizable and hefty stature, necessitated by the substantial 6.8-inch display and a large battery, the S21 Ultra maintains a balance and elegance in design.
Craftsmanship
The S21 Ultra’s build quality is top-notch, featuring a glass rear panel, an aluminum frame, and Corning Gorilla Glass Victus protection at both front and back. This combination of materials not only imparts a luxurious feel but also augments its longevity.
The renowned Gorilla Glass Victus offers exceptional resistance to scratches and drops, ensuring the phone withstands daily wear and tear. The device also boasts an IP68 rating for water and dust resistance, offering peace of mind against accidental spills and environmental elements.
The physical buttons, including the volume and power keys, are well-placed and tactile. Their satisfying click contributes to the overall premium experience of the device. The assembly quality instills confidence in the phone’s robustness and its ability to stand the test of time.
All in all, the design and craftsmanship of the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra are exceptional. The smooth, modern design, superior materials, and attention to detail make it a standout in the flagship smartphone category. Whether you value aesthetics or prioritize device longevity, the S21 Ultra meets both criteria, setting a high bar for competitors.
Display Brilliance
The Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra’s display is undoubtedly one of its most notable features, often regarded as one of the finest screens available on any smartphone. In this section, we’ll analyze the various elements, specifications, performance, and notable characteristics of the S21 Ultra’s display.
Display Specifications:
- Type: Dynamic AMOLED 2X;
- Size: 6.8 inches;
- Resolution: 3200 x 1440 pixels (WQHD+);
- Refresh Rate: 120 Hz (adaptive);
- HDR Support: HDR10+;
- Peak Brightness: Up to 1500 nits.
Display Features:
- The S21 Ultra’s display offers a mesmerizing 3200 x 1440 pixel resolution (WQHD+), delivering an incredibly sharp and detailed image. It serves as a perfect canvas for viewing high-definition videos, browsing websites, or viewing high-resolution images. Text appears crisp, and colors are rendered with exceptional accuracy;
- The adaptive 120 Hz refresh rate is a distinctive feature that enhances the overall user experience. It dynamically adjusts the screen’s refresh rate based on the content displayed and user interaction, offering energy efficiency for static content and super-smooth scrolling and animations for more dynamic tasks;
- The display is HDR10+ certified, providing vibrant and realistic colors when viewing HDR content. It also boasts an impressive peak brightness of up to 1500 nits, ensuring readability even in bright outdoor lighting conditions;
- The Always-On Display feature is convenient and energy-efficient, allowing users to view essential information like time, date, notifications, and even customizable widgets without waking up the phone.
S Pen Compatibility
Another remarkable aspect of the display is its compatibility with the S Pen, available separately. This stylus ensures precise input for note-taking, sketching, and navigating the device, broadening the phone’s utility for productivity-oriented users.
Every aspect of the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra, from its premium design to its innovative features and remarkable display, underscores its position as a leader in the high-end smartphone market, setting it apart from the competition.
Overall Impressions
The display of the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra is nothing short of magnificent. It crafts an enthralling visual experience whether you are immersed in high-definition content, playing graphics-intensive games, or simply browsing the internet. The 120 Hz adaptive refresh rate ensures smooth transitions and animations, while the high resolution and HDR support make every picture and video a feast for the eyes.
Furthermore, the generous 6.8-inch screen provides ample room for multitasking, making it a prime choice for users who demand high performance from their smartphones. The incorporation of S Pen support amplifies the device’s utility, catering to creative and professional needs alike.
The S21 Ultra’s display is a distinguishing feature that sets it apart in a competitive market. The amalgamation of high resolution, adaptive refresh rate, HDR support, and S Pen compatibility marks it as one of the most superior smartphone displays, offering an image quality that is pleasurable across various use cases.
Whether you’re a multimedia aficionado, a gamer, or a performance-oriented user, the S21 Ultra’s display is designed to not only meet but exceed your expectations.
Performance
The performance of a smartphone is a pivotal element that directly influences the user’s operational experience. In the case of the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra, it boasts stellar performance across all fronts, courtesy of potent hardware and efficient software optimization. This section will explore the key components and performance facets of the S21 Ultra.
Specifications:
- CPU: Exynos 2100 (or Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 in select regions);
- RAM: Up to 16 GB LPDDR5;
- Storage: Up to 512 GB UFS 3.1.
CPU and RAM
The device is powered by the Exynos 2100 chipset in some regions and Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 in others. Both are elite, delivering outstanding performance and are crafted using advanced manufacturing processes for energy efficiency and superior heat management.
With RAM configurations ranging from 12 to 16 GB LPDDR5, the S21 Ultra ensures seamless multitasking and the capacity to keep multiple applications running in the background without any slowdowns or excessive reloads. The device handles app switching, web browsing, or intensive tasks with ease.
Graphics Performance
Gamers will appreciate the Mali-G78 MP14 GPU (or Adreno 660 for Snapdragon variants), providing exceptional gaming performance. Enjoy the latest games at high settings with fluid frame rates. The powerful CPU-GPU combo ensures demanding games run impeccably, marking the device as a top pick for mobile gaming enthusiasts.
Storage and Expandability
Offering storage options up to 512 GB UFS 3.1, the S21 Ultra provides rapid app launches and ample space for large files, including photos, videos, and games. However, the absence of a microSD card slot might be a consideration for users desiring additional storage flexibility.
Software Optimization
Samsung’s One UI, built on Android 11, is optimized to leverage the device’s robust hardware fully. It provides a clean and intuitive interface with extensive customization options, enabling users to tailor their device experience. Features like Samsung DeX transform the phone into a desktop-like experience when connected to a monitor or TV.
Camera System
The S21 Ultra boasts a captivating camera system. Equipped with a versatile quad-camera setup, including a 108-MP primary sensor, two 10-MP telephoto lenses, and a 12-MP ultra-wide lens, it covers a broad range of shooting scenarios from splendid landscapes to intricate close-ups.
The camera system excels in various lighting conditions, with impressive low-light capabilities and features like Single Take mode for capturing multiple shots and videos simultaneously. The 100x Space Zoom, though not always yielding usable images at maximum zoom, offers an intriguing feature for photographic exploration.
Video recording capabilities are also notable, supporting 8K at 24 fps and modes like Director’s View and Super Steady. Pro Video mode offers manual controls, pleasing video shooting enthusiasts.
In essence, the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra stands as a pinnacle of technological ingenuity, blending aesthetic design, superior performance, and an exceptional display, making it a coveted possession for tech enthusiasts and professionals alike.
Battery Life
The Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra is equipped with a robust 5,000 mAh battery to fuel its premium features. Efficient optimization and an adaptive refresh rate allow the device to offer extended battery life, easily lasting through a day of intensive use. Even when engaged in demanding activities like gaming or streaming videos, users can rely on consistent performance. The inclusion of both wired and wireless fast charging ensures the device can be quickly recharged when needed.
Software and User Experience
Powered by Samsung’s One UI 3.1, built atop Android 11, the S21 Ultra offers a refined and user-friendly interface, laden with customization options and innovative features like Samsung DeX, which transforms the phone into a desktop-like experience upon connecting to a monitor or TV. Samsung ensures the device’s longevity by providing regular software updates and incorporating the latest security patches and feature enhancements.
5G Connectivity
As 5G networks continue to expand globally, having a 5G-enabled smartphone becomes increasingly essential. The S21 Ultra supports both sub-6 GHz and mmWave 5G bands, enabling users to access ultra-fast network speeds within 5G coverage areas.
Alternatives
While the S21 Ultra stands as an impressive flagship, exploring alternative options can be beneficial for users with specific needs or preferences. Here are some notable alternatives:
- iPhone 13 Pro Max: Apple’s flagship touts the potent A15 Bionic chip, a remarkable camera system, and the seamless iOS ecosystem. It delivers stellar performance, boasts a stunning Super Retina XDR display, and integrates effortlessly with other Apple devices;
- Google Pixel 6 Pro: A top choice for photography enthusiasts, equipped with Google’s renowned camera software, a 50-MP primary sensor, and a vibrant OLED display. It offers a pure Android experience and guaranteed software updates;
- OnePlus 9 Pro: Known for high performance, it features a swift Fluid AMOLED 120Hz display, Hasselblad camera system, and OxygenOS, offering a near-stock Android experience;
- Xiaomi Mi 11 Ultra: Xiaomi’s flagship showcases a dazzling AMOLED display, a versatile camera system, and a reliable Snapdragon 888 chipset. A unique secondary rear display adds convenience for notifications and selfies;
- Sony Xperia 1 III: Tailored for multimedia enthusiasts, it offers a 4K OLED display, front-facing stereo speakers, a comprehensive camera system, and premium audio features.
Each of these options caters to varying technical specifications and functional needs.
Conclusion
The Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra epitomizes flagship excellence, amalgamating a breathtaking display, formidable performance, a multi-faceted camera system, and an elegant design. Enhancements like S Pen compatibility and 5G capabilities add to its allure.
However, choosing a smartphone should be influenced by individual needs and preferences. The aforementioned alternatives each have unique strengths and cater to diverse users. Whether photography, a pure Android experience, or seamless device integration is a priority, there is a flagship smartphone to meet every demand.
The S21 Ultra sets a lofty standard in the realm of premium smartphones. However, considering these alternatives will assist prospective buyers in identifying the ideal device that aligns with their specific needs and preferences in the ever-evolving premium smartphone landscape.