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Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G The Ultimate Smartphone Unveiled

Release Date
2021, January 29
Camera
108MP
Battery
5000mAh
Battery Type
25W15W
Processor
Exynos 2100
Screen
6.8"
Storage
128GB/256GB/512GB
Ram
12/16GB RAM
Operating System
Android 11, up to Android 14, One UI 6.1

Design and Build Quality

The Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G boasts a modern and sophisticated design with a glass front and back both protected by Gorilla Glass Victus. It also includes an aluminum frame that contributes to its premium feel. Its dimensions are 165.1 x 75.6 x 8.9 mm, and it has a weight of between 227g and 229g depending on the model, making it feel solid yet somewhat hefty.

Network Capabilities

The Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G supports a wide range of network technologies, including GSM, CDMA, HSPA, EVDO, LTE, and 5G, making it a versatile device suitable for various global markets. The availability of dual SIM capabilities, with Nano-SIM and eSIM support, offers users flexible options for connectivity.

Display

Featuring a 6.8-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display, the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra offers outstanding visuals with a resolution of 1440 x 3200 pixels. This translates to a 20:9 aspect ratio with a pixel density of approximately 515 ppi, ensuring sharp and vibrant image quality. The screen also supports HDR10+ and can reach a peak brightness of 1500 nits, making it easily viewable even in bright sunlight. Furthermore, the inclusion of a 120Hz refresh rate provides a smooth and responsive user experience.

Performance and Hardware

Powered by the Exynos 2100 chipset (international version) or the Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 5G (U.S. and China), the S21 Ultra delivers exceptional performance. The octa-core CPU and Mali-G78 MP14 (international) or Adreno 660 (U.S./China) GPU ensure that the phone can handle demanding applications and graphics-intensive games with ease. This performance is complemented by either 12GB or 16GB of RAM depending on the model, allowing for efficient multitasking and quick app launches.

Camera System

The camera setup in the Galaxy S21 Ultra is one of its standout features. It includes a quad-camera system with a 108 MP wide sensor, two 10 MP telephoto lenses offering 3x and 10x optical zoom, and a 12 MP ultrawide lens. This versatile configuration allows for a broad array of photographic possibilities, from standard shots to ultra-close zooms and expansive wide-angle captures. The main camera is capable of recording 8K video at 24fps, and includes features like Auto-HDR, panorama, and OIS for stability.

The selfie camera is equally impressive with a 40 MP sensor that supports features like Dual video call and Auto-HDR. Users can also record 4K video at 30/60fps using the front camera.

Battery Life

The device is equipped with a powerful 5000 mAh non-removable battery, ensuring long-lasting performance even with heavy usage. It supports 25W wired charging, 15W wireless charging, and 4.5W reverse wireless charging, offering multiple convenient ways to recharge. The endurance rating of 114 hours suggests that the S21 Ultra can sustain prolonged usage periods without frequent recharging.

Storage Options

Available in three storage capacities – 128GB, 256GB, and 512GB – the Galaxy S21 Ultra offers ample space for apps, media, and other data. However, it should be noted that it does not support external microSD card expansion.

Software and Updates

Running on Android 11 initially and upgradeable to Android 14 with Samsung's One UI 6.1, the Galaxy S21 Ultra offers a user-friendly interface and access to the latest Android features and security updates.

Connectivity and Other Features

The Galaxy S21 Ultra boasts comprehensive connectivity options, including Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6e, Bluetooth 5.2, GPS, NFC, and USB Type-C 3.2. On the security front, it features an under-display ultrasonic fingerprint sensor, alongside other sensors such as accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, and barometer.

Audio performance is bolstered by stereo speakers, although there is no 3.5mm headphone jack available. In terms of color options, it is available in several stylish colors including Phantom Black, Phantom Silver, Phantom Titanium, and others.

Overall Verdict

The Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G is a powerhouse device catering to users who demand top-tier performance, a superb camera system, and excellent build quality. Its high price point reflects its high-end features, making it a worthwhile investment for those seeking the best that Samsung has to offer in a smartphone.

Key Features of Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G

  • Supports multiple network technologies including 5G, providing high-speed connectivity.
  • Dynamic AMOLED 2X display with 120Hz refresh rate and HDR10+ for stunning visuals.
  • High-resolution 6.8-inch display with 1440 x 3200 pixels and Gorilla Glass Victus protection.
  • Powerful Exynos 2100 (International) or Snapdragon 888 5G (USA/China) chipsets for high performance.
  • Versatile quad-camera system with 108 MP main sensor and up to 10x optical zoom.
  • 40 MP front-facing camera capable of 4K video recording.
  • Large 5000 mAh battery supporting fast wired and wireless charging, including reverse wireless charging.
  • Multiple RAM and storage options, including up to 16GB RAM and 512GB internal storage.
  • Comprehensive connectivity options including Wi-Fi 6e, Bluetooth 5.2, NFC, and USB Type-C 3.2.
  • Premium build quality with Gorilla Glass Victus on both the front and back.
  • Ultrasonic fingerprint sensor and a host of other sensors for enhanced user experience.
  • Available in a variety of colors including Phantom Black and Phantom Silver.

Disadvantages of Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G

  • Heavy Weight: The phone is relatively heavy, weighing 227g (Sub6) or 229g (mmWave).
  • No Expandable Storage: The device lacks a microSD card slot for storage expansion.
  • No 3.5mm Headphone Jack: The phone does not come with a dedicated headphone jack.
  • Charging Speed: The device supports 25W wired charging, which is slower compared to some competitors offering faster charging solutions.
  • Price: The phone is positioned at a higher price point, which might not be accessible for all consumers.
Network
Technology GSM / CDMA / HSPA / EVDO / LTE / 5G
2G bands GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 - SIM 1 & SIM 2 (Dual SIM model only)
3G bands HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100
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
5G bands 2, 5, 25, 41, 66, 71, 260, 261 SA/NSA/Sub6/mmWave - SM-G998U1
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 and eSIM or Dual SIM (2 Nano-SIMs and eSIM, dual stand-by)
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, upgradable to Android 14, One UI 6.1
Chipset Exynos 2100 (5 nm) - InternationalQualcomm SM8350 Snapdragon 888 5G (5 nm) - USA/China
CPU Octa-core (1x2.9 GHz Cortex-X1 & 3x2.80 GHz Cortex-A78 & 4x2.2 GHz Cortex-A55) - InternationalOcta-core (1x2.84 GHz Cortex-X1 & 3x2.42 GHz Cortex-A78 & 4x1.80 GHz Cortex-A55) - USA/China
GPU Mali-G78 MP14 - InternationalAdreno 660 - USA/China
Memory
Card slot No
Internal 128GB 12GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM, 256GB 16GB RAM, 512GB 12GB RAM, 512GB 16GB RAM
Main Camera
Quad 108 MP, f/1.8, 24mm (wide), 1/1.33", 0.8µm, PDAF, Laser AF, 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 LED flash, auto-HDR, panorama
Video 8K@24fps, 4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60/240fps, 720p@960fps, HDR10+, stereo sound rec., gyro-EIS
Selfie camera
Single 40 MP, f/2.2, 26mm (wide), 1/2.8", 0.7µm, PDAF
Features Dual video call, Auto-HDR
Video 4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30fps
Sound
Loudspeaker Yes, with stereo speakers
3.5mm jack No
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
Battery
Type Li-Ion 5000 mAh, non-removable
Charging 25W wired, PD3.0 15W wireless (Qi/PMA) 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 $ 283.80 / C$ 440.83 / £ 270.00 / € 354.15
Tests
Performance AnTuTu: 657150 (v8) GeekBench: 3518 (v5.1) GFXBench: 33fps (ES 3.1 onscreen)
Display Contrast ratio: Infinite (nominal)
Camera Photo / Video
Loudspeaker -25.5 LUFS (Very good)
Battery (old) Endurance rating 114h

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