Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G

Samsung's Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G, released in January, 2021, with a RRP starting at $1,849, is a flagship device that exemplifies the best of what the company has to offer in smartphone technology. Its striking design, advanced camera system, and powerful performance make it a standout choice for those seeking a premium mobile experience.

The Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G features a sleek and sophisticated design, with a glass front and back protected by Gorilla Glass Victus, and an aluminium frame. Available in Phantom Black, Phantom Silver, Planton Navy and other exclusive colours, it combines durability with an elegant aesthetic. The 6.8-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display is one of the phone's most impressive features, offering a Quad HD+ resolution of 3200 x 1440 pixels. This ensures vibrant colours, deep blacks, and excellent brightness, making it ideal for everything from streaming videos to gaming. The 120Hz refresh rate provides smooth scrolling and responsive interactions, and it can adjust dynamically to save battery life.

Camera capabilities are a significant highlight. The rear quad-camera setup includes a 108MP wide sensor, two 10MP telephoto lenses (one with 3x optical zoom and another with 10x optical zoom), and a 12MP ultra-wide sensor. This versatile configuration allows for stunning photography in various conditions, from ultra-detailed close-ups to expansive landscapes. The 100x Space Zoom, a combination of optical and digital zoom, enables capturing distant subjects with remarkable clarity. The enhanced Night Mode improves low-light performance, ensuring sharp and vibrant images even in challenging lighting conditions. The 40MP front camera offers high-quality selfies and supports 4K video recording, catering to content creators and social media enthusiasts.

Performance is powered by the Exynos 2100 processor, coupled with up to 16GB of RAM, ensuring smooth multitasking and efficient handling of demanding applications. Storage options range from 128GB to 512GB, providing ample space for apps, photos, and videos. The absence of a microSD slot may require users to choose their storage capacity carefully, but the generous internal options should suffice for most needs.

The Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G supports the latest connectivity options, including 5G for super-fast download and upload speeds, Wi-Fi 6E for improved wireless performance, and Bluetooth 5.2 for reliable connections to peripherals. The inclusion of Ultra-Wideband (UWB) technology enhances device-to-device communication, making features like Digital Key sharing with compatible cars possible. Samsung DeX offers a desktop-like experience, either wirelessly or via HDMI, turning the phone into a productivity hub.

Battery life is robust, thanks to the 5000mAh battery. This large capacity ensures the device can easily last through a full day of intensive use. Fast charging (25W wired), fast wireless charging (15W), and reverse wireless charging (4.5W) provide flexibility in how you recharge the device and power other compatible accessories.

The S21 Ultra 5G is also the first in the S series to support the S Pen, previously exclusive to the Note series. This opens up new possibilities for note-taking, drawing, and precise control, though the S Pen is sold separately. The device runs on Samsung's One UI 3.1, based on Android 11, offering a user-friendly interface with a host of customisation options and features designed to enhance usability and productivity.

Security is top-notch, with an ultrasonic fingerprint sensor embedded under the display and facial recognition technology providing quick and secure access to the device. Samsung Knox offers additional layers of protection for sensitive data, making the phone a reliable choice for those who prioritise security.

In summary, the Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G is a powerhouse that combines cutting-edge technology with a premium design. It caters to photography enthusiasts, power users, and anyone looking for a top-tier smartphone experience. The combination of an outstanding display, versatile camera system, powerful performance, and innovative features makes it a compelling option in the high-end smartphone market.

This description was last updated September 2024.