Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra Unboxing: Key Features & First Impressions

Design and Unboxing Experience

The Galaxy S21 Ultra arrives in a notably slimmer box, continuing Samsung's controversial decision to exclude charging accessories. Inside, you'll find only a USB-C cable and SIM ejector tool—no power adapter or headphones included. This move mirrors Apple's recent approach, requiring users to reuse existing chargers or purchase new ones separately.

Weighing 228g and measuring 8.9mm thick, the Phantom Black model feels denser than last year's S20 Ultra. The matte glass back significantly reduces fingerprint smudges, while the redesigned camera housing seamlessly blends into the metal frame. Physical controls are minimal: a right-side power/volume combo, USB-C port at the bottom, and dual-SIM tray (no microSD expansion—a notable downgrade for power users).

Build and Ergonomics

The curved-edge display distinguishes the Ultra from its flat-screened S21 siblings. Despite the heft, the contoured edges provide a secure grip. IP68 water resistance and stereo speakers (top-earpiece/bottom-firing) remain, maintaining premium durability standards. After handling multiple flagships, I appreciate how the matte finish elevates the tactile experience compared to glossy competitors.

Display and Performance Innovations

Samsung's 6.8-inch Dynamic AMOLED screen delivers three breakthroughs: QHD+ resolution (3200x1440), adaptive 120Hz refresh rate (10-120Hz auto-adjusting), and 1,500-nit peak brightness. This combination—exclusive to the Ultra—enables buttery-smooth scrolling while conserving battery. Under typical indoor lighting, the adaptive tech settles around 60Hz, but ramps up during gaming or rapid scrolling.

Powering the device is Samsung's new Exynos 2100 (international models) or Snapdragon 888 (US), both 5nm chips. Paired with 12GB RAM (16GB on 512GB storage variants), app launches feel instantaneous. The upgraded Qualcomm 3D Sonic Gen 2 fingerprint sensor is 50% faster and 70% larger than previous iterations—though precise finger placement remains crucial.

S Pen Integration and Battery

For the first time outside the Note series, the S21 Ultra supports Samsung's stylus. My testing with a Note 20 Ultra S Pen confirmed full functionality for notes and navigation. However, you'll need a separate case ($40+) for storage since the phone lacks internal silo. The 5,000mAh battery matches the S20 Ultra's capacity. Combined with the adaptive display, expect 1.5-day endurance under moderate use. Charging options include 25W wired, 15W wireless, and reverse wireless—though you'll need existing accessories.

Camera System and Imaging Upgrades

The quad-camera array features substantial hardware improvements:

• 108MP main sensor with enhanced dynamic range
• 12MP ultra-wide lens
• Dual telephoto: 3x optical and 10x periscope zoom
• Laser autofocus addressing previous focus issues

New software capabilities include Director's View (simultaneous previews from all lenses) and Portrait Studio lighting effects. The 10x periscope enables remarkably stable 100x "Space Zoom"—tap the viewfinder to activate stabilization lock. For selfies, the 40MP front camera (pixel-binned to 10MP) outperforms the S20 Ultra's 10MP shooter.

Video and AI Features

8K/24fps recording returns, allowing 33MP still captures from footage. Single Take 2.0 now generates diverse content types (portraits, slow-mo, filters) from one 15-second clip. Early tests show marginally better subject detection than last year's version. In my experience, the laser autofocus eliminates the frustrating hunting seen in the S20 Ultra—a critical fix for serious photographers.

Connectivity and Final Verdict

The S21 Ultra pioneers Wi-Fi 6E support, promising less congestion and higher reliability when paired with compatible routers. 5G compatibility covers all major bands, though real-world speed depends on carrier infrastructure.

Priced at £1,150 (approx. $1,200), this flagship delivers meaningful upgrades: the display resolution/refresh rate combo, S Pen versatility, and refined cameras justify its "Ultra" branding. While the missing charger and microSD slot frustrate, these are industry-wide trade-offs.

Actionable Takeaways

1. Test S Pen compatibility with existing styluses before purchasing
2. Enable Adaptive Battery in settings for optimal endurance
3. Use Director's View for multi-angle content creation

Recommended Resources

• Wi-Fi 6E routers: Netgear Nighthawk RAXE500 (future-proof performance)
• Cases: Spigen Tough Armor (affordable S Pen slot)
• Chargers: Anker Nano II 25W (compact PD 3.0 support)

After thorough hands-on evaluation, the S21 Ultra stands as Samsung's most compelling flagship—especially for Note users seeking display enhancements. Its camera versatility and productivity features create a new hybrid category between traditional phones and tablets. Which upgrade matters most to you—the display, S Pen, or cameras? Share your priority below!