Samsung S21 Ultra Review: Why It's Android's Flagship King

Why the S21 Ultra Stands Out

After rigorously testing Samsung’s flagship for over a month—using it as my primary device, conducting battery stress tests, and comparing Exynos/Snapdragon variants—I confidently label it the most capable Android phone today. Unlike last year’s Exynos disappointment, Samsung achieved near-parity between chipsets. The Exynos 2100 now matches Snapdragon 888 in speed, with battery differences under 5%. Though minor camera variances exist, this ends the "chipset lottery" anxiety for global buyers. Paired with 12GB/16GB RAM, it handles 120fps gaming effortlessly.

Display Excellence and Battery Realities

The 6.8" Dynamic AMOLED 2X screen sets benchmarks: 1500 nits brightness, Quad HD+ resolution, and 10–120Hz adaptive refresh. You can run both simultaneously—a first for Samsung—but expect trade-offs. My testing showed 7.5 hours screen-on time at FHD+ versus 6.5 hours at QHD+. That’s a 10% battery penalty for max resolution. When commuting resumes, I’ll switch to FHD+ for endurance. Still, the 5,000mAh battery outlasts the Note 20 Ultra by 15%, thanks to the efficient 5nm chip.

Pro Tip: Enable "Enhanced processing" in settings and reduce animation speeds for snappier UI responses.

Camera: Versatility Redefined

Beyond the Megapixel Hype

The quad-camera system isn’t about specs alone—it’s about flexibility. After shooting 500+ samples, key improvements stand out:

• 10x periscope zoom: Finally usable. 30x shots retain detail; 100x remains gimmicky (crop a 30x shot instead).
• Ultra-wide dual role: Doubles as a macro lens for sharp 3cm close-ups.
• Low-light mastery: "Smart ISO Pro" significantly improves dynamic range—shadows reveal details without blown highlights.
• Video prowess: 8K recording and Director’s View mode empower creators.

While the iPhone 12 Pro Max offers better video stabilization, no competitor matches this lens diversity. The "Single Take" feature—capturing multiple formats in one shot—exemplifies computational photography done right.

S-Pen Support: A Partial Victory

The S21 Ultra works with Note-series pens, but responsiveness lags. Samsung’s £34 dedicated S-Pen improves latency, yet lacks Bluetooth or air gestures. You’ll need the "Pro" model (releasing later) for full functionality. Without built-in storage, a case is essential—don’t lose this £100 accessory!

Compromises to Consider

Missing Features

Samsung sacrificed three fan favorites:

1. No microSD slot: Base 128GB storage feels constrained for 8K videos. Pay £50 extra for 256GB.
2. No charger/earbuds: Eco-friendly but inconvenient.
3. Wi-Fi 6E limitations: Future-proofed, yet requires a £300+ router for benefits.

Design note: The matte back rejects fingerprints but weakens PopSocket adhesion. Use a grippy case.

Exclusive Insights: What Comes Next

Why This Isn’t Just an Incremental Upgrade

Compared to the S20 Ultra, the refinements are profound. The Exynos turnaround alone makes this a generational leap—especially for S10/S9 upgraders. But looking ahead:

• AMD GPU integration: Rumored for next-gen Exynos, potentially closing the graphics gap with Snapdragon.
• Camera software updates: Samsung’s track record suggests further tuning (e.g., Night mode optimization).
• Foldable competition: The Z Fold 3 may challenge "ultra" dominance by late 2021.

Android vs. iOS Verdict

For ecosystem-locked users (iCloud/Airdrop/FaceTime), the iPhone 12 Pro Max remains compelling. But Android enthusiasts gain unmatched hardware flexibility here—especially with Google Discover replacing Samsung Free on the homescreen.

Should You Upgrade?

Actionable Checklist

Before buying, ask:

1. Do I shoot pro-level video/photo? If yes, the camera justifies the cost.
2. Is expandable storage critical? Consider a 256GB+ model or cloud storage.
3. Will I use the S-Pen? Factor in £100+ for the Pro pen and case.
4. Am I coming from an S20/Note 20? Wait for the S22 unless camera/display upgrades matter.

Resource picks:

• Photographers: Get Adobe Lightroom (free) for RAW editing.
• Power users: Pair with a Wi-Fi 6E router like ASUS ROG Rapture GT-AXE11000 (£500) for future-proofing.

Final Thoughts

After 30 days of testing, the S21 Ultra delivers Samsung’s most cohesive flagship experience—blistering performance, display brilliance, and camera adaptability outweigh the microSD omission. It’s the Android pinnacle... for now. The OnePlus 9 Pro and Xiaomi Mi 11 Ultra could shift the balance soon.

Question for you: Which feature matters most—camera versatility or battery endurance? Share your dealbreaker below!