The Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G stands as a pinnacle of smartphone innovation, combining cutting-edge technology with unparalleled performance. This flagship device, released in early 2021, has garnered significant attention for its robust features and remarkable capabilities, making it a top choice for tech enthusiasts and everyday users alike. With its stunning display, powerful processors, and advanced camera system, the Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G is designed to deliver an exceptional mobile experience that meets the demands of the modern consumer.
In this article, we will delve into the full specifications of the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G, highlighting its key features, performance metrics, and unique attributes. Whether you are considering an upgrade or simply curious about the latest advancements in smartphone technology, this comprehensive overview will equip you with all the necessary information to understand why the Galaxy S21 Ultra is a benchmark in the competitive smartphone landscape of 2023.
Full Specifications
Network
| Technology: | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / EVDO / LTE / 5G |
| 2G bands: | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| CDMA 800 / 1900 & TD-SCDMA | |
| 3G bands: | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 |
| CDMA2000 1xEV-DO | |
| 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 |
| 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 28, 32, 38, 39, 40, 41, 66 – SM-G998B | |
| 5G bands: | 2, 5, 25, 41, 66, 71, 260, 261 SA/NSA/Sub6/mmWave – SM-G998U1 |
| 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41, 66, 77, 78 SA/NSA/Sub6 – SM-G998B | |
| 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 + eSIMNano-SIM + Nano-SIM + eSIM (max 2 at a time) |
| IP68 dust tight and water resistant (immersible up to 1.5m for 30 min) Stylus support |
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, up to 4 major Android upgrades, One UI 6.1 |
| Chipset: | Exynos 2100 (5 nm) – InternationalQualcomm SM8350 Snapdragon 888 5G (5 nm) – USA/China |
| CPU: | Octa-core (1×2.9 GHz Cortex-X1 & 3×2.80 GHz Cortex-A78 & 4×2.2 GHz Cortex-A55) – InternationalOcta-core (1×2.84 GHz Cortex-X1 & 3×2.42 GHz Cortex-A78 & 4×1.80 GHz Cortex-A55) – USA/China |
| GPU: | Mali-G78 MP14 – InternationalAdreno 660 – USA/China |
Memory
| Card slot: | No |
| Internal: | 128GB 8GB RAM, 128GB 12GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM, 256GB 16GB RAM, 512GB 12GB RAM, 512GB 16GB RAM |
| UFS 3.1 |
Main Camera
| Quad: | 108 MP, f/1.8, 24mm (wide), 1/1.33″, 0.8µm, PDAF, 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: | Laser AF, LED flash, auto-HDR, panorama |
| Video: | 8K@24fps, 4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60/120/240fps, HDR10+, stereo sound rec., gyro-EIS |
Selfie camera
| Single: | 40 MP, f/2.2, 26mm (wide), 1/2.8″, 0.7µm, PDAF |
| Features: | HDR |
| Video: | 4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30fps |
Sound
| Loudspeaker: | Yes, with stereo speakers |
| 3.5mm jack: | No |
| 32-bit/384kHz audio Tuned by AKG |
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 |
| Samsung DeX, Samsung Wireless DeX (desktop experience support) Ultra Wideband (UWB) support Circle to Search |
Battery
| Type: | Li-Ion 5000 mAh |
| Charging: | 25W wired, PD3.0 15W wireless (Qi) 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: | € 293.32 / $ 255.00 / £ 238.75 |
Our Tests
| Performance: | AnTuTu: 657150 (v8) GeekBench: 3518 (v5.1) GFXBench: 33fps (ES 3.1 onscreen) |
| Display: | 1023 nits max brightness (measured) |
| Camera: | Photo / Video |
| Loudspeaker: | -25.5 LUFS (Very good) |
| Battery (old): | Endurance rating 114h |
The design of the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G is highly praised for its premium aesthetics and robust construction. The device features a sleek glass and metal build, ensuring a luxurious feel while providing durability. The back of the phone is reinforced with Gorilla Glass Victus, making it resistant to scratches and drops. The camera module is integrated seamlessly into the design, which gives the phone a modern and elegant look.
Colors available include Phantom Black, Phantom Silver, and a few exclusive hues that make the phone appealing to a wide audience. The phone’s dimensions are perfectly balanced for a comfortable grip, while its weight feels reassuring without being cumbersome. Overall, the design and build quality of the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G showcases a blend of style and function.
Camera Features and Performance
One of the standout features of the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G is its advanced camera system. It boasts a quad-camera setup consisting of a 108 MP wide sensor, a 12 MP ultra-wide lens, and two 10 MP telephoto lenses. This diverse range of cameras allows users to take stunning photos in various conditions, from wide landscapes to close-up portraits.
Performance in low-light situations is enhanced by the improved Night Mode, which captures more detail and retains vibrant colors. The camera also supports 8K video recording, offering breathtaking video quality that is a step above most smartphones on the market. The ability to zoom up to 100x with the telephoto lenses provides flexibility for capturing distant subjects without losing detail.
Battery Life and Charging Capabilities
Battery life on the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G is impressive, equipped with a 5000 mAh battery that can easily last a full day with heavy usage. The phone’s power efficiency is optimized by adaptive features that manage battery consumption based on the user’s habits.
Wireless Charging Options
In addition to standard charging, the S21 Ultra supports wireless charging and even includes a feature called Wireless PowerShare. This feature allows users to share battery power with other compatible devices, making it a versatile option for on-the-go charging.
Fast Charging Explained
The phone also supports fast charging capabilities, allowing it to charge quickly when connected to a compatible charger. This is particularly beneficial for users who are frequently on the move and need to quickly recharge their devices.
Display Quality and Technology
The display on the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G is a highlight of the device, featuring a 6.8-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X screen with a resolution of 3200 x 1440 pixels. The screen supports a 120Hz refresh rate, providing smooth scrolling and an overall enhanced viewing experience.
Colors are vibrant, and blacks are deep due to the OLED technology. Furthermore, the display is protected by Gorilla Glass Victus, ensuring that it remains scratch-resistant and durable. The high brightness levels make it easy to use in direct sunlight, making the phone suitable for outdoor usage.
User Experience and Software Features
Running on Samsung’s One UI, the user experience on the Galaxy S21 Ultra is designed to be intuitive and user-friendly. The software offers extensive customization options, allowing users to tailor their interfaces to their liking. Features such as Samsung DeX can transform the phone into a desktop experience when connected to a monitor. This capability appeals to professionals who may need to use their devices in a more traditional computing environment.
The phone also integrates well with the ecosystem of Samsung devices, including wearables and home automation products, enhancing the overall user experience. Regular software updates ensure that the device stays up-to-date with the latest features and security enhancements.
Connectivity Options and 5G Capabilities
The Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G offers comprehensive connectivity options, including support for 5G networks. This next-generation connectivity allows for faster download and upload speeds, making streaming and online gaming smooth. The device also supports Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.0, and NFC, ensuring that users have a wide range of options for connecting to the internet and other devices.
With these capabilities, users can enjoy seamless interactions whether they are in a crowded café or a remote location with limited connectivity. The inclusion of advanced connectivity options ensures that the device remains future-proof as 5G networks continue to expand.
Comparing Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G with Competing Smartphones
When compared to its competitors, the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G holds its ground remarkably well. It competes closely with models from brands like Apple and Google, particularly when it comes to camera technology and display quality.
Best Alternatives to Consider
Some alternatives to consider include:
- Apple iPhone 13 Pro Max – Known for its premium build and excellent camera performance.
- Google Pixel 6 Pro – Renowned for its software optimization and camera capabilities in low light.
- Xiaomi Mi 11 Ultra – A budget-friendly option that offers high-end features comparable to the S21 Ultra.
In conclusion, the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G remains a top-tier smartphone choice with its impressive design, advanced camera system, and strong performance across various features. As an all-around device tailored to meet the needs of both casual users and tech enthusiasts, it sets a high standard in the current smartphone market.
