Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra
- Brand
- Samsung
- SoC
- Qualcomm Snapdragon 888, Exynos 2100
- Display
- 6.8" Dynamic AMOLED 2X curved display
- RAM
- 12GB, 16GB
- Storage
- 128GB, 256GB, 512GB
- Battery
- 5,000mAh
- Connectivity
- 5G, 4G LTE, Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.3
- Dimensions
- 2.97 x 6.5 x 0.35 inches (75.6 x 165.1 x 8.9mm)
- Weight
- 8 ounces (227g)
- IP Rating
- IP68
- Colors
- Phantom Black, Phantom Silver, Phantom Titanium, Phantom Navy, Phantom Brown
- Operating System
- One UI 3.1 over Android 11
- Price
- Around $450 (renewed)
- Camera
- 108MP f/1.8 wide, 12MP f/2.2 ultra-wide, 10MP f/2.4 3X zoom, 10MP F/4.9 10x zoom, 40MP selfie camera.
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Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra vs S21 Ultra: Is it finally time to upgrade?
The Galaxy S24 Ultra has finally been announced, but is it really worth upgrading to from an older S21 Ultra?
Samsung's finally announced its Galaxy S24 line of smartphones, but don't jump straight to the best S24 Ultra cases or the favorite S24 chargers just yet. You might not need to spend an arm and a leg on an S24 Ultra, because you can still opt for an older Galaxy, like an S21 Ultra, and save yourself a ton of money on a flagship that's just a few years past its prime.
Best Galaxy S21 Ultra cases in 2024
Looking to buy a new case for the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra? Here are the best options to consider in 2023.
The Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra remains one of the best Android phones we've tested here at XDA. It may not be our first pick for a smartphone in 2024 — nor is it readily available now — but it remains a reliable phone, and it holds up very well in 2023 against other flagships on the market. It recently received the Android 14 update as well, so it's still relevant in the Android space in 2024. It's also arguably a better-looking phone compared to its successor, the Galaxy S22 Ultra, thanks to its beautiful glass sandwich design and the wrap-around camera bump. It's also just as fragile as a lot of other flagships on the market right now, which is why I recommend picking up a case to protect it from accidental drops and scuffs.
Best Samsung Galaxy phones in 2024
Samsung makes some of the finest phones on the market, but with so many devices to choose from, which are the best Samsung Galaxy Phones?
Although Samsung built its reputation off flagship phones, like the latest S23 Ultra, it has slowly moved its attention to budget and mid-tier smartphones as well. When it comes to handsets, Samsung definitely has a finger on the pulse of what Android users want; the South Korean electronics giant has been launching one banger after the other recently. It's safe to say that Samsung phones consistently make it to the top 3 of Android smartphones, and you're bound to find a Samsung device regardless of whether you’re shopping for a budget phone or a top-end foldable.
Best Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra screen protectors in 2023
These excellent Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra screen protectors will add a scratch-resistant layer to your flagship phone, helping you maintain its shine.
Although it's been over two years since Samsung unveiled the Galaxy S21 Ultra, it's still a solid smartphone with impressive performance, a gorgeous display, great cameras, and a long-lasting battery. While it isn't as good as the newer Galaxy S22 Ultra and Galaxy S23 Ultra, it's still a pretty powerful Android phone. If you already own one, you probably won't feel the need to replace it for another two years. But you might have to if you don't use it with a durable case and a screen protector. In case you don't have a screen protector installed on your phone or want to replace the existing one because it's too scratched up, you've come to the right place. I've rounded up the best Galaxy S21 Ultra screen protectors currently on the market to help you easily find one that fits your requirements.
Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra vs Galaxy S21 Ultra: Should you upgrade to the new flagship?
Should the Galaxy S21 Ultra users upgrade to Samsung's new Galaxy S23 Ultra? Let's find out!
Samsung's Galaxy S21 Ultra was quick to succeed on the market as it brought some solid upgrades over its predecessor. The company went all in on this phone to pack it with powerful hardware, and it was even cheaper than the previous flagship. The Galaxy S21 Ultra was so good that you could've skipped the Galaxy S22 Ultra and be totally fine if it wasn't for the S Pen. But what about the new Galaxy S23 Ultra? Has Samsung done enough to justify an upgrade to the new flagship, or is the two-year-old Galaxy S21 Ultra not as far behind as you think it is? Let's find out how they stack up against each other in our Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra vs Galaxy S21 Ultra comparison.
March 2023 security patches already rolling out for Galaxy S23, S22, S21, and S20 series
Samsung's impressive update form continues
Every month, Google rolls out a fresh update for Pixel phones with security patches and bug fixes. Typically, the update drops on the first Monday of the month, but the situation is a bit different for the third month of 2023. Although March 2023's Android Security Bulletin went live earlier this week and the second Developer Preview of Android 14 comes with the latest SPL, Google has yet to deliver the update via stable channel.
Samsung's bringing some Galaxy S23 features to older phones with One UI 5.1 update
The rollout has already begun
Samsung has rolled out its Android 13 update to many phones and tablets, branded as One UI 5.0, but the Korean OEM introduced a minor revision with the Galaxy S23 series. The One UI 5.1 update was hinted to arrive on select phones and tablets, but the company didn't specify any official roadmap. Nonetheless, the rollout has already started in full swing, as the Galaxy S22, S21, S20, as well as the foldables have picked up the new release.
Best Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra wallet cases in 2023
Wallet cases not only protect your Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra, but they also offer pockets to store cash and cards. Here are the best options available.
In spite of the Galaxy S23 Ultra's launch, the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra is still an excellent phone today. After all, it's packed with high-end internals, not to mention its advanced rear camera system. Ultimately, flagship phones are typically usable for many years, assuming you take proper care of them. If you're aiming at durability and a long lifetime, investing in a case for your Galaxy S21 Ultra should be one of your highest priorities. Not only do cases protect your Samsung phone, but they can also offer added functionality, such as card or cash storage. To help you out, we've prepared a list of the best Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra cases currently available.
Google Pixel and some Samsung Galaxy phones receive first security updates of 2023
The January 2023 security patches should be hitting your Pixel phone soon
New year, new updates. Google is making the first week of 2023 more exciting with a fresh new Android security bulletin and corresponding updates for the eligible Pixel lineup, but not exactly right on schedule.
A new update arrives on unlocked US Galaxy S21 models, but the latest security patch is missing
A new update is rolling out to unlocked Samsung Galaxy S21 series devices, but it doesn't contain the December security patch.
Last month, Samsung rolled out its Android 13 update for Galaxy S21 series handsets. The One UI 5 update featured stackable widgets, a deeper use of Material You throughout the OS, revamped privacy and security settings, and a whole lot more. Unfortunately, one thing that it didn't include at the time was the latest security update. For some reason, Samsung wasn't able to get the security update included with its One UI 5 update. Now, a month later, Samsung is releasing a new update to Galaxy S21 owners in the US, and while many thought the update would include the December 2022 security update, it's nowhere to found.
Samsung rolls out stable One UI 5 based on Android 13 to the Galaxy S21 series
The update is currently available for the Exynos variants in Europe
After releasing stable builds of One UI 5 based on Android 13 for the Galaxy S22 series last month, Samsung has now started rolling out the update to the older Galaxy S21 series. The first One UI 5 stable update for the Galaxy S21 series is rolling out to users in Europe, and it should reach other regions in the coming days.
Best Samsung Galaxy S21 wireless chargers in 2023
The Samsung Galaxy S21 series boasts of wireless charging, and here are your best wireless charger options for the new device series!
Over the last few years, wireless charging technology has come a long way. Rather than constantly plugging it into a wall-based power socket, you can just drop and forget your phone on a wireless charging pad and come back to it topped up.
Samsung Android 13 Tracker: Here are all the official One UI 5.0 beta builds to download and install
One UI 5 beta builds based on Android 13 have begun rolling out to multiple Samsung Galaxy devices. Head on over for the download links!
Software updates can be one of the most important things when it comes to a device. As Android 13 is already available for the Google Pixel smartphones, the time is ripe for smartphone makers to give a new coat of paint to their custom skins. Samsung, being one of the top-tier OEMs, is also busy shaping up the fifth iteration of its One UI software on top of the new version of Android. As is often the case, keeping track of the rollout event of a major update like One UI 5 is a hard job, so we’re here to make things easier for you.
Samsung rolls out third One UI 5 beta for the Galaxy S21 series
Samsung has started rolling out the third One UI 5 beta for the Galaxy S21 series, bringing a host of bug fixes to the devices. Read on to learn more.
Samsung has been doing a great job releasing One UI 5 beta updates for its flagship devices. Over the last few weeks, the company has released beta builds of the software to several smartphones, including the Galaxy S21 series, Galaxy Note 20 series, Galaxy Z Fold 4, Galaxy Z Flip 4, and more. Some of these devices, like the Galaxy S21 series, have even received a bug fix update after the initial release, and it doesn't seem like Samsung will slow down anytime soon. The company has now started rolling out the third One UI 5 beta for the Galaxy S21 series, and here's everything you need to know about the update.
Samsung rolls out new One UI 5 beta builds for the Galaxy S21 series and Galaxy A52
Samsung is rolling out the third One UI 5 beta to the Galaxy S21 series and the second beta to the Galaxy A52, bringing a host of bug fixes to the devices.
Although Samsung still hasn't released the first stable build of One UI 5 based on Android 13 to its flagship Galaxy S22 series, the company is steadily extending the One UI 5 beta program to more devices. Over the last few weeks, the company has released One UI 5 beta builds for the Galaxy S21 series, the Galaxy S20 series, and the Galaxy A52. Although Samsung hasn't released One UI 5 beta builds for its foldable lineup yet, it is now rolling out the third beta update for the Galaxy S21 series and the second update for the mid-range Galaxy A52.
Samsung has vastly improved its software update game in recent years, going from one of the worst OEMs for updates to one of the best. Not only the South Korean tech giant has boosted the speed at which it delivers major Android updates to its portfolio, but it’s also become one of the fastest to deliver monthly security patches. Keeping up with this trend, Samsung has now started rolling out the October 2022 security patches to the Galaxy S22 and the Galaxy S21 series.
Samsung kicks off One UI 5 beta program for the Galaxy S21 series
Just a few weeks after releasing the first One UI 5 beta to the Galaxy S22 series, Samsung has now kicked off the One UI 5 beta program for the Galaxy S21 series.
Samsung opened the One UI 5 beta program for the Galaxy S22 series earlier this month, giving users a chance to experience the latest version of its custom Android skin based on Android 13 ahead of the stable release. After releasing two beta builds for its latest flagship devices, Samsung has now kicked off the One UI 5 beta program for the older Galaxy S21 series.
Samsung Galaxy S22, Galaxy S21, and Galaxy S20 get August 2022 security update ahead of schedule
Samsung has started rolling out the August 2022 security update to the Galaxy S22, Galaxy S21, and Galaxy S20 series. Read on to know more!
The gap between Google's publication of a monthly Android security bulletin and the update rolling out can vary, but Samsung is typically way ahead of the curve when it comes to this. In keeping up with that trend, the Korean OEM has already started seeding the August 2022 patches to its flagship Galaxy S22 series. The Galaxy S21 and Galaxy S20 have also picked up the August patches in select regions.
July 2022 security update rolls out for Google Pixel, Samsung Galaxy S22, and more Samsung phones
The July 2022 Android Security Bulletin has gone live today. Google Pixel phones are also getting their latest security update builds.
The monthly Android Security Bulletin is typically posted on the first Monday of each month. However, the first Monday of this month — ie. July 4th — was the USA’s Independence Day holiday. Thus, Google moved the release of the July 2022 ASB to today. The search giant has now published the latest Android Security Bulletin and Pixel Update Bulletin for this month. The update is now rolling out to the eligible Google Pixel devices. Furthermore, several Samsung phones, including the Samsung Galaxy S22, have also already started receiving the new set of patches.
Samsung rolls out June 2022 security patches to the Galaxy S21 series
Samsung has started rolling out June 2022 security patches to the Galaxy S21, Galaxy S21 Plus, and the Galaxy S21 Ultra. Read on!
Google has a tradition of rolling out fresh new Android security patches for the Pixel smartphones on the first Monday of each month, which means we only have a few days to go before the Android security bulletin of June 2022 goes live. However, it doesn’t mean other OEMs can’t beat Google at their own game. Unsurprisingly, Samsung once again managed to win the race. After rolling out the June 2022 patches to the Galaxy Tab S7, the Korean OEM is now seeding the new patchset to the Galaxy S21 series.