Jump to content

Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra

From Alfawiki
Adapted from the English Wikipedia article Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra, available under CC BY-SA 4.0Updated 9 August 202516 sources
Samsung Electronics
Company typePublic
IndustryConsumer electronics, Telecommunications
FoundedMarch 1, 1938; 88 years ago (1938-03-01) in Su-dong, South Korea
FounderLee Byung-chul
Headquarters
Suwon
,
South Korea
Area served
Worldwide
Key people
Han Jong-hee (Vice Chairman and CEO)
ProductsSmartphones, tablets, televisions, semiconductors, home appliances
Number of employees
287,439 (2023)
Websitewww.samsung.com


Template:Infobox mobile phone 

| ext_display = Includes an Always On Display feature.
|rear_camera = All models incorporate LED flash, automatic HDR, panoramic photo capability; video recording supports resolutions including:
* Up to UHDTV_4320p_7680%C3%443840_pixels_33_megapixels_16_9 Samsung's proprietary UHDTV_4320p_7680%C3%443840_pixels_33_megapixels_16_9 "8K" at 24 frames per second,
* "4K" at both 30 and 60 frames per second,
* Full HD (1080p) at frame rates of up to120 fps,
* Slow motion video at720p resolution running up to960 fps,
* HDR10+ support,
* stereo audio recording,
* gyro-based electronic image stabilization combined with optical image stabilization.

Specific camera configurations per model:

* S21 and S21+
** Main:12 MP sensor with f/1.8 aperture, wide-angle lens (26 mm), sensor size approximately1/1.76", pixel size around1.8 µm, Dual Pixel phase detection autofocus (PDAF), optical image stabilization.
** Telephoto:64 MP sensor, f/2.0 aperture, telephoto lens (28 mm), similar sensor size as main camera but smaller pixels at about0.8 µm, PDAF, OIS, optical zoom at roughly1.1x plus hybrid zoom up to three times.
** Ultrawide:12 MP sensor with f/2.2 aperture, ultra-wide lens covering120°, sensor size about1/2.55", pixel size ~1.4 µm; includes Super Steady video mode.

* S21 Ultra
** Primary camera boasts a second-generation108 MP sensor with f/1.8 aperture, wide lens (26 mm), larger sensor size at about1/1.33", pixel dimension approximately0.8 µm, PDAF, laser autofocus, OIS.
** Periscope telephoto lens:10 MP sensor, f/4.9 aperture, focal length about240 mm, sensor size roughly1/3.24", pixel size ~1.22 µm; dual pixel PDAF plus OIS enables10x optical zoom.
** Additional telephoto lens:10 MP sensor with f/2.4 aperture, focal length near70 mm, similar sensor specs as other telephotos; provides3x optical zoom.
** Ultrawide camera:12 MP sensor featuring f/2.2 aperture and120° field of view; includes dual pixel PDAF and Super Steady video.

* S21 FE
** Wide-angle main camera:12 MP sensor with f/1.8 aperture at26 mm focal length; equipped with Dual Pixel PDAF and OIS.
** Telephoto camera:8 MP sensor with f/2.4 aperture at76 mm focal length featuring PDAF and offering3x optical zoom.
** Ultrawide shooter:12 MP sensor with f/2.2 aperture covering123° field of view.

}}
| front_camera = Front-facing cameras differ by model:
    • S21 and S21+: Equipped with a10 MP sensor having f/2.2 aperture, wide lens (26 mm), sensor size approximately1/3.24", pixel size ~1.22 µm featuring Dual Pixel PDAF.
    • S21 Ultra: Features a40 MP front camera with f/2.2 aperture and wide lens (26 mm), larger sensor size (~1/2.8"), pixel dimension ~0.7 µm plus PDAF.
    • S21 FE: Contains a32 MP front camera sporting f/2.2 aperture wide lens (26 mm), sensor size roughly1/2.74" with pixel size about0.8 µm coupled with Dual Pixel PDAF.
| sound = Stereo speakers tuned by AKG supporting Dolby Atmos surround sound technology.
| connectivity = Includes Bluetooth version5.2; Wi-Fi standards supported are802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/ax—with Wi-Fi6E available on the S21 Ultra model.
| water_resist = Certified IP68 rating for resistance against dust and water immersion up to depths of approximately1.5 meters lasting for thirty minutes.
| website = *Official page for Galaxy S21 and S21+

}}

The Samsung Galaxy S21 lineup represents Samsung Electronics' premium series of Android smartphones under the renowned Galaxy S brand family, following the previous generation Galaxy S20 models in the product sequence. The initial trio—comprising the standard Galaxy S21, the larger Galaxy S21+, along with the flagship-tier Galaxy S21 Ultra—were officially introduced during Samsung’s Galaxy Unpacked event held on January14,2021; subsequently,the Fan Edition variant was revealed during CES on January3,2022.

This generation marks the final use of Samsung’s traditional flagship model numbering scheme beginning from the Galaxy S5 era ("SM-G9xx"), before transitioning to a new format ("SM-S123X") starting with the subsequent Galaxy S22 series.

The collection offers four distinct variants catering to different user segments: the base-level Galaxy S21; the bigger display-focused Galaxy S21+; the top-tier feature-rich Galaxy S21 Ultra; and a mid-tier option represented by the Galaxy S21 FE edition.

Significant enhancements compared to their predecessors include upgraded hardware specifications across all models; displays capable of adaptive refresh rates up to120 Hz; improved multi-camera systems supporting high-resolution video capture including native8K recording on the first three variants; plus advanced zoom capabilities ranging from30x to100x on the Ultra model.

Launch availability began in key markets such as the United States and Europe on January29,2021 for the initial three devices whereas the Fan Edition was released worldwide on January7,2022.

Retail pricing upon release started at $699.99 for the base model Galaxy S211 $79999 for the larger Plus version $99999 for the premium Ultra edition $107999 for the Fan Edition variant.

The successor generation was announced on February9,2022 when Samsung unveiled the Galaxy S22 lineup.[1]

History

S21, S21+, and S21 Ultra

Samsung introduced its initial trio of devices during the Galaxy Unpacked event on 14 January 2021. These models succeeded the 2020 lineup, featuring a significant redesign that included a more compact rear camera module seamlessly integrated with the side buttons, creating a cohesive look across the S21, S21+, and S21 Ultra. Among these, only the base variant adopted a polycarbonate (plastic) back panel, differing from its counterparts. The standard model's specifications closely mirrored those of the previous S20. The S21+ shared nearly identical specs and design elements with the standard S21, differing only in minor aspects, and functioned as the successor to the S20+. Positioned as the premium option in the series, the S21 Ultra replaced the S20 Ultra and introduced limited support for the S Pen, marking a first for the Galaxy S lineup. Sales of the S21 series ceased following the launch of the Galaxy S22. All three devices became available on 29 January 2021.

S21 FE

The "Fan Edition" variant was revealed at Samsung's CES event on 3 January 2022. As the successor to the S20 FE, this mid-range model retained much of the S21's design and specifications, with some adjustments to align with its more affordable price point. Initially slated for an October 2021 release running One UI 3.1, its launch was postponed due to the ongoing global semiconductor shortage from 2020 to 2023. Eventually, the S21 FE debuted on 11 January 2022 equipped with One UI 4.0. It features a 4500mAh battery supporting 25W wired and 15W wireless charging, a matte aluminum frame, and a plastic camera bump contrasting with the metal ones on other models. The device sports a 6.4-inch display with a resolution of 1080x2340 pixels and includes an optical fingerprint sensor under the screen. Released in 2022, it is eligible for an upgrade to One UI 8, unlike other devices in this series.

Lineup

The series consists of four models, starting with the Galaxy S21 as the most affordable option, featuring a smaller display and a polycarbonate (plastic) rear panel. This entry-level position was later surpassed by the Galaxy S21 FE, which also employs polycarbonate for its back and camera bump, unlike the metal used on other variants. Compared to the Galaxy S20+, the Galaxy S21+ shares many specifications with the S21 but distinguishes itself by offering a larger screen, greater battery capacity, and a glass back instead of plastic. The Galaxy S21 Ultra boasts an even bigger display and battery, along with numerous enhancements over its counterparts. Notably, it includes a sophisticated camera system highlighted by a 108 MP main sensor equipped with laser autofocus and a high-resolution 1440p screen. As a first in the Galaxy S lineup, the S21 Ultra supports the S Pen, though it is sold separately and offers limited features. Unlike the "Fan Edition" model, the "Ultra" variant will not receive One UI 8 updates.

Design

The design of the Galaxy S21 collection closely resembles that of its predecessor, featuring an Infinity-O display with a centrally positioned circular cutout at the top for the front-facing camera. The back panels of the S21 and S21 FE are constructed from reinforced polycarbonate (plastic), similar to materials used in the S20 FE and Note 20. In contrast, both the S21+ and S21 Ultra utilize Gorilla Glass Victus for their rear surfaces. The rear camera module is mostly integrated into the phone's body across all models except for the S21 FE, where it is embedded into the polycarbonate back cover surrounded by a metallic frame. For select exclusive colors, the S21 Ultra features a carbon fiber trim around its camera housing.

Galaxy S21 FE Galaxy S21 Galaxy S21+ Galaxy S21 Ultra
Base colors
Online exclusive colors — —


Specifications

Hardware

Chipsets (SoC)

The Galaxy S21 series consists of four distinct models, each equipped with different hardware configurations. Models intended for international and South Korean markets are powered by the Exynos 2100 system-on-chip, whereas versions sold in the U.S., Canada, China, Taiwan, Hong Kong, and Japan come with the Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 chipset. For the S21 FE variant, Snapdragon 888 is used in U.S., Canadian, Chinese, and European editions, while markets such as South Korea, India, Brazil, and Australia receive devices featuring the Exynos 2100.

Display

The S21 lineup is equipped with "Dynamic AMOLED 2X" panels that support HDR10+ and incorporate "dynamic tone mapping" technology. Except for the S21 FE, all models include a second-generation ultrasonic in-display fingerprint sensor, whereas the S21 FE utilizes an optical in-display fingerprint reader. Notably, the S21 Ultra supports a 120 Hz refresh rate at a 1440p resolution, a capability that was limited to 1080p at 120 Hz on its predecessor.

Model Screen Size Resolution Maximum Refresh Rate Variable refresh rate Screen Design
S21 FE 6.4" 2340x1080 120 Hz 60 Hz / 120 Hz Flat edges
S21 6.2" 2400x1080 48 Hz to 120 Hz
S21+ 6.7"
S21 Ultra 6.8" 3200x1440 10 Hz to 120 Hz Curved edges

Storage

Model Galaxy S21 Galaxy S21+ Galaxy S21 Ultra Galaxy S21 FE
RAM Internal Storage RAM Internal Storage RAM Internal Storage RAM Internal Storage
Option 1 8GB 128GB 8GB 128GB 12GB 128GB 6GB 128GB
Option 2 8GB 256GB 8GB 256GB 12GB 256GB 8GB 128GB
Option 3 - - - - 16GB 512GB 8GB 256GB

The Galaxy S21 and S21+ models come with 8 GB of Random-access memory and offer internal storage capacities of either 128 GB or 256 GB. The Galaxy S21 Ultra provides configurations of 12 GB RAM paired with either 128 GB or 256 GB storage, along with an additional option featuring 16 GB RAM and 512 GB storage. Meanwhile, the Galaxy S21 FE is available with either 6 GB or 8 GB of RAM and storage options of 128 GB or 256 GB. Notably, none of these models include a microSD card slot—a feature that was available on the previous S20 series.

Batteries

The Galaxy S21, S21 FE, S21+, and S21 Ultra are equipped with non-removable batteries of 4000 mAh, 4500 mAh, 4800 mAh, and 5000 mAh capacities, respectively. Each model supports wired charging via USB-C at a maximum of 25W using USB Power Delivery technology. Additionally, they offer Qi wireless charging capabilities up to 15W. These devices also feature the ability to wirelessly charge other Qi-enabled gadgets through the phone’s battery, a function Samsung calls "Wireless PowerShare," delivering up to 4.5W of power.

Connectivity

All variants in the lineup provide compatibility with both standalone (SA) and non-standalone (NSA) 5G networks. The Galaxy S21, S21+, and S21 FE support Wi-Fi 6 along with Bluetooth 5.0, whereas the Galaxy S21 Ultra advances this with Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.2. The S21+ and S21 Ultra models also incorporate Ultra Wideband (UWB) technology for short-distance communication, functioning similarly to NFC. It is important not to confuse this with the Verizon-branded Ultra Wideband mmWave 5G service. Samsung leverages UWB for its "SmartThings Find" feature and the accompanying Samsung Galaxy SmartTag+ accessory.

Cameras

Camera specifications comparison across Galaxy S21 Series
Models Galaxy S21 & S21+ Galaxy S21 Ultra Galaxy S21 FE
Wide Specifications 12 MP, f/1.8, 26 mm, 1/1.76", DPAF, OIS 108 MP, f/1.8, 24 mm, 1/1.33", PDAF, OIS 12 MP, f/1.8, 26 mm, 1/1.76", Dual PDAF, OIS
Sensor Model Samsung S5K2LD or Sony IMX555 Samsung S5KHM3 Samsung S5K2LD or Sony IMX555
Ultrawide Specifications 12 MP, f/2.2, 13 mm, 1/2.55", fixed focus 12 MP, f/2.2, 13 mm, 1/2.55", DPAF 12 MP, f/2.2, 15 mm, 1/3.1", fixed focus
Sensor Model Samsung S5K2LA Sony IMX563 Samsung S5K3L6
Telephoto Specifications 64 MP, f/2.0, 29 mm, 1/1.72", PDAF, OIS 10 MP, f/2.4, 70 mm, 1/3.24", DPAF, OIS 8 MP, f/2.4, 76 mm, 1/4.5", PDAF, OIS (3x zoom)
Sensor Model Samsung S5KGW2 Samsung S5K3J1 SK Hynix HI-847
Periscope Telephoto Specifications - 10 MP, f/4.9, 240 mm, 1/3.24", DPAF, OIS -
Sensor Model Samsung S5K3J1
Front-facing Camera Specifications 10 MP, f/2.2, 26 mm, 1/3.24", DPAF 40 MP, f/2.2, 26 mm, 1/2.8", PDAF 32 MP, f/2.2, 26 mm, 1/2.74", fixed focus
Sensor Model Sony IMX374 Samsung S5KGH1 Sony IMX616

The camera configurations on the Galaxy S21 and S21+ closely resemble those of their predecessors but benefit from enhanced software optimization and image processing improvements. Both models include a 12 MP wide sensor alongside a 64 MP telephoto sensor capable of a threefold hybrid zoom and a 12 MP ultrawide sensor. Similarly, the S21 FE maintains a comparable camera setup to its previous iteration while gaining from software upgrades and refined image processing; it features a 12 MP wide sensor paired with an 8 MP telephoto sensor offering three times optical zoom and a 12 MP ultrawide lens.

The Galaxy S21 Ultra introduces a new HM3 sensor boasting a resolution of 108 MP with several advancements over the earlier HM1 version including support for 12-bit HDR imaging. Additionally, it houses two telephoto lenses at 10 MP each providing optical zoom levels of three times and ten times respectively along with a standard 12 MP ultrawide camera.

For front-facing cameras, the Galaxy S21 and S21+ utilize a 10 MP sensor; the S21 FE is equipped with a higher-resolution 32 MP sensor while the Ultra model features a substantial upgrade to a 40 MP front camera.

Video recording capabilities include support for up to 4K resolution at 60 frames per second on the ultrawide cameras of the Galaxy S21 series excluding the Ultra model which supports this frame rate across all its cameras.

Except for certain exceptions—the ultrawide camera on the Galaxy S21 Ultra and the front cameras on both the Galaxy S21 and S21+, which employ Sony sensors—and the telephoto lens on the Galaxy S21 FE supplied by SK Hynix—all other cameras in the series are manufactured by Samsung.

The entire Galaxy S21 range can capture video in HDR10+ format and supports HEIF for images.

Moon image dispute

It was revealed by users that the Scene Optimizer feature on Samsung Galaxy S21 and subsequent models employs artificial intelligence to detect the Moon and enhance it by incorporating details the camera hardware itself cannot capture, utilizing a database of pre-existing lunar images.[2][3] Samsung, however, contested these claims, stating that their AI enhancement algorithm is designed to add finer details to lunar photographs.[3]

Video recording capabilities

The Samsung Galaxy S21 lineup supports various video recording formats:[4]

  • 8K at 24 frames per second (excluding the FE variant)[5]
  • 4K at both 30 and 60 frames per second
  • 1080p at 30, 60, and 240 frames per second
  • 720p at 960 frames per second (with 480fps footage being interpolated up to 960fps on the S21 Ultra)[6][7]

Still images can be generated from high-resolution video footage, serving as individual photos.[8]

Software

At launch, the initial three models in the S21 series ran on Android 11 with One UI 3.1 and included Google Mobile Services, featuring Samsung's proprietary One UI interface. Although the S21 FE was initially planned to debut with the same Android and One UI versions, delays led to all devices receiving updates to Android 12 with One UI 4.0 instead.[9] Enhanced security measures are provided through Samsung Knox, which protects against factory reset protection (FRP), with a distinct version tailored for enterprise deployment.[10]

On November 15, 2021, the first three Galaxy S21 devices were upgraded to Android 12 along with One UI 4.[11][12] Additionally, on July 28, 2022, Samsung introduced a "repair mode" feature for the Galaxy S21 that conceals personal data when a device is handed over for servicing.[13]

During the Galaxy Unpacked event on February 9, 2022, Samsung announced extended software support commitments: flagship models released between 2021 and 2023, including the Galaxy S21 series, will receive four major Android OS updates alongside five years of security patches; similarly, mid-range devices launched from 2022 through 2024 will benefit from this policy.[14]

The rollout of One UI 5 based on Android 13 began for the S21 lineup on November 7, 2022.[15]

By January 2024, all S21 models had received the One UI 6 upgrade built on Android 14.[16]

Starting May 2025, the Galaxy S21, S21+, and S21 Ultra will be eligible for updates to Android 15 along with One UI 7. Subsequent software releases will no longer support these models but will continue for the S21 FE exclusively, as it launched with a more recent version initially.

Reception

The Verge reviewer Dieter Bohn commended the Galaxy S21 Ultra for its vibrant display, rapid processing capabilities, impressive battery endurance, and notable enhancements to the camera system, comparing it favorably to that of the iPhone 12 Pro Max. Nevertheless, Bohn pointed out that the device's glass rear panel tends to be somewhat more vulnerable to minor scratches. Android Authority's David Imel described the Galaxy S21 Ultra as a "powerhouse smartphone," highlighting its camera setup as among the finest available on Android devices. Matt Swider from TechRadar offered a favorable assessment, praising the phone’s "captivating design," labeling it "Samsung’s most visually appealing handset to date," and emphasizing the "exceptional strength" of its camera. However, he also criticized the high price point, absence of a microSD card slot, and questioned the stylus support since the S Pen is sold separately and lacks an integrated storage space on the phone itself.

The omission of both a charger and expandable memory storage has drawn criticism, particularly since the previous Galaxy S20 model included microSD support. Back in 2018, Samsung humorously highlighted the iPhone’s lack of these features and an audio jack in a series of advertisements titled "Ingenious" for the Galaxy S9. These commercials depicted dissatisfied iPhone users confronting Apple Store staff over missing functionalities that were present on Samsung’s device—features that have since been removed from all Galaxy smartphones.

Following Apple's lead in recent years, Samsung opted not to bundle a wall charger or earphones with the Galaxy S21 series. The company explained this decision by stating that eliminating these accessories from packaging helps reduce electronic waste and avoids redundant items. However, achieving the device’s maximum charging speed may necessitate purchasing a separate charger, which involves additional packaging and shipping with its own environmental impact.

See also

References

  1. ↑ Sohn, Jiyoung (9 February 2022). "Samsung Unveils New Galaxy S22 Smartphones and Keeps Old Prices". Wall Street Journal.
  2. ↑ Samsung explains its 'fake' Moon photos
  3. ↑ 3.0 3.1 "Samsung responds to fake Moon controversy". The Verge. 15 March 2023. Archived from the original on 26 May 2023.
  4. ↑ Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; no text was provided for refs named auto
  5. ↑ "How advanced A.I. and new hardware push the Galaxy S21 Ultra's camera forward". Digital Trends. 18 January 2021. Retrieved 19 January 2021.
  6. ↑ admin (18 January 2021). "Galaxy S21 Slow Motion Feature is Retained!". Hi Speed Cameras. Retrieved 18 January 2021.
  7. ↑ "The Galaxy S21 and S21 Plus do at least one thing better than the Ultra". Android Authority. 19 January 2021. Retrieved 19 January 2021.
  8. ↑ "The Galaxy S21 Camera Shoots 8K Video & Turns It Into Photos". Android Headlines. 14 January 2021. Retrieved 24 September 2021.
  9. ↑ Vincent, Brittany (15 January 2021). "Samsung One UI 3 arrives: These are the top features". Tom's Guide. Retrieved 17 January 2021.
  10. ↑ Moorhead, Patrick. "What's New With Samsung Smartphone Security". Forbes. Retrieved 9 June 2021.
  11. ↑ "Samsung's Galaxy S21 series updated to One UI 4 with new Android 12 features". Engadget. 15 November 2021. Retrieved 15 November 2021.
  12. ↑ Stonham, Jonathan (15 December 2021). "How to download Official Samsung Galaxy S21 User Manual". Samsung Galaxy S21 User Manual.
  13. ↑ Dobberstein, Laura. "Samsung adds 'repair mode' to South Korean smartphone". www.theregister.com. Retrieved 2 August 2022.
  14. ↑ "Samsung Sets the New Standard With Four Generations of OS Upgrades To Ensure the Most Up-to-Date and More Secure Galaxy Experience". Global Newsroom. Samsung. 9 February 2022. Retrieved 17 March 2022.
  15. ↑ Taylor, James Lee (7 November 2022). "Breaking: Samsung rolls out Stable One UI 5.0 update for Galaxy S21 [Android 13]".
  16. ↑ "Unlocked Samsung Galaxy S21 gets Android 14 (One UI 6.0) update in the US". SamMobile. 21 January 2024. Retrieved 30 May 2024.

Template:Samsung phones Template:Samsung smartphones Template:Samsung Galaxy S

Related profiles

SSamsung Galaxy S21SSamsung Galaxy S21 FESSamsung Galaxy A02SSamsung Galaxy S21+
Retrieved from "https://www.alfawiki.org/index.php?title=Samsung_Galaxy_S21_Ultra&oldid=32645"