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Products in this category are scored under Frontum Smartphones Methodology v1.0: technical specifications plus authentic consumer ratings, with 0% commercial bias.
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Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G (12GB + 128GB) Review | 197 Data compared

Avg. price:~£340RAM capacity:12 GBInternal storage:128 GBScreen size:6.8 inchesMain camera megapixels:108 MP & 12 MP & 10 MP & 10 MP

Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G (12GB + 128GB) Review: Compare 197 technical specifications and user reviews to see how this product ranks in the Smartphones category and whether it is worth buying.

Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G (12GB + 128GB)
7.8/10

Overall score

Score
7.8/ 10
✕
What it is
An overall evaluation of the smartphone's quality, based on technical analyses and user reviews.
When it matters
When you need a quick reference to identify the best smartphones on the market.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–² Better than 80% of models
Score components

90%

7.7

Technical score

10%

8.4

User score

â–²Better than 80% of smartphones
8.1

Value for money

Value for money
8.1/ 10
✕
What it is
An indicator that combines the smartphone's overall rating with its cost.
When it matters
When you are looking for a smartphone with a good balance between quality and price.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
★ Better than 91% of models
Score components

70%

7.8

Overall score

30%

8.7

Price

★Better than 91%
7.7

Technical score

Technical score
7.7/ 10
✕
What it is
An assessment of the smartphone's technical performance, covering eight key areas: performance & hardware, software, camera, connectivity, display, battery, audio, and design.
When it matters
When you want to compare smartphones based on technical performance and available features.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–² Better than 79% of models
Score components

25%

7.3

Performance & Hardware

18%

8.6

Camera

15%

7.9

Display

15%

7.1

Battery

10%

8.2

Software

10%

7.9

Connectivity

4%

6.2

Audio

3%

7.2

Design

â–²Better than 79%
8.4

User score

User score
8.4/ 10
✕
What it is
A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the smartphone
When it matters
When you want to know how a smartphone handles daily tasks and how reliable it remains over time according to user feedback.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–² Better than 78% of models
Score components

70%

8.1

User ratings

30%

9.1

Number of reviews

Based on ratings from across the web.
â–²Better than 78%
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Best rankings
Available: ranking among products currently available (including other versions of this product).All: ranking among all products in the database.
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Technical Specifications of smartphone Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G (12GB + 128GB)

Technical score
Technical score
7.7/ 10
✕
What it is
An assessment of the smartphone's technical performance, covering eight key areas: performance & hardware, software, camera, connectivity, display, battery, audio, and design.
When it matters
When you want to compare smartphones based on technical performance and available features.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–² Better than 79% of models
Score components:

25%

7.3

Performance & Hardware

18%

8.6

Camera

15%

7.9

Display

15%

7.1

Battery

10%

8.2

Software

10%

7.9

Connectivity

4%

6.2

Audio

3%

7.2

Design

7.7
User score
User score
8.4/ 10
✕
What it is
A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the smartphone
When it matters
When you want to know how a smartphone handles daily tasks and how reliable it remains over time according to user feedback.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–² Better than 78% of models
Score components

70%

8.1

User ratings

30%

9.1

Number of reviews

Based on ratings from across the web.
8.4
Popularity
Popularity
9.1/ 10
✕
What it is
An indicator based on the number of reviews received by the smartphone.
When it matters
When you prefer to purchase a product chosen and reviewed by many other consumers.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–² Better than 87% of models
Popularity:
Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G (12GB + 128GB) has a popularity of 9.1 points, which is higher than 86.6% of smartphones.
9.1
Value for money
Value for money
8.1/ 10
✕
What it is
An indicator that combines the smartphone's overall rating with its cost.
When it matters
When you are looking for a smartphone with a good balance between quality and price.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
★ Better than 91% of models
Score components:

70%

7.8

Overall score

30%

8.7

Price

8.1
Brand name
Samsung
Processor model
Samsung Exynos 2100
This smartphone uses the Samsung Exynos 2100 processor which is faster than processors in 69.6% of smartphones and equal to processors in 0.2% of smartphones.
RAM capacity
12 GB
Market range: <4 GB – >16 GB
This smartphone has a RAM capacity of 12 GB which is larger than the RAM capacity of 59% of smartphones and equal to that of 24.3% of smartphones.
Internal storage
128 GB
Market range: <64 GB – >512 GB
This smartphone has an internal storage capacity of 128 GB which is smaller than the storage of 61.2% of smartphones and equal to that of 28.4% of smartphones.
CPU boost clock speed
2.9 GHz
Market range: <2 GHz – >3.3 GHz
The CPU boost clock speed of this smartphone is 2.9 GHz which is higher than the boost speed of 74.2% of smartphones and equal to that of 0.4% of smartphones.
Show more
Operating system
Android
This smartphone uses the Android operating system, which outperforms that of 1%.
Android 14
Android version
Android 14
This smartphone runs Android version Android 14 which is newer than that found in 49.5% of smartphones and equal to that in 21% of smartphones.
Direct OS updates
no
This smartphone does not receive direct OS updates. 20.6% of smartphones receive direct updates.
Open-source OS
yes
This smartphone uses an open-source OS. 94.6% of smartphones use an open-source OS.
Dark mode
yes
This smartphone offers dark mode. 95.8% of smartphones support this feature.
Show more
Multi-lens main camera
yes
This smartphone includes a multi-lens main camera system. 93.7% of smartphones include multi-lens setups.
Main camera megapixels
108 MP & 12 MP & 10 MP & 10 MP
Market range: <10 – >100
This smartphone has a main camera resolution of 108 MP & 12 MP & 10 MP & 10 MP which is higher than that of 94.9% of smartphones.
Main camera aperture
f/1.8 & f/2.2 & f/2.4 & f/4.9
This smartphone has a main camera aperture of f/1.8 & f/2.2 & f/2.4 & f/4.9 which is wider than that of 70.4% of smartphones and equal to that of 0.1% of smartphones.
Main camera sensor area
69.1 mm²
Market range: <19.7 mm² – >71.4 mm²
This smartphone has a main camera sensor area of 69.1 mm² which is larger than the main camera sensor area of 88.8% of smartphones and equal to that of 0.9% of smartphones.
Main camera pixel size
0.8 µm
Market range: <0.64 µm – >1.22 µm
This smartphone has a main camera pixel size of 0.8 µm which is larger than in 35.5% of smartphones and equal to the size in 21.9% of smartphones.
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Number of SIM slots
2
Market range: <1 – >6
This smartphone has 2 SIM slots, which is more than in 3.8% of smartphones and equal to the number in 96.1% of smartphones.
Cellular module
yes
This smartphone includes a cellular module. 100% of smartphones include cellular modules.
5G connectivity
yes
This smartphone supports 5G connectivity. 66.9% of smartphones support 5G.
LTE support
yes
This smartphone supports LTE. 99.7% of smartphones include LTE connectivity.
Wi-Fi connectivity
yes
This smartphone supports Wi-Fi connectivity. 100% of smartphones offer Wi-Fi support.
Show more
Screen size
6.8 inches
Market range: <6.3 inches – >6.82 inches
This smartphone has a screen size of 6.8 inches which is larger than the screens of 84.4% of smartphones and equal to those of 4.6% of smartphones.
Screen resolution
1440x 3200 px
This smartphone has a screen resolution of 1440x3200 px which is higher than that of 96% of smartphones and equal to that of 2.1% of smartphones.
Pixel density
515 ppi
Market range: <264 ppi – >460 ppi
This smartphone has a pixel density of 515 ppi which is higher than that of 95% of smartphones and equal to that of 0.2% of smartphones.
Display type
OLED/AMOLED
This smartphone uses a OLED/AMOLED display type. 58.6% of smartphones use this display technology.
Refresh rate
120 Hz
Market range: <60 Hz – >144 Hz
This smartphone supports a refresh rate of 120 Hz which is higher than in 34.7% of smartphones and equal to that in 55.2% of smartphones.
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Battery capacity
5,000 mAh
Market range: <4k mAh – >7k mAh
This smartphone has a battery capacity of 5,000 mAh which is larger than the batteries in 28.3% of smartphones and equal to those in 28.8% of smartphones.
Charging speed
25 W
Market range: <15 W – >90 W
This smartphone supports charging speeds of 25 W which is slower than in 66.9% of smartphones and equal to speeds in 5.3% of smartphones.
Fast charging
yes
This smartphone supports fast charging. 93.1% of smartphones support fast charging.
GSMArena full wired charge time
?
Wireless charging
yes
This smartphone supports wireless charging. 25.2% of smartphones support wireless charging.
Show more
Stereo speakers
yes
This smartphone includes stereo speakers. 64.4% of smartphones provide stereo audio.
3.5 mm headphone jack
no
This smartphone does not include a 3.5 mm headphone jack. 45.5% of smartphones offer this port.
Number of microphones
3
Market range: <1 – >3
This smartphone includes 3 microphones, which is more than in 77.2% of smartphones and equal to the number in 19.7% of smartphones.
FM radio
no
This smartphone does not include an FM radio. 34.2% of smartphones offer FM radio functionality.
aptX Lossless
no
This smartphone does not support aptX Lossless. 12.9% of smartphones provide aptX Lossless.
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Height
165.1 mm
Market range: <156.2 mm – >171.56 mm
This smartphone has a height of 165.1 mm which is taller than 68.2% of smartphones and equal to that of 0.7% of smartphones.
Width
75.6 mm
Market range: <73.1 mm – >81 mm
This smartphone has a width of 75.6 mm which is narrower than 57.6% of smartphones and equal to that of 1.9% of smartphones.
Thickness
8.9 mm
Market range: <7.53 mm – >10.5 mm
This smartphone has a thickness of 8.9 mm which is thicker than 75.5% of smartphones and equal to that of 4.3% of smartphones.
Weight
229 g
Market range: <175 g – >256 g
This smartphone weighs 229 g which is heavier than 85.6% of smartphones and equal to the weight of 0.6% of smartphones.
Device volume
99,000 cm³
Market range: <80 cm³ – >190 cm³
This smartphone has a device volume of 99,000 cm³ which is larger than 58.4% of smartphones and equal to that of 0.3% of smartphones.
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Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G (12GB + 128GB) vs the average smartphone

246810TotalPerformance & HardwareSoftwareCameraConnectivityDisplayBatteryAudioDesign
  • 2.16x larger main camera sensor area
    This smartphone has a larger main camera sensor area than the average smartphone (69.1 mm² vs 32 mm²). The average main camera sensor area is 32 mm².
    69.1 mm² vs 32 mm²
  • Has optical image stabilization
    This smartphone has optical image stabilization (OIS), the average smartphone does not. 48.3% of smartphones feature OIS.
  • Higher screen resolution
    This smartphone has a higher screen resolution than the average smartphone (1440x3200 px vs 1080x2400 px). The average smartphone resolution is 1080x2400 px.
    1440x3200 px vs 1080x2400 px
  • Supports wireless charging
    This smartphone supports wireless charging, the average smartphone does not. 25.2% of smartphones are wireless charging compatible.
  • Higher-resolution main camera
    This smartphone has a higher main camera resolution than the average smartphone (108 MP & 12 MP & 10 MP & 10 MP vs 50 MP & 8 MP). The average smartphone main camera has 50 MP & 8 MP megapixels.
    108 MP & 12 MP & 10 MP & 10 MP vs 50 MP & 8 MP
  • 30.4% higher pixel density
    This smartphone has a higher pixel density than the average smartphone (515 ppi vs 395 ppi). The average smartphone has a pixel density of 395 ppi.
    515 ppi vs 395 ppi
  • 4 GB more RAM
    This smartphone has more RAM capacity than the average smartphone (12 GB vs 8 GB). The average smartphone has 8 GB of RAM.
    12 GB vs 8 GB
  • Better main camera video
    This smartphone records better main camera video than the average smartphone. 44.20x of smartphones support 4K or higher.
    4320x24 fps vs 2160x30 fps
  • 9.8% better value for money
    Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G (12GB + 128GB) has better value for money than the average smartphone (8.05 vs 7.3).
    8.05 vs 7.34
  • 5.3% higher user score
    User score
    8.4/ 10
    ✕
    What it is
    A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the smartphone
    When it matters
    When you want to know how a smartphone handles daily tasks and how reliable it remains over time according to user feedback.
    Score distribution
    â–¼
    â–¼
    <55-66-77-88-99-10
    Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G
    the average smartphone
    Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G (12GB + 128GB) has a higher user score than the average smartphone (8.42 vs 8.000).
    8.42 vs 8
  • 68.1% more popular
    Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G (12GB + 128GB) is more popular than the average smartphone (9.14 vs 5.4).
    9.14 vs 5.44
  • 4 GB more RAM
    This smartphone has more RAM capacity than the average smartphone (12 GB vs 8 GB). The average smartphone has 8 GB of RAM.
    12 GB vs 8 GB
  • 50% lower TDP
    This smartphone has a lower TDP than the average smartphone (9 W vs 6 W). The average TDP for smartphones is 6 W.
    9 W vs 6 W
  • 20.8% higher CPU boost clock speed
    This smartphone has a higher CPU boost clock speed than the average smartphone (2.9 GHz vs 2.4 GHz). The average smartphone has a boost clock speed of 2.4 GHz.
    2.9 GHz vs 2.4 GHz
  • Newer DDR memory version
    This smartphone supports a newer DDR version than the average smartphone (5 vs 4). The average DDR version is 4.
    5 vs 4
  • Higher CPU base clock speed
    This smartphone has a higher CPU base clock speed than the average smartphone (1x2.9 GHz & 3x2.8 GHz & 4x2.2 GHz vs 2x2.2 GHz & 6x2 GHz). The average smartphone has a base clock speed of 2x2.2 GHz & 6x2 GHz.
    1x2.9 GHz & 3x2.8 GHz & 4x2.2 GHz vs 2x2.2 GHz & 6x2 GHz
  • 2 more memory channels
    This smartphone has more memory channels than the average smartphone (4 vs 2). The average smartphone has 2 memory channels.
    4 vs 2
  • 2x higher memory bandwidth
    This smartphone has higher memory bandwidth than the average smartphone (51.2 GB/s vs 25.6 GB/s). The average memory bandwidth is 25.6 GB/s.
    51.2 GB/s vs 25.6 GB/s
  • 16.7% smaller process node
    This smartphone uses a smaller process node than the average smartphone (5 nm vs 6 nm). The average process node size is 6 nm.
    5 nm vs 6 nm
  • 31.8% higher Geekbench 6 multi-core benchmark score
    This smartphone scores better in Geekbench 6 multi-core than the average smartphone (3,339 vs 2,533). The average smartphone scores 2,533 in multi-core.
    3,339 vs 2,533
  • 14.3% higher maximum RAM
    This smartphone supports more maximum RAM than the average smartphone (16 GB vs 14 GB). The average smartphone supports 14 GB RAM.
    16 GB vs 14 GB
  • 16.4% faster memory speed
    This smartphone supports faster memory speed than the average smartphone (3200 MHz vs 2750 MHz). The average smartphone supports 2750 MHz memory speed.
    3,200 MHz vs 2,750 MHz
  • 43.2% higher 3DMark Wild Life Unlimited benchmark
    This smartphone scores higher in 3DMark Wild Life Unlimited than the average smartphone (5,479 vs 3,825). The average smartphone scores 3,825.
    5,479 vs 3,825
  • Better processor
    This smartphone features a better processor than the average smartphone (Samsung Exynos 2100 vs Qualcomm Snapdragon 7 Gen 3).
    Samsung Exynos 2,100 vs Qualcomm Snapdragon 7 Gen 3
  • Higher on-device AI tier
    This smartphone runs on the productivity AI tier, while the average smartphone runs on fundamental, enabling stronger on-device AI features.
    Circle to Search, Magic Rewind, AI Image Enhancement, Smart Select, Zoom Lock
    productivity vs fundamental
  • Includes cross-site tracking protection
    This smartphone supports cross-site tracking prevention, the average smartphone does not. 32.2% of smartphones include this feature.
  • Supports desktop mode
    This smartphone includes desktop mode, the average smartphone does not. 9.4% of smartphones support desktop functionality.
  • 2.16x larger main camera sensor area
    This smartphone has a larger main camera sensor area than the average smartphone (69.1 mm² vs 32 mm²). The average main camera sensor area is 32 mm².
    69.1 mm² vs 32 mm²
  • Has optical image stabilization
    This smartphone has optical image stabilization (OIS), the average smartphone does not. 48.3% of smartphones feature OIS.
  • Higher-resolution main camera
    This smartphone has a higher main camera resolution than the average smartphone (108 MP & 12 MP & 10 MP & 10 MP vs 50 MP & 8 MP). The average smartphone main camera has 50 MP & 8 MP megapixels.
    108 MP & 12 MP & 10 MP & 10 MP vs 50 MP & 8 MP
  • Better main camera video
    This smartphone records better main camera video than the average smartphone. 44.20x of smartphones support 4K or higher.
    4320x24 fps vs 2160x30 fps
  • Supports RAW photo capture
    This smartphone supports RAW photo capture, the average smartphone does not. 37.1% of smartphones allow RAW files.
  • Uses a BSI sensor
    This smartphone uses a BSI sensor, the average smartphone does not. 40.5% of smartphones include BSI sensors.
  • Higher front camera megapixels
    This smartphone has more front camera megapixels than the average smartphone (40 MP vs 16 MP). The average front camera has 16 MP megapixels.
    40 MP vs 16 MP
  • Supports laser autofocus
    This smartphone features laser autofocus, the average smartphone does not. 21.4% of smartphones include laser AF.
  • 1 more flash LEDs
    This smartphone has more flash LEDs than the average smartphone (2 vs 1). The average smartphone has 1 flash LEDs.
    2 vs 1
  • Supports HDR10 video recording
    This smartphone supports HDR10 video recording, the average smartphone does not. 35.9% of smartphones support HDR10.
  • Has a dual-tone LED flash
    This smartphone features a dual-tone LED flash, the average smartphone does not. 41.4% of smartphones include dual-tone flash.
  • Newer USB version
    This smartphone supports a newer USB version than the average smartphone (3.2 vs 2). The average version is USB 2.0.
    3.2 vs 2.0
  • Newer Wi-Fi version
    This smartphone supports a newer Wi-Fi version than the average smartphone (Wi-Fi 6E (802.11ax), Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax), Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac), Wi-Fi 4 (802.11n) vs Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac), Wi-Fi 4 (802.11n)). The average smartphone uses Wi-Fi Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac), Wi-Fi 4 (802.11n).
    Wi-Fi 6E (802.11ax), Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax), Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac), Wi-Fi 4 (802.11n) vs Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac), Wi-Fi 4 (802.11n)
  • Supports ANT+
    This smartphone supports ANT+ technology, the average smartphone does not. 6% of smartphones are ANT+ compatible.
  • Has a barometer
    This smartphone features a barometer, the average smartphone does not. 19.9% of smartphones include a barometer.
  • Higher screen resolution
    This smartphone has a higher screen resolution than the average smartphone (1440x3200 px vs 1080x2400 px). The average smartphone resolution is 1080x2400 px.
    1440x3200 px vs 1080x2400 px
  • 30.4% higher pixel density
    This smartphone has a higher pixel density than the average smartphone (515 ppi vs 395 ppi). The average smartphone has a pixel density of 395 ppi.
    515 ppi vs 395 ppi
  • 0.13 inches inch larger screen size
    This smartphone has a larger screen size than the average smartphone (6.8 inches vs 6.67 inches). The average smartphone screen is 6.67 inches.
    6.8 inches vs 6.67 inches
  • Supports HDR10 support
    This smartphone supports HDR10, the average smartphone does not. 42.7% of smartphones are HDR10 compatible.
  • Higher contrast ratio
    This smartphone has a higher contrast ratio than the average smartphone (3000000:1 vs 1000000:1). The average smartphone contrast ratio is 1000000:1.
    AMOLED/OLED displays have an effectively infinite contrast ratio
    3,000,000:1 vs 1,000,000:1
  • Has an always-on display
    This smartphone features an always-on display, the average smartphone does not. 49.2% of smartphones offer always-on functionality.
  • Better display glass type
    This smartphone features a better display glass type than the average smartphone (Corning Gorilla Glass Victus vs Corning Gorilla Glass 5). The average smartphone uses Corning Gorilla Glass 5 protection.
    Corning Gorilla Glass Victus vs Corning Gorilla Glass 5
  • 34.7% higher screen brightness
    This smartphone has a higher screen brightness than the average smartphone (889 nits vs 660 nits). The average smartphone brightness is 660 nits.
    889 nits vs 660 nits
  • Has a curved display
    This smartphone features a curved display, the average smartphone does not. 24.5% of smartphones have curved screens.
  • 500 nits higher peak brightness
    This smartphone has a higher peak brightness than the average smartphone (1500 nits vs 1000 nits). The average peak brightness is 1000 nits.
    1,500 nits vs 1,000 nits
  • 129.5 nits higher GSMArena max display brightness
    This smartphone has a higher GSMArena max display brightness than the average smartphone (1023 nits vs 893.5 nits). The average max brightness is 893.5 nits.
    1,023 nits vs 893.5 nits
  • Supports wireless charging
    This smartphone supports wireless charging, the average smartphone does not. 25.2% of smartphones are wireless charging compatible.
  • Supports reverse wireless charging
    This smartphone supports reverse wireless charging, the average smartphone does not. 23.6% of smartphones offer reverse wireless charging.
  • Higher GSMArena battery life endurance score
    This smartphone has a higher GSMArena battery life endurance score than the average smartphone (114 vs 99.5). The average endurance score is 99.5.
    114 vs 99.5
  • 1 more microphone/s
    This smartphone has more microphones than the average smartphone (3 vs 2). The average smartphone has 2 microphones.
    3 vs 2
  • Supports aptX
    This smartphone supports aptX, the average smartphone does not. 50% of smartphones are aptX compatible.
  • 1.5 m deeper water resistance
    This smartphone has a deeper water resistance rating than the average smartphone (1.5 m vs 0 m). The average depth rating is 0 m.
    1.5 m vs 0 m
  • Better IP rating
    This smartphone has a better IP rating than the average smartphone (IP68 vs IP67). The average IP rating is IP67.
    IP68 vs IP67
  • 2.5% higher French repairability index
    This smartphone has a higher French repairability index score than the average smartphone (8.2 vs 8). The average score is 8.
    8.2 vs 8
  • 50% less storage
    This smartphone offers less internal storage than the average smartphone (128 GB vs 256 GB). The average smartphone includes 256 GB of internal storage.
    128 GB vs 256 GB
  • No live text recognition
    This smartphone does not support live text recognition, the average smartphone does. 50.9% of smartphones offer real-time text recognition.
  • No memory card slot
    This smartphone does not have a memory card slot, the average smartphone does. 53.5% of smartphones feature expandable storage.
  • No aptX HD
    This smartphone does not support aptX HD, the average smartphone does. 50.7% of smartphones support aptX HD.
  • 10.1% slower GPU clock
    This smartphone has a lower GPU frequency than the average smartphone (854 MHz vs 950 MHz). The average smartphone has a GPU frequency of 950 MHz.
    854 MHz vs 950 MHz
  • 16.7% heavier
    This smartphone is heavier than the average smartphone (229 g vs 196.2 g). The average smartphone weighs 196.2 g.
    229 g vs 196.2 g
  • 50% lower touch sampling rate
    This smartphone has a lower touch sampling rate than the average smartphone (120 Hz vs 240 Hz). The average smartphone has a sampling rate of 240 Hz.
    120 Hz vs 240 Hz
  • 3 year/s older release date
    This smartphone is an older model than the average smartphone (2021 vs 2024). 3.00% of smartphones were released more recently.
    January 2021
    2021 vs 2024
  • 30.8% more expensive
    Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G (12GB + 128GB) is more expensive than the average smartphone (£340 vs £260).
    £340 vs £260
  • 50% less storage
    This smartphone offers less internal storage than the average smartphone (128 GB vs 256 GB). The average smartphone includes 256 GB of internal storage.
    128 GB vs 256 GB
  • 10.1% slower GPU clock
    This smartphone has a lower GPU frequency than the average smartphone (854 MHz vs 950 MHz). The average smartphone has a GPU frequency of 950 MHz.
    854 MHz vs 950 MHz
  • Supports older OpenGL version
    This smartphone supports a lower OpenGL version than the average smartphone (3.1 vs 3.2). The average smartphone supports OpenGL version 3.2.
    3.1 vs 3.2
  • No live text recognition
    This smartphone does not support live text recognition, the average smartphone does. 50.9% of smartphones offer real-time text recognition.
  • 2.5% lower DxOMark Mobile score
    This smartphone has a lower DxOMark Mobile score than the average smartphone (117 vs 120). The average smartphone scores 120.
    117 vs 120
  • No memory card slot
    This smartphone does not have a memory card slot, the average smartphone does. 53.5% of smartphones feature expandable storage.
  • 50% lower touch sampling rate
    This smartphone has a lower touch sampling rate than the average smartphone (120 Hz vs 240 Hz). The average smartphone has a sampling rate of 240 Hz.
    120 Hz vs 240 Hz
  • 25% slower wireless charging speed
    This smartphone has a slower wireless charging speed than the average smartphone (15 W vs 20 W). The average smartphone wireless charging speed is 20 W.
    15 W vs 20 W
  • 24.2% slower charging speed
    This smartphone has a slower charging speed than the average smartphone (25 W vs 33 W). The average smartphone charges at 33 W.
    25 W vs 33 W
  • 10% slower reverse wireless charging speed
    This smartphone has a slower reverse wireless charging speed than the average smartphone (4.5 W vs 5 W). The average smartphone speed is 5 W.
    4.5 W vs 5 W
  • No aptX HD
    This smartphone does not support aptX HD, the average smartphone does. 50.7% of smartphones support aptX HD.
  • 16.7% heavier
    This smartphone is heavier than the average smartphone (229 g vs 196.2 g). The average smartphone weighs 196.2 g.
    229 g vs 196.2 g
  • 3 year/s older release date
    This smartphone is an older model than the average smartphone (2021 vs 2024). 3.00% of smartphones were released more recently.
    January 2021
    2021 vs 2024
  • 0.6 mm thicker
    This smartphone is thicker than the average smartphone (8.9 mm vs 8.3 mm). The average smartphone has a thickness of 8.3 mm.
    8.9 mm vs 8.3 mm
  • 1.5 mm taller
    This smartphone is taller than the average smartphone (165.1 mm vs 163.6 mm). The average smartphone has a height of 163.6 mm.
    165.1 mm vs 163.6 mm
  • Poor brand origin
    This smartphone has a poorer brand origin compared to the average smartphone. 0.00% of smartphones come from top-tier brand origins.
    South Korea vs China

Video reviews

Hands-on testing, unboxing, and real-world video evaluations

Expert reviews

In-depth analysis and verdict from leading tech publications

M
mashable.com
21/01/2021
Summary of the review
Galaxy S21 and S21 Ultra review: Enough with the feature overkill
D
dxomark.com
23/02/2021
Summary of the review
Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G (Exynos) Camera review: Dual-tele with room for improvement
M
moorinsightsstrategy.com
11/02/2021
Summary of the review
Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G Review: Nailed It
A
androidauthority.com
14/01/2023
Summary of the review
Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra review: Ultra refined
A
androidcentral.com
17/09/2021
Summary of the review
Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra review: Fixed focus
T
techradar.com
05/07/2021
Summary of the review
Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra review - TechRadar
C
consumerreports.org
05/03/2021
Summary of the review
Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G Cell Phone Review
L
laptopmag.com
21/06/2021
Summary of the review
Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra review: Small changes yield big results
F
forbes.com
21/01/2021
Summary of the review
Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G Review: Nailed It
A
androidpolice.com
08/11/2021
Summary of the review
Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra long-term review: Still one of the best
D
digitaltrends.com
21/04/2022
Summary of the review
Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G review: 2021's true S Series phone, and the best yet
P
pcmag.com
23/03/2021
Summary of the review
Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra Review
C
cnet.com
17/05/2021
Summary of the review
Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G review: Samsung's premier phone is pretty badass
J
journaldugeek.com
26/01/2021
Summary of the review
Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra Review (2021): Near Perfection
(Translated)Show original
G
global.techradar.com
09/02/2021
Summary of the review
Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra review - TechRadar
(Translated)Show original
C
clubic.com
29/01/2021
Summary of the review
Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra Review: Powerful but very expensive, the do-it-all smartphone
(Translated)Show original
P
presse-citron.net
27/01/2021
Summary of the review
Galaxy S21 Ultra Review: Samsung has found its magic formula
(Translated)Show original
L
lapresse.ca
31/01/2021
Summary of the review
Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G Review: A Masterpiece by Samsung
(Translated)Show original
L
lesnumeriques.com
25/01/2021
Summary of the review
Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra Review - Les Numériques
(Translated)Show original
P
phonandroid.com
29/01/2021
Summary of the review
Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra review: pure power
(Translated)Show original

Third-party reviews

Based on ratings from across the web.
Reviews last updated: August 2026 · How we calculate this

What we like about Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G (12GB + 128GB)

  • Exceptional and versatile camera system, including 10x optical zoom and 100x space zoom, producing stunning photos and 8K video quality.
  • Gorgeous 6.8-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display with a smooth, adaptive 120Hz refresh rate and high brightness, highly praised by users.
  • Excellent performance and speed thanks to the powerful Snapdragon 888 or Exynos 2100 chipset, handling multitasking and gaming with ease.
  • Generally good to excellent battery life, with the 5,000mAh capacity lasting a full day or more for many users, even with heavy use.
  • Premium design and solid build quality with a sleek matte finish that resists fingerprints.
  • Fast and accurate in-screen ultrasonic fingerprint sensor, a significant improvement over previous generations.
  • S Pen stylus support adds useful functionality for note-taking and editing, a feature new to the S series.
  • High-quality stereo speakers with Dolby Atmos support provide excellent audio output.

What we don't like about Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G (12GB + 128GB)

  • Large and heavy/bulky form factor, making one-handed use and pocketability difficult for some users.
  • No microSD card slot for expandable storage, which is a major drawback for users who need extra memory for photos and videos.
  • No 3.5mm headphone jack (requiring an adapter or wireless headphones) and no charger included in the box.
  • Battery life can be inconsistent, draining quickly with heavy use of high-resolution/refresh rate settings or 5G connectivity in poor reception areas.
  • High initial price point, though its value improved as prices dropped over time.
  • Face recognition is less reliable compared to other devices, especially when wearing a mask.
  • Some users noted software glitches, bloatware (especially on carrier models), and a less intuitive interface compared to stock Android.

Verdict

The Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra (12GB + 128GB) is a top-tier Android flagship with a massive 6.8-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display featuring an adaptive 120Hz refresh rate and QHD+ resolution, powered by either the speedy Snapdragon 888 or Exynos 2100 processor with 12GB of RAM for seamless multitasking and 5G connectivity. Its primary strength is a versatile quad-camera system, including a 108MP main sensor and two 10MP telephoto lenses providing 3x and 10x optical zoom (up to 100x Space Zoom), plus a substantial 5,000mAh battery that easily lasts a full day of heavy usage. Key pros include the stunning screen, exceptional zoom capabilities, powerful performance, and S Pen support (sold separately), while cons involve its significant weight and bulk, the lack of a microSD card slot for storage expansion, the absence of a charger or headphones in the box, and a high initial price point.

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