The Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G has emerged as a landmark device in the world of smartphones, showcasing cutting-edge technology combined with exceptional performance. As the flagship model of the S21 lineup, it sets a new standard with its considerable enhancements in design, camera capabilities, and overall functionality. For tech enthusiasts, understanding the full specifications of this device is crucial to appreciating its place at the forefront of mobile innovation.
In this article, we will explore the intricate details of the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G, providing a comprehensive overview of its specifications. From its powerful Exynos and Snapdragon processors to its stunning AMOLED display, every feature contributes to an unparalleled user experience. Join us as we delve into the specifications that make the S21 Ultra an unrivaled choice for consumers seeking premium quality and performance in their smartphones.
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 |
Key Features of the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G
The Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G stands as a flagship model in the Galaxy S series, renowned for its top-notch features and capabilities. Some of the key features include a stunning 6.8-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display, which supports a refresh rate of 120Hz, offering fluid scrolling and an immersive viewing experience. The device is powered by the latest Snapdragon or Exynos processors, depending on the region, and comes with up to 16GB RAM, ensuring seamless multitasking and app performance.
Design and Build Quality: What to Expect
The design of the Galaxy S21 Ultra is both elegant and robust. Constructed with Gorilla Glass Victus on both the front and back, and an aluminum frame, the phone not only looks good but is also built to withstand drops and scratches. The matte finish on the back reduces fingerprints, enhancing its aesthetic appeal. The device is available in various colors, adding a personal touch, and its IP68 rating ensures resistance against dust and water, making it suitable for various environments.
Camera Capabilities: Photography and Videography
The camera system on the Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G is one of its standout features, designed to cater to photography enthusiasts and casual users alike. With a quad-camera setup, it includes a 108MP main sensor, two telephoto lenses (10MP and 10MP) for optical zoom capabilities, and a 12MP ultra-wide sensor. This combination allows for incredible versatility, from wide landscape shots to close-up portraits with beautiful bokeh effects.
Camera Specs and Features Explained
The 108MP primary camera captures detailed images with remarkable clarity, even in low light conditions, thanks to its advanced night mode. The dual telephoto lenses enable 3x and 10x optical zoom without loss of quality, while the 100x Space Zoom feature digitally enhances images at a distance. For videographers, the S21 Ultra offers 8K video recording at 24 frames per second, delivering cinematic quality. Additionally, features like Director’s View and Super Steady enhance the filming experience, making it suitable for aspiring filmmakers.
Battery Life and Charging Options
The Galaxy S21 Ultra is equipped with a robust 5000mAh battery that ensures prolonged usage throughout the day. With adaptive power saving, users can expect even more extended battery life, allowing the device to adjust its performance based on usage patterns. When it comes to charging, it supports both wired and wireless fast charging, along with power sharing capabilities, allowing you to charge other devices wirelessly.
Display Quality: HDR and Refresh Rate
The display of the S21 Ultra is one of the best on the market, featuring a resolution of 3200 x 1440 pixels (WQHD+). With a peak brightness of up to 1750 nits, viewing content under direct sunlight is not an issue. It supports HDR10+ for vibrant colors and deeper contrasts, making media consumption an exceptional experience. The 120Hz adaptive refresh rate ensures smooth animations and responsiveness, vastly improving the overall user experience when scrolling and gaming.
Performance: Processor and RAM Overview
The performance of the Galaxy S21 Ultra is powered by Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 888 in select regions or Samsung’s Exynos 2100, depending on the market. With options for 12GB or 16GB of RAM, the device can handle any application or multitasking scenario with ease. The internal storage options range from 128GB to 512GB, providing ample space for apps, media, and files. Coupled with the latest UFS 3.1 technology, read and write speeds are significantly improved, ensuring quick access to data and applications.
Software Experience: One UI Features
Running on Android 11 with Samsung’s One UI, the software experience of the Galaxy S21 Ultra is user-friendly and customizable. One UI is designed to make one-handed use more manageable, with elements shifted towards the bottom of the screen. It offers a range of personalization options, such as themes, icon packs, and an extensive app drawer. Samsung is committed to providing regular software updates, ensuring that users receive the latest security patches and features.
Upcoming Software Updates and Support
Samsung has announced its commitment to providing up to four years of major Android updates for the S21 Ultra. This promise ensures that users can enjoy the latest features and improvements for an extended period, keeping the device relevant in a rapidly evolving tech landscape. Regular updates help enhance security and performance, contributing to an overall better user experience.
Connectivity Options: 5G and Beyond
The Galaxy S21 Ultra offers comprehensive connectivity options, including 5G support, which ensures lightning-fast internet speeds when paired with a compatible network. It features Wi-Fi 6E for improved connectivity in crowded areas and Bluetooth 5.0, enabling better pairing and connectivity with accessories. Additionally, the phone supports NFC for mobile payments and boasts ultra-wideband (UWB) technology for improved device location and data transfer capabilities.
