The S21 Ultra made waves when Samsung launched it as the crown jewel of its Galaxy S21 lineup. Released in early 2021, the phone was hailed for pushing boundaries in display quality, camera innovation, and performance. Today, in a rapidly evolving mobile landscape dominated by foldables, AI-enhanced photography, and lightning-fast processors, many wonders: Does the S21 Ultra still hold its own?
This article dives into the enduring appeal of the S21 Ultra for American consumers, comparing it with newer flagships, and highlighting why some tech enthusiasts on Reddit and beyond still regard it as one of Samsung’s most iconic smartphones.
What Made the S21 Ultra Stand Out?
From the moment it was unveiled, the S21 Ultra impressed with its 6.8-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display, boasting a 3200×1440 resolution and a 120Hz refresh rate. This display provided buttery smooth scrolling, vibrant colors, and incredible brightness that stood out even under direct sunlight.
Its sleek, matte finish and the Contour Cut camera housing set a new design standard. The Gorilla Glass Victus build and IP68 water resistance added both luxury and durability. Even in 2025, this design feels premium.
On r/GalaxyS21Ultra, users frequently express appreciation for the device’s sturdy, no-compromise build. One Redditor noted:
“I’ve dropped this thing more times than I’d like to admit, and it’s still going strong. No case. Just solid engineering.”
Performance That Was Ahead of Its Time
Equipped with the Snapdragon 888 processor and up to 16GB of RAM, the S21 Ultra was built for power. It handled gaming, multitasking, and 8K video recording without breaking a sweat. Paired with a massive 5,000mAh battery, users could get through a full day on a single charge.
While newer models feature improved chips like the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 or Exynos 2400, the S21 Ultra remains surprisingly capable. Benchmarks may not break records today, but real-world performance still holds up for most users.
S21 Ultra in the Camera Race
Pioneering Zoom Capabilities
The S21 Ultra introduced dual telephoto lenses (3x and 10x optical zoom), something unheard of at the time. Its 108MP main sensor, ultra-wide lens, and improved Night Mode transformed smartphone photography.
Samsung’s software enhancements, including Super Resolution Zoom up to 100x and advanced AI scene optimization, allowed even casual users to capture professional-looking shots. Although the newer Galaxy S24 Ultra and Pixel 8 Pro have refined computational photography further, the S21 Ultra’s hardware remains impressive.
As mobile photography forums on Reddit highlight, many users still use the S21 Ultra as their main shooter for travel photography and social media content. A user shared:
“The 10x zoom on this phone still blows my mind. I compared it to a friend’s iPhone 14 Pro Max, and the difference at high zoom levels was night and day.”
Video Recording and Creative Power
Supporting 8K video at 24fps and 4K at 60fps on all lenses, the S21 Ultra gave content creators a versatile toolkit. Features like Director’s View, which let users record from front and rear cameras simultaneously, were ahead of their time and still offer creative flexibility.
Software Updates and Longevity
Samsung committed to providing four years of major Android updates and five years of security patches for its flagship phones. As of 2025, the S21 Ultra is on Android 14, running One UI 6.0.
Despite the newer interfaces and AI features in the S24 series, most core functionalities remain smooth and customizable. Samsung DeX, multitasking tools, and privacy enhancements continue to function efficiently.
For American users who prioritize value, this longevity is a huge bonus. Instead of spending $1,300 on a new phone, they can enjoy a similar experience by holding on to the S21 Ultra.
Expert Insight: The Value Proposition
Dr. Lena Morales, a professor of Mobile Systems at UC San Diego, noted:
“The S21 Ultra was a milestone in smartphone design. It bridged the gap between professional-grade photography and mainstream use. Even today, it remains a top-tier device for users not chasing annual upgrades.”
This insight aligns with a growing trend in Reddit communities where tech-savvy users advocate for smarter, not faster, upgrades. Subreddits like r/frugal and r/Android often discuss the unnecessary expense of upgrading yearly when devices like the S21 Ultra remain highly functional.
Comparison with New Flagships
Display and Performance
While the S24 Ultra boasts a slightly brighter display and improved power efficiency, the difference isn’t game-changing for most users. The adaptive refresh rate and vivid AMOLED tech on the S21 Ultra still rival current phones.
Processor-wise, the Snapdragon 888 lags behind newer chips in benchmarks, but unless you’re pushing mobile games to the limit or running AI-intensive tasks, you won’t feel a major performance gap.
Camera Innovations
Yes, newer flagships have better low-light capabilities and improved AI photography, but they build on the foundation laid by the S21 Ultra. If your photography needs are already being met, the upgrade may not justify the cost.
Battery and Charging
Wireless and reverse charging still function flawlessly on the S21 Ultra. The newer models charge slightly faster, but battery life remains comparable. This shows how forward-thinking Samsung was in the phone’s initial design.
Who Should Still Buy or Keep an S21 Ultra in 2025?
For American consumers focused on value, performance, and camera quality, the S21 Ultra still checks nearly all the boxes. It is especially appealing to:
- Tech enthusiasts who want flagship performance without breaking the bank
- Content creators who benefit from versatile camera options
- Power users who rely on multitasking, Samsung DeX, and stylus support (via S Pen)
Plus, used models are significantly more affordable than new flagships. In fact, many Reddit users report snagging S21 Ultra units in great condition for under $400 on platforms like Swappa or eBay.
The Reddit Verdict: Still a Fan Favorite
Reddit threads consistently show love for the S21 Ultra. In r/GalaxyS21, users praise its durability, software experience, and lasting performance. Some even prefer it over newer models due to fewer overheating issues and a more balanced design.
One Redditor summed it up:
“I tried the S23 Ultra and came back to the S21. It just feels right, like it was made to last.”
This user sentiment points to an undercurrent of appreciation for devices that don’t just chase trends but offer long-lasting value.
Conclusion: The S21 Ultra in 2025 and Beyond
In a world driven by yearly upgrades and flashy innovations, the S21 Ultra stands as a testament to thoughtful engineering and future-ready design. It may no longer be the newest flagship, but it still holds significant appeal for a wide range of users.
With a brilliant display, versatile camera setup, powerful internals, and reliable software support, the S21 Ultra continues to deliver a premium experience even in 2025. For Americans looking to make smart tech choices without overpaying, this smartphone remains a compelling option.
So, if you’re on the fence about upgrading or investing in a used phone, take a moment to appreciate the quiet brilliance of the S21 Ultra. It might just surprise you with how much power and elegance it still holds.
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