Expert review Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra
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First impression of the Samsung S21 Ultra
The first thing that strikes me is the size of this smartphone. I find it difficult to control the S21 Ultra with one hand due to its large 6.8-inch screen. And the device only just fits in my pocket. This size also makes the device heavier than other smartphones. The new design which has incorporated the camera island into the side of the phone in combination with the matte finish really appeals to me. It's also worth mentioning that Samsung doesn't include a charger. Don't have a charger with USB-C connector yet? You'll have to buy it separately.
Impressive cameras
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With the wide-angle lens, my entire view including the impressive clouds fits in the photo.
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I can also take razor-sharp photos in bright backlighting.
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Thanks to 10x optical zoom, I can capture a seagull on a flagpole as if I were a few centimeters away from it.
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Even in low light, the S21 Ultra takes sharp and colorful photos.
On paper, the S21 Ultra has one of the best cameras of all the smartphones released in 2021. So I have high expectations, and the S21 Ultra doesn't disappoint. During the day, I can take razor-sharp photos, but the camera also performs well in low light. The S21 Ultra has a unique double telephoto lens that allows me to zoom in 10x without loss of quality. This allows me to photograph animals without them fleeing because I get too close, for example. I can record videos in razor-sharp 8K quality.
Large razor-sharp screen
With its 6.8-inch screen, the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra is one of the biggest smartphones of 2021. As a result, I notice that I have difficulty controlling the device with one hand, especially when I need to get to the top part of the screen. Initially, the screen is set to Full HD resolution. You can change this to Quad HD via the settings, so you can see all the details of your movies and games razor-sharp. I do notice that the battery drains faster when I select Quad HD.
Suitable for the most demanding apps
In terms of speed, the Samsung S21 Ultra offers exactly what you can expect from a device in this price range. It's a real powerhouse. Thanks to the powerful processor and the large RAM, the device runs very smoothly. Even when I run demanding 3D games or demanding apps such as Photoshop, the S21 Ultra doesn't slow down at all. Thanks to the 120Hz refresh rate, playing 3D games feels extra smooth.
Large battery
The S21 Ultra has an above average 5000mAh battery. I use the device with medium intensity. During the day, I regularly scroll through my social media, I check the news, and I occasionally watch a video on YouTube. With this usage, the battery easily lasts a day. Samsung doesn't include a charger. Don't have a USB-C charger yet? Read our article to choose a suitable charger. With a 25W Samsung charger, you can fully charge the device within an hour, for example.
Conclusion
In terms of cameras, the S21 Ultra is exceptional. Especially the double telephoto lens which allows you to zoom in 10x without loss of quality is unique. You can take really nice photos with this device. In terms of processing power, the smartphone does what you expect of it. It works fast and never slows down. The battery is above average, but like many other smartphones, the battery lasts about a day. Keep in mind that the device is relatively heavy and very large. It's hard to control with one hand.
