Samsung has decided to drastically differentiate models in its Galaxy S lineup with the S21 series, and while the S21 and the S21+ are also a part of the redesign, the Galaxy S21 Ultra feels like a proper flagship.
Keeping the 1440p+ screen, and getting the new main rear camera system
While Galaxy S21 and S21+ are downgraded to a 1080p+ screen, the Galaxy S21 Ultra kept the 1440p+ resolution curved-sides screen with its 6.8-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X 1,500nits panel. It is protected by Gorilla Glass Victus and runs at 120Hz at full resolution. This Adaptive Refresh Rate (ARR) screen can adjust between 10Hz and 120Hz refresh rate depending on the content.
Another big update, aside from the camera system and the new SoC, is the support for S Pen, or any other Wacom stylus to be precise. Of course, it does not get a slot for the S Pen, but still, it is a nice feature that will push a lot of users away from the Galaxy Note series.
The camera system also has a significant update. You get a 40-megapixel front camera with auto focus, sitting behind an f/2.2 lens.
The rear camera system is a quad-module one, featuring the main 108-megapixel 0.8µm sensor, now with a "Bright Night Sensor" name. It uses pixel binning, giving it a better chance to get low-light shots right. It sits behind an f/1.8 lens and has Phase Detection and OIS.
Next to the main sensor, you also get a 12-megapixel 1.4µm Ultra Wide sensor behind an f/2.2 lens with 120-degree FOV, and two Tele modules, one 10-megapixel 1.22µm Dual Pixel one behind an f/4.9 lens with 10x optical zoom and OIS, as well as another 10-megapixel 1.22µm Dual Pixel sensor behind an f/2.2 lens with 3x optical zoom and OIS.
What is interesting is that all camera modules on the Galaxy S21 Ultra support 4K 60fps video recording, including telephoto and the front selfie one.
Exynos 2100 or Snapdragon 888, depending on the region
Similar to the Galaxy S21 and the S21+, the Galaxy S21 Ultra also uses either Samsung's own Exynos 2100 5nm SoC or Qualcomm's Snapdragon 888, depending on the region.
Unlike the Galaxy S21/S21+, the Galaxy S21 Ultra has more RAM and higher storage options, so you can choose between 12GB/128GB, 12GB/256GB, or 16GB/512GB versions.
It also has a higher capacity battery, a 5,000mAh one, which is pretty much a must considering the higher resolution screen compared to the rest of the Galaxy S21 lineup.
Other features include WiFi 6e support and Bluetooth 5.2, something that is not available on Galaxy S21 or the S21+.
The rest of the features are pretty much the same.
Flagship features come with a flagship price
The Samsung Galaxy S21 and the Galaxy S21+, which we wrote about here, as well as the new flagship Galaxy S21 Ultra, will be available for pre-order as of today, January 14, and available on January 21.
While the Galaxy S21 and the Galaxy S21+ are a tad bit cheaper compared to their predecessors, starting at $800/€850/£770 and $999.99/€1,049/£949, respectively, the Galaxy S21 Ultra will start at $1,199/€1,249/£1,149.
Samsung is running a neat promotion, and those that pre-order a Galaxy S21 series smartphone will also get $100/$150/$200 in store credit, as well as a free Galaxy Smart Tag.
