The base-level 128GB of internal storage with 12GB of RAM might not be enough for everyone. You’ll want to either pony up for the version with 256GB of storage and 12GB of RAM, or max out at 256GB of storage with 16GB of RAM. The RAM won’t make much of a difference in a phone, but you’ll definitely notice if you run out of storage space. Part of the reason the S21 Ultra seems snappy is the fact that Samsung has further streamlined its software interface. With the OneUI 3.0 interface, menus now throw fewer unnecessary windows in your face before executing what you want to do. Turning on power save mode, for example, makes adjustments immediately. Our Galaxy Z Fold 3 vs. Galaxy S21 Ultra face-off breaks down the differences. But if you're tired of the old smartphone design, then the Galaxy Z Fold 3 (or even Galaxy Z Flip 3) is worth looking at — bearing in mind that it's quite expensive. Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra Android 12 update Keep in mind that there’s no microSD card slot for expandable storage, so if you’re keen on taking lots of 4K 60fps or 8K 24fps video, you may want to look into the pricier 256GB or 512GB storage sizes – and the latter of those sizes also bumps up the RAM to 16GB. While Samsung offered compromises on the standard Galaxy S21 and Galaxy S21 Pro devices to bring their prices down to more reasonable climates, the South Korean tech giant still pulled out all the stops for the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra - the big daddy of the current flagship lineup.

The 108MP main camera can capture 12-bit HDR photos with 64 times richer color data and more than three times the dynamic range of the S20 Ultra. Plus, there's a 12-bit RAW file option in Pro mode. Proximity Sensor, Hall Effect Sensor, Light Sensor, Gyroscope Sensor, Accelerometer (G-Sensor), Fingerprint Sensor Samsung's Ultra series superphones are meant for the consumers that want the absolute best of the best in their phones and the S21 is providing just that kind of an exceptional experience with top-tier features and specs in all relevant areas imaginable. With an attractive new design, powerful the Exynos 2100 chip and a larger display, the S21 will not disappoint the power users. On top of all that, the price has been reduced too. Compared to the last year's S20 Ultra's launch price, the Ultra is more affordable to find its place in this troublesome global economy. Super-Smooth and Colour-Rich Display Samsung reserves the right to amend these terms and conditions and/or amend or withdraw the promotions at any time without prior notice and without assigning any reason. We noticed that the Galaxy S21 Ultra camera offers improved dynamic range in outdoor photos (see photos with a bright sky and darker buildings) over its predecessors, and Samsung now offers 12-bit raw files for greater flexibility when editing. The iPhone 12 Pro series still wins out for many non-zoomed photos, especially indoor and nighttime shots, but Samsung and its more finely tuned night mode (it doesn’t simply bump up the exposure) help close the gap.We also tested the screen brightness of the Galaxy S20 Ultra outdoors, and it automatically amps up to a super-bright 1,500 nits when necessary. Other phones with AMOLED screens, including the S21 and S21 Plus, max out at 1,200 nits, and every little bit helps in direct sunlight. This is still Samsung’s best screen, but for many other reasons. We found the 6.8-inch body to be easier to grasp than the 6.7-inch iPhone 12 Pro Max, and that’s in large part thanks to the curved display and overall narrowness of Samsung's device. The curved edges are subtle on the S21 Ultra, and not quite as pronounced as on past Samsung devices, and that means fewer errant presses. While Samsung has modified something from what you'll find on a Pixel phone, you can read our Android 12 review to learn more about what you can expect with the update. That said, while that's the list price, many stores are now selling the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra for less. You can expect the price to continue dropping over time. Compare the Market is a trading name of Compare The Market Limited. Registered in England No. 10636682. Registered Office: Pegasus House, Bakewell Road, Orton Southgate, Peterborough, PE2 6YS. Compare The Market Limited is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority for insurance distribution (Firm Reference Number: 778488). Energy and Digital products are not regulated by the FCA.

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The need for resolutions higher than Full HD among smartphones was being driven by VR headsets – you could see a ‘screen door effect’ at lower resolutions when the pixels were so close to your face. But Samsung, along with the entire mobile industry, seems to have cooled all phone-based VR initiatives.

S-Pen supportis now also standard on the Galaxy S21 Ultra, although you'll have to buy the accessory separately - no freebies here, unfortunately - at least upon release.

Strong Battery and Performance

Unlike it's smaller siblings, who are dropping down to 8GB of RAM, the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra retains its 12GB while still upping its processor significantly to the new Snapdragon 888. It's also now the only S21 model to feature a top-end 512GB capacity variant, which also has a hefty 16GB of RAM to boot. Another key upgrade is the screen tech in the Ultra - which is now fully capable of offering both 1440p resolution and a 144Hz refresh rate. That's a refresh rate that's matched on the two other new devices, but only at a 1080p resolution. The biggest area where Samsung are consistently great at is the display. The 6.8-inch, Dynamic AMOLED display with QHD+ resolution (1.440 x 3.200) is certainly a sight to behold. It has vibrant colours, very high peak brightness, high pixel-per-inch count and a super-smooth refresh rate at 120 Hz. The refresh rate especially makes a massive difference in how responsive the device feels. Combined with the Exynos 2100 chip that powers the device, navigating the UI is just a breeze. The content on display is super sharp too. The 515-PPI display is perfect for high-res multimedia consumption. The Advanced Camera System The biggest competitor for the Galaxy S21 Ultra is the iPhone 13 Pro Max. Apple's phone delivers faster performance from its A15 Bionic chip, and you get a strong Ceramic Shield front display that's designed to be more durable.