Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra Review: Problems Solved!
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Promos
Galaxy S21 Ultra: All the right tweaks in all the right places. ICONS is back!! dbrand.com MKBHD Merch: shop.mkbhd.com Tech I'm using right now: amazon.com Intro Track: youtube.com Playlist of MKBHD Intro music: goo.gl Phone provided by Samsung for review. ~ twitter.com @MKBHD @MKBHD
The Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra review digs into how the phone stands out beyond the headline specifications. The reviewer highlights a design that leans into a matte phantom black finish which feels intentional and refined, with a camera module that flows into the body for a cohesive look. He notes that the finish is surprisingly fingerprint resistant, and even mentions an optional carbon fiber skin to preserve the look across colors. The review also covers display evolution, including a brighter OLED panel with 120 Hz at 1440p resolution and LTPO flicker management that balances sharp visuals with battery life, while keeping the device comfortably manageable in hand for a flagship. Across software, camera, battery, and everyday usability, the video emphasizes how the S21 Ultra improves on the S20 Ultra with thoughtful refinements like a redesigned volume control, cleaner One UI 3 aesthetics, and better out-of-the-box smoothness rather than chasing raw specs alone. Performance and endurance receive careful attention, with the Snapdragon 888 pairing and 5,000 mAh capacity delivering dependable all-day battery life in typical usage scenarios. The reviewer relays real-world observations of screen-on time, noting solid longevity even with bright displays and heavy tasks, and he points out that regional differences with Exynos versus Snapdragon variants can influence battery and performance, though the Snapdragon version behaves robustly in his testing. In camera, the S21 Ultra’s refinements shine: improved autofocus, more stable extreme zoom, and refined color and HDR handling make the jump from 1X to 10X far more usable, with a capable 100x Space Zoom that is easier to employ thanks to subject tracking. Additional features such as 4K 60fps video from all cameras, 12-bit RAW in Pro mode, and Director’s View broaden the phone’s creative toolkit for both casual and vlog-style shooters. Ultimately the video argues that Samsung delivered a refined evolution rather than a radical reimagining: a more polished software layer, a better-feeling matte finish, a flatter display, and meaningful camera improvements all combine to elevate the S21 Ultra to a near-MKBHD Edition quality in practice. The reviewer imagines what he would have changed if given full control, listing design flattening, a touch of Google-like software polish, and a stronger emphasis on the matte black aesthetic as defining attributes. While not perfect,edge fringing in close-ups persists and some may still view the price as lofty,the overall package lands as one of the strongest flagship Android devices of its time, with notable improvements across hardware and software that make it a compelling choice for power users and photography enthusiasts alike.
Topics · Technology · Smartphones · Cameras · Mobile devices
Questions answered
- What is the standout design feature of the Galaxy S21 Ultra as highlighted in the review?
- The standout design feature is the Phantom black matte finish with a camera module that subtly blends into the body, offering a premium, fingerprint-resistant look.
- How does the S21 Ultra's camera system improve usability over its predecessor?
- Improvements include faster and more reliable autofocus, stabilized 100x Space Zoom with subject tracking, auto macro detection using the ultra-wide sensor, and the option to shoot 4K 60fps from all cameras along with 12‑bit RAW in Pro mode.
- What software and display refinements are emphasized in the review?
- The review notes the cleaner One UI 3, improved dark mode, better volume controls, a flatter display with reduced spillover, and LTPO tech that dynamically adjusts refresh rate for better battery efficiency.
- Does the video discuss differences between Snapdragon and Exynos variants?
- Yes, it mentions that the Snapdragon version in the review region shows strong battery life and performance, while Exynos variants historically differ, with initial testing in the Exynos version being promising but the final verdict left to those who can test both variants.