It's like an anime title: "Galaxy S: Redemption." The Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra is, by and large, what the Galaxy S20 Ultra should have been. It's a solid and premium-feeling phone with a unique (for the US) superzoom camera, a gorgeous screen, and future-forward network chops. The S21 Ultra sets the bar for Android performance in 2021 and its superzoom camera will lead you to look at the world in new ways. Now that we've closely compared it with the Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max and the OnePlus 9 Pro as well as Samsung's own Note 20 Ultra, we can say with confidence that the S21 Ultra is our Editors' Choice.The Top of the Galaxy S Line Samsung has three models in its 2021 flagship Galaxy S series: the small S21, the medium S21 Plus, and the large S21 Ultra. They all have the same basic processor and modem. The S21 and S21 Plus are similar, other than their screen and battery sizes. The S21 Ultra pours on features the other two lack: a 108-megapixel main camera, a 40-megapixel selfie ca...

The Galaxy S21 Ultra delivers a high-quality superzoom camera that truly works, supports Samsung's excellent S Pen, and sets the bar for smartphone features in 2021.

Beautiful design and solid build; Excellent photo quality at up to 10x zoom; Equipped for next-gen C-band and Wi-Fi 6E connectivity

Heavy

However sweet the new design is, the Samsung Galaxy S21 5G and S21+ 5G don’t have the spec sheet highlights we’ve come to expect from Samsung’s top S Series phones. To get that true S Series experience, you have to buy the Galaxy S21 Ultra, which goes all-out on power, screen, camera, and battery tech to satisfy hardcore fans. But at $1,200, the Galaxy S21 Ultra is a considerable investment, certainly when compared to the $800 Galaxy S21 that we’ve already reviewed. Plus, it faces serious competition from both outside — the iPhone 12 Pro Max, for example — and inside (the Galaxy Note 20 Ultra and the Galaxy Z Fold 2). I’m a week into living with the S21 Ultra, so consider this a very detailed early look rather than our definitive review at this stage. Both I and Mobile Editor Andrew Martonik will be adding our continued thoughts about the phone to this article over the coming weeks, building out our final review. But even after seven days, the Galaxy S21 Ultra’s extraordinary abilities...

Highly capable, versatile camera; Beautiful AMOLED screen; Elegant new design; Long battery life; Latest software from Google and Samsung; Price is down from last year;

Shaky Wi-Fi connectivity; Intermittent charging problems; Top-heavy design affects balance; No MicroSD card slot;

Awesome camera zoom capability; Smooth, ultra-bright screen; Supports the S-Pen like a Galaxy Note;

No charger: a cheap move; Some alternatives last longer between charges; UK Exynos version not as powerful as upcoming Snapdragon phones;

The Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G, unveiled alongside Samsung's Galaxy S21 and S21 Plus phones, proves that sometimes you have to do something twice to get it right. While just as bold as last year's Galaxy S20 Ultra, the S21 Ultra is a refined second take on the concept. There's still the 100x Space Zoom, but it's easier to use. There is still the "big for the sake of being big" design, but it looks more appealing. And there's still a high price, but at $1,200 (£1,149, AU$1,849) it costs $200 less than the S20 Ultra in the US.

With an elegant design, lower price and S-Pen support, the second time's the charm for Samsung. The Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G earns a CNET Editors' Choice Award.

Gorgeous phantom black finish; Two telephoto cameras; The screen is spectacular; S-Pen support;

It's heavy; Lacks a microSD card slot; $1,200 is still expensive;

Awesome camera zoom capability; Smooth, ultra-bright screen; Supports the S-Pen like a Galaxy Note;

No charger: a cheap move; Some alternatives last longer between charges; UK Exynos version not as powerful as upcoming Snapdragon phones;

The Samsung Galaxy S21 has just been announced! I was able to get a bit of hands on time with the big daddy S21 Ultra. Here's my thoughts.

The Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G offers not only a 3x telephoto lens, but also a 10x telephoto lens. As long as you don't use the additional digital zoom, then results can be very good.

New 10x telephoto camera, Consistant results from all cameras, Excellent colour, Excellent range of cameras, Speedy performance and snappy responses

No MicroSD memory card slot, Night mode images can have issues, High price