An Android that earns its “ultra” title with an incredible camera array allowing you to capture moments other phones will simply miss

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

Samsung’s Galaxy S21 Ultra is more affordable than last year’s flagship, has more cameras, and adds an S Pen: on paper, at least, what’s not to love? Setting the bar for smartphones in 2021, the daddy of the currently three-strong Galaxy S21 family promises more of that monstrously effective Samsung...

Fantastic 120Hz display makes no resolution compromise; 108MP camera is capable of great photos; More affordable than last year's flagship phone; Potent performance and long battery life; S Pen functionality is a welcome addition from Galaxy Note

No microSD; no Samsung Pay MST; and slower charging than the S20 Ultra; 100x Space Zoom still feels like a gimmick; S Pen implementation feels half-hearted

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; Expensive; Some of those next-gen networks don't exist yet

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;

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 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

The Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra is full to the brim with features, but you might not like how much it costs

Astonishing cameras, Beautiful 120Hz display, Noteworthy performance boost

Xiaomi Mi 11 is (almost) half the price, Lacks microSD expansion, No charger in the box

The Apple iPhone 14 is no match for the just-released iPhone 14 Pro, but if you ignore that, it’s one of the most effective phones around.

Great cameras, front and back, Fast performance, Good battery life, Innovative safety features

Design too familiar, Some average features

The iPhone 14 isn’t much of an upgrade over the iPhone 13, but it’s still a great device and an upgrade for anyone coming from the iPhone 11 or older.

Great camera, Good battery, Emergency features are cool, Still excellent performance

Display could use some upgrades