S21 Ultra in 2024

[gray2018]

Is anyone here still using the S21 Ultra in 2024? I have been using mine since late 2022, and it is still a beast. I imagine it technically will be for years. I do get an occasional glitch, stutter or other random annoying things, but nothing really that compromises the overall performance of the device. It's still super smooth with a great camera and display. I've tried other devices, and honestly, my thoughts were kinda "meh," and then picked up my S21 Ultra again. I recently picked up another (backup) device, and it once again reminded me of how good the S21U is.
I am probably in the minority, but I honestly I think I prefer the rounded design of the then "S," series compared to the boxy Note design. For me, it's easier to hold and also is less prone to scratching. Any time I've ever had a Note-style device with curved display, it gets scratched ridiculously easy. I have taken a dip in battery life unfortunately since using the device. It used to last me all day. It no longer does. According to Accubattery, my battery health is at 89%. Not sure how accurate that is, though.

My wife has the S22 Ultra. It's a good phone too, but honestly, I don't see any real practical reasons to upgrade to it, or even a newer device. I don't really care about the S-pen. I bought an S23 Ultra new from Amazon awhile back for a hefty price. I quickly returned it when I saw that it basically wasn't that much of an upgrade in my opinion to the S21U. In fact, the camera seemed like a bit of a downgrade. All the shots I took would come out extremely grainy looking, with not much variance in between tweaking the settings.

 

[Roadijeff]

Yes, I bought my S21U new when it first came out in early 2021. I've kept it because I don't like the look of the newer models with the square corners and I don't think the features they have are all that improved over my S21U. The recent One UI 6.1 update makes mine really nice and all the more reason to keep it even longer.

I recently installed a new screen protector, replacing the old one that had been on it for over 3 years. I had to remove the phone from its protective case and that thing still looks as nice as the day I bought it. Also, I'm still getting 2-3 days between charges. I have fast charging disabled in the settings and I feel that contributes to a longer battery life because it doesn't get as warm while charging.

 

[gray2018]

Yeah, I really don't like the look of newer devices, either. Personally, even though the design of the S20 Ultra/S21 Ultra is better for me, I think the old style Notes are pretty good too. The newer style "S," rebranded Notes, for me are just a bit too thick and gaudy for my own personal tastes.

I do think overall the design of the S21 Ultra is way better than the newer devices regardless. I really don't like the camera design on the new devices, either. My wife's S22U camera lenses constantly get dirty, both the lens itself and the ring around it. I don't have that problem with my device.

 

[gray2018]

Anyone alive out there? This forum seems to have slowed down almost to the point to it's dead.

Anyways, still using the S21 Ultra in mid 2024. It's been almost two years with this device and it's been great in most ways. The only issues I have sometimes is it can be a bit buggy, and the battery life has degraded somewhat since it's purchase.

Other then that, it basically does everything I need. I don't really see a need to get a newer device, at least not for the rest of 2024. My wife has the S22U, but that doesn't really seem like a big enough upgrade. Basically seems like the same phone but with a built in S-pen.

 

[mustang7757]

Anyone alive out there? This forum seems to have slowed down almost to the point to it's dead.

Anyways, still using the S21 Ultra in mid 2024. It's been almost two years with this device and it's been great in most ways. The only issues I have sometimes is it can be a bit buggy, and the battery life has degraded somewhat since it's purchase.

Other then that, it basically does everything I need. I don't really see a need to get a newer device, at least not for the rest of 2024. My wife has the S22U, but that doesn't really seem like a big enough upgrade. Basically seems like the same phone but with a built in S-pen.

Probably they moved on to newer device

 

[gray2018]

No, I mean the forums as a whole. Not just the S21U forum.

 

[mustang7757]

No, I mean the forums as a whole. Not just the S21U forum.

I haven't seen a slow down

 

[Laura Knotek]

No, I mean the forums as a whole. Not just the S21U forum.

I haven't seen a slow down

The forums as a whole seem to have less activity now than in 2021 when the S21 was released.

 

[Roadijeff]

No, I mean the forums as a whole. Not just the S21U forum.

I'm still here. I check the forum every few days and since there usually are no new posts in the S21 section I just move on. I still have my 3.5 year old S21U and I still like it as much as the year I bought it, as I mentioned previously in this thread.

 

[gray2018]

I really can't see any reasons to "upgrade," to a new device.

 

[mustang7757]

I really can't see any reasons to "upgrade," to a new device.

That's the beauty, everyone different some don't think the small updates are worth it and others they don't mind every year.

 

[gray2018]

Well, I also don't have the cash to fork out every time lol

It does seem that some who do trade in every year, literally have the last year's model. They would definitely get the biggest bang for their buck. I surmise they probably walk away only having to pay 300-400 each year after upgrading.

 

[mustang7757]

Well, I also don't have the cash to fork out every time lol

It does seem that some who do trade in every year, literally have the last year's model. They would definitely get the biggest bang for their buck. I surmise they probably walk away only having to pay 300-400 each year after upgrading.

Yes true

 

[gray2018]

I still really like my S21 Ultra. Honestly, I'm not in the norm here, but I prefer the build and design of it compared to the more Note-esque style of the more recent Samsung S devices. I'm not an avid S-pen user, so it's not really necessary for me. Even so, it's still supported.

I wish they would bring back a rounded, classic S device in Ultra style like this. Despite being a bit heavier, my S21 Ultra is still much more comfortable to hold in the hand than my Note 20 Ultra.

I think the closest I've found is the S24+.

 

[sharpycl]

S21 Ultra user here. Still running strong and no need for me to change. I might try to hold out until the S26

 

[gray2018]

Hmm... Could mods help me out? I meant to put this under the photos thread for the S21 ultra!

 

[mustang7757]

Hmm... Could mods help me out? I meant to put this under the photos thread for the S21 ultra!

Moved it for you

 

[gray2018]

thanks!

 

[SyCoREAPER]

If you can deal with the autofocus issues of the S21U it's fine. Upgrading to the S21U alone isn't worth it IMO (though I did). If anything the S23U. S24U is nice with that finally flat screen but Samsung always has to go a step backwards somewhere.
Depends on your use but in this case changing the 10x to a 5x with higher MP was a mistake.

At least with the 10x you got decent 30x shots acceptable 50x and tolerable 100x.

With the 5x everything is blurry beyond that. Doubt they will fix it for the S25U but hope the S26U brings it back.

 

[gray2018]

Yeah, I've been having an occasional issue with that for some reason. In most scenarios though, the S21 Ultra still has the best camera I've ever used on a phone.

It will do it randomly, particularly with closer focused shots. Stuff that is more landscape or farther away is generally not an issue.