Introduction
When it debuted in early 2021, the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra was the pinnacle of Android technology. It offered a massive 6.8-inch QHD+ AMOLED display, a 108MP quad-camera system, 100x Space Zoom, and the powerful Snapdragon 888 processor — all wrapped in a premium matte-finish design. It was also the first Galaxy S model to support the S Pen, bridging the gap between the Galaxy S and Note series.
Fast forward to 2025, and the S21 Ultra is still an impressive device on paper — but its value has changed dramatically. According to UpTrade’s Price Tracker, Certified Used or Refurbished Galaxy S21 Ultra models now start around $250+. While that might sound appealing for such a powerful phone, there’s one major problem: Samsung has dropped the S21 Ultra from the latest One UI 8 (Android 16) update cycle, meaning it no longer receives new features or monthly security patches.
Galaxy S21 Ultra Overview — Once a Flagship, Now Falling Behind
The Galaxy S21 Ultra was designed to dominate. It featured one of Samsung’s brightest and sharpest displays, a cutting-edge camera system with 8K video support, and the premium build quality that defined the Ultra line. Even in 2025, its hardware — including the Snapdragon 888, 12GB RAM, and 1440p 120Hz AMOLED screen — still feels fast and luxurious for most daily tasks.
However, the issue isn’t raw power — it’s longevity. With Samsung officially ending full support for the S21 series, the S21 Ultra will no longer get the latest Android versions or monthly security patches. This means that despite its excellent display and camera, the phone’s software and security lifespan have effectively ended.
To make matters worse, the Galaxy S22 Ultra, its direct successor, frequently drops to $230+ during holiday promotions — making it both newer and cheaper. The S22 Ultra not only includes a more efficient Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 processor and improved AI camera processing, but it also remains fully supported by Samsung’s One UI 8 (Android 16), ensuring continued updates through 2028.
Software Support — No Longer Receiving One UI 8 (Android 16)
One of the biggest reasons the Galaxy S21 Ultra is no longer a smart buy in 2025 is its lack of ongoing software support. Samsung has officially excluded the S21 series — including the Ultra — from the One UI 8 (Android 16) update. This marks the end of major OS upgrades for the device.
In practical terms, the S21 Ultra will remain stuck on Android 15 (One UI 7) and will no longer receive new Android features or regular security patches. Over time, this creates growing risks — app compatibility issues, unpatched security vulnerabilities, and performance slowdowns that can’t be fixed through updates.
By contrast, the Galaxy S22 Ultra remains part of Samsung’s active support cycle. It’s currently receiving monthly updates through 2026, after which it will move to quarterly security updates for the remaining years of its support period. This ensures continued protection, better stability, and access to modern Android features for much longer than the S21 Ultra can offer.
So while the S21 Ultra still looks like a powerhouse on paper, its software lifecycle has already ended, making it a poor choice for buyers who care about long-term reliability, security, and resale value.
Performance and Hardware — Still Powerful but Aging
The Galaxy S21 Ultra still packs serious hardware muscle in 2025. Powered by the Snapdragon 888 processor and paired with 12GB or 16GB of RAM, it delivers strong performance for everyday tasks, streaming, and even heavy gaming. Apps launch quickly, multitasking remains smooth, and the 120Hz QHD+ display ensures a fluid user experience. On pure performance alone, it can still compete with many modern mid-range devices.
However, this hardware advantage is starting to fade. The Snapdragon 888 chip, built on a 5nm process, runs hotter and less efficiently than newer processors like the Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 and 8 Gen 2 found in the Galaxy S22 Ultra and later models. This translates to higher temperatures during extended gaming or camera use, and slightly shorter battery life under heavy load.
Thermal efficiency also affects long-term durability. Over time, phones that run hotter tend to experience faster battery degradation and potential throttling under pressure. Meanwhile, the S22 Ultra’s 4nm chipset delivers better thermal control, stronger graphics performance, and improved AI-based optimizations for photography, voice recognition, and multitasking.
In short, while the Galaxy S21 Ultra remains a performance powerhouse, it’s showing signs of age — and newer models like the S22 Ultra simply deliver smoother, cooler, and more efficient performance for less money in 2025.
Camera and Display — Excellent, Yet Outshined by S22 Ultra
The Galaxy S21 Ultra set a high bar when it launched, boasting one of the most advanced camera systems in Samsung’s history. Its 108MP main sensor, paired with two telephoto lenses (3x and 10x optical zoom), ultrawide lens, and laser autofocus, made it a photography powerhouse. Even in 2025, it can capture stunning detail, sharp portraits, and impressive zoom shots that rival newer devices.
However, the Galaxy S22 Ultra builds upon that foundation with noticeable improvements. Using refined image processing powered by the Snapdragon 8 Gen 1’s AI engine, it delivers better color balance, superior night mode performance, and more consistent HDR results. The S22 Ultra’s image stabilization and dynamic range have also been improved, making low-light and action shots smoother and clearer.
Video is another area where the S22 Ultra pulls ahead. Both devices can record in 8K, but the S22 Ultra offers less overheating, better focus tracking, and smoother transitions when switching lenses during recording.
On the display front, the S21 Ultra still looks incredible with its 6.8-inch QHD+ Dynamic AMOLED 2X panel and 120Hz adaptive refresh rate. But the S22 Ultra pushes brightness up to 1750 nits, compared to about 1500 nits on the S21 Ultra, making it more visible outdoors and easier to use under direct sunlight.
Overall, while the S21 Ultra’s camera and display remain excellent, the S22 Ultra has evolved into a more refined, balanced, and energy-efficient device — outperforming its predecessor in every meaningful way.
Price and Availability in 2025 (UpTrade Price Tracker Insight)
According to UpTrade’s Price Tracker, Certified Used or Refurbished Galaxy S21 Ultra models start at around $250+ in 2025. That might sound like a fair deal for a premium flagship that once sold for over $1,199 — but it’s not as good of a bargain as it seems.
The problem lies in value versus longevity. Since the S21 Ultra is no longer supported with the latest Android version (One UI 8 / Android 16) and has exited Samsung’s monthly update cycle, buyers are paying for outdated software on aging hardware. This makes it hard to justify spending over $250 on a phone that’s losing compatibility and long-term security.
Meanwhile, the Galaxy S22 Ultra — a newer, faster, and still fully supported device — has been seen dropping to around $230+ during major holiday promotions. That means shoppers can often get a better phone for less money.
Given these pricing trends, it’s clear that the S21 Ultra has entered an awkward phase: too old for long-term use, yet still priced too high for its limited support. For anyone comparing the two, the S22 Ultra offers significantly better value, performance, and future-proofing at nearly the same cost.
Why the Galaxy S22 Ultra Is a Better Buy
The Galaxy S22 Ultra represents everything the S21 Ultra wanted to be — but perfected. It keeps the large display, premium build, and S Pen support while upgrading nearly every internal component. From performance and camera improvements to software longevity, the S22 Ultra is simply the more complete and future-proof option in 2025.
Below is a quick comparison between the two models:
| Feature |
Galaxy S21 Ultra |
Galaxy S22 Ultra |
| Launch Year |
2021 |
2022 |
| Display |
6.8" QHD+ Dynamic AMOLED 2X, 120Hz, 1500 nits |
6.8" QHD+ Dynamic AMOLED 2X, 120Hz, 1750 nits |
| Processor (U.S.) |
Snapdragon 888 (5nm) |
Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 (4nm) |
| RAM / Storage Options |
12GB or 16GB RAM / up to 512GB |
8GB or 12GB RAM / up to 1TB |
| Main Camera System |
108MP (wide) + 12MP (ultrawide) + 10MP (3x telephoto) + 10MP (10x telephoto) |
108MP (wide) + 12MP (ultrawide) + 10MP (3x telephoto) + 10MP (10x telephoto) — Improved AI Processing |
| Front Camera |
40MP |
40MP (Enhanced AI Portrait & Night Mode) |
| Battery |
5000 mAh, 25W charging |
5000 mAh, 45W charging |
| 5G Connectivity |
✅ Yes |
✅ Yes |
| Software Support |
Up to Android 15 (One UI 7), No Monthly Updates |
Android 16 (One UI 8), Monthly Updates Through 2026, Quarterly Thereafter |
| S Pen Support |
Optional (no slot) |
Built-in S Pen Slot |
| Certified Used / Refurbished Price (2025) |
~$250+ |
~$230+ (holiday promo) |
Even though the two devices look nearly identical on paper, the S22 Ultra edges ahead in all the ways that matter most in 2025:
- Better Efficiency: The Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 delivers stronger performance with less heat.
- Longer Software Support: Ongoing updates through 2026 (monthly), then quarterly thereafter.
- Improved Camera AI: Sharper low-light images and faster processing.
- Built-In S Pen: More convenience for productivity users.
- Lower Price: Frequently drops below the S21 Ultra during sales.
Considering these differences, the Galaxy S22 Ultra is the obvious choice. It’s newer, faster, better supported, and often cheaper than the older S21 Ultra, making it the superior option for any 2025 buyer.
Conclusion — Should You Still Buy the Galaxy S21 Ultra in 2025?
No — the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra is no longer a recommended buy in 2025. While it was an incredible flagship at launch, time has caught up with it. The phone no longer receives major Android updates, has lost access to monthly security patches, and will gradually face more app compatibility issues as newer Android versions roll out.
According to UpTrade’s Price Tracker, Certified Used or Refurbished Galaxy S21 Ultra units start around $250+, but that price simply doesn’t make sense anymore. The newer Galaxy S22 Ultra, which features better performance, newer software, and longer support, can often be found for $230+ during holiday promotions — making it a superior and more future-proof purchase.
If you’re looking for a high-end Samsung device in 2025, skip the S21 Ultra and get a Certified Used or Refurbished Galaxy S22 Ultra instead. It delivers flagship performance, an improved camera system, and continued software support through 2026 (with quarterly updates beyond that) — all for less money.
FAQ: Buying the Galaxy S21 Ultra in 2025
1. How old is an S21 Ultra?
The Galaxy S21 Ultra was released in January 2021, making it about four years old in 2025. While still powerful, it’s now reaching the end of its official support lifecycle.
2. How much does the Galaxy S21 Ultra cost in 2025?
According to UpTrade’s Price Tracker, Certified Used or Refurbished S21 Ultra units typically start around $250+, depending on storage capacity and condition.
3. Is the Galaxy S21 Ultra still supported by Samsung?
No. Samsung has excluded the S21 Ultra from the One UI 8 (Android 16) update. It no longer receives new Android versions or monthly updates, though limited quarterly patches may appear briefly before full discontinuation.
4. Does the S21 Ultra have wireless charging?
Yes. The Galaxy S21 Ultra supports both 15W wireless charging and Wireless PowerShare, allowing it to charge other devices like earbuds or smartwatches.
5. Is the Samsung S21 Ultra waterproof?
Yes. The S21 Ultra carries an IP68 rating, meaning it’s resistant to dust and can survive submersion in up to 1.5 meters of water for up to 30 minutes. However, water resistance can weaken over time with wear and tear.
6. Does the S21 Ultra have AI features?
Yes. The phone uses AI for camera scene optimization, photo enhancements, and adaptive battery management. However, newer models like the S22 Ultra include more advanced AI processing for photos, video stabilization, and performance tuning.
7. How long will the S21 Ultra be supported?
Samsung officially supports the S21 Ultra through One UI 7 (Android 15) with monthly updates until September 2025, when Samsung released One UI 8 (Android 16). Now the support has transitioned from monthly updates to quarterly updates.
8. Can I still use the Galaxy S21 Ultra safely in 2025?
Yes, but it’s becoming less secure over time. Without ongoing security updates, users face increased risks from vulnerabilities, especially when using financial or sensitive apps.
9. What are the main differences between the Galaxy S21 Ultra and S22 Ultra?
The S22 Ultra has a faster Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 processor, improved AI camera performance, brighter display, built-in S Pen, and ongoing software support through 2026 — all while often costing less than the S21 Ultra.
10. Does the Galaxy S21 Ultra still take good photos?
Yes. Its 108MP camera system still performs very well in good lighting, but the S22 Ultra’s improved image processing provides better results in low light and motion shots.
11. Is the Galaxy S21 Ultra good for gaming in 2025?
It’s capable of running most games smoothly, but it runs hotter and drains faster compared to newer devices like the S22 Ultra, which offers better thermal efficiency and frame stability.
12. How long will the S21 Ultra receive security updates?
Samsung’s official timeline for the S21 Ultra ended in 2025. After that, users may only receive occasional security updates — if any.
13. Is it worth upgrading to the S22 Ultra?
Absolutely. The Galaxy S22 Ultra offers newer hardware, longer support, and better overall performance — all for a lower price.
14. What is the battery life of the Galaxy S21 Ultra in 2025?
Battery life has declined for most units due to age. Expect about 4–5 hours of screen-on time, depending on usage and settings.
15. Does the S21 Ultra still support the S Pen?
Yes, but only as an external accessory. The phone doesn’t have a built-in slot like the S22 Ultra, which integrates the S Pen for a more seamless experience.
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