The Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra in 2021 was Samsung’s flex; loaded with four cameras, a silky-smooth 120Hz AMOLED display, and enough zoom to reach for the moon, a modern design that corrected the shortcomings of its predecessor. It was the flagship to beat. We found it a compelling choice last year
Fast-forward to 2025, and the question is: Is the S21 Ultra still a powerhouse… or is it now just surviving off vibes and old glory?
Let’s break it down for anyone considering a used or refurbished unit or holding onto one and wondering if it’s time to upgrade.
Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra Performance in 2025: Surprisingly Snappy
Let’s start with the good news.
If you’re rocking the Snapdragon 888 variant (or Exynos 2100, if you’re unlucky), the S21 Ultra still handles everyday tasks with minimal fuss.
Multitasking? Smooth.
Social media? No lag.
Gaming? Still plays most AAA mobile titles on high settings.
Sure, it’s not as efficient as newer 4nm chips, but it hasn’t aged as poorly as some feared. As long as you’re not expecting AI-generated wallpapers or ChatGPT embedded into your home screen, it’s still a beast.
Cameras: Still Got It…Mostly
That 108MP main sensor? Still crisp. The 10x periscope zoom? Still unmatched in many mid-range phones today.
- Daylight photos are sharp, dynamic, and Instagram-ready.
- Low light? It’s holding up—though newer Galaxy phones like the S23 Ultra and S24 Ultra now lead in night mode sharpness.
- Zoom? Still better than most 2025 phones under ₦500k.
For content creators on a budget, this phone is still great especially for travel shots, TikToks, and casual vlogging.
Battery Life on the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra: Not Bad… But You’ll Notice the Age
Here’s where time starts showing.
- The original 5000mAh battery can now feel more like 4000mAh, especially if you bought the phone second-hand.
- Heavy use (gaming, mobile hotspot, 5G) drains it faster than newer models with better efficiency.
You’ll likely need a midday top-up unless the battery was replaced recently. And no, it still doesn’t come with a charger in the box (thanks, Samsung).
Design: Premium, Even in 2025
The Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra still looks expensive.
- Gorilla Glass Victus, curved edges, and that signature Phantom Black finish? Still holds up next to newer flagships.
- It feels like a high-end phone, because it was.
Plus, it’s one of the last “Ultra” models without an S-Pen silo, which is a win for people who don’t want their phone pretending to be a notebook.
Software: Hanging On… Just Barely
The biggest concern? Software support.
- The S21 Ultra shipped with Android 11. As of 2025, it’s capped at Android 14 with One UI 6.
- Samsung gave it three OS updates and four years of security updates—so it’s either just ending or already ended depending on your variant.
That means:
- No more major Android updates.
- Security patches might stop anytime.
- Some apps might gradually start misbehaving (especially banking or business apps).
If privacy and app stability matter to you long-term, this might be a deal-breaker.
Should You Still Buy It in 2025?
If you’re eyeing a refurbished Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra for under ₦500,000 , it’s a steal for the right user.
| Who it’s for | Who should avoid it |
| ✅Content creators on a budget | ❌ Power users who want latest AI features |
| ✅ Users upgrading from older phones (S10, A series, iPhone 11) | ❌ Anyone concerned about long-term software support |
| ✅ Anyone who still values physical phone design over specs | ❌ People who want insane battery life or stylus support |
Final Verdict: A Living Legend (But on Borrowed Time)
If you find one in good condition and your needs are simple, grab it. Otherwise? Look at newer Galaxy S23/24 models or jump to something like the Pixel 7 Pro or iPhone 13 Pro Max.
