Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra unboxing: is it worth buying before Unpacked?

The Samsung Unpacked event is coming up at the start of next week, on August 11, 2021. That is when Samsung presents the year’s new devices. That usually means the old devices drop in price. Many people are therefore wondering whether it makes sense to buy a somewhat older device instead of a new, very expensive one. That is why I’m unboxing the Galaxy S21 Ultra in Phantom Black again together with you. I’ve been using my own device in Phantom Silver as a daily driver for a while, so I can also say something about performance and camera.

Unboxing and what’s in the box

The device is freshly packed and sealed. The package is compact. The paperwork is no longer in a sleeve that you have to fiddle it out of. In the box are:

• the Galaxy S21 Ultra in a nice black
• the Quick Start Guide and the usual paperwork
• a SIM pin, brand new, so I don’t have to bend my earrings
• a USB cable

A charger is missing. I find it pretty bold that Samsung is going this route this year, after people got so worked up about it last year.

Size and weight

The device weighs 227 g. It is a larger and above all heavy phone. I recommend picking it up in a store before buying, because otherwise the aha effect can be big.

My highlights after using it

As a tech fan, you really get to play with this device.

• Camera: It is so crisply sharp that you immediately want to go find a subject. The 40 MP front camera and the 108 MP main camera with up to 100x digital zoom make that happen. It doesn’t have to hide from the iPhone 12 Pro Max either. The video recording in up to 8K is breathtaking, too.
• Battery: I get through the day more than comfortably, and I’m more of a heavy user.
• S Pen support: That is my personal highlight.
• Overall impression: The device is a ton of fun and feels super high-quality. It is full of small hidden tips and tricks. You are amazed again and again at what it has to offer. There are plenty of videos on YouTube with tips and tricks for the S21 Ultra.

Is the S21 Ultra still worth it?

Once the new devices have come out in winter, the Galaxy S21 Ultra will surely drop significantly in price again. Then it is worth taking a closer look if you still want to buy a new smartphone this year. As always, it is mostly a question of price. I’m more than curious what Samsung presents next week.