Is the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra Still Worth Buying in 2026?

The Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra was one of Samsung’s most powerful flagships when it launched, but with newer Galaxy models on the market, many buyers are asking a fair question: is the Galaxy S21 Ultra still worth buying in 2026?

The short answer is yes, for the right person. The longer answer depends on performance needs, software support, and price.

Performance in 2026

The Galaxy S21 Ultra is powered by the Exynos 2100 or Snapdragon 888, depending on region. While these chips are no longer cutting-edge, they are still more than capable of handling everyday tasks in 2026.

Apps open quickly, multitasking is smooth, and casual to moderate gaming runs well. You may notice higher heat and battery drain in heavy games compared to newer phones, but for normal use, performance still holds up.

Display Still Competes with Modern Phones

Samsung equipped the S21 Ultra with a 6.8-inch QHD+ Dynamic AMOLED 2X display with a 120Hz adaptive refresh rate. Even in 2026, this screen remains excellent.

Colors are vibrant, brightness is high, and the resolution is sharper than many midrange phones released years later. If display quality matters to you, the S21 Ultra still feels premium.

Camera Quality: Still a Strong Point

The camera setup is one of the biggest reasons the Galaxy S21 Ultra remains relevant.

Its 108MP main camera, dual telephoto lenses, and strong image processing still deliver sharp photos, reliable low-light performance, and excellent zoom. Video quality remains solid, especially for 4K recording.

While newer Galaxy Ultra models offer better stabilization and AI features, the difference is incremental rather than dramatic.

Software Support and Security Updates

This is where timing matters. The Galaxy S21 Ultra launched with Android 11 and is expected to receive major Android updates up to Android 15, with security updates continuing a bit longer.

In 2026, you may be nearing the end of major OS updates, but security patches should still be available. For users who care about having the latest Android version every year, this is a limitation to consider.

Battery Life in 2026

The 5,000mAh battery is still decent, but age matters. If you’re buying used or refurbished, battery health is crucial.

A well-maintained unit can still last a full day with moderate use, but older batteries may require replacement to get acceptable screen-on time.

Price Makes or Breaks the Decision

At its original price, the Galaxy S21 Ultra wouldn’t make sense in 2026. But right now you can get It for as low as $240 on Amazon, which is an attractive deal

If you can find it in good condition for the price of a midrange phone, you’re getting a flagship-grade display, camera system, and build quality that still outperform many newer budget devices

FAQ

Does the Galaxy S21 Ultra support 5G in 2026?

Yes. It supports sub-6GHz and, in some regions, mmWave 5G.

Is it good for gaming?

For casual and mid-level gaming, yes. Heavy games may show heat and battery drain compared to newer chips.

Should I buy refurbished or used?

Refurbished is safer, especially if the battery has been replaced.

Is the Galaxy S21 Ultra better than a new midrange Samsung phone in 2026?

In many areas, yes, especially display, camera versatility, and premium build. However, newer midrange phones offer longer software support and better battery efficiency.

Does it still feel premium?

Yes. The glass and metal design still feels high-end even by 2026 standards.

Conclusion

So, is the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra still worth buying in 2026? Yes, if you can get it at the right price and you’re comfortable with limited future Android upgrades.

It remains a powerful, premium phone with a stunning display and versatile cameras. For buyers who value flagship hardware over the latest software, the Galaxy S21 Ultra is still a smart purchase in 2026.