r/S21Ultra

I want to buy an S21 Ultra, but I'm afraid lines will appear on the screen.

Got a used S21 Ultra from Amazon a couple of months ago. Overall condition was brand new except for the fact that the Bluetooth was way worse than my S9+ and the bottom of the screen flickers randomly, usually have to turn off the screen and back on for it to stop.

Also got a weird message in the update software section that my version isn't even supported. I kept the phone because I've tried two other sellers and the phones were worse than the one I kept.

Your current software version isn't supported. Visit a service center.

Update information

•OneUlversion:7.. •Android version: 15 •Current version:G998U1UESIHYL1/ G998U10YMIHYL1/G998USQSIHYL1 •Security patch level: December 1,2025

Mine is currently on Android 12 and One UI 4.1, the phones battery is weak according to the Samsung Memebers app so I was wondering what version would give the best performance and battery life.

Also the phone says it’s on the latest update so I will have to flash new firmware manually.

I have had an S21 Ultra (256GB/12GB) since launch and honestly, it has held up way better than I thought. I'm still getting fine performance out of it but it's not getting security updates anymore and the battery health is poor so I think it's finally time to upgrade.

I want to stick with Samsung but I’m strangely having a hard time deciding because the majority of the marketing for the newer phones are things I literally do not care about.

Things I care about:

Same or better specs: 256GB storage/12GB RAM.

QHD+/1440p display.

Strong vibration/haptics.

Better overall camera than the S21U, even if the zoom is not crazy.

A phone that’ll still get security updates for a while.

Phone staying cool (my S21U gets hot even doing simple tasks).

Things I really don’t care about:

AI features.

S Pen.

Gaming performance/benchmarks.

100x zoom or whatever Samsung is advertising now.

I’d consider another Ultra, but I’m also open to the Plus models if they don’t feel like a downgrade coming from the S21U. My only worry is Samsung usually keeps the best screen/haptics/camera experience for the Ultras.

For people who have upgraded from the S21 Ultra, what did you move to? Did it actually feel like an upgrade in daily use? How are the haptics compared to the S21U? Any models you regret buying or would avoid?

Mostly looking for real-world opinions rather than spec sheet stuff since Samsung hasn't really improved specs outside of the processor since the S21 Ultra. Thanks.

Just looking for people's opinions on the phone. Going to buy a used one for €250