I have been using the Galaxy S21 Ultra as my daily driver since the day it landed on my doorstep. I was looking forward to using this device a lot. That's largely due to the disappointment that I had with the Galaxy S20 Ultra. I knew that Samsung had made some meaningful improvements and that the new device would deliver an elevated experience.
It most certainly does that in more ways than one. The Galaxy S21 Ultra looks better, feels better and performs better than its predecessor. It also has a much better camera system that's not plagued with some of the issues that we found on the previous model, particularly related to focusing.
As we concluded in our Galaxy S21 Ultra review, this is perhaps the closest that Samsung has come to creating the perfect Galaxy S flagship. That's certainly high praise and it's well-deserved. However, to me, the Galaxy S21 Ultra just feels dull. Sorry, Samsung, but it's your own fault!
If you've been a reader of ours for some time now, you'd be well aware of my appreciation for Samsung's foldable smartphones. I've been a strong supporter of the foldable lineup ever since I got my hands on the first Galaxy Fold in 2019. The very first iteration, which was later recalled and made more durable, converted me for life.
The Galaxy Z Fold 2 has been my main device since last year. Everything else feels simple and boring compared to my beloved foldable. I agree that the Galaxy S21 Ultra has a great design. The new Contour Cut design and the metal camera housing make it the most stylish flagship from Samsung in this form factor. However, it just doesn't feel enough. That's a testament to just how incredible the Galaxy Z Fold 2 is.
Even after using the Galaxy S21 Ultra for a few weeks, I keep missing the wow factor of the Galaxy Z Fold 2. This form factor no longer excites me, it makes every phone feel outdated compared to a foldable. I'm still amazed by the first reaction people have when they see me using the Galaxy Z Fold 2.
Many find themselves in awe of this device. They ask me what the foldable experience feels like in the long run and how it's like using this phone on a daily basis. Most just want to hold it and try it out for themselves. Compare that to the Galaxy S21 Ultra, or any smartphone in this form factor, nobody is going to look at it like that even though it's one of the best Samsung phones on the market right now.
I understand that this sounds like a very first world problem. The privilege of using the best of what Samsung has to offer is not lost on me. It has just made me realize the predicament that foldable phone users will find themselves in now. There's no going back. If even the best Galaxy S flagship yet from Samsung doesn't feel as good, there really is no going back.
It goes without saying that I'm switching back to the Galaxy Z Fold 2 from the Galaxy S21 Ultra. Yes, I will miss the camera features and the new design elements of the Ultra. They're just not enough of a reason for me to hold on to it. There's no falling out of love with the Fold's substantially larger display and the emotions of real innovation that it evokes.
I just can't wait to see these improvements on the Galaxy Z Fold 3. If Samsung can bring these design elements and camera capabilities of its next foldable, I'm going to be one happy camper.
