Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G Vs Galaxy Z Flip4

The Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G, released in January 2021, and the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip4, launched in August 2022, represent distinct approaches within Samsung's smartphone lineup. While both are Android-based devices, the S21 Ultra offers a traditional, large-screen flagship experience, emphasizing advanced camera capabilities and a robust battery. In contrast, the Z Flip4 introduces a compact, foldable design, prioritizing portability and a unique user interaction with its clamshell form factor and external display. Both devices run on the Android operating system, offering access to a wide ecosystem of applications and services.

When considering the long-term usability of these devices, their release timelines and software support are key factors. The Galaxy S21 Ultra, being an earlier release, has a slightly shorter remaining software support window compared to the newer Z Flip4.

• Software Longevity: The Galaxy S21 Ultra, released in January 2021, was part of Samsung's policy to provide four major Android OS updates and five years of security updates. It received its last major Android version update in May 2025, with security updates continuing until January 2026. The Galaxy Z Flip4, launched in August 2022, also benefits from Samsung's commitment to four major Android updates and five years of security updates. It received Android 16 with One UI 8 as its final major OS update in October 2025, with security updates expected to continue until August 2027.
• Repairability: The Galaxy S21 Ultra received a repairability score of 3 out of 10 from iFixit, indicating challenges due to extensive use of adhesive and a non-modular display cable. The Galaxy Z Flip4, with its foldable design, presents its own repair complexities, receiving a repairability score of 4 out of 10 from PKBreviews. This is largely due to the intricate foldable screen and the use of adhesive for internal components.
• Practical Lifespan: Both devices are built with quality materials, but the Z Flip4's foldable screen introduces a different set of durability considerations. Samsung states the Z Flip4 can withstand up to 200,000 folds, equating to approximately five years of typical use. Users of the S21 Ultra often report good battery health and processing power even after two and a half years.

The performance of both the Galaxy S21 Ultra and the Galaxy Z Flip4 is designed to handle demanding tasks, though they feature different generations of internal components.

• Processing Power: The Galaxy S21 Ultra is equipped with a powerful processor from its generation, enabling smooth operation for everyday applications, multitasking, and graphically intensive games. The Galaxy Z Flip4 features a newer-generation processor, which provides enhanced efficiency and responsiveness, particularly noticeable in app loading times and sustained performance during heavy usage.
• Memory and Storage: The S21 Ultra offers configurations with 12GB or 16GB of RAM, providing ample capacity for extensive multitasking and keeping numerous applications open simultaneously. The Z Flip4 comes with 8GB of RAM, which is sufficient for most users' multitasking needs and ensures a fluid experience. Both devices offer various internal storage options, including 128GB, 256GB, and 512GB, catering to different user requirements for app and media storage.
• Battery Behavior: The Galaxy S21 Ultra houses a large 5000 mAh battery, which users frequently praise for providing excellent endurance, often lasting a full day or more even with heavy use. The Galaxy Z Flip4 has a 3700 mAh battery. While improved over its predecessor, some users report that heavy usage may necessitate more frequent charging.

The display experience on the Galaxy S21 Ultra and the Galaxy Z Flip4 differs significantly due to their form factors and display technologies.

• Display Technology and Size: The Galaxy S21 Ultra features a large 6.8-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display, offering an expansive viewing area. The Galaxy Z Flip4 has a 6.7-inch Foldable Dynamic AMOLED 2X main display, which folds in half for portability, and a 1.9-inch Super AMOLED cover screen for quick interactions.
• Resolution and Clarity: The S21 Ultra boasts a high resolution of 1440 x 3200 pixels, resulting in exceptional sharpness and detail, suitable for high-fidelity media consumption and productivity. The Z Flip4's main display has a resolution of 2640 x 1080 pixels, providing clear and vibrant visuals for everyday use.
• Brightness and Refresh Rate: Both devices feature adaptive 120Hz refresh rates, ensuring smooth scrolling and fluid animations. The Dynamic AMOLED 2X panels on both phones deliver vibrant colors and deep blacks, with high brightness levels that make them comfortable to view even in bright outdoor conditions.

Both the Galaxy S21 Ultra and the Galaxy Z Flip4 offer capable camera systems, but they are designed with different photographic priorities in mind.

• Rear Camera System: The Galaxy S21 Ultra features a versatile quad-camera setup, including a 108MP main sensor, a 12MP ultrawide lens, and two 10MP telephoto lenses offering 3x and 10x optical zoom. This configuration allows for significant photographic flexibility, from wide-angle shots to distant subjects. The Galaxy Z Flip4 has a dual-camera system on the rear, comprising a 12MP wide-angle lens and a 12MP ultrawide lens, focusing on providing reliable and high-quality everyday photography.
• Photography Performance: The S21 Ultra is known for its detailed images, especially in good lighting, and its advanced zoom capabilities. While the Z Flip4's cameras perform well in daylight conditions, some users note that low-light performance is not its strongest suit.
• Video Recording and Front Camera: The S21 Ultra supports video recording up to 8K resolution, offering professional-grade video capabilities, and features a 40MP front camera for high-resolution selfies. The Z Flip4 records video up to 4K and includes a 10MP front camera, suitable for video calls and social media content.
• Audio Experience: Both devices are equipped with stereo speakers, providing a more immersive audio experience for media consumption.