Renewed Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G Review [2025]

What makes a flagship phone truly “ultra”? It’s not just about one feature; it’s about checking every single box. The **Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G** was a true legend upon its release, boasting a revolutionary 108MP camera, a stunning 120Hz QHD+ display, and for the first time, S Pen support in the S series. Years later, a **Renewed Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G** has emerged as one of the most intelligent purchases on the market. It offers specs that still outshine many new 2025 mid-range phones, all at a fraction of its original cost. Is this renewed “monster” still a flagship killer today? This definitive 2500+ word review will dive deep into its camera, performance, and the value of buying it renewed.

Renewed Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G

The affordable flagship killer. Get a pro-grade 108MP camera, a 120Hz QHD+ display, and S Pen support, all backed by the Amazon Renewed Guarantee.

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Introduction: The Value Proposition

The core value proposition of the **Renewed Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G** is **uncompromising, pro-level features at an accessible price**. This device was built with a “kitchen sink” philosophy—it has everything. By purchasing it renewed, you are skipping the initial depreciation and getting a device with a superior camera, a better display, and a more premium build than almost any new phone in its price range. It’s the ultimate smart purchase for those who value power and performance over just having the “newest” model.

Target User Profile

This unlocked smartphone is a perfect match for:

• The Mobile Photographer on a Budget: The 108MP sensor and dual-telephoto zoom lenses still produce incredible photos that rival many new flagships.
• The “Power User”: With a Snapdragon 888, 12GB of RAM, and a massive 5000mAh battery, this phone is built for heavy multitasking and all-day use.
• The Media Enthusiast: The 6.8-inch 120Hz QHD+ display is one of the best screens ever put on a smartphone, making it perfect for watching movies and gaming.
• The S Pen Adopter: For those who want the precision of the S Pen (sold separately) for notes and drawing, this is the first S-series phone to offer it.

Key Features & Specifications

Design & Build Quality: Phantom Black

The **Renewed Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G** is a masterpiece of industrial design. The “Phantom Black” model features a stunning matte-black glass finish that is both elegant and fingerprint-resistant. Its most defining feature is the “Contour-Cut” camera housing, which is forged from a single piece of metal and flows seamlessly into the phone’s frame. This not only looks unique but also makes the large camera module feel more integrated. With a Gorilla Glass Victus front and back and an aluminum frame, this phone feels incredibly premium and durable—far more so than any new plastic mid-range phone.

Renewed Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G (Unlocked)

Experience the legendary 108MP pro-grade camera with 100x Space Zoom. A photography powerhouse, now at an incredible renewed price.

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Performance: Snapdragon 888 & 12GB RAM

Don’t be fooled by its age; the Snapdragon 888 processor combined with a massive **12GB of RAM** is still an absolute beast. This **Renewed Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G** will feel faster and more responsive than most new 2025 mid-range phones. Apps open instantly, multitasking with split-screen apps is effortless, and the 12GB of RAM means apps stay open in memory for longer, so they don’t need to reload when you switch back to them. For gaming, this setup can still run the most demanding titles at high-to-max settings with a stable, high frame rate.

Deep Dive: The 6.8″ 120Hz QHD+ Display

The display on the S21 Ultra is arguably one of its best features and a key reason to buy it over a new mid-range phone. It’s a massive 6.8-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X panel that is both incredibly sharp (QHD+ resolution) and buttery-smooth, thanks to its **120Hz adaptive refresh rate**. This was also the first Samsung phone to allow you to run *both* QHD+ resolution and the 120Hz refresh rate at the same time, offering a truly no-compromise viewing experience. Colors are vibrant, blacks are perfect, and it gets incredibly bright for outdoor visibility.

Deep Dive: The 108MP Quad Camera System

The camera system on the **Renewed Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G** is its crowning achievement. It’s not just one camera; it’s a versatile toolkit for any photographer.

• 108MP Main Sensor: This massive sensor captures an incredible amount of detail, allowing you to crop into photos without losing quality.
• Dual Telephoto Lenses: This is the killer feature. It has two separate 10MP zoom lenses: one for 3x optical zoom (perfect for portraits) and another for 10x optical zoom (for incredible long-range shots).
• 100x Space Zoom: While the 100x digital zoom is mostly a gimmick, the stabilized 30x zoom is surprisingly usable.
• 8K Video: You can shoot in 8K resolution, allowing you to pull high-quality 33MP photos from your video clips.

Deep Dive: What “Amazon Renewed” Means

Buying a **Renewed Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G** from Amazon is a safe and reliable process. A “Renewed” device is not just “used.” It has been professionally inspected, tested, and cleaned by Amazon-qualified suppliers. It is guaranteed to be in excellent cosmetic condition (no scratches visible from 12 inches away) and, most importantly, it is guaranteed to have a battery health of **at least 80%** of its original capacity. This is all backed by the 90-day Amazon Renewed Guarantee.

Renewed Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G (Unlocked)

Experience flagship performance with a stunning 6.8″ 120Hz QHD+ display and the productivity of S Pen support (S Pen sold separately).

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Comparison: Renewed S21 Ultra vs. New Mid-Range Phone (e.g., Galaxy A36)

For the same price as a renewed S21 Ultra, you could buy a brand-new mid-range phone like the Samsung Galaxy A36. Here’s why the S21 Ultra is the better choice:

• Camera: The S21 Ultra’s 108MP sensor and dual-telephoto lenses are in a different universe than a mid-range camera.
• Display: The S21 Ultra’s 120Hz QHD+ Dynamic AMOLED is brighter, sharper, and smoother.
• **Build:** The S21 Ultra uses premium glass and metal, while most mid-range phones use plastic.
• Features: The S21 Ultra has S Pen support, 8K video, and a 10x optical zoom—features that are completely absent on new budget phones.

Customer Reviews & Ratings Analysis

Customer reviews for the **Renewed Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G** are exceptional. Users are consistently “blown away” by the “like-new” condition of the device. The camera system is the most-praised feature, with many saying it’s the “best camera I’ve ever owned.” The stunning 120Hz display and the phone’s “blazing fast” performance are also common highlights. The value for money is the key theme, with countless reviewers stating it’s the “smartest tech purchase” they’ve made in years.

Top Benefits of a Renewed Flagship

• Incredible Camera System: You get a quad-camera system with a 108MP main sensor and two optical zoom lenses for the price of a new phone with one mediocre camera.
• Premium Build & Feel: You get to enjoy the feel of a true flagship device (glass and metal) every day.
• S Pen Productivity: The ability to use the S Pen (sold separately) unlocks a new level of productivity for notes and editing.

Limitations to Consider (S Pen Not Included!)

There are two key limitations. First, and most importantly, the **S Pen is sold separately**. Unlike the Note series, the S21 Ultra does not include the S Pen in the box, nor does it have a built-in silo to store it. You must buy a specific S Pen and a case to hold it. Second, the battery health is guaranteed to be **80% or higher**, which, while excellent, is not the 100% of a brand-new device. Finally, it has no microSD card slot for expandable storage.

Pros and Cons

Where to Buy (Amazon Link)

Ready to own a flagship camera powerhouse for a mid-range price? We recommend purchasing the **Renewed Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G** from Amazon for its competitive pricing and the 90-day Renewed Guarantee.

Renewed Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G (Unlocked)

This unlocked, renewed phone is in excellent condition and backed by a 90-day guarantee, giving you total peace of mind with your purchase.

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Warranty & Support

All products sold under the Amazon Renewed program are backed by the **Amazon Renewed Guarantee**. This gives you 90 days from the date of purchase to return or replace the product for free if it does not work as expected or if you are unsatisfied with its cosmetic condition. This is a strong safety net that makes buying a renewed device risk-free.

Tips for Best Use

• Inspect on Arrival: As soon as you receive your renewed phone, inspect it thoroughly. Check the screen for any scratches, test all cameras (wide, ultrawide, and both zooms), and check the charge port.
• Check Battery Health: The phone is guaranteed to have at least 80% battery health. You can check this using a third-party app like AccuBattery to get an estimate.
• Buy an S Pen: To unlock the phone’s full potential, consider buying a compatible S Pen and a case designed to hold it.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Does the S Pen come with the renewed S21 Ultra?

No. The S Pen is **sold separately** for the S21 Ultra. It was the first S-series phone to have S Pen *support*, but it does not come with one in the box, nor does it have an internal silo to store it like the Note series.

Is this phone unlocked for all carriers?

Yes, this model is a US Unlocked version, meaning it is not tied to any carrier and will work on all major US networks like Verizon, AT&T, and T-Mobile. You just need to insert your SIM card.

Does it have a headphone jack?

No, the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G does not have a 3.5mm headphone jack. You will need to use USB-C headphones or Bluetooth earbuds.

Final Verdict / Conclusion

The **Renewed Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G** is an absolutely phenomenal deal in 2025. It is a “classic” flagship that still feels incredibly modern and powerful. For a price that competes with brand-new budget phones, you get a vastly superior camera system, a world-class display, a premium build, and the unique productivity of the S Pen. The trade-offs (60Hz display and plastic back from the Note 20) are gone, leaving you with a true, no-compromise Ultra device. Backed by the Amazon Renewed Guarantee, this is one of the smartest, highest-value smartphone purchases you can make.

Related Smartphone Reviews

See how the **Renewed Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra** stacks up against other great smartphone values. For a newer design, check out the Motorola razr 2024. For the latest from Google, see our review of the Google Pixel 9 Pro XL. For other budget-friendly Samsung options, explore the Galaxy A05 or the Galaxy A36 5G. And for a great budget 5G phone from another brand, check out the OnePlus Nord N30 5G.