**The Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra: A Camera-Packed Powerhouse**
One of the most noticeable issues with the previous flagship, the S20 Ultra, was the autofocus humping problem, which would sometimes cause the camera to struggle with close-up subjects. However, it appears that Samsung has made significant strides in addressing this issue with the S21 Ultra. In a staggering 75% of cases, the phone now delivers impressive results without any noticeable humping, thanks to improved algorithms and hardware upgrades.
**A Macro Camera Made Possible by the Ultra-Wide Lens**
One of the most interesting features of the S21 Ultra is its use of the ultra-wide lens for macro photography. This camera combination allows for extremely close shots with autofocus, resulting in solid quality macros. The camera also supports 4K 60fps video from all cameras, including the selfie camera, and shoots 12-bit Raw photos in Pro mode. These capabilities make the S21 Ultra a versatile tool for content creators and photographers alike.
**Director's View: Simultaneous Multi-Camera Recording**
The S21 Ultra introduces a new feature called Director's View, which enables simultaneous multi-camera recording from multiple cameras simultaneously. This is made possible by the Snapdragon 888 chipset with the Triple Eight camera system. While not as useful for everyday users, this feature will undoubtedly find its way into vlog-style shooting and other professional applications.
**The Telephoto Cameras: A 3x and a 10x Zoom Option**
The S21 Ultra's telephoto lenses offer two zoom options: 3x and 10x. While the 3x lens is suitable for most users, the 10x option uses the Periscope camera to achieve longer focal lengths. This combination of cameras allows for exceptional image quality, with the primary camera handling all standard zooms from 1x to 3x, the second camera covering 3x to 10x, and the Periscope camera capturing everything beyond that.
**Improved Color and HDR Capabilities**
In terms of color accuracy and HDR capabilities, the S21 Ultra has made significant strides. The phone's color grading and tone mapping have been refined to produce a more pleasing and natural visual experience. While there may still be some edge fringing issues with close-up subjects, overall, the camera's performance is now much improved.
**The Design: A Matte Black Finish**
One of the most striking aspects of the S21 Ultra is its matte black finish, which has been designed to appeal to a wider audience. The design team at Samsung has taken cues from the design world to create a sleek and minimalist aesthetic that will appeal to fans of luxury products.
**Limited Edition Icon's Release: Back for Good**
In an exciting announcement, it was revealed that Limited Edition Icon's would be back in stock permanently, with several new colorways added to the lineup. These include the iconic red mask, which has been a fan favorite since its release last year. Additionally, a limited edition 'Silicon' finish has been added, featuring a matte metallic paint job.
**Future Plans: More Colorway Options**
While the initial Limited Edition Icon's release was met with success, Samsung has hinted at future plans to expand the color palette further. Fans have taken to Twitter to express their desire for other colorways, and it appears that the company is taking note. With more limited edition color options on the horizon, fans of the brand can look forward to even more stylish and unique devices in the coming months.
**The Verdict: A MKBHD Edition-Inspired Flagship**
In conclusion, the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra has proven itself to be a formidable flagship device, rivaling those from competitors like Apple. With its impressive camera capabilities, sleek design, and innovative features, it's no wonder that this phone is being hailed as one of the best in its class. Whether you're a content creator or simply someone looking for a powerful smartphone, the S21 Ultra is an excellent choice.
**What Do You Think? Share Your Thoughts**
As we move forward with our review process, we want to hear from you! What do you think about the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra? Are there any features that stand out to you, or are there areas where you feel it falls short? Share your thoughts in the comments below, and let us know what you're looking for in a flagship device.