Is Upgrading From The S20 Ultra To The S21 Ultra Actually Worth It 2025 Edition

In 2025, the Samsung Galaxy S20 Ultra is nearly five years old—a lifetime in smartphone evolution. For users still holding onto this once-flagship device, the question isn’t just about nostalgia; it’s about practicality. Is moving to the S21 Ultra, a direct successor, truly worthwhile now? With diminishing hardware leaps between generations and longer software support cycles, the decision demands more nuance than ever. This article breaks down every key upgrade—performance, camera, battery, software, and longevity—to help you decide if the jump still makes sense in 2025.

Performance: Subtle Gains, But Still Noticeable

The S20 Ultra launched with either the Exynos 990 or Snapdragon 865, depending on region—both capable chips at the time but now outpaced by modern standards. The S21 Ultra stepped up to the Exynos 2100 or Snapdragon 888, delivering around 25–30% better CPU performance and a significant leap in GPU efficiency. In 2025, that difference may seem minor on paper, but in practice, it translates to smoother multitasking, faster app launches, and better handling of demanding games and photo editing tools.

Both phones have 12GB of RAM, so memory capacity isn’t a differentiator. However, the S21 Ultra’s newer architecture handles background processes more efficiently, reducing stutter during prolonged use. If your S20 Ultra has started showing lag when switching between apps or loading large files, the S21 Ultra will feel noticeably snappier—even after years of use.

Tip: Clear cached data and disable unused apps to extend the life of older devices before considering an upgrade.

Camera: Where the S21 Ultra Truly Shines

If photography matters to you, the S21 Ultra offers tangible improvements. Both phones feature 108MP main sensors, but the S21 Ultra refines the entire imaging pipeline. It introduces laser autofocus for faster focusing in low light, improved HDR processing, and enhanced night mode algorithms. The most significant change, however, is in zoom capability.

The S20 Ultra supports 10x hybrid zoom and 100x digital zoom, but image quality at those ranges was often soft and noisy. The S21 Ultra improves optical zoom with a dual telephoto setup (3x and 10x), giving it true 10x optical clarity—a massive advantage for distant subjects. At 100x, the image remains more usable thanks to better stabilization and AI sharpening.

Videography also sees upgrades. The S21 Ultra supports 8K recording at 24fps with improved stabilization and microphone noise reduction. While 8K remains niche, the 4K/60fps footage is visibly cleaner, with better dynamic range and color accuracy.

“Even incremental camera improvements can make a big difference in real-world usability—especially in low light and zoom scenarios.” — David Kim, Mobile Imaging Analyst at TechLens

Battery Life and Charging: Efficiency Over Capacity

The S20 Ultra packs a 5,000mAh battery, as does the S21 Ultra. But due to the more power-efficient 5nm chipset in the S21 Ultra (vs. 7nm in the S20 Ultra), actual endurance is better despite identical capacity. Real-world testing shows the S21 Ultra lasting 10–15% longer under mixed usage—about 1.5 extra hours of screen-on time.

Charging speeds remain unchanged: 25W wired, 15W wireless, and reverse wireless charging. Neither model includes a charger in the box (a shift that began in 2020). However, the S21 Ultra benefits from slightly faster adaptive battery learning, which optimizes power use based on habits over time.

By 2025, many S20 Ultra batteries have degraded significantly. Even if the phone functions, reduced charge cycles mean shorter daily life and potential overheating. Replacing the battery is possible but often costs $80–$120—approaching half the resale value of the device. In contrast, the S21 Ultra, while also aging, generally maintains better battery health due to newer cell technology and optimized power management.

Software Support and Longevity

This is where the upgrade calculus shifts dramatically. Samsung promised four years of Android OS updates and five years of security patches for the S21 Ultra. As of 2025, it is likely receiving its final major update (Android 15) and will continue getting security fixes into 2026. The S20 Ultra, meanwhile, reached its end-of-life for major updates with Android 13 and will no longer receive security patches in most regions.

Running outdated software in 2025 poses real risks: compatibility issues with banking apps, messaging platforms, and productivity tools; increased vulnerability to exploits; and lack of new features like improved privacy controls or smart text prediction.

While both phones share similar design languages and One UI experiences, the S21 Ultra integrates better with newer Samsung ecosystem features—like enhanced DeX support, improved S Pen functionality (it finally added built-in stylus support), and smoother integration with Galaxy Buds2 Pro and Watch6.

Feature	S20 Ultra	S21 Ultra
Max Android Version	Android 13	Android 15
Security Updates Until	Likely ended in 2024	Up to 2026
S Pen Support	External only (case required)	Built-in storage & latency improvement
Chipset Process	7nm	5nm
Optical Zoom	4x periscope (digital hybrid to 10x)	3x + 10x dual telephoto (true 10x optical)
Battery Health (2025 avg.)	60–70% capacity common	75–85% capacity typical

Real-World Decision: Should You Upgrade?

Consider Sarah, a freelance photographer who relied on her S20 Ultra since 2020. By early 2024, she noticed her camera struggled in dimly lit cafes, apps crashed more frequently, and her battery died by mid-afternoon. She hesitated to upgrade, thinking “it still works.” But client complaints about blurry zoom shots and delayed file transfers pushed her to test the S21 Ultra. Within a week, she upgraded. The 10x optical zoom let her capture stage details without moving, the S Pen streamlined client annotations, and all-day battery meant fewer public outlet hunts. For her, the upgrade paid for itself in productivity.

Your situation may differ. If you primarily use your phone for calls, messaging, and occasional browsing, the S20 Ultra might suffice with a battery replacement. But if you rely on your phone for work, content creation, or staying secure online, the S21 Ultra remains a compelling step up—even in 2025.

Upgrade Checklist: Ask Yourself These Questions

• Does your S20 Ultra struggle with basic multitasking or app loading?
• Have you noticed a significant drop in battery life over the past year?
• Are you missing critical security updates or unable to install key apps?
• Do you regularly use zoom, night mode, or video recording features?
• Do you own other Samsung devices that benefit from tighter ecosystem integration?

If you answered “yes” to two or more, the S21 Ultra—or a comparable modern flagship—deserves serious consideration.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I still buy a new S21 Ultra in 2025?

New units are no longer sold by Samsung or major retailers, but refurbished or lightly used models are widely available through certified sellers. Expect to pay $300–$450 depending on condition and storage.

Is the S Pen really that much better on the S21 Ultra?

Yes. The S20 Ultra required a special case to hold the S Pen and had higher input latency. The S21 Ultra has a built-in silo, instant pairing, and 9ms latency—making it far more practical for notes, sketches, and remote control.

What should I do with my old S20 Ultra?

Recycle it responsibly through Samsung’s trade-in program, donate it (after full wipe), or repurpose it as a dedicated media or security camera device. Never discard lithium-ion batteries in regular trash.

Final Verdict: Upgrade Only If It Solves a Real Problem

The S21 Ultra isn’t revolutionary compared to the S20 Ultra—but it’s a meaningful refinement. In 2025, the strongest arguments for upgrading aren’t about raw specs, but about reliability, security, and sustained usability. If your S20 Ultra is slowing down, insecure, or failing to meet your daily needs, the move makes sense. If it still performs well and you’ve maintained its battery health, extending its life with careful use is both economical and eco-conscious.

Technology should serve you, not pressure you. Upgrade when the device no longer aligns with your lifestyle—not because a calendar says it’s time.

💬 Still on the fence? Share your experience with the S20 Ultra or S21 Ultra below. Your insights could help others decide whether this upgrade path is right for them in 2025.