The Galaxy S21 Ultra has received excellent reviews worldwide, thanks to its improved design, faster and more reliable performance, long battery life and better cameras. The new phone features two telephoto cameras (3x and 10x optical zoom), greatly improving the zoom range compared to the Galaxy S20 Ultra. However, the Galaxy S21 Ultra actually received a lower DxOMark score compared to the Galaxy S20 Ultra.
In reviewing the Galaxy S21 Ultra’s DxOMark camera, the phone received an overall score of 121 points. In comparison, last year’s Galaxy S20 Ultra received 126 points after being reassessed with version 4 (the latest version) of the review process. Dividing the score, the Galaxy S21 Ultra received 128 points in the photo segment, 98 points in the video segment and 76 points in the zoom segment. The Galaxy S20 Ultra received 128 points in the photo segment, 106 points in the video segment and 88 points in the zoom segment. According to DxOMark’s analysis, the Galaxy S21 Ultra is not as good as the Galaxy S20 Ultra in video quality and zoom.
We know that the Galaxy S21 Ultra has a more reliable focus, enhanced images and videos in low light and a greater zoom range than its predecessor. But the phone still scored lower than the Galaxy S20 Ultra. So, what really went wrong? DxOMark was not impressed with the two zoom cameras and, according to them, the new zoom cameras are not worth much compared to the Galaxy S20 Ultra’s unique 5x periscope zoom camera. DxOMark says artifacts and noise in the images are pulling the phone’s score down.
In terms of video recording, the Galaxy S21 Ultra received scores similar to the Pixel 4a. Apparently, video stabilization is the main problem with the phone. However, DxOMark tested only 4K 60fps mode and not 4K 30fps and 8K 24fps video modes. The company says it has not tested the 8K video recording mode because of its poor quality stabilization.
Overall, the Galaxy S21 Ultra not only received a lower score than its predecessor, but also last year’s flagship smartphones. Scored less than 16 other smartphones, including Huawei Mate 40 Pro + (139), Huawei Mate 40 Pro (136), Xiaomi Mi 10 Ultra (133), Huawei P40 Pro (132), Vivo X50 Pro + (131), iPhone 12 Pro Max (130), iPhone 12 Pro (128), Xiaomi Mi 10 Pro (128), OPPO Find X2 Pro (126), Galaxy S20 Ultra (126), Honor 30 Pro + (125), iPhone 11 Pro Max ( 124), Huawei Mate 30 Pro (123), iPhone 12 Mini (122), iPhone 12 (122) and Honor V30 Pro (122).
Our own review of the Galaxy S21 Ultra revealed that it offers more reliable camera performance compared to the Galaxy S20 Ultra. Several other experts and reviewers share our views and say that the Galaxy S21 Ultra is the best smartphone camera at the moment, so it’s up to you to believe DxOMark’s test methodologies. What do you think of the DxOMark Galaxy S21 Ultra camera review? Let us know in the comments section below.
- Model: SM-G998B
- Dimensions: Bar: 165.1 x 75.6 x 8.9 mm
- Exhibition: 6.8 inch / 172.72 mm Dynamic AMOLED 2X
- CPU: Exynos 2100
- Camera: 12 MP