The new Galaxy S26 Ultra is the most exciting slab-type Samsung phone in years. If you're a Galaxy S21 Ultra user thinking about upgrading, you should take a serious look at Samsung’s latest model. Here’s how the old and new compare.The past few years haven’t been easy for Ultra fans who prefer softer designs with rounder corners and fewer sharp angles. Thankfully, the Galaxy S26 Ultra is the least boxy Ultra since the S21 Ultra. That alone should make S21 Ultra users in 2026 prick up their ears. Secure early buyer perks Pre-order the Galaxy S26 Ultra today Samsung Shop Credit where credit is due, the five-year-old S21 Ultra is still narrower at 75.6mm versus 78.1mm on the S26 Ultra. Even so, the 2026 flagship is noticeably more comfortable to hold than its immediate predecessors, making it a compelling upgrade for S21 Ultra users who value those design qualities.Likewise, the new model is way better for S Pen fans because it at least has a built-in S Pen slot. The Galaxy S21 Ultra was the last in the series to offer S Pen support as an optional extra rather than fully embracing it.Galaxy S26 Ultra vs S21 Ultra: The four biggest hardware upgradesApart from the softer, more modern design, the Galaxy S26 Ultra brings a ton of improvements over the S21 Ultra. At least four of them are impactful enough to deserve a special mention, and here they are.Key upgrade #1: A new and revolutionary displayThe display gap between the Galaxy S26 Ultra and the S21 Ultra is massive. The new Ultra's screen is much brighter at 2,600 nits, up from 1,500 nits, and it's easier to read outdoors, even in direct sunlight, thanks to the anti-reflective Gorilla Armor 2 display treatment.The new Ultra's display also enables new features, including support for Always-On-Display wallpapers. The headline upgrade, however, is the new Privacy Display. It’s a built-in privacy solution that limits viewing angles and blocks shoulder surfers from seeing your screen. It almost feels magical.For a deeper dive, check out our detailed explanation of how the S26 Ultra’s Privacy Display works.Key upgrade #2: A much better camera systemIt’s been five years since the S21 Ultra launched. That’s plenty of time for Samsung to refine its camera hardware and software.The Galaxy S26 Ultra benefits from improved processing and new features, including the impressive horizontal lock function. More importantly, it upgrades key sensors across the board:200MP main camera vs 108MP50MP telephoto vs 10MP50MP ultra-wide vs 12MP12MP selfie with HDR10+ vs 40MPRegarding the last part, yes, the selfie camera's resolution is higher on the old model, but the Galaxy S26 Ultra should still take better selfies thanks to other advanced technologies, including an AI ISP.Key upgrade #3: Faster wired and wireless chargingThis one is particularly important for Galaxy S21 Ultra users because the S21 Ultra was an odd one from the very beginning. Years ago, Samsung inexplicably downgraded the S21 Ultra to 25W charging after returning to 45W a year later.Now, the Galaxy S26 Ultra does one better and upgrades wired charging to 60W. Furthermore, it is the first Ultra to support 25W wireless charging, up from 15W.Key upgrade #4: More powerFive years of silicon progress makes this one obvious. But what's important is that the Galaxy S26 Ultra runs the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 chip globally.The S21 Ultra shipped with either the Snapdragon 888 or the infamous Exynos 2100 SoC. And if you didn't buy your S21 Ultra from the US or China, you're likely still using that Exynos 2100 chip in 2026.Galaxy S26 Ultra vs S21 Ultra: Everything else that’s betterThose key upgrades aside, the Galaxy S26 Ultra is just a better phone in numerous other areas. Here's a summary.256GB + 12GB RAM base model vs 128GB + 8GBSlightly larger 6.9-inch display vs 6.8-inchFaster internal storageFull Galaxy AI support vs noneUp to seven major Android OS upgrades8K at 30fps recording and expanded camera featuresBetter speakersThinner and lighter design at 7.9mm and 214g, making it the thinnest Ultra yetDon’t wait too long for trade-in dealsAll in all, the Galaxy S26 Ultra is objectively better than the S21 Ultra. More importantly, it feels like a more meaningful upgrade than the last few Ultra generations, largely thanks to its refined design, major hardware jumps, and use of brand-new technologies.The Galaxy S21 Ultra has already reached end-of-life status and no longer receives firmware updates. That alone makes 2026 a logical upgrade window and the S26 Ultra a great upgrade proposition.But if you are planning on upgrading, you may want to do it now. Trade-in discounts decline every year for aging phones, and right now might be your last chance to get more value out of your old Ultra. Currently, you can save $200 when you exchange your S21 Ultra for the S26 Ultra in the USA. Want to upgrade? Check out all the early Galaxy S26 Ultra offers Samsung Shop The post Galaxy S26 Ultra vs S21 Ultra: Samsung’s 2026 love letter to fans stuck in 2021 appeared first on SamMobile.