Galaxy S21 Ultra to Buy 2026: Prices & Worth It Ireland

Samsung stopped updating this flagship’s software in 2025, which sounds like a dealbreaker—until you notice that refurbished 128GB units start at just €110.90 in Ireland. That price drop from the original $1,199 launch cost creates a real trade-off: a stunning camera and display against a phone that won’t receive security patches going forward. This guide breaks down exactly what you’re buying, where to find it, and whether it still makes sense in 2026.

Refurbished Price (128GB): €110.90–€484.99 · Storage Options: 128GB, 256GB, 512GB · Warranty Range: 12–36 months · Discount vs New: Up to 70%

The Galaxy S21 Ultra launched in 2021 as Samsung’s flagship, setting a benchmark for camera and display quality that still holds up against newer mid-range phones.

How much is the S21 Ultra worth now?

The Galaxy S21 Ultra has undergone significant depreciation since its 2021 launch at $1,199. In April 2026, Irish buyers can find refurbished units starting at €110.90 for a 128GB model in fair condition on Alloallo.ie, with the same capacity reaching €251 on Back Market IE and €433 on Refurbed.ie. The iOutlet.ie lists Grade A 128GB units at €484.99 during sales. Price differences reflect condition grading: fair units show visible wear but are fully functional, while excellent units appear near-new.

Refurbished Galaxy S21 Ultra units can be up to 70% less than their original new price, according to Back Market IE, which offers condition-based pricing across 128GB, 256GB, and 512GB storage tiers. Alloallo.ie provides a 36-month warranty on “refurbished to new” 512GB models, while The iOutlet IE backs Grade A units with a 365-day warranty. ViberStore.ie offers next-day delivery from Dublin with a 30-day return window. The spread between the lowest and highest listed 128GB prices—€374—demonstrates how much condition and retailer choice matter.

New vs used prices

Back Market IE lists refurbished Galaxy S21 Ultra starting at €251 in February 2026, compared to €319 in February 2026—indicating a 21% price decline over eight months. Back Market US shows similar pricing around $286 for April 2026, making Irish listings approximately 7% cheaper after exchange rates. The YouTube review citing “$180 or 645 dirhams” refers to UAE pricing and reflects even steeper depreciation in some markets.

Trade-in values

Exact trade-in values for the Galaxy S21 Ultra vary by condition, retailer, and demand. Irish trade-in programs through official channels remain limited, with most value recovery happening through private resale or retailer trade-ins that condition-grade each device individually.

Refurbished deals in Ireland

Back Market IE curates listings from multiple sellers with condition-based pricing for 128GB, 256GB, and 512GB storage. Refurbed.ie sells a 12GB RAM 128GB Dual-SIM black model for €433 with a 30-day trial and 12-month warranty. Alloallo.ie offers free 2-6 day European delivery on 128GB units starting at €110.90. GetLocal.ie aggregates offers across Ireland including 512GB variants.

Is it worth buying a S21 Ultra in 2026?

The decision hinges on one factor more than any other: Samsung officially ended software support for the S21 series in 2025, meaning no further security patches. This creates a genuine security risk for a device still capable of daily use. The camera performance, display quality, and 5000mAh battery hold up well against newer mid-range phones, but the lack of updates means any discovered vulnerabilities won’t be fixed.

For buyers who prioritize camera quality, display size, and raw hardware capability over future software security, the S21 Ultra still delivers flagship-level performance at a fraction of original cost. The 108MP main sensor and 6.8-inch Dynamic AMOLED display remain competitive with current mid-range offerings. However, buyers handling sensitive data or relying on banking apps should factor the update cutoff into their risk assessment.

Performance in 2026

The Snapdragon/Exynos processors in the S21 Ultra still handle everyday tasks, social media, streaming, and most games without significant lag. RAM at 12GB remains adequate for multitasking. The device’s age shows primarily in software features unavailable on Android 13/14 compared to newer phones, not in basic usability.

Battery and camera hold up

The 5000mAh battery capacity matches or exceeds many current phones, though actual longevity depends on original usage patterns and battery health in refurbished units. ViberStore.ie provides 90-day battery coverage on refurbished purchases for added peace of mind. The 108MP main camera remains competitive for photography, particularly for users who value zoom range and detail capture.

Value vs newer models

Comparing the S21 Ultra against the S22 Ultra or S24 Ultra reveals diminishing returns on paper, but the refurbished price gap makes the older model attractive. Where an S24 Ultra might cost €800+ new, a well-maintained S21 Ultra in excellent condition costs €250–€485—making it a viable option for budget-conscious buyers who don’t need the latest processor.

Is S21 or S24 better?

The Galaxy S24 has a newer processor and extended software support window, making it more future-proof on paper. However, the S24’s entry price remains significantly higher than refurbished S21 Ultra pricing, and the older model’s camera capabilities—particularly the 108MP sensor and 10× optical zoom—still compete well for photography-focused buyers.

The S21 Ultra’s 108MP main camera actually outperforms the base S24’s 50MP sensor in pure resolution terms, though computational photography on newer devices partially compensates. The S24 has newer AI features and a longer support runway, but the price-performance ratio currently favors the S21 Ultra for buyers who can accept limited future updates.

Key spec differences

The S24 introduces a newer Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor compared to the S21 Ultra’s original Snapdragon 888 or Exynos 2100. RAM on the S24 starts at 8GB versus 12GB standard on the S21 Ultra. The S21 Ultra has a 6.8-inch display matching the S24 Ultra, while the base S24 uses a 6.2-inch screen. Both support 5G connectivity and offer expandable storage options.

Price gap

The S24 launched at prices starting around €849 for the base model, compared to €110.90–€484.99 for refurbished S21 Ultra units in April 2026. This gap means the S21 Ultra provides flagship-tier hardware at mid-range pricing, though buyers should factor in the S24’s longer expected software support lifespan.

Upgrade worth

For S21 Ultra owners, upgrading to an S24 makes sense primarily if software security concerns outweigh cost considerations. The S21 Ultra remains capable enough that upgrading purely for performance gains offers diminishing returns. S21 base model owners considering an S21 Ultra upgrade will find the step-up more worthwhile due to significant hardware improvements in camera and display.

Which one is better, S21 or S21 Ultra?

The S21 and S21 Ultra represent different device classes despite sharing a generation. The Ultra model offers a 6.8-inch display versus the base S21’s 6.2-inch screen, a 108MP main camera versus 12MP, and a 5000mAh battery versus 4000mAh. The S21 Ultra also includes the S Pen stylus support and 16GB RAM option that the base model lacks.

For Irish buyers in 2026, the S21 Ultra’s hardware advantages justify the price premium over the base S21 if both can be found refurbished—assuming similar condition grades. The camera and display differences are substantial enough that photography-focused users should strongly consider the Ultra despite identical software support timelines.

Display and camera

The S21 Ultra’s 6.8-inch Dynamic AMOLED display with 3200×1440 resolution significantly outpaces the base S21’s 6.2-inch 2400×1080 screen. The 108MP main sensor captures substantially more detail than the base model’s 12MP, and the Ultra’s dual telephoto lenses enable 10× optical zoom absent on the standard S21. This camera advantage persists even against newer phones in some scenarios.

Battery life

The S21 Ultra’s 5000mAh capacity exceeds the base S21’s 4000mAh, translating to longer usage between charges. Real-world battery performance in refurbished units depends on the device’s prior usage and current battery health, making warranty coverage and return policies valuable when purchasing.

Storage options

Both models offer 128GB, 256GB, and 512GB storage variants, with the S21 Ultra adding a 1TB option at launch. Neither model includes expandable storage via microSD—a limitation inherited from the generation. Back Market IE and other Irish retailers list all storage tiers for both models, with pricing reflecting condition and availability rather than storage capacity alone.

What are the disadvantages of the S21 Ultra?

The Galaxy S21 Ultra’s primary disadvantage is the lack of future security updates after Samsung ended support in 2025. Community discussions on Samsung forums highlight heating issues with Exynos processor variants and the device’s substantial size and weight as common complaints. The 6.8-inch chassis makes one-handed use difficult, and the slippery glass back benefits from protective cases.

Buyers should also note that the S21 Ultra lacks expandable storage—a feature Samsung removed from this generation onward. Battery degradation in older refurbished units may require replacement sooner than newer phones, and sourcing replacement parts for the 2021 model may become increasingly difficult as third-party support winds down.

Software update limits

After Samsung’s official support cutoff in 2025, the Galaxy S21 Ultra no longer receives security patches or feature updates. This creates an ongoing security risk that intensifies over time as unpatched vulnerabilities accumulate. Users should disable risky app permissions, avoid sideloading, and consider whether the device handles sensitive data before purchasing.

Exynos heating issues

The Exynos 2100 processor variant used in European markets—including Ireland—suffers from reported heating problems under sustained load. Community forums document thermal throttling during extended gaming or camera use. The Snapdragon variant available in some markets performs cooler, but Irish retail refurbished listings typically contain Exynos units. Cases with heat dissipation features can partially mitigate this issue.

Size and weight

The S21 Ultra’s 6.8-inch display and 5000mAh battery contribute to a device weighing around 227g without a case. Combined with the slippery glass back, users with smaller hands or those preferring one-handed operation may find the device unwieldy. Protective cases add bulk but also improve grip and drop protection.

Buying options

Irish buyers can purchase refurbished Galaxy S21 Ultra from Back Market IE, Refurbed.ie, Alloallo.ie, The iOutlet IE, ViberStore.ie, and GetLocal.ie. Amazon Ireland also lists third-party refurbished options. Condition grades range from fair (visible wear) to excellent (near-new appearance), with warranty periods from 12 to 36 months depending on retailer. Free delivery and 30-day return windows are common across major retailers.

Galaxy S21 Ultra: Side-by-side comparison

Three buying paths for Galaxy S21 Ultra 128GB in Ireland show distinct trade-offs in price, warranty, and delivery speed.

What this means: Irish buyers choosing the cheapest option save €374 but may face shorter warranty coverage and less certain return policies.

Refurbished Galaxy S21 Ultra Pros and Cons

What Galaxy S21 Ultra owners and reviewers say

Direct quotes from retailers and reviewers provide insight into real-world value perceptions and purchasing considerations for Irish buyers.

In February 2026, the price of Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G starts at €251.00, but prices vary based on storage, colour, and condition.

Back Market IE (refurbished marketplace)

At perfect working condition, it’ll be up to 70% less than brand new.

Back Market IE (pricing analysis)

This phone currently goes for $180 or $645 dirhams… It came out at a price range of $1,199. So, it has really depreciated over the years.

YouTube Review (tech reviewer)

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When weighing the Galaxy S21 Ultra’s value in Ireland for 2026 against newer models, best deals and prices 2025 reveals strong refurbished options persisting into 2025.

Frequently asked questions

Irish buyers who prioritize camera quality and display size over future-proofing will find genuine value starting at €110.90—but those handling sensitive data should look at newer models with active support or accept heightened vigilance as the cost of entry.