S21 Ultra camera - terrible quality

[JulianeM]

Edit: After researching about it, the problem is on S21 Ultra on Europe version only, I bought mine in the UK and unfortunately received a device with an awful camera. I contacted Samsung that promised to contact in 1 week time to give me a video support but this never happened. I had no choice but to return the phone and ask the refund. I expected more from Samsung.

A detailed side by side on US x EU versions video: https://youtu.be/rsLJLk3nx8k

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I really think my phone has a hardware problem is not possible that a phone ranked on top of pixel 5 and iPhone 12 max pro is not taking simple photos and videos indoor with good light, but that's what I'm experiencing. I tried to update the system and the camera configurations, but still the same thing:

• Photos: All modes are bad, normal photos are never focused, they don't have details even if I take a 108Mb on a static object like a bottle on top of my table 1 meter away, my old phone takes a incredible better photos. Also the portrait mode just blur the whole photo. The zoom takes photos with a veryyyyyy low resolution, looking more a abstract paint. Well I tried all modes, that's basically the problem present in all.
• Videos: The videos don't have any stabilization, we see jumps on movements, problems on frame rate giving the feeling you are watching a stream in a low connection, and the focus and blur just changes randomly.

Here is some examples, first my daughter playing, in a very slight movement but as you can see all the static points are also blurry, and second photo a button with 100x zoom with focus locked and my arm supported by the table:

Portrait photo100x photo with focus locked

[Darbis]

Please update your phones to the latest software released yesterday 05.02.2021

[Simmo71]

Seen on Reddit last night (see pics), different version to what I have at the moment but might be regional?

[SimonTemplar14]

my build no ends with AUAC so also different. Will see if that lands this week but I'm not holding my breadth for a miracle software fix especially not this soon. all I all I need to return the phone withing 14 days of receiving it to stand any chance of a full refund. if the updates improves on it at all then I might reconsider bit I'm just not expecting much. even those commenting on it couldn't notice much changed

[Simmo71]

 Night mode

 Normal mode, both 10x from about 6ft

[Darbis]

yes 05.02.2021

[SimonTemplar14]

update isn't available for my unlocked UK phone yet. Will update as soon as available and test again. not holding my breath though for a miracle software fix. not one this soon anyway. the issues I've seen with low light performance need something drastic to resolve to acceptable levels

[Ifoundasound]

X10 zoom from around 4ft away.. 

There's definitely improvements needed but when this camera nails it it nails it!

 

[Darbis]

They can fix it with a software update , the point is when you buy a phone as a preorder you must be prepared for these few set backs. Do not do it again then.

I have a note 9 and I feel note 21 ultra is way better. Maybe because the nordic model has no problems. I have not heard from the Nordic users any real problems. My battery lasts a whole day.

[SimonTemplar14]

have you got the update? any noteworthy improvements?

[Ifoundasound]

And just taken this now. Auto mode (HDR). Not blown away with the white balance on this but the detail is there! 

Some of the shots I've seen could be faulty hardware?? I don't understand!