Mike Peterson
Samsung has unveiled three models in the Galaxy S21 lineup with new improvements like a better camera system, faster processor, and S Pen support on the largest model.
The lineup includes three Galaxy models: a 6.2-inch S21, a 6.7-inch S21 Plus, and a 6.8-inch S21 Ultra. All three devices sport a Snapdragon 888 or Exynos 2100 chipset, depending on region as well as 5G and Wi-Fi 6 support. The S21 and S21+ each has 8GB of RAM, while the S21 Ultra packs 12GB of RAM.
Samsung's S21 and S21 Plus devices features full high-resolution (FHD) displays and a triple-lens camera setup comprising a pair of 12MP lenses and a 64MP telephoto lens. The S21 has a 4,000 maH battery, while the S21+ has a 4,800 mAh battery. Both are available with 128GB or 256GB of internal storage.
The higher-tier Galaxy S21 Ultra also packs other improvements, including low-temperature polycrystalline silicon (LTPS) display that enables a variable 120Hz refresh rate. It also packs a four-lens camera setup with a 108MP main sensor; a 12MP ultra wide; and a pair of 10MP zoom lenses ranging from 3x to 10x optical zoom. It's available in 128GB, 256GB, and 512GB internal storage configurations.
In addition, the S21 Ultra features S Pen support for the first time in a Galaxy S-series model and a larger 5,000 mAh battery. Unlike its two smaller stablemates, the S21 Ultra also sports support for the faster and improved Wi-Fi 6E standard. Its display also features a peak brightness of 1,600 nits and a contrast ratio of 3 million-to-one.
Across the lineup, Samsung is also introducing other camera improvements. That includes 4K and 60 frame-per-second video recording for each camera and updates to the company's Super Steady stabilization system.
Samsung is also touting the new design of the smartphones, which feature a "Countour Cut Camera" housing that fits flush with the device's metal frame.
The Galaxy S21+ and Galaxy S21 Ultra also features Ultra Wideband (UWB) support, the same technology expected to power Apple's rumored "AirTags." Although Samsung unveiled a new $29.99 Smart Tag tracking system, it does not feature UWB.
Samsung has also taken a cue from Apple's iPhone lineup and is no longer packaging a power adapter in the box. Instead, the S21 will come with a USB-C cable. The company is also dropping the price of its 25W charging brick to $19.99, matching the price of Apple's 20W sold-separately adapter.
Color options vary by model. The Samsung Galaxy S21 comes in Phantom Violet, Phantom Gray, Phantom Pink, and Phantom White. The Galaxy S21+ comes in Phantom Violet, Phantom Silver, and Phantom Black. The premium S21 Ultra comes in Phantom Black and Phantom Silver.
The new lineup starts at $799 for the Galaxy S21, $999 for the Galaxy S21+, and $1,199 for the Galaxy S21 Ultra.
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10 Comments
The traffic light camera arrangement is ... interesting ... cough cough.
Nice improvements across the board and a few new things thrown in.
As I watched (I'm stuck in municipal lockdown) I felt a lot of déjà vu which was a clear sign sign that they are adding features that have been on the market for a while now.
Not a bad thing really, competition is good.
The whole Phantom Black part was a yawn and reminded me of the flower power iMac explanation.
Not much groundbreaking news although there was a lot of focus on the 'outside world' and using the phone as a control centre for other devices. Tighter integration with Google and Microsoft too.
Design is okay although perhaps it's time for the camera bump to go even if phones end up a little thicker.
These are some of the most unattractive-looking phones I've seen in a while. Good luck to them with this line-up, especially at these Apple-like prices.
As an aside (I realize it's been known for a few weeks now, but still fun to reiterate), "Samsung has also taken a cue from Apple's iPhone lineup and is no longer packaging a power adapter in the box. Instead, the S21 will come with a USB-C cable".
Haha.