Samsung has held its first Galaxy Unpacked hardware event of the year, where it revealed its all-new Galaxy S21 series consisting of three handsets, with all three scheduled to hit store shelves this month. Galaxy S21 and larger Galaxy S21+ are the successors to the Galaxy S20 and S20+ from last year, while the fully-loaded Galaxy S20 Ultra gets a sequel in the form of the Galaxy S21 Ultra, which packs more features than its more affordable siblings but packs a price tag to match.
All three of the new Galaxy S21 smartphone range benefit from a faster 5nm processor, which promises to boost performance by as much as 35 percent. The smaller 5nm process also makes it much more efficient with battery life. Elsewhere, the different Galaxy S21 models all share speedy 5G mobile data downloads, improved camera, and a refreshed design.
Unsurprisingly, Samsung has followed Apple and ditched the charger and wired headphones from the box. This is designed to cut down on the amount of packaging and electronic waste in landfill, but does mean you’ll need to buy a plug if you haven’t got one already.
“This year, we’re using technology to stay connected more than ever before. With many of us working remotely and spending more time at home, we wanted to deliver a seamless smartphone experience that empowers you to share your world and connect with the people that matter the most,” said Conor Pierce, Corporate Vice President for Samsung Electronics UK and Ireland.
“2021 marks a new era for the Galaxy range. We believe this year will be the real test of the power of 5G and we are committed to getting it in the hands of the next generation of innovators. With 5G enabled across the entire S21 Series, Galaxy S21 5G and Galaxy S21+ 5G offer the latest flagship experience to help you get the most out of every moment.”
At the top of the range, the S21 Ultra is the company’s latest photography-focused flagship. It has a 6.8-inch WQHD+ screen (3200 x 1440 pixel resolution) with a 11hz to 120Hz refresh rate on the front – which will be able to be used while at full resolution, unlike the Galaxy S20 Ultra model.
On the back of the phone is a four-camera array, made up of an Ultra-wide 12MP camera, a wide-angle 108MP main lens, and two 10MP telephoto lenses, with a 40MP selfie lens.
Samsung is introducing a new design where the lens blends into the phone, which looks sleeker than its other phones where the lens juts out.
Inside the device, Samsung offers either 12GB or 16GB of RAM, paired with 128GB, 256GB, or 512GB of storage, as well as a 5000mAh battery.
Notably for the S21 Ultra, it will support Samsung’s S-Pen stylus. In contract to the Galaxy Note series, which keeps the pen housed in its body, this will need to be kept outside of the device; Samsung is selling specialised cases that keep the stylus safe when it is not in use.
“We are committed to innovating new mobile experiences that flow seamlessly and continuously to make our consumers’ lives easier and better. We’ve made the bold decision to expand the S Pen experience to Galaxy S21 Ultra, and plan to expand the S Pen experience across additional device categories in the future”, TM Roh, Samsung’s President and Head of Mobile Communications Business, said in a statement.
For internet connections, the device is both 5G and Wi-Fi 6e compatible, and also has ‘digital key’ functionality to unlock compatible cars, as the S21+ does.
The S21+, the middle sibling, has similar, but lower, specs. A 6.7-inch screen with a 2400 x 1080 pixel resolution and a 48-120Hz refresh date, coming with 8GB RAM and either 128GB or 256GB of ROM, and a 4,800mAh battery.
The triple camera array is comprised of a 12MP wide-angle and ultra-wide lens, as well as a 64MP telephoto lens, and a 10MP selfie camera. This will come priced at £949.
The S21, meanwhile, has a 6.2-inch display with the same refresh rate as the S21+, and the same camera setup. The only major difference is the battery, which is significantly smaller at 4000mAh and, of course, the price of £769.
Samsung is promising 20 per cent faster CPU, 35 per cent faster GPU, and double-the-speed AI processors over the S20 handsets, making the S21 its fastest phones to date. The ‘Ultrasonic’ in-screen fingerprint scanner is now 1.7x larger for improved accuracy, too.
Battery-wise, the S21, S21+ and S21 Ultra sport 4000mAh, 4800mAh and 5000mAh juice packs respectively – the only change over the S20 series being the middle device gaining an extra 300mAh.
There’s 8GB RAM, plus either 128GB or 256GB storage options for the S21 and S21+, while the S21 Ultra gets either 8GB or 16GB RAM, with either 128GB, 256GB or 512GB storage options.
All three support Samsung’s Smart Things Find (which helps you locate Galaxy devices using Bluetooth LE – even when they’re offline) and £29 Galaxy Smart Tag (which helps you locate non-connected devices or belongings that are tagged – pets, keys etc).
Starting on 29th January 2021, Galaxy S21 5G and Galaxy S21+ 5G will be widely available in Samsung channels and major UK retailers. Both devices will be available in the following colours featuring a Deluxe Frosted Haze finish:
- Galaxy S21 5G: Phantom Violet, Phantom Grey, Phantom Pink and Phantom White available in 128GB and 256GB models with 8GB RAM
- Galaxy S21+ 5G: Phantom Violet, Phantom Silver and Phantom Black in 128GB and 256GB models with 8GB RAM
Pre-orders for the Galaxy S21 5G and Galaxy S21+ 5G begin on 14th January.
Between 14th January and 28th January 2021, customers who pre-order can claim a free pair of Galaxy Buds Live with the Galaxy S21 5G and S21+ 5G. All pre-orders will also include a free Galaxy SmartTag.
Pricing is as follows:
- Galaxy S21 128GB, £769 256GB, £819
- Galaxy S21+ 5G 128GB, £949 – 256GB, £999
- Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G 128Gb £1,149 – 256Gb £1,199 – 512GB £1,329
Samsung S21 Series Specs
| Galaxy S21 | Galaxy S21 Plus | Galaxy S21 Ultra | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Starting price | £769 | £949 | £1,149 |
| Display | 6.2-inch FHD+ (Flat), Dynamic AMOLED 2X 120Hz adaptive refresh rate (48Hz – 120Hz) HDR10+ certified Eye Comfort Shield | 6.7-inch FHD+ (Flat), Dynamic AMOLED 2X 120Hz adaptive refresh rate (48Hz – 120Hz) HDR10+ certified Eye Comfort Shield | 6.8-inch QHD+, Dynamic AMOLED 2X 120Hz adaptive refresh rate (10Hz – 120Hz) HDR10+ certified Eye Comfort Shield |
| Rear cameras | Wide-angle: 12MP, F/1.8, 79 degrees, Dual Pixel AF, 1.8µm pixel, OIS Ultra-wide angle: 12MP, F/2.2, 120 degrees, Fixed focus, 1.22µm pixel Telephoto: 64MP, F/2.0, 76 degrees, 3X hybrid zoom, Phase detection AF, 0.8µm pixel, OIS | Wide-angle: 12MP, F/1.8, 79 degrees, Dual Pixel AF, 1.8µm pixel, OIS Ultra-wide angle: 12MP, F/2.2, 120 degrees, Fixed focus, 1.22µm pixel Telephoto: 64MP, F/2.0, 76 degrees, 3X hybrid zoom, Phase detection AF, 0.8µm pixel, OIS | Wide-angle: 108MP (2nd gen), F/1.8, 83 degrees, Phase detection AF, 0.8 µm pixel, OIS, Nona-binning Ultra-wide angle: 12MP, F/2.2, 120 degrees, Dual Pixel AF, 1.4µm pixel Telephoto 1: 10MP, F/2.4, 35 degrees, 3X optical zoom, Dual Pixel AF, 1.22µm pixel, OIS Telephoto 2: 10MP, F/4.9, 10 degrees, 10X optical zoom, Dual Pixel AF, 1.22µm pixel, OIS |
| Front camera | 10MP, F/2.2, 80 degrees, Dual Pixel AF, 1.22µm pixel | 10MP, F/2.2, 80 degrees, Dual Pixel AF, 1.22µm pixel | 40MP, F/2.2, 80 degrees, Phase detection AF, 1.22µm pixel |
| Video (Rear) | Up to 8K, 24fps | Up to 8K, 24fps | Up to 8K, 24fps |
| Chipset | 5nm Snapdragon 888 (Octa-core, 2.8GHz), 5nm Exynos 2100 (Octa-core, 2.9GHz), region dependant | 5nm Snapdragon 888 (Octa-core, 2.8GHz), 5nm Exynos 2100 (Octa-core, 2.9GHz), region dependant | 5nm Snapdragon 888 (Octa-core, 2.8GHz), 5nm Exynos 2100 (Octa-core, 2.9GHz), region dependant |
| RAM | 8GB | 8GB | 12GB, 16GB (16GB available only with 512GB storage option) |
| Storage | 128GB, 256GB | 128GB, 256GB | 128GB, 256GB, 512GB |
| Battery | 4,000 mAh | 4,800 mAh | 5,000 mAh |
| Charging | USB Power Delivery 3.0 25W Fast Wired Charging support 15W (Fast Wireless Charging 2.0) support 4.5W Wireless PowerShare | USB Power Delivery 3.0 25W Fast Wired Charging support 15W (Fast Wireless Charging 2.0) support 4.5W Wireless PowerShare | USB Power Delivery 3.0 25W Fast Wired Charging support 15W (Fast Wireless Charging 2.0) support 4.5W Wireless PowerShare |
| Connectivity | 5G Standalone and Non-Standalone, Sub6/mmWave Wi-FI 6 Bluetooth 5.2, NFC, Type-C | 5G Standalone and Non-Standalone, Sub6/mmWave Wi-FI 6 Ultra-Wideband Bluetooth 5.2, NFC, Type-C | 5G Standalone and Non-Standalone, Sub6/mmWave Wi-Fi 6E Ultra-Wideband Bluetooth 5.2, NFC, Type-C |
| Water Resistance | IP68 | IP68 | IP68 |
| Size | 71.2 x 151.7 x 7.9mm 171g (mmWave), 169g (sub6) | 75.6 x 161.5 x 7.8mm 202g (mmWave), 200g (sub6) | 75.6 x 165.1 x 8.9mm, 229g (mmWave), 227g (sub6) |
| Weight | 6.1 ounces (172g) | 7.1 ounces (202g) | 8.0 ounces (228g) |
| S Pen Support | Yes (optional accessory, not included in the box) | ||
| OS | Android 11 with One UI 3.0 | Android 11 with One UI 3.0 | Android 11 with One UI 3.0 |
