A couple of minutes ago, the first Galaxy Unpacked event in 2021 ended, at which Samsung presented the flagship line of Galaxy S21 smartphones. It includes three models: the base Galaxy S21, its larger version, the Galaxy S21 +, and the top-end Galaxy S21 Ultra. In addition to smartphones, Samsung also announced the new Galaxy Buds Pro TWS earbuds and the SmartTag tracker.
Galaxy S21 Series
The Galaxy S21 lineup received a redesigned design this year, and I really liked this option. The devices’ main camera is highlighted in a metal block that is elegantly inscribed in the upper left corner. In my opinion, the Galaxy S21 and Galaxy S21 + look a little cleaner due to fewer cameras and, accordingly, a smaller block size.
What’s more, the Galaxy S21 and Galaxy S21 + have flat-edge displays. I understand that such a solution may not look as impressive as the Galaxy S21 Ultra rounded edges. Still, from the point of view of practicality, it will probably be more advantageous. The back panel in all three smartphones has a matte finish. But if the Galaxy S21 uses the proprietary material Glastic, which is resistant to damage, then the Galaxy S21 + and Galaxy S21 Ultra use frosted glass.
| Galaxy S21 | Galaxy S21 + | Galaxy S21 Ultra | |
| Display | 6.2 ″, Dynamic Amoled 2X, 2400×1080, 120 Hz | 6.7 ″, Dynamic AMOLED 2X, 2400 × 1080, 120 Hz | 6.8 ″, Dynamic AMOLED 2X, 3200 × 1440, 120 Hz S Pen support |
| Chipset | Exynos 2100 | Exynos 2100 | Exynos 2100 |
| Memory | 8 GB 128/256 GB |
8 GB 128/256 GB |
12 GB 256/512 GB |
| Camera | 12 MP (f / 1.78, OIS) + 12 MP (f / 2.2, ultra-wide) + 12 MP (f / 2.0, OIS, 3x hybrid zoom, telephoto) 10 MP (f / 2.2, AF, front camera) |
12 MP (f / 1.78, OIS) + 12 MP (f / 2.2, ultra-wide) + 12 MP (f / 2.0, OIS, 3x hybrid zoom, telephoto) 10 MP (f / 2.2, AF, front camera) |
108 MP (f / 1.8, OIS) + 12 MP (f / 2.2, AF, ultra-wide) + 10 MP (f / 2.4, OIS, 3x optical zoom, telephoto) + 10 MP (f / 4.9, OIS, 10 – multiple optical zoom, telephoto) 40 MP (f / 2.2, AF, front camera) |
| Battery | 4000 mAh 25W wired charging 15W wireless charging |
4800 mAh 25W wired charging 15W wireless charging |
5000 mAh 25W wired charging 15W wireless charging |
| Modules | Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, GPS, NFC | Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, GPS, NFC | Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, GPS, NFC |
| Dimensions | 71.2 x 151.7 x 7.9 mm 171 g |
75.6 x 161.4 x 7.8 mm 202 g |
75.6 x 165.1 x 8.9 mm 228 g |
The entire Galaxy S21 lineup features Dynamic AMOLED displays with refresh rates up to 120Hz. However, while the S21 / S21 + has Full HD + resolution, the S21 Ultra has WQHD +. For the first time, a Galaxy S series smartphone has received support for the proprietary S Pen stylus. Only the Galaxy S21 Ultra can boast of this functionality. For him, cases are offered that allow you to carry the S Pen with you always. The devices’ hardware platform is the Exynos 2100 chipset presented recently, built using a 5 nm process technology. In the lower versions of RAM, 8 GB is installed, in the S21 Ultra – 12 GB. The onboard storage capacity is 128/256 GB in the S21 / S21 + and 256/512 GB in the S21 Ultra.
The photo and video capabilities of smartphones have received a significant upgrade. The camera configuration consists of three modules in the Galaxy S21 / S21 +: the main 12 MP sensor, 12 MP ultra-wide, and 64 MP telephoto. Galaxy S21 Ultra received a main 108 MP module, 12 MP ultra-wide, and two 10 MP telephoto lenses, which provide 3x and 10x optical zoom. All three models support professional 8K video recording. A new “Director” mode has been added. It allows you to seamlessly switch between modules during recording and double-shot from the main and front cameras. The “Multi-shot” mode has been updated, which takes photos and videos from all cameras at once. The Galaxy S21 Ultra is capable of up to 100x digital zoom, and the smartphone turns on super stabilization before shooting so that you get a clear picture.
The devices also boast AKG stereo speakers and Dolby Atmos support. Declared moisture protection according to the IP68 standard. Wi-Fi 6 modules (Wi-Fi 6E in the S21 Ultra) support UWB technology (in the S21 + and S21 Ultra). Smartphones run Android 11 and One UI 3 proprietary shell.
