After all the anticipations and hype, Samsung is finally back with the next-generation’s Galaxy S21 flagship series smartphones that represent the company’s ongoing advancements and innovations in the smartphone segment. This year, every devices within the Galaxy S21 series are arriving with 5G support to ensure they are futureproofed and compatible with the new generation network.
Among the three devices launched today, we have Galaxy S21 and Galaxy S21+ which share largely similar specs except for some differences in their display size, overall build, as well as battery capacity. Finally, there’s also the super high-end Galaxy S21 Ultra.
Samsung Galaxy S21 & S21+
Let’s begin with the Galaxy S21 and S21+ duo. These devices share a similar FHD+ Infinity-O Dynamic AMOLED 2X display which offers a smooth 120Hz adaptive refresh rate which automatically adjusts the refresh rate according to the onscreen content. Just like the current Galaxy S20 and S20+, the new Galaxy S21 and S21+ also retain the same 6.2-inches and 6.7-inches display size respectively.
On the rear side, the Galaxy S21 devices employ a dual-tone design with contrasting colorways for its camera module and the rear panel which makes them stood out from the rest of their predecessors. Also, the slightly more recessed camera module also makes them look sleeker than ever.
Coming to the specifics, both the Samsung Galaxy S21 and S21+ sports an identical triple-camera setup comprising of a 12 megapixels primary shooter (f/1.8 aperture), 12 megapixels (f/2.2 aperture) ultra-wide lens, as well as a 64 megapixels (f/2.4 aperture) telephoto lens. This will be accompanied by a 10 megapixels (f/2.2 aperture) selfie camera upfront.
Some of the key highlights on their camera system include an upgraded portrait mode which leverages an improved 3D analysis that more accurately separates the subject from the background. Furthermore, there’s also options for virtual studio lighting and AI background effects to make sure the subject pops from the frame.
As for video recording, both the Galaxy S21 and Galaxy S21+ are coming with 8K/30fps and 4K/60fps recording options time this round. On top of that, you can also expect to see new features like the Director’s View option that allows you to see, switch, and select the best shot to tell your best story.
Under the hood, the pair will be powered by the either the upcoming Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 chipset and Samsung’s Exynos 2100 chipset depending on the region you’re residing.
As usual, those residing in the U.S., North American regions, China, South Korea and Japan will be the ones that are receiving the Snapdragon 888 variants, while the rest of the world including Singapore will receive the Exynos 2100 variants. For those who may not know, the Exynos 2100 is currently among the most powerful chipset manufactured under a 5nm process, featuring the latest Arm Cortex-X1 CPU core.
Moving on, the vanilla Samsung Galaxy S21 will be equipped with a respectable 4,000mAh battery, while the Galaxy S21+ settles for a slightly larger 4,800mAh battery. Charging-wise, both devices are able to support 25W wired fast-charging, 15W wireless charging, as well as reverse charging.
For the vanilla Galaxy S21, it will be offered in four different colorways including Phantom Violet, Phantom Pink, Phantom Gray, and Phantom White. The Galaxy S21+ on the other hand, is available in Phantom Silver, Phantom Black, and Phantom Violet.
In Singapore, the Samsung Galaxy S21 and Galaxy S21+ will be priced at S$1,248 and S$1,498 respectively for their sole 8GB+256GB model. Those who’re interested can pre-order the device starting January 14th, 11PM through Samsung Online Store, Selected Consumer Electronics and IT Stores online stores; Samsung Official Store in Lazada and Shopee; as well as KrisShop Online Store.
For the local telcos, pre-order will kick off on January 15th, 10AM. Otherwise, the Galaxy S21 series devices will be available island-wide starting January 29th.
Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra
Speaking of the higher-end Galaxy S21 Ultra, it will arrive with a 6.8-inches front display that comes with an upgraded LTPO panel with WQHD+ screen resolution as well as an adaptative 120Hz screen refresh rate.
In the camera department, the Galaxy S21 Ultra has a total of four cameras at the back consisting of a 108 megapixels (f/1.8 aperture) primary shooter, 12 megapixels (f/2.2 aperture) ultra-wide lens, 10 megapixels (f/2.4 aperture) 3x telephoto lens, as well as a 10 megapixels (f/4.9 aperture) 10x telephoto lens. This will be rounded out by a 40 megapixels selfie camera at the front.
According to Samsung, its 108MP shooter is capable of capturing 12-bit HDR photos with 64 times richer colour data and more than three times wider dynamic range. As usual, the Galaxy S21 Ultra continues to build upon the renowned “Space Zoom” feature, offering up to 100x ultra-clear shots.
Under the hood, the Galaxy S21 Ultra will be powered by the same Exynos 2100/ Snapdragon 888 chipset according to your region. In Singapore, we’ll be getting the latest Exynos 2100 which features the new Arm Cortex-X1 CPU core.
The Galaxy S21 Ultra is helmed by a massive 5,000mAh battery which carries support for 25W fast-charging, 15W wireless charging, as well as reverse charging. It will be available in both Phantom Black and Phantom Silver color options.
In terms of pricing, the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra is priced at S$1,798 and S$1,998 respectively for its 12GB+256GB and 16GB+512GB variants in Singapore. Those who’re interested can pre-order the device starting January 14th, 11PM through Samsung Online Store, Selected Consumer Electronics and IT Stores online stores; Samsung Official Store in Lazada and Shopee; as well as KrisShop Online Store.
For the local telcos, pre-order will kick off on January 15th, 10AM. Otherwise, the device will be available island-wide starting January 29th.
