Samsung Galaxy S21

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Samsung Galaxy S21
Samsung Galaxy S21+
Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra
Samsung Galaxy S21 FE
Galaxy S21 Logo 5G.svg
GalaxyS21.png
CodenameUnbound
BrandSamsung Galaxy
ManufacturerSamsung Electronics
SloganEveryday Epic
SeriesGalaxy S
ModelInternational models:
SM-G990x (S21 FE)
SM-G991x (S21)
SM-G996x (S21+)
SM-G998x (S21 Ultra)
(Last letter varies by carrier and international models)
Japanese models:
SCG09 (au, S21 5G)
SC-51B (NTT Docomo, S21 5G)
SCG10 (au, S21+ 5G)
SC-52B (NTT Docomo, S21 Ultra 5G)
Compatible networks2G, 3G, 4G, 5G
First releasedJanuary 14, 2021; 12 months ago (2021-01-14) (S21, S21+, and S21 Ultra)
January 3, 2022; 15 days ago (2022-01-03) (S21 FE)
Availability by regionJanuary 29, 2021; 11 months ago (2021-01-29) (S21, S21+, and S21 Ultra)
January 11, 2022; 7 days ago (2022-01-11) (S21 FE)
PredecessorSamsung Galaxy S20
Samsung Galaxy Note 20
TypePhone
Form factorSlate
Dimensions
  • S21: 151.7 mm (5.97 in) H
    71.2 mm (2.80 in) W
    7.9 mm (0.31 in) D
  • S21 FE: 155.7 mm (6.13 in) H
    74.5 mm (2.93 in) W
    7.9 mm (0.31 in) D
  • S21+: 161.5 mm (6.36 in) H
    75.6 mm (2.98 in) W
    7.8 mm (0.31 in) D
  • S21 Ultra: 165.1 mm (6.50 in) H
    75.6 mm (2.98 in) W
8.9 mm (0.35 in) D
Mass
  • S21: 169 g (6.0 oz)
  • S21 FE: 177 g (6.2 oz)
  • S21+: 200 g (7.1 oz)
  • S21 Ultra: 227 g (8.0 oz)
Operating systemOriginal: Android 11 with One UI 3.1
Upgradable: Android 12 with One UI 4
System on chip
CPU
  • Exynos: Octa-core (1x2.9 GHz Cortex-X1, 3x2.80 GHz Cortex-A78 and 4x2.2 GHz Cortex-A55)
  • Snapdragon: Octa-core (1x2.84 GHz, 3x2.42 GHz and 4x1.80 GHz) Kryo 680
GPU
  • Exynos: Mali-G78 MP14
  • Snapdragon: Adreno 660
Memory
  • S21 FE 6/8 GB RAM
  • S21/S21+: 8 GB RAM
  • S21 Ultra: 12/16 GB RAM
Storage
  • S21/S21+/S21 FE: 128/256 GB UFS 3.1
  • S21 Ultra: 128/256/512 GB UFS 3.1
Removable storageNone
SIMnanoSIM, eSIM
Single SIM or Hybrid Dual SIM in dual stand-by
Battery
  • S21: 4000 mAh Lithium polymer
  • S21 FE: 4500 mAh Lithium polymer
  • S21+: 4800 mAh Lithium polymer
  • S21 Ultra: 5000 mAh Lithium polymer
Charging
  • 25 W fast charging
  • 15 W QI wireless
  • 4.5 W Reverse wireless
Data inputsUSB-C 3.2

Sensors:

  • Accelerometer
  • Barometer
  • Fingerprint scanner (S21/ S21+/S21 Ultra: ultrasonic)
    (S21 FE: optical)
  • Pressure sensor
  • Magnetometer
  • Gyroscope
  • Hall sensor
  • Proximity sensor
  • RGB Light Sensor
Display
  • Dynamic AMOLED 2X Infinity-O capacitive touchscreen, 11Hz-120 Hz refresh rate, 20:9 aspect ratio, HDR10+
  • S21: 6.2 in (160 mm) 1080 × 2400 (2.5 MP) (421 ppi) 1300 nits, ~87.2% screen-to-body ratio
  • S21 FE: 6.4 in (160 mm) 1080 × 2400 (411 ppi) 1300 nits, ~88.3% screen-to-body ratio
  • S21+: 6.7 in (170 mm) 1080 × 2400 (394 ppi) 1300 nits, ~88.3% screen-to-body ratio
  • S21 Ultra: 6.8 in (170 mm) 1440 × 3200 (4.6 MP) (515 ppi) 1600 nits, ~89.8% screen-to-body ratio
External displayAlways on
Rear cameraAll: Features: LED flash, auto-HDR, panorama

Video: 8K@24fps, 4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60/120fps, 720p@960fps, HDR10+, stereo sound rec., gyro-EIS & OIS
S21 FE:

  • 12 MP, f/1.8, 26 mm (wide), Dual Pixel PDAF, OIS
  • 8 MP, f/2.4, 76 mm (telephoto), 1/1.76", 0.8µm, PDAF, 3x optical
  • 12 MP, f/2.2, 13 mm 123° (ultrawide)


S21 and S21+:

  • 64 MP, f/1.8, 26 mm (wide), 1/1.76", 1.8µm, Dual Pixel PDAF, OIS
  • 12 MP, f/2.0, 28 mm (telephoto), 1/1.76", 0.8µm, PDAF, OIS, 1.1x optical, 3x hybrid
  • 12 MP, f/2.2, 13 mm 120° (ultrawide), 1/2.55" 1.4µm, Super Steady video


S21 Ultra:

  • 108 MP (2nd gen), f/1.8, 26mm (wide), 1/1.33", 0.8µm, PDAF, Laser AF, OIS
  • 10 MP, f/4.9, 240mm (periscope telephoto), 1/3.24", 1.22µm, dual pixel PDAF, OIS, 10x optical
  • 10 MP, f/2.4, 70mm (telephoto), 1/3.24", 1.22µm, dual pixel PDAF, OIS, 3x optical
  • 12 MP, f/2.2, 13mm (ultrawide), 1/2.55", 1.4µm, dual pixel PDAF, Super Steady video
Front camera
  • S21 and S21+: 10 MP, f/2.2, 26mm (wide), 1/3.24", 1.22µm, Dual Pixel PDAF
  • S21 FE: 32 MP, f/2.2, 26mm (wide)
  • S21 Ultra: 40 MP, f/2.2, 26mm (wide), 1/2.8", 0.7µm, PDAF
SoundDolby Atmos stereo speakers tuned by AKG
Connectivity
  • Bluetooth 5.2
  • Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6(e)
Water resistanceIP68 water/dust resistance, up to 1.5 m for 30 minutes
SAR
  • S21: 0.74 W/kg (head)
    1.08 W/kg (body)
    • EU: 0.46 W/kg (head)
      1.51 W/kg (body)
  • S21 FE: 0.77 W/kg (head)
    0.90 W/kg (body)
    • EU: 0.46 W/kg (head)
      1.51 W/kg (body)
  • S21+: 0.65 W/kg (head) 0.95 W/kg (body)
    • EU: 0.54 W/kg (head) 1.33 W/kg (body)
  • S21 Ultra: 0.77 W/kg (head) 1.02 (body)
    • EU: 0.71 W/kg (head) 1.58 W/kg (body)
Website
References[1][2][3][4]

The Samsung Galaxy S21 is a series of Android-based smartphones designed, developed, marketed, and manufactured by Samsung Electronics as part of its Galaxy S series. They collectively serve as the successor to the Galaxy S20 series.

History[]

S21, S21+, and S21 Ultra[]

The lineup of the first three devices was unveiled at Samsung's Galaxy Unpacked event on 14 January 2021.[5] The phones were released on 29 January 2021.[6]

S21 FE[]

The "Fan Edition" follow up was unveiled at Samsung's CES 2022 event on 3 January 2022.[7] The phones were released on 11 January 2022.[8]

Lineup[]

The lineup comprises four devices, with the Galaxy S21 initially being the least expensive with a smaller screen size and a (plastic) polycarbonate back which then is undercut later on by the Galaxy S21 FE with the same material minus the camera bump being also polycarbonate than metal. In contrast to the Galaxy S20+, the Galaxy S21+ is very similar to the S21 spec-wise, with the exception of a larger display, higher battery capacity, and back glass instead of plastic. The Galaxy S21 Ultra has an even larger screen size, battery, and a host of other improvements over the other models, including a more advanced camera setup highlighted by its 108 MP main sensor with laser auto-focus and a higher resolution 1440p display.[9] The S21 Ultra is also the first phone in the Galaxy S series to support the S Pen, albeit sold separately and with limited functionality.[10]

Design[]

The Galaxy S21 series has a design similar to its predecessor, with an Infinity-O display containing a circular cutout in the top center for the front selfie camera. The S21 and S21 FE's back panel is reinforced poly-carbonate (plastic) similar to the S20 FE and Note 20 while the S21+ and S21 Ultra use Gorilla Glass Victus.[11] The rear camera array has been integrated into the phone body except for the S21 FE which is made out of reinforced poly-carbonate integrated instead on the back cover and has a metallic surround; the S21 Ultra has a carbon fiber camera surround for exclusive colors.

Galaxy S21 Galaxy S21+ Galaxy S21 Ultra Galaxy S21 FE
Color Name Online exclusive Color Name Online exclusive Color Name Online exclusive Color Name Online exclusive
Phantom White No Phantom Silver No Phantom Silver No White No
Phantom Gray No Phantom Black No Phantom Black No Graphite No
Phantom Violet No Phantom Violet No Phantom Titanium Yes Lavender No
Phantom Pink No Phantom Gold Yes Phantom Navy Yes Olive No
Phantom Red Yes Phantom Brown Yes

Specifications[]

Hardware[]

Chipsets(SoC)[]

The S21 line comprises four models with various hardware specifications. International and Korea models of the S21 utilize the Exynos 2100 SoC, while the U.S., Canadian, Chinese, Taiwanese, Hong Kong and Japanese models utilize the Qualcomm Snapdragon 888.[12]

Display[]

The S21 series feature "Dynamic AMOLED 2X" displays with HDR10+ support and "dynamic tone mapping" technology. All models except the S21 FE utilize a second-generation ultrasonic in-screen fingerprint sensor with the latter opting for an optical in-screen system instead. The S21 Ultra is also now able to use 120 Hz at 1440p unlike its predecessor(which was limited to 120Hz at only 1080p).[13]

Model Display size (in) Display resolution[13] Max refresh rate Variable refresh rate Shape
S21 6.2 2400x1080 120 Hz 48 Hz to 120 Hz Flat sides
S21 FE 6.4 2400x1080 120 Hz 48 Hz to 120 Hz Flat sides
S21+ 6.7 2400x1080 120 Hz 48 Hz to 120 Hz Flat sides
S21 Ultra 6.8 3200x1440 120 Hz 10 Hz to 120 Hz Curved sides

Storage[]

Models Galaxy S21 Galaxy S21+ Galaxy S21 Ultra[13] Galaxy S21 FE
RAM Storage RAM Storage RAM Storage RAM Storage
Variant 1 8GB 128GB 8GB 128GB 12GB 128GB 6GB 128GB
Variant 2 8GB 256GB 8GB 256GB 12GB 256GB 8GB 256GB
Variant 3 - - - - 16GB 512GB - -

The S21 and S21+ offer 8 GB of RAM with 128 GB and 256 GB options for internal storage. The S21 Ultra has 12 GB of RAM with 128 GB and 256 GB options as well as a 16 GB option with 512 GB of internal storage. The S21 FE offers 6 GB and 8 GB of RAM with 128 GB and 256 GB options for internal storage. All four models lack a microSD card slot, which was present on the S20 series.[14]

Batteries[]

The S21, S21 FE, S21+, and S21 Ultra contain non-removable 4000 mAh, 4,500 mAh, 4800 mAh, and 5000 mAh Li-Po batteries respectively.[15] All four models support wired charging over USB-C at up to 25W (using USB Power Delivery) as well as Qi inductive charging up to 15W. The phones also have the ability to charge other Qi-compatible devices from the S21's own battery power, which is branded as "Wireless PowerShare," at up to 4.5W.[16]

Connectivity[]

All four phones support 5G SA/NSA networks, The Galaxy S21, S21+, and S21 FE support Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.0, while the Galaxy S21 Ultra supports Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.2. The S21+ and S21 Ultra models also support Ultra Wideband (UWB) for short-range communications similar to NFC (not to be confused with 5G mmWave, which is marketed as Ultra Wideband by Verizon). Samsung uses this technology for their new "SmartThings Find" feature and the Samsung Galaxy SmartTag+.[17]

Cameras[]

Camera comparison on Galaxy S21 Series[13]
Models Galaxy S21 & S21+ Galaxy S21 Ultra Galaxy S21 FE
Wide Specs 12 MP, f/1.8, 26mm, 1/1.76", DPAF, OIS 108 MP, f/1.8, 24mm, 1/1.33", PDAF, OIS 12 MP, f/1.8, 26 mm, 1/1.76", Dual PDAF, OIS
Model Samsung S5K2LD or Sony IMX555 Samsung S5KHM3 Samsung S5K2LD or Sony IMX555
Ultrawide Specs 12 MP, f/2.2, 13mm, 1/2.55", fixed focus 12 MP, f/2.2, 13mm, 1/2.55", DPAF 12 MP, f/2.2, 15mm, 1/3.1", Fixed Focus
Model Samsung S5K2LA Sony IMX563 Samsung S5K3L6
Telephoto Specs 64 MP, f/2.0, 29mm, 1/1.72", PDAF, OIS 10 MP, f/2.4, 70mm, 1/3.24", DPAF, OIS 8 MP, f/2.4, 76mm, 1/4.5", PDAF, OIS (3x zoom)
Model Samsung S5KGW2 Samsung S5K3J1 SK Hynix HI-847
Periscope Telephoto Specs - 10 MP, f/4.9, 240mm, 1/3.24", DPAF, OIS -
Model Samsung S5K3J1
Front Specs 10 MP, f/2.2, 26mm, 1/3.24", DPAF 40 MP, f/2.2, 26mm, 1/2.8", PDAF 32 MP, f/2.2, 26mm, 1/2.74", Fixed Focus
Model Sony IMX374 Samsung S5KGH1 Sony IMX616

The S21 and S21+ have similar camera setups to their predecessors but benefit from improved software and image processing. Both have a 12 MP wide sensor, a 64 MP telephoto sensor with 3x hybrid zoom, and a 12 MP ultrawide sensor. The S21 FE also has a similar camera setup to its predecessor but benefit from improved software and image processing. It has a 12 MP wide sensor, a 8 MP telephoto sensor with 3x optical zoom, and a 12 MP ultrawide sensor. The S21 Ultra has a new HM3 108 MP sensor with several enhancements over the previous HM1 108 MP sensor, including 12-bit HDR. It also has two 10 MP telephoto sensors with 3x and 10x optical zoom as well as a 12 MP ultrawide sensor.[18] The front-facing camera uses a 10 MP sensor on the S21 and S21+, 32 MP sensor on the S21 FE, and a 40 MP sensor on the S21 Ultra. 4K@60 recording is supported on the ultrawide camera on the S21, S21+, and S21 FE and all cameras on the S21 Ultra. All cameras are Samsung except 12MP Ultra Wide on S21 Ultra and 10MP front on S21 and S21+, which are both made by Sony and the 8MP Telephoto on the S21 FE which is made by SK Hynix.

The Galaxy S21 series can record HDR10+ video and support HEIF.[13]

Supported video modes[]

The Samsung Galaxy S21 series supports the following video modes:[13]

  • 8K@24fps (possibly up to 30fps on S21 Ultra)[19]
  • 4K@30/60fps
  • 1080p@30/60/240fps
  • 720p@960fps (480fps is interpolated to 960fps on the S21 Ultra)[20][21]

Still frames extracted from high resolution footage can act as standalone photographs.[22]

Software[]

The first three S21 phones were released with Android 11 (One UI 3.1) and Google mobile services, with Samsung's One UI software. While the S21 FE was supposedly to release with the same android version and One UI skin, due to it being delayed all devices are now updated with Android 12 (One UI 4.0) instead. [23] They all use Samsung Knox for enhanced device security, and a separate version exist for enterprise use.[24] The first three S21 series smartphones were updated to Android 12 and One UI 4 on 15 November 2021.[25][26]

Reception[]

The Verge's review, by Dieter Bohn, praised the S21 Ultra's punchy display, fast performance, long-lasting battery life and the general improvements to the camera system, likening the latter to that of the iPhone 12 Pro Max's; however, Bohn did note that the phone's glass back is slightly more susceptible to minor scratches.[27] Android Authority's review by David Imel noted the Samsung's Galaxy S21 Ultra "is a powerhouse smartphone" and that "the camera system in Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra is one of the best you can get on Android".[28] Matt Sweder at Techradar gave a positive review noting its "mesmerizing design" calling it "Samsung’s best-looking phone ever" and how "phenomenally powerful" the camera is, but also went on to criticize the price and lack of microSD card slot, and questioning the stylus support, which is a separate purchase, with nowhere to put the S Pen on the phone itself.[29]

Criticism has been aimed at the lack of a charger and memory card-expandable storage, the latter of which existed on the preceding Galaxy S20.[30] In 2018, Samsung made fun of iPhone's lack of the same features and an audio connector port in a series of commercials for the Galaxy S9 named "Ingenious", where unhappy iPhone customers confront an Apple Store employee over the lack of functionality that the Galaxy S9 was equipped with, a feature which has since been removed from all Galaxy phones.[31]

Removal of charger and headphones[]

Following Apple, Samsung decided to remove both the wall charger and earphones from the scope of delivery of the Galaxy S21 series of smartphones, the reasoning being that "Samsung believes the removal of earphones and charger plugs from our in-box device packaging can help address the growing e-waste problem and unnecessary duplication of these items". However, reaching the highest charging rate possibly requires a new charger with separate packaging and shipping with standalone environmental footprint.[32]

Sales[]

(Jan; 12 unit)

(Feb; 90 unit)

(March; 174 unit)

(April; 309 unit)

(May; 560 unit)

(June; 640 unit)

(July; 784 unit)

(August; 690 unit)

(September; 666 unit)

(October; 714 unit)

(November; 621 unit)

(December; 412 unit)


References[]

  1. ^ "Samsung Galaxy S21 5G". GSMArena. Archived from the original on 17 January 2021. Retrieved 14 January 2021.
  2. ^ "Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G". GSMArena. Archived from the original on 17 January 2021. Retrieved 14 January 2021.
  3. ^ "Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G". GSMArena. Archived from the original on 17 January 2021. Retrieved 14 January 2021.
  4. ^ "Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G". GSMArena. Archived from the original on 4 January 2022. Retrieved 4 January 2022.
  5. ^ "Galaxy UNPACKED 2021". The Official Samsung Galaxy Site. Archived from the original on 13 January 2021. Retrieved 14 January 2021.
  6. ^ Gartenberg, Chaim (14 January 2021). "SAMSUNG GALAXY S21, S21 PLUS, AND S21 ULTRA FIRST LOOK: POLISHED DESIGN (AND PRICES)". The Verge. Archived from the original on 14 January 2021. Retrieved 14 January 2021.
  7. ^ "The Galaxy S21 FE is Samsung's new affordable phone — here's our CES 2022 hands-on". CNN. Retrieved 4 January 2022.
  8. ^ Johnson, Allison (3 January 2022). "The Galaxy S21 FE officially joins Samsung's crowded midrange lineup". The Verge. Archived from the original on 4 January 2022. Retrieved 4 January 2022.
  9. ^ Priday, Richard (14 January 2021). "Samsung Galaxy S21 vs Galaxy S21 Plus vs Galaxy S21 Ultra: What's different?". Tom's Guide. Archived from the original on 14 January 2021. Retrieved 14 January 2021.
  10. ^ Cipriani, Jason (14 January 2021). "Galaxy S21 Ultra works with Samsung S Pen, Pro stylus: Price, features and limitations". CNET. Archived from the original on 14 January 2021. Retrieved 14 January 2021.
  11. ^ Schoon, Ben (14 January 2021). "Galaxy S21 unboxing and first impressions: No charger, but a whole lot of phone [Video]". 9to5Google. Retrieved 17 January 2021.
  12. ^ Spoonauer, Mark (17 January 2021). "Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra review (hands on)". Tom's Guide. Retrieved 17 January 2021.
  13. ^ a b c d e f "Specs | Samsung Galaxy S21 5G vs S21+ 5G vs S21 Ultra 5G". The Official Samsung Galaxy Site. Archived from the original on 15 January 2021. Retrieved 16 January 2021.
  14. ^ Chin, Monica (14 January 2021). "Samsung's Galaxy S21 phones don't include microSD card support". The Verge. Archived from the original on 14 January 2021. Retrieved 15 January 2021.
  15. ^ Hoyle, Andrew (14 January 2021). "Samsung Galaxy S21: What to know about battery life and battery sizes". CNET. Retrieved 17 January 2021.
  16. ^ "Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G - Full phone specifications". gsmarena.com. Retrieved 18 January 2021.
  17. ^ SamMobile. "What is UWB and why should Galaxy S21+/S21 Ultra owners care?". SamMobile. Retrieved 19 January 2021.
  18. ^ Gibbs, Samuel (21 January 2021). "Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra review: the new king of Android phones". The Guardian. Retrieved 2 November 2021.
  19. ^ "How advanced A.I. and new hardware push the Galaxy S21 Ultra's camera forward". Digital Trends. 18 January 2021. Retrieved 19 January 2021.
  20. ^ admin (18 January 2021). "Galaxy S21 Slow Motion Feature is Retained!". Hi Speed Cameras. Retrieved 18 January 2021.
  21. ^ "The Galaxy S21 and S21 Plus do at least one thing better than the Ultra". Android Authority. 19 January 2021. Retrieved 19 January 2021.
  22. ^ "The Galaxy S21 Camera Shoots 8K Video & Turns It Into Photos". Android Headlines. 14 January 2021. Retrieved 24 September 2021.
  23. ^ Vincent, Brittany (15 January 2021). "Samsung One UI 3 arrives: These are the top features". Tom's Guide. Retrieved 17 January 2021.
  24. ^ Moorhead, Patrick. "What's New With Samsung Smartphone Security". Forbes. Retrieved 9 June 2021.
  25. ^ "Samsung's Galaxy S21 series updated to One UI 4 with new Android 12 features". Engadget. Retrieved 15 November 2021.
  26. ^ "How to change ringtone on Samsung Galaxy S series". Ringtonedownloadmp3. 15 December 2021.
  27. ^ Bohn, Dieter (21 January 2021). "Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra review: the real deal". The Verge. Retrieved 29 January 2021.
  28. ^ "Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra review: Ultra refined". Android Authority. 1 March 2021. Retrieved 9 June 2021.
  29. ^ January 2021, Matt Swider 29. "Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra review". TechRadar. Retrieved 9 June 2021.
  30. ^ Schoon, Ben (14 January 2021). "Samsung ditches microSD cards in Galaxy S21 series". 9to5Google.
  31. ^ "Samsung Pokes Fun at Apple Store Employees With New Galaxy S9 'Ingenious' Ads". HYPEBEAST. 23 July 2018.
  32. ^ "Why isn't Samsung including earphones and a charger plug in the box?". Samsung uk. Retrieved 9 June 2021.
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