Hi Friends,
Samsung has introduced Galaxy S21 and Galaxy S21+, the latest flagship devices that empower you to express yourself. Made for the way we live now, Galaxy S21 is loaded with state-of-the-art innovations so you can make the most of every moment. The new flagship series debuts a head-turning, iconic design, an epic pro-grade camera for users of any skill level and the most advanced processor ever in a Galaxy device. And each device offers the connectivity, power and performance that only Samsung can deliver.
“We are living in a mobile-first world, and with so many of us working remotely and spending more time at home, we wanted to deliver a smartphone experience that meets the rigorous multimedia demands of our continuously changing routines,” said Justin Hume, Director: Integrated Mobility at Samsung South Africa. “We also recognise the importance of choice, especially now, and that’s why the Galaxy S21 series gives you the freedom to choose the best device for your style and needs.”
For over a decade, the Galaxy S series has delivered groundbreaking, flagship mobile experiences for people who rely on their smartphones for expression, connection and entertainment. The new Galaxy S21 series builds on this legacy to offer the premium flagship experience and make an everyday epic. Galaxy S21 will be available in a variety of models, so you can find the perfect complement for your personal style and needs. For users who demand a flagship mobile experience, with pro-grade camera innovations and top-of-the-line performance, at various price points, Galaxy S21 and Galaxy S21+ deliver in every category — and then some.
Bold New Style
With a bold new style, Galaxy S21 is built for expression. Galaxy S21 was designed for those who want a light design and compact 6.2-inch display. Galaxy S21+ sports an expanded 6.7-inch display and a larger battery, perfect for marathon gamers and binge-watchers.
The Galaxy S21 series introduces an all-new, iconic Contour Cut Camera housing that seamlessly blends into the device’s metal frame for a sleek, yet striking, aesthetic. S21 and S21+ will be available in a range of eye-catching colours, including a new signature colour: Phantom Violet. And each device is coated with a luxurious haze finish on the back for a sophisticated look and feel.
Galaxy S21 touts an intelligent, edge-to-edge Dynamic AMOLED 2X Infinity-O display with an adaptive 120Hz refresh rate for smoother scrolling and viewing. It automatically adjusts the frame rate based on the content whether you’re swiping through your social feeds or watching shows. The display is also easy on the eyes. To help reduce eye fatigue, the new Eye Comfort Shield automatically adjusts the blue light based on the time of day, content you’re viewing, and your bedtime.
Make Everyday Moments Epic
Galaxy S21 continues Samsung’s legendary camera heritage with pro-grade enhancements and video innovations that enable users of every skill level to get the best shot. Whether you’re recording your puppy’s first encounter with a mirror, chronicling series game night antics or documenting spectacular views on a week-long road trip, Galaxy S21 and Galaxy S21+ have you covered. Just point, shoot and let Galaxy S21 do the heavy lifting — so you can capture the moment before it’s gone.
Improved 8K Snap lets you grab crystal clear images from your 8K video footage, so you can capture all the live-action and get standout still shots every time you hit record. Even in fast-moving or bumpy conditions, your footage will be buttery-smooth with Super Steady video at an improved 60fps. New Director’s View lets you see, switch, and select the best shot to tell your best story. Capture video with the front and rear cameras at once for real-time reactions with Vlogger View, and preview or change the angle, zoom or go wide without losing any action with Live Thumbnails. Paired with Samsung’s new Galaxy Buds Pro, you can capture both ambient sounds and your voice at the same time using multiple mic recording. That means you can set up Galaxy S21 in Pro Video Mode on a tripod and use Buds Pro as your voice mic, so you can step away and record speech, movement and background sound in crisp quality. With the power of AI, the popular Single Take feature allows you to capture a variety of still and video formats with one tap. It has been enhanced with new pro-style video settings like Highlight Video and Dynamic Slow-Mo, which lets you focus on the most compelling action in stunning stills and highlight reels.
Galaxy S21 and Galaxy S21+’s AI-powered triple-lens pro-grade camera is designed for those times when you want to be more intentional and have more creative control. The camera system intuitively assesses and adjusts to your scene to ensure you can perfectly capture any environment. In Portrait Mode, the AI-powered camera leverages an improved 3D analysis that more accurately separates the subject from the background. It also brings in options for virtual studio lighting and AI background effects to make sure the subject pops from the frame. It also works for selfies too. For elusive faraway shots, whether you’re on a hike or sitting in the back row, improved Space Zoom helps you get clear and steady shots. The new Zoom Lock minimises shaky hands and captures clearer images at 30x zoom on Galaxy S21 and Galaxy S21+, by leveraging AI to keep your focal point in the centre of the frame. Plus, enhanced processing power means bright pictures, even in the dark, so you can do proper justice to gorgeous sunsets and skylines.
Connectivity and Performance That Delivers
Samsung is committed to helping you stay connected and keeping your data secure, in more convenient and personalised ways. Galaxy S21 delivers next-generation performance and seamlessly connects you to the Galaxy Ecosystem to give you more flexibility, no matter your routine, so you can do more with confidence.
Galaxy users love and expect a powerful experience. The Galaxy S21 features the latest and most advanced smartphone chipset yet in a Galaxy for greater speed, energy efficiency, and advanced computing capabilities to support 5G connectivity and on-device AI. Galaxy S21 packs all the power you need to process photos, record 8K videos, enjoy a cloud gaming marathon and make the perfect video clips.
We rely on our smartphones more than ever, which is why protecting sensitive information is more important than ever. Galaxy S21 is secured by Samsung Knox Vault, Samsung’s own proprietary chipset level (SoC) security platform. By adding tamper-resistant secure memory to our secure processor, Samsung Knox Vault enables S21 to add a new layer of protection.
Galaxy S21 also introduces a new tool to protect and monitor your privacy. You can safely remove location metadata from photos before sharing. With Galaxy S21’s all-new Private Share function, you can also control who gets access to the content you send, and how long it’s available – so you can share content worry-free.
Galaxy S21 is designed to be used with other Galaxy devices and with SmartThings Find, it can help you quickly and easily locate your compatible Galaxy devices even when they’re offline. Whether you left your device in another room, under the seat of your car or in a completely different city, SmartThings Find will send you in the right direction. You can now locate non-connected devices, with Samsung’s new Galaxy SmartTag Bluetooth locator. Simply attach a SmartTag to your keys, a bag or even your pet’s collar and you can use SmartThings Find to find the item or your pet.
Optional Samsung Care+ Coverage
Experience total peace of mind and get the most from the new Galaxy S21 with Samsung Care+. Enjoy a personal set-up session with a Samsung Care+, 24/7 dedicated support via phone or chat, discounted screen repair, an extended warranty and coverage for accidental damage. Add Samsung Care+ at checkout on https://www.samsung.com/za/mobile/samsung-care-plus/registration/
Local Availability
Starting on 5 February 2021, Galaxy S21 and Galaxy S21+ will be available through Samsung.com, carriers and retailers online. Both devices will be available in the following colours featuring deluxe haze finishes:
Galaxy S21: Phantom Violet, Phantom Gray, Phantom Pink and Phantom White in 128GB and 256GB models with 8GB RAM
Galaxy S21+: Phantom Violet, Phantom Silver and Phantom Black in 128GB and 256GB models with 8GB RAM
Additional colours will be available exclusively on Samsung.com including Phantom Gold and Phantom Red.
Pre-orders for the Galaxy S21 and Galaxy S21+ begin January 14 at 6pm.
Between January 14 and January 28, 2021, all pre-orders will also include Galaxy Buds Live and a free Galaxy SmartTag. Pre-order consumers can enhance their Galaxy experience and redeem their Samsung Credit on Samsung.com or the Shop Samsung app towards curated bundles and select products like Samsung TVs, SmartThings, gaming, accessories, tablets and more. With the Galaxy SmartTag Bluetooth locator, consumers can keep track of everything that matters. They can attach it to their keys, bag, pet or anything they want to keep tabs on. The promotion will last for a limited time and only while supplies last. Terms and conditions apply. Visit www.samsung.com/us/promotions to learn more.
Pricing for the Galaxy S21 starts at R17 999 and Galaxy S21+ starts at R21499 with eligible trade-in value up to R10 000 on Samsung.com. The offers are for a limited time. Terms and conditions apply. Visit https://www.samsung.com/za/offer/switchtogalaxy-terms/ to learn more.
My Observations - I have no hands-on experience on the S20 or the S21 range as of today so I can't comment as to what has changed in the smartphone. Both of these devices are still stuck with 10MP of the front camera, still packed with 12MP of an ultra-wide and wide-angle camera, the camera is similar in both the versions of S21 and S21+. The extended capacity to install a micro-SD card is no longer available in the model, no power brick for charging the smartphone, no earphones/wired earphones. Comes with One UI3 which is now currently only available on Note 20 series - Android 11 experience. Adaptive 120Hz display refresh rate comes to both the smartphones as it's not there in my Note 20 5G version. The new 5nm octa-core processor will come in certain regions. My opinion can change as and when I get to use the product in detail but so far reading the configurations, this is it! Thanks
For more information about Galaxy S21 /Galaxy S21+, please visit http://www.samsungmobilepress.com, news.samsung.com/galaxy or www.samsung.com/global/galaxy/galaxy-s21-5g/. To learn more about Galaxy S21 Ultra, please visit www.samsung.com/global/galaxy/galaxy-s21-ultra-5g/.
| Galaxy S21 5G | Galaxy S21+ 5G | |
| Display | 6.2-inch Flat FHD+ Dynamic AMOLED 2X Infinity-O Display (2400×1080), 421ppi, HDR10+ certified Eye Comfort Shield | 6.7-inch Flat FHD+ Dynamic AMOLED 2X Infinity-O Display (2400×1080), 394ppi, HDR10+ certified Eye Comfort Shield |
| *Measured diagonally, Galaxy S21 5G’s screen size is 6.2″ in the full rectangle and 6.1″ with accounting for the rounded corners, Galaxy S21+ 5G’s screen size is 6.7″ in the full rectangle and 6.5″ with accounting for the rounded corners; actual viewable area is less due to the rounded corners and camera hole. | ||
| Dimension & Weight | Dimension: 71.2×151.7×7.9mm Weight: 171g(mmWave), 169g(sub6) | Dimension: 75.6×161.5×7.8mm Weight: 202g(mmWave), 200g(sub6) |
| Camera | [Front camera] 10MP Dual Pixel AF, FOV 80°, F2.2, 1.22µm
[Rear camera] Triple camera
Ultra Wide: 12MP FF, FOV 120° F2.2, 1.4µm
Wide-angle: 12MP Dual Pixel AF, FOV 79°, OIS, F1.8, 1.8µm
Telephoto: 64MP Phase Detection AF, Hybrid Optic 3X, FOV 76°, OIS F2.0, 0.8µm
30X Space Zoom | [Front camera] 10MP Dual Pixel AF, FOV 80°, F2.2, 1.22µm
[Rear camera] Triple camera
Ultra Wide: 12MP FF, FOV 120° F2.2, 1.4µm
Wide-angle: 12MP Dual Pixel AF, FOV 79°, OIS, F1.8, 1.8µm
Telephoto: 64MP Phase Detection AF, Hybrid Optic 3X, FOV 76°, OIS F2.0, 0.8µm
30X Space Zoom |
| *30X Space Zoom includes 3x Hybrid Optic Zoom and goes up to 30x Super Resolution Zoom. Super Resolution Zoom includes digital zoom, which may cause some image deterioration. | ||
| AP | 5nm 64-bit Octa-Core Processor 2.9GHz (Maximum Clock Speed) + 2.8GHz +2.2GHz | |
| 5nm 64-bit Octa-Core Processor 2.8GHz (Maximum Clock Speed) + 2.4GHz +1.8GHz | ||
| *May differ by market and carrier | ||
| Memory | 8GB RAM (LPDDR5) with 128GB / 256GB internal storage | |
| *Storage availability may differ by country, model or carrier. Actual storage space availability may vary depending on pre-installed software and by country, model, file size and format. | ||
| Battery | 4000mAh (typical) | 4800mAh (typical) |
| *Typical value tested under third-party laboratory conditions. A typical value is the estimated average value considering the deviation in battery capacity among the battery samples tested under IEC 61960 standard. Rated (minimum) capacity is 3880mAh for Galaxy S21 Base and 4660mAh for Galaxy S21+. Actual battery life may vary depending on the network environment, usage patterns and other factors. | ||
| Charging | Improved wireless charging speeds with Fast Wireless Charging 2.0 USB PD 3.0 (PPS) certified Fast Charging for wired charging (AFC and QC2.0 compatible) *WPC certified Wireless charging *Wireless PowerShare | |
| OS | Android 11 | |
| Network & Connectivity | [5G]5G Non-Standalone (NSA), Standalone (SA), Sub6 / mmWave [Ultra Wideband] | |
| *Actual speed may vary depending on the market, carrier, and user environment. *Requires optimal 5G connection. Actual speed may vary depending on the market, carrier, and user environment. *Ultra Wideband supported on Galaxy S21+ and S21 Ultra. | ||
| Payment | NFC, MST | |
| *Available in select markets. Payment solutions and available features may vary depending on the market, carrier, and service providers. | ||
| Sensors | Ultrasonic Fingerprint sensor, Accelerometer, Barometer, Gyro sensor, Geomagnetic sensor, Hall sensor Proximity sensor, Ambient Light Sensor | |
| Authentication | Lock type: pattern, PIN, password Biometric lock type: Ultrasonic Fingerprint, Face recognition | |
| Audio | [Ultra high-quality audio playback] UHQ 32-bit &DSD64/128 support PCM: Up to 32 bits, DSD: DSD64/128 *DSD64 and DSD128 playback can be limited depending on the file format.
[Audio playback format] MP3, M4A, 3GA, AAC, OGG, OGA, WAV, WMA, AMR, AWB, FLAC, MID, MIDI, XMF, MXMF, IMY, RTTTL, RTX, OTA, APE, DSF, DFF
[Bluetooth] Dual Audio *The two connected devices may exhibit a slight difference in sound output.. Scalable Codec *Available only for certain wearables made by Samsung such as Galaxy Buds Pro, Galaxy Buds Live, Galaxy Buds.
[Recording] Recording quality is improved with the High AOP Mic that minimizes distortion in noisy environments. *AOP: Acoustic Overload Point | |
| Video | [Video playback format] MP4, M4V, 3GP, 3G2, WMV, ASF, AVI, FLV, MKV, WEBM
[TV connection] Wireless: Smart View (screen mirroring 1080p at 30 fps) Wired: supports DisplayPort over USB type-C. Supports video out when connecting via HDMI Adapter. (DisplayPort 4K UHD at 60 fps) | |
| Water Resistance | IP68 | |
| *IP68 is based on test conditions for submersion in up to 1.5 meters of fresh water for up to 30 minutes. Rinse residue/dry if wet. Not advised for beach or pool use. | ||
Cheers!!!
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