Galaxy S21, S21 + and Ultra: Samsung changes its look and puts its muscles at the top of the range

Samsung opens the dances of 2021 with his own three flagship models of the Galaxy family: the new ones S21, S21+ e S21 Ultra, all obviously equipped with 5G connectivity. The design immediately catches the eye, with the photographic compartment embedded in the corner of the thin body that blends seamlessly with the metal frame. Something new and original, but not bizarre, in a world that hasn’t seen great touches of creativity for too long. THE colors complete the bold approach, which also gives a twist to the latest models, with the new matte finish Phantom Violet and then Phantom Gray, Phantom Pink and Phantom White (only for the S21).

Galaxy S21 – 7.9mm thick and 171g heavy – sports a 6.2-inch Infinity-O Dynamic Amoled 2X Full HD + 120Hz display, now a standard, in the larger version (which carries the battery and 4.000 to 4.800 mAh and the weight at 2020 grams) the screen is from 6.7 in. The panel is smart and automatically changes the refresh rate based on what we are seeing, limiting battery consumption. In addition, to reduce eye fatigue, the new protection system adapts the filter for blue light – so harmful to sleep – according to the time and content.

As usual, the photographic sector takes another leap forward with a triple camera: the main sensor is 12 megapixel (f / 1.8, FOV 79 °, 26 mm, 1 / 1.76 “, 1.8 µm, OIS), the same wide angle (f / 2.2, FOV 120 °, 13 mm, 1 / 2.55 “, 1.4 µm) and the 64 megapixel telephoto lens (f / 2.0, FOV 76 °, 28 mm, 1 / 1.76”, 0.8 µm, OIS). In front, however, the S21 and S21 + mount a 10 megapixel sensor. Specifics aside, they are the software functionality that make a difference and deserve to be explored. The function Freeze 8K for example, it allows you to obtain clear images captured directly from videos shot in 8K, while Super Stabilizer ensures maximum fluidity of clips, regardless of speed or shooting conditions, automatically optimizing between 30fps and 60fps when recording in FHD resolution.

Again: with the new functionality Director’s viewInstead, you can easily change framing while you’re recording, taking advantage of the different angles of the rear cameras. And you can also use the front and rear cameras at the same time, capturing, for example, your reaction or comment on what is happening in front. With Live Thumbnails you can see the preview, change angle and zoom without losing any detail of the action and pairing the smartphone with the new Galaxy Buds Pro, another novelty of the event, it will also be possible to record environmental sounds and one’s own voice at the same time. For example, you can set up the Galaxy S21 in Pro Video Mode on a tripod and use the Galaxy Buds Pro as a microphone to record voices, movements and background noise in high quality. The Single Shot functionality has also been enhanced.

The camera sets the lenses according to the scene, analyzed with the integrated artificial intelligence: for example in Portrait modeAlso available for selfies, the sensors use advanced 3D analysis to more accurately distinguish the subject from the background. The S21 also improves the functionality to manage lighting and background effects, again based on AI, to make sure that the subject stands out against the background. Space Zoom allows, however, to obtain sharp shots and thanks to the new Zoom lock it is possible to minimize hand tremor and capture clearer images with a zoom up to 30x, leveraging the AI ​​to avoid losing definition at the focal point of the image. Also new for scenes with low light.

At the heart of the S21 is a SoC Exynos 2100 OctaCore at 5 nm (3x 2.8 + 4x 2.4 + 1x 2.9 GHz) supported by different configurations in terms of memory: 8 GB of Ram and 128 or 256 of memory, always expandable. I prices: 879 euros (8 GB + 128) and 929 (8 + 256) for the basic model, 1,079 euros and 1,129 for the S21, always with the two settings. We obviously go up for the three models of the S21 Ultra 5G that we will see shortly. The card of the base pair is completed by the second generation ultrasonic fingerprint reader integrated into the screen and with a wider surface, AKG, Android 11, Samsung DeX speakers to use the phone as a PC and ultra-fast charging supported (but there are no headphones and charger in the package). The two models will be available on Samsung.com and in physical and online stores starting today.

The Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G obviously deserves a separate discussion. The top of the range includes and enhances in many aspects the functionalities of the smaller brothers, for example introducing for the first time in the Galaxy S series the support for the S Pen and in some ways thus placing itself on horseback with the Note series. Same renewed and very sexy look, S21 Ultra comes in Phantom Black and Phantom Silver colors protected by Gorilla Glass Victus. The display is a 6.8-inch Dynamic Amoled 2X Thanks to which users no longer have to decide between the smoothness of a 120Hz refresh rate and a Quad HD + display – both are available on Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G. The screen refresh rate also adapts to the displayed content, from 10Hz to 120Hz, ensuring the best possible viewing experience without draining too much battery. Compared to Galaxy S20, S21 Ultra 5G delivers 25% brighter images thanks to 1,500nit of maximum brightness. The contrast ratio has also been improved by 50%.

The photographic sector it has four sensors, the main 108 megapixel (f / 1.8, FOV 79 °, 24 mm, 1 / 1.33 “, 0.8 µm, OIS), the 12 wide angle (f / 2.2, FOV 120 °, 13 mm , 1 / 2.55 “, 1.4 µm, 12-bit HDR photos can be captured, with 64 times richer colors and over three times wider dynamic range), the first 10x 3x zoom telephoto (f / 2.4, FOV 35 °, 72 mm, 1 / 3.24 “, 1.22 µm, OIS) and the second telephoto with 10x zoom always 10 megapixel (f / 4.9, FOV 10 °, 240 mm, 1 / 3.24” , 1.22 µm, OIS). In front, a 40 Megapixel sensor.

For the first time on a Galaxy it is also possible record in 4K at 60 fps with all lenses, including the front camera and the four rear lenses, so you can switch to a different perspective with the same image quality. Furthermore, thanks to theopzione file RAW a 12 bit, you can keep all the details even for professional-level photo editing. There is also it Space Zoom 100x, supported and enhanced by the double telephoto lens already seen. Both optics are equipped with the Dual Photodiode (2PD), in order to capture sharp images, regardless of the distance from the action.

In addition to the features seen with the S21 and S21 +, the Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G Night Shot sensor takes the device a big step forward when it comes to low-light photography. With improved Night Mode, noise reduction and 12 MP Nano-binning technologyIt is in fact possible to take challenging photos, quickly and maintaining a high definition. S21 Ultra 5G supports the Wi-Fi 6E, which allows connections with greater bandwidth and a connection to the internet four times faster, ideal for streaming and gaming, also thanks to the very low latency of ultra broadband networks. Among other things, with SmartThings on Android Auto, the Galaxy S21 series can be used to control smart home devices from the comfort of your car and uses Dual Bluetooth technology to pair multiple devices.

The processor is always a Exynos 2100 OctaCore a 5 nm (3x 2.8 + 4x 2.4 + 1x 2.9 GHz), the battery switches to 5.000 mAh and can be recharged by 50% in half an hour, Dual Sim like the brothers, the thickness rises to 8.9 mm and the weight to 228 grams. Confirm the specifications of the other models. S21 Ultra 5G is available from today in three configurations: in the 12 GB version of Ram and 128 GB of memory at a recommended price of 1,279 euros, in the 12 GB and 256 GB version at 1.329 euros and in the 16 GB and 512 GB version at 1.459.

Many the promotions for those who will immediately buy the new top of the range of the South Korean giant. For Samsung Galaxy S21 and Samsung Galaxy S21 + purchased from 14 to 28 January (and by registering on Members) you will receive the Galaxy Buds Live (Mystic Black, worth 169 euros) and the new SmartTag (black, 34.9 euros), the device to be hooked wherever you want to never lose anything important, the house keys like a trolley, and that does not need a connection. Coon the S21 Ultra 5G, on the other hand, you receive a couple of new Galaxy Buds Pro (Phantom Black color, value: 229 euros) and a SmartTag.

During the event, Samsung also unveiled the new ones Galaxy Buds Pro with a spatial design, renewed together with the range of phones. The earphones, which come in Phantom Black, Phantom Silver and Phantom Violet colors, are equipped with two drivers, one 11mm for deeper bass and an additional 6.5mm driver for richer highs, clean the voice of unwanted sounds thanks to three microphones and accelerometer, have the active noise cancellation up to 99%, precisely adjusting it to the desired level, moderating the isolation with the Ambient Sound feature which instead allows you to amplify nearby sounds by over 20 decibels, adjusting and customizing them according to your needs up to 4 levels. As for autonomy, a crucial point for this kind of gadget, they guarantee are up to eight hours of playback, with an additional twenty hours availability using the wireless charging case. With the ANC, on the other hand, it drops to five hours of autonomy, with a further availability of thirteen hours using the wireless charging case. And if they still run out, five minutes are enough to recover an hour of listening.

Finally, always between 14 and 28 January it is possible to get up to 409 euros for your used car by purchasing Galaxy S21. And a 100 euro voucher. If, on the other hand, you are only interested in the new Buds Pro, by January 28 you will also receive a 69.90 euro Duo wireless charger.