The Samsung Galaxy S21 series is launched today in Spain, from February 29, 2021, it is possible to buy the new flagship Samsung smartphones in any online store, so we are going to take the opportunity to review your keys.
We have already thoroughly presented the specifications and prices of the Galaxy S21 and S21 +, and even published our review of the Galaxy S21 Ultra where we analyze it thoroughly, so now we will review the most important aspects for the average user.
They have arrived together with the Samsung Galaxy Buds Pro headphones, so it is a good time to renew our gadgets. Let’s get to know better the new mobiles of the South Korean firm:
Three models: S21, S21 + and S21 Ultra
Samsung has launched three models of its phone, which share many features, such as its Exynos 2100 processor with 5G connectivity, a very similar design and the good work of the brand in screens and cameras.
However, there are important differences between the three terminals:
- Galaxy S21: 6.2 inches FHD +, triple camera, 4,000 mAh battery.
- Galaxy S21 +: 6.7 inches FHD +, triple camera, 4,800 mAh battery.
- Galaxy S21 Ultra: 6.8 inches QHD + curved, quad camera, 5,000 mAh battery.
The Galaxy S21 and S21 + mount 8 GB of RAM and we can choose between 128 GB or 256 GB of storage, which cannot be expanded, as they do not have a MicroSD slot.
For its part, the Galaxy S21 Ultra is sold in three modes: 12 GB + 128 GB or 256 GB and the most complete version, with a surprising 16 GB + 512 GB, which cannot be expanded either.
At the level of differences, it stands out that the Galaxy S21 + and S21 Ultra support UWB for locating nearby objects, and the S21 Ultra is the first phone that supports the new WiFi 6E.
Updated design
The camera module is the most changing aspect of the Galaxy S21 series, with a more rounded and organic appearance, which helps to disguise the large size of the sensors. In some colors, the module is even highlighted, such as the new Phantom Violet, which opts for gold for the area of the cameras on a violet body.
Of course, there are other color variants, including black, pink, and silver. The selfie camera is located in the center of the screen, in a small hole, and at the design level, Samsung abandons the 3.5 mm headphone jack and the MicroSD slot.
High-level photography
Without a doubt, photography is the key point to buy a premium smartphone, and Samsung does not disappoint, with cameras capable of great results at night, including optical zoom and many artificial intelligence options.
We have already seen in the differences between the Galaxy S21 / S21 + and S21 Ultra that the first two use the same cameras, leaving the sensor configuration in this way:
- Galaxy S21 and S21 +: 12 MP f / 1.8 OIS + 12 MP f / 2.2 wide angle 120º + 64 MP zoom 3x OIS.
- Galaxy S21 Ultra: 108 MP f / 1.8 OIS + 12 MP f / 2.2 wide angle 120º + 10 MP f / 2.4 zoom 3x OIS + 10 MP f / 4.9 zoom 10x OIS.
In addition, the Galaxy S21 Ultra is capable of 8K video recording and generally stands out on a photographic level over its “little brothers” who also play a great role.
Variable refresh rate display
The new Samsung Galaxy S21 inherits the Dynamic AMOLED screen of the Galaxy Note 20, which refreshes more or less quickly depending on the circumstances. The maximum is 120 Hz, perfect for fast response in gaming.
The minimum is 48 Hz in the S21/21 + and 10 Hz in the S21 Ultra and can be placed in intermediate figures. This slower screen refresh helps save battery life and is suitable for less dynamic tasks. For example, 60 Hz is suitable for watching a video, and 10 Hz is sufficient for reading an ebook.
There are many mobiles that support 90 Hz, 120 Hz or 144 Hz, but the possibility of intelligently varying the refreshment is a less frequent feature, and which demonstrates Samsung’s capabilities in the manufacture of screens.
Nor should we forget that the S21 Ultra screen is the only one with slight curves on the sides, in the other two cases conventional flat panels are used.
You put the charger…
Now that the iPhone 12 does not have a charger in the box, Samsung has taken the same path and does not include a charger with the Galaxy S21. In theory, it is to prevent electronic waste from being generated, since most users already have one at home.
Mind you, not everyone owns a 25W charger for fast charging in a drawer at home, so Samsung will get additional sales while saving costs.
A good idea would be an optional charger like in the Xiaomi Mi 11, which we can obtain at no cost if we need it, or decline if we already have one.
…and fast charging isn’t that fast
The aforementioned 25 W fast charge is one of the weak points of the Galaxy S21. Rivals like the Huawei Mate 40 Pro already reach 66 W, and even in the mid-range, it is common to find models at 30 W.
The wireless charging is 15 W, and if we charge other devices with S21 Galaxy have reverse wireless charging to 4.5 W. Correct figures, but far from the very high level of the other sections of Samsung smartphones.
Expensive prices, but not so much
The Galaxy S range has been raising its prices for years, like many other mobiles since the iPhone X showed that consumers were willing to pay more than 1,000 euros for a phone.
However, this year prices have “moderated” a bit, these being the official figures at launch:
- Galaxy S21: € 859 (8 GB + 128 GB) or € 909 (8 GB + 256 GB).
- Galaxy S21 +: € 1,059 (8 GB + 128 GB) or € 1,109 (8 GB + 256 GB).
- Galaxy S21 Ultra: € 1,259 (12 GB + 128 GB), € 1,309 (12 GB + 256 GB) or € 1,439 (16 GB + 512 GB).
With these keys, we can decide if we are interested in buying a Samsung Galaxy S21, which can already be obtained in the main physical online stores in Spain from February 29.