Samsung Galaxy S21+
| Company type | Product line |
|---|---|
| Industry | Consumer electronics |
| Predecessor | Samsung Galaxy S20 series, Samsung Galaxy Note 20 (indirect for S21 Ultra) |
| Founded | January 29, 2021 |
| Founder | Samsung Electronics |
| Fate | Succeeded by Samsung Galaxy S22 series |
| Successor | Samsung Galaxy S22, Samsung Galaxy S23 FE (for S21 FE) |
| Headquarters | Suwon , South Korea |
Area served | Worldwide |
| Products | Smartphones |
| Owner | Samsung Electronics |
| Parent | Samsung Electronics |
| Website |
|
The Samsung Galaxy S21 series represents Samsung Electronics’ premium line of Android smartphones within their flagship Galaxy S lineup released in early2021 as successors to the Galaxy S20 family.Samsung Electronics introduced three initial models during their January14th event named Galaxy Unpacked in2021—namely the base Galaxy S21, the larger Galaxy S21+, and the top-tier Galaxy S21 Ultra. Subsequently, the Galaxy S21 FE, a Fan Edition variant targeting mid-range consumers was announced during CES on January3rd of2022.
Notably, this generation marks the final instance where Samsung employed its traditional "SM-G9xx" model numbering scheme initiated since the Galaxy S5 era for flagship devices; future flagships starting from the Galaxy S22 adopted a new "SM-S123X" system.
The lineup comprises four distinct models differing primarily by screen dimensions and hardware specifications: the standard Galaxy S21, its enlarged sibling Galaxy S21+, the premium Galaxy S21 Ultra, which delivers enhanced camera features including super-resolution zoom capabilities between30x to100x alongside support for recording in up to8K resolution for video content on the first three models.
These three flagship devices were launched simultaneously across key markets such as the United States and Europe on January29th, 2021 while the Galaxy S21 FE saw global release on January7th, 2022.
Pricing at launch commenced from $699.99 for the base model Galaxy S21, $799.99 for the Galaxy S21+, $999.99 for the Ultra, whereas the Fan Edition model was priced similarly starting at $699.
The succeeding generation—the Samsung Galaxy S22—was officially revealed on February9th, 2022 marking continuation of Samsung’s flagship smartphone evolution.[1]
History
S21, S21+, and S21 Ultra
Samsung introduced the initial trio of devices during their Galaxy Unpacked event on 14 January 2021. These models succeeded the 2020 editions and featured a significant redesign, particularly with the rear camera module, which was slimmed down and seamlessly integrated alongside the buttons, creating a cohesive look across the S21, S21+, and S21 Ultra. Among these, only the base model adopted a polycarbonate (plastic) back panel. The standard S21 offers specifications closely aligned with those of the S20. The S21+ closely mirrors the standard S21 in both design and specs, with only minor distinctions, serving as the successor to the S20+. Positioned as the premium option, the S21 Ultra represents the professional-grade variant in this series and follows the S20 Ultra. Notably, it is the first in the Galaxy S lineup to support the S Pen, albeit with limited capabilities. Sales of the S21 series ceased following the launch of the Galaxy S22. The release date for these devices was 29 January 2021.
S21 FE
The Fan Edition variant was revealed at Samsung's CES event on 3 January 2022. Acting as the successor to the S20 FE, this model continues Samsung’s tradition of offering mid-range alternatives within their Galaxy S lineup. The S21 FE retains most of the design elements and specifications of the original S21 but incorporates minor adjustments to justify its more affordable pricing. Initially slated for an October 2021 release running One UI 3.1, its launch was postponed due to the global semiconductor shortage affecting 2020–2023. Eventually, it became available on 11 January 2022 with One UI 4.0 pre-installed. This model features a 4500mAh battery supporting 25W wired and 15W wireless charging, a matte aluminum frame, and a plastic camera housing instead of metal like other variants. It sports a 6.4-inch display with a resolution of 1080x2340 pixels and includes an optical fingerprint sensor embedded beneath the screen. Since its release occurred in 2022, it is eligible for an update to One UI 8, unlike other devices in this series.
Lineup
The series consists of four models, beginning with the Galaxy S21 as the most affordable option, featuring a smaller display and a back made of polycarbonate (plastic). Later, the Galaxy S21 FE was introduced, also utilizing polycarbonate for both its back and camera bump, differing from the metal camera housing found on other models. When compared to the Galaxy S20+, the Galaxy S21+ shares many specifications with the S21 but offers a larger screen, increased battery capacity, and a glass back instead of plastic. The Galaxy S21 Ultra stands out with an even bigger display and battery, along with numerous enhancements over the other variants. Notably, it includes a more sophisticated camera system highlighted by a 108 MP main sensor equipped with laser autofocus and a higher resolution 1440p screen. This Ultra model is also the first in the Galaxy S lineup to support the S Pen, although it is sold separately and offers limited functionality. Unlike the "Fan Edition" variant, the "Ultra" model will not receive One UI 8 updates.
Design
The design language of the Galaxy S21 lineup closely resembles that of its predecessor, featuring an Infinity-O display with a centrally positioned circular cutout for the front-facing camera. The backs of the S21 and S21 FE are constructed from reinforced polycarbonate (plastic), similar to what was used in the S20 FE and Note 20. In contrast, both the S21+ and S21 Ultra are protected by Gorilla Glass Victus. The rear camera module is seamlessly integrated into the phone’s body across all models except for the S21 FE, which has its camera housing made from reinforced polycarbonate embedded into the back cover with a metallic frame surrounding it. Additionally, select exclusive color editions of the S21 Ultra feature a carbon fiber finish around the camera module.
| Galaxy S21 FE | Galaxy S21 | Galaxy S21+ | Galaxy S21 Ultra | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Base colors |
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| Online exclusive colors | — | — |
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Specifications
Hardware
Chipsets (SoC)
The Galaxy S21 series includes four distinct models, each equipped with different hardware configurations. The international and South Korean versions of the S21 are powered by the Exynos 2100 system-on-chip, whereas models sold in the U.S., Canada, China, Taiwan, Hong Kong, and Japan incorporate the Qualcomm Snapdragon 888. For the S21 FE variant, the Snapdragon 888 chipset is employed in the U.S., Canadian, Chinese, and European markets, while the Exynos 2100 is used in South Korea, India, Brazil, and Australia.
Display
The S21 lineup features "Dynamic AMOLED 2X" panels that support HDR10+ and include advanced "dynamic tone mapping" capabilities. Except for the S21 FE model—which uses an optical in-display fingerprint sensor—all other versions are equipped with a second-generation ultrasonic fingerprint scanner embedded beneath the screen. Notably, the S21 Ultra supports a 120 Hz refresh rate at a 1440p resolution, an improvement over its predecessor that was limited to 120 Hz only at 1080p.
| Model | Screen size | Resolution[2] | Maximum refresh rate | Variable refresh rate | Design |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| S21 FE | 6.4" | 2340x1080 | 120 Hz | 60 Hz / 120 Hz | Flat edges |
| S21 | 6.2" | 2400x1080 | 48 Hz to 120 Hz | ||
| S21+ | 6.7" | ||||
| S21 Ultra | 6.8" | 3200x1440 | 10 Hz to 120 Hz | Curved edges |
Storage
| Model | Galaxy S21 | Galaxy S21+ | Galaxy S21 Ultra[2] | Galaxy S21 FE | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| RAM | Internal Storage | RAM | Internal Storage | RAM | Internal Storage | RAM | Internal Storage | |
| Option 1 | 8GB | 128GB | 8GB | 128GB | 12GB | 128GB | 6GB | 128GB |
| Option 2 | 8GB | 256GB | 8GB | 256GB | 12GB | 256GB | 8GB | 128GB |
| Option 3 | - | - | - | - | 16GB | 512GB | 8GB | 256GB |
The Galaxy S21 and S21+ come with 8 GB of RAM, paired with either 128 GB or 256 GB of built-in storage. The S21 Ultra offers configurations including 12 GB of RAM with storage options of 128 GB or 256 GB, as well as a high-end variant featuring 16 GB RAM combined with 512 GB of internal memory. The S21 FE is available with either 6 GB or 8 GB of RAM and storage capacities of 128 GB or 256 GB. Unlike the previous S20 series, none of these models include a microSD card slot for expandable storage.
Batteries
The Galaxy S21, S21 FE, S21+, and S21 Ultra are equipped with non-removable batteries rated at 4000 mAh, 4500 mAh, 4800 mAh, and 5000 mAh respectively. Each device supports wired charging via USB-C at a maximum of 25W through USB Power Delivery, alongside Qi wireless charging capabilities up to 15W. Additionally, these models feature the ability to wirelessly charge other compatible Qi devices using the phone's battery, a function Samsung refers to as "Wireless PowerShare," which operates at up to 4.5W.
Connectivity
All variants in the lineup are compatible with both standalone (SA) and non-standalone (NSA) 5G networks. The Galaxy S21, S21+, and S21 FE support Wi-Fi 6 along with Bluetooth 5.0, whereas the Galaxy S21 Ultra advances this connectivity by offering Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.2. Notably, the S21+ and S21 Ultra incorporate Ultra Wideband (UWB) technology for precise short-distance communication, functioning similarly to NFC. This should not be confused with Verizon's marketing term "Ultra Wideband" for 5G mmWave services. Samsung utilizes UWB in features such as "SmartThings Find" and the Samsung Galaxy SmartTag+.
Cameras
| Model | Galaxy S21 & S21+ | Galaxy S21 Ultra | Galaxy S21 FE | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wide | Specifications | 12 MP, f/1.8 aperture, 26 mm focal length, 1/1.76" sensor size, DPAF, Optical Image Stabilization (OIS) | 108 MP, f/1.8 aperture, 24 mm focal length, 1/1.33" sensor size, PDAF, OIS | 12 MP, f/1.8 aperture, 26 mm focal length, 1/1.76" sensor size, Dual PDAF, OIS |
| Sensor model | Samsung S5K2LD or Sony IMX555 | Samsung S5KHM3 | Samsung S5K2LD or Sony IMX555 | |
| Ultrawide | Specifications | 12 MP, f/2.2 aperture, 13 mm focal length, 1/2.55" sensor size, fixed focus | 12 MP, f/2.2 aperture, 13 mm focal length, 1/2.55" sensor size, DPAF | 12 MP, f/2.2 aperture, 15 mm focal length, 1/3.1" sensor size, fixed focus |
| Sensor model | Samsung S5K2LA | Sony IMX563 | Samsung S5K3L6 | |
| Telephoto | Specifications | 64 MP, f/2.0 aperture, 29 mm focal length, 1/1.72" sensor size, PDAF, OIS | 10 MP, f/2.4 aperture, 70 mm focal length, 1/3.24" sensor size, DPAF, OIS | 8 MP, f/2.4 aperture, 76 mm focal length, 1/4.5" sensor size, PDAF, OIS (3x zoom) |
| Sensor model | Samsung S5KGW2 | Samsung S5K3J1 | SK Hynix HI-847 | |
| Periscope Telephoto | Specifications | Not available | 10 MP, f/4.9 aperture, 240 mm focal length, 1/3.24" sensor size, DPAF, OIS | Not available |
| Sensor model | Samsung S5K3J1 | |||
| Front-facing camera | Specifications | 10 MP, f/2.2 aperture, 26 mm focal length, 1/3.24" sensor size, DPAF | 40 MP, f/2.2 aperture, 26 mm focal length, 1/2.8" sensor size PDAF | 32 MP, f/2.2 aperture ,26 mm focal length ,1/2.74" sensor size ,fixed focus |
| Sensor model | Sony IMX374 | Samsung S5KGH1 | Sony IMX616 | |
The camera configurations on the Galaxy S21 and S21+ largely mirror those of their predecessors but benefit from enhanced software algorithms and image processing improvements. They feature a triple-camera setup consisting of a 12 MP wide-angle sensor paired with a 64 MP telephoto lens offering up to three times hybrid zoom and a 12 MP ultrawide sensor. Similarly upgraded is the S21 FE’s camera system which includes a 12 MP wide lens alongside an 8 MP telephoto lens capable of three times optical zoom and a 12 MP ultrawide lens—all enhanced by refined software processing.
The flagship S21 Ultra introduces a new HM3 sensor boasting a resolution of 108 MP with several advancements over the earlier HM1 variant including support for 12-bit HDR imaging. It also incorporates two distinct telephoto cameras at 10 MP each—one with three times optical zoom and another providing ten times optical zoom—alongside a single 12 MP ultrawide camera.
For selfies and video calls, the front camera varies by model: the S21 and S21+ utilize a 10 MP front-facing sensor; the S21 FE is equipped with a higher resolution 32 MP front camera; and the Ultra model features an advanced 40 MP front camera.
Video recording capabilities include support for up to 4K resolution at 60 frames per second on the ultrawide cameras of the S21 series and on all cameras of the Ultra variant.
Most cameras across the lineup are manufactured by Samsung except for a few exceptions: the ultrawide camera on the S21 Ultra and front cameras on both the S21 and S21+ are produced by Sony; additionally the telephoto lens on the S21 FE is supplied by SK Hynix.
All models in this series can capture video in HDR10+ format and support photos saved in HEIF.
Controversy over Moon photographs
It was revealed that the Scene Optimizer feature on Samsung Galaxy S21 and subsequent models employs artificial intelligence to detect the Moon and enhance images by incorporating details that the camera hardware itself cannot capture, drawing from a database of existing lunar images.[3][4] Samsung, however, contested these claims, stating that their AI enhancement process supplements moon photos by adding detail.[4]
Video recording capabilities
The Galaxy S21 lineup offers support for these video recording options:[2]
- 8K at 24 frames per second (excluding the FE version)[5]
- 4K at 30 or 60 frames per second
- 1080p at 30, 60, or 240 frames per second
- 720p at 960 frames per second (with 480fps footage being interpolated to achieve 960fps on the S21 Ultra)[6][7]
High-resolution video frames can be extracted and utilized as individual photographs.[8]
Software environment
Upon launch, the initial three models of the S21 series came equipped with Android 11 paired with One UI 3.1 alongside Google's Mobile Services, integrating Samsung's proprietary One UI. Although the S21 FE was initially planned to debut with identical Android and One UI versions, its delayed release resulted in all models now running Android 12 with One UI 4.0.[9] Enhanced security is provided through Samsung Knox, which safeguards against unauthorized device resets; a specialized variant is also available for corporate deployment.[10]
On November 15, 2021, the first three smartphones in the S21 lineup received updates to Android 12 coupled with One UI 4.[11][12] On July 28, 2022, Samsung introduced a "repair mode" feature for the Galaxy S21 series that conceals personal data when devices are serviced by technicians.[13]
During the Galaxy Unpacked event on February 9, 2022, Samsung declared that flagship models released between 2021 and 2023, as well as mid-tier devices launched from 2022 through 2024—including the Galaxy S21 series—would receive four generations of Android OS upgrades along with five years of security patches.[14]
Starting November 7, 2022, the One UI 5 update based on Android 13 became available for Galaxy S21 devices.[15]
By January of 2024, the Galaxy S21 family had been upgraded to One UI 6 built on Android 14.[16]
From May 2025 onward, users of the S21, S21+, and S21 Ultra will be able to update to Android 15 along with One UI version 7. Subsequent updates will no longer support these models but will continue exclusively for the S21 FE variant since it originally launched with a newer software baseline.
Reception
The Verge reviewer Dieter Bohn commended the S21 Ultra for its vibrant display, swift processing capabilities, enduring battery life, and notable enhancements to the camera system, drawing comparisons to the iPhone 12 Pro Max's imaging quality. Nonetheless, Bohn pointed out that the device's glass back tends to be somewhat more vulnerable to minor abrasions. Android Authority's David Imel described the Galaxy S21 Ultra as a "powerhouse smartphone," highlighting its camera setup as among the finest available on Android devices. TechRadar's Matt Swider offered a favorable assessment, praising its "captivating design" and dubbing it "Samsung's most visually appealing phone to date," while also acknowledging the camera's exceptional performance. However, Swider criticized the device's cost, absence of a microSD card slot, and questioned the practicality of stylus support since the S Pen is sold separately and lacks dedicated storage on the phone.
Some critiques have focused on the omission of a charger and expandable storage via memory cards, features that were present in the previous Galaxy S20 model. In 2018, Samsung had mocked Apple's omission of similar functionalities and the lack of an audio jack through a series of commercials for the Galaxy S9 titled "Ingenious," where dissatisfied iPhone users confronted an Apple Store employee about missing capabilities that were standard on the Galaxy S9—a feature since eliminated from all Galaxy models.
Following Apple's lead in recent years, Samsung chose not to include a wall charger or earphones with the Galaxy S21 series, citing environmental concerns and aiming to reduce e-waste from redundant accessories. However, achieving maximum charging speeds may necessitate purchasing a separate charger, which involves additional packaging and shipping impacts on the environment.
See also
References
- ↑ Sohn, Jiyoung (9 February 2022). "Samsung Unveils New Galaxy S22 Smartphones and Keeps Old Prices". Wall Street Journal.
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 Cite error: Invalid
<ref>tag; no text was provided for refs namedauto - ↑ Samsung explains its 'fake' Moon photos
- ↑ 4.0 4.1 "Samsung responds to fake Moon controversy". The Verge. 15 March 2023. Archived from the original on 26 May 2023.
- ↑ "How advanced A.I. and new hardware push the Galaxy S21 Ultra's camera forward". Digital Trends. 18 January 2021. Retrieved 19 January 2021.
- ↑ admin (18 January 2021). "Galaxy S21 Slow Motion Feature is Retained!". Hi Speed Cameras. Retrieved 18 January 2021.
- ↑ "The Galaxy S21 and S21 Plus do at least one thing better than the Ultra". Android Authority. 19 January 2021. Retrieved 19 January 2021.
- ↑ "The Galaxy S21 Camera Shoots 8K Video & Turns It Into Photos". Android Headlines. 14 January 2021. Retrieved 24 September 2021.
- ↑ Vincent, Brittany (15 January 2021). "Samsung One UI 3 arrives: These are the top features". Tom's Guide. Retrieved 17 January 2021.
- ↑ Moorhead, Patrick. "What's New With Samsung Smartphone Security". Forbes. Retrieved 9 June 2021.
- ↑ "Samsung's Galaxy S21 series updated to One UI 4 with new Android 12 features". Engadget. 15 November 2021. Retrieved 15 November 2021.
- ↑ Stonham, Jonathan (15 December 2021). "How to download Official Samsung Galaxy S21 User Manual". Samsung Galaxy S21 User Manual.
- ↑ Dobberstein, Laura. "Samsung adds 'repair mode' to South Korean smartphone". www.theregister.com. Retrieved 2 August 2022.
- ↑ "Samsung Sets the New Standard With Four Generations of OS Upgrades To Ensure the Most Up-to-Date and More Secure Galaxy Experience". Global Newsroom. Samsung. 9 February 2022. Retrieved 17 March 2022.
- ↑ Taylor, James Lee (7 November 2022). "Breaking: Samsung rolls out Stable One UI 5.0 update for Galaxy S21 [Android 13]".
- ↑ "Unlocked Samsung Galaxy S21 gets Android 14 (One UI 6.0) update in the US". SamMobile. 21 January 2024. Retrieved 30 May 2024.
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