Samsung Galaxy S21 series officially launched with Snapdragon 888, S Pen, One UI 3.1, and less price
Samsung Galaxy S21 series officially launched with Snapdragon 888, S Pen, One UI 3.1, and less price
Samsung is taking a major step in the right direction in 2021, and the new Galaxy S21 will cost $200 less. The original model of the Galaxy S21 series is the Galaxy S21, starting price is $799, down from last year’s $999.
Despite the price reduction, it still provides a very complete product package. It is equipped with Snapdragon 888 processor, three rear cameras, and 5G, this time the smallest phone also includes mmWave.
The Galaxy S21+ has almost the same design, except for the larger display, which starts at $999. However, there is a big difference between these two phones. The S21+ has Samsung’s regular glass back cover, while the normal Galaxy S21 has matte plastic similar to the Galaxy S20 FE.
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Both phones are downgraded to 1080p displays – the S21 is 6.2 inches and the S21 + 6.7 inches, but with Samsung’s adaptive 120Hz display, the refresh rate can be adjusted to better suit the content and save battery. Both phones come with 8GB of RAM and lack microSD expansion. You will also see an IP68 waterproof performance, Qi wireless charging, Android 11 / One UI 3.1, and a larger battery.
In the camera department, Samsung Galaxy S21 and S21+ come with a 12MP sensor for the main wide-angle camera and auxiliary ultra-wide-angle camera, with a 120-degree field of view. However, the telephoto camera uses 64MP to create a 3x hybrid zoom. Samsung also offers 30x space zoom on both devices and has a 10MP selfie shooter in a punch-hole display.
On the other hand, Samsung also has the Galaxy S21 Ultra, which is the top flagship of this year. It has the same key specifications, the Snapdragon 888, no microSD slot, adaptive 120Hz, and ultrasonic fingerprint scanner. The S21 Ultra has 12GB of RAM, as well as a top model with 16GB of RAM and 512GB of storage space.
The Galaxy S21 Ultra features a 6.8-inch QHD + curved display, which uses the new Eye Comfort Shield like the S21 and S21+. This new technology is designed to reduce harmful blue light at any time (not only at night) without damaging your eyes.
Samsung’s display on the Galaxy S21 Ultra can also reach a peak brightness of 1,500 nits. The center punch-hole display features a 40MP selfie camera upgrade.
Talking about cameras, the main camera of the Galaxy S21 Ultra is a 108MP sensor with the same laser autofocus system that we found on the Galaxy Note 20 Ultra. There is a 12MP camera for ultra-wide-angle shooting and two 10MP sensors for zooming. The first is a 3x optical zoom lens, and the second is a 10x zoom.
In combination, Samsung can use them to achieve 100x “space zoom”, which should be able to see the higher quality this time than last year’s S20 Ultra mid-level display. Samsung reported that users can shoot at 4k/60fps on the Galaxy S21 Ultra for every lens (even a selfie camera). In professional mode, photos also have a new 12-bit RAW option.
Samsung also gave S Pen support to the Galaxy S21 Ultra, the first support of the Galaxy S series. However, unlike the Galaxy Note series, the Ultra does not have a dedicated slot to store the S Pen in the phone. Samsung will sell the stylus pen with cases that can store the stylus.
The regular Galaxy S21 will come in Phantom Violet, Phantom Gray, Phantom Pink, and Phantom White, while the Galaxy S 21+ will come in Phantom Violet, Phantom Black, and Phantom Silver. The Galaxy S21 Ultra will use Phantom Silver and Phantom Black.
The Samsung Galaxy S21 series will be launched in the US on 29 January, pre-orders will start on 14 January. The basic model is priced at $799, while the S21+ is priced at $999, and the S21 Ultra is priced at $1,199.
Pre-order offers include Samsung.com’s $100, $150, or $200 credit and free Galaxy Smart tag. Trade discounts can also save up to $700.
Japan’s KDDI selected Samsung as the main vendor for 5G expansion. Samsung’s vRAN will be deployed by KDDI starting next year for 5G expansion. The company will provide 4G and 5G O-RAN-compliant vRAN solutions in Japan.
Samsung today confirmed selection by KDDI as a key 4G and 5G O-RAN compliant vRAN provider for their Open RAN deployment in Japan. The partnership with KDDI will help Samsung strengthen its role in Japan’s 5G expansion.
“Together with KDDI, we are thrilled to take this significant step and strengthen our presence in Japan,” said Junehee Lee, Executive Vice President, Head of Global Sales & Marketing, Networks Business at Samsung Electronics.
The South Korean tech giant noted that it’s bringing vRAN 3.0 solution, a full suite of O-RAN compliant radios supporting low- and mid-bands including advanced Massive MIMO radios and third-party radio integration support.
Kazuyuki Yoshimura, Chief Technology Officer of KDDI: “Today’s announcement represents KDDI’s dedication to bringing innovative technologies to Japan. We are proud to deliver a cutting-edge and reliable radio access network.”
Key features of Samsung CognitiV Networks Operations Suite (NOS) will also be offered. The features streamline the onboarding, deployment, and operation processes, enabling KDDI to transform its widespread network efficiently.
Beyond that Samsung and KDDI will expand the reach of Open RAN in the coming years. For now, KDDI’s Open RAN network will feature enhanced capabilities for improved energy efficiency, optimized performance, and intelligent automation.
Samsung Wallet getting an instant Tap to Transfer feature for Galaxy users. The latest addition unlocks instant and seamless money transfer. This move reiterates Samsung’s commitment to upscaling the Galaxy ecosystem.
The Tap to Transfer feature allows users of Samsung Wallet on Galaxy phones to instantly transfer money by tapping the backs of their devices together. The transfer process is powered by NFC technology embedded in Galaxy phones.
Samsung confirmed that the feature will be gradually supported through app updates in Samsung Wallet. The Tap to Transfer feature eliminates the need to ask for or input the recipient’s account number during transfers.
This seamless process will help Galaxy users save time and effort as well as reduce the risk of sending money to the wrong account. It’s an answer to Apple iOS 18’s Tap to Cash feature, which allows users to transfer funds with nearby ecosystem devices.
Samsung Wallet allows the recipient to set a representative account for receiving funds and can receive ‘Tap to Transfer’ payments even when their Galaxy’s screen is off – even without opening the Samsung Wallet app.
Here’s how it works:
The user who wants to send money enters the password for their registered account in Samsung Wallet, inputs the transfer amount, then taps their phone against the recipient’s phone and completes the transfer through the default unlock method.
The recipient’s account number transmitted during the ‘Tap to Transfer’ process is encrypted and sent to the sender. Instead of displaying the full account number, only the last four digits of the recipient’s mobile phone number are shown.
The feature is currently available in South Korea and supported by Woori Bank.
Samsung could use the next-gen display across the Galaxy S25 series. A limited number of users reported display graininess issues on the Galaxy S24 Ultra, which is reportedly eliminated in the upcoming Galaxy S25 series.
IceUniverse reports Galaxy S25 series resolves the display graininess issue from the S24 Ultra. The tipster mentioned that the “Galaxy S25 series screen is great.” It suggests the inclusion of an upgraded screen tech in the flagships.
Pixel 9 series debuted Samsung’s best display technology. Industry expects that the Korean tech giant will now expand the cutting-edge screen to its upcoming flagships including the Galaxy S25, Galaxy S25 Plus, and Galaxy S25 Ultra.
Upgraded display is usually meant to offer vibrant colors while keeping efficiency. However, it’s a big development for Samsung consumers as the alleged graininess issue from the Galaxy S24 Ultra is finally eliminated.
Galaxy S25 series screen is great
Getrid of the screen graininess problem in S24.— ICE UNIVERSE (@UniverseIce) October 10, 2024
Samsung is ensuring the upcoming flagships won’t lag in any way. From processor and memory to display and camera, pro-grade specifications coming to the next-gen Galaxy S line. The company could launch the S25 series in January next year.
Galaxy S24 Ultra screen graininess
Some S24 Ultra owners notice a grainy, pixelated, or textured appearance on the display. It occurs the most in certain lighting conditions or when viewing darker colors at low brightness. The anti-reflective glass was also suspected to be blamed.
However, graininess in screens could be caused by several factors such as OLED pixel arrangement, brightness levels, and software calibration. Samsung seemingly heard consumer feedback and improved the screen hardware.