Support
Samsung S21 line-up set to hit the shelves
With the base model cheaper than last year’s was at launch, this year sees a few tweaks but also some reduced specs, while the gap between standard and Ultra has become noticeably wider.
So, what does this latest Samsung Galaxy S21 line-up deliver?
Three models
The S21 officially comes in three models, with each stepping up in both price and capability. All are 5G network compatible.
They also offer a new ultrasonic fingerprint sensor that’s larger than previous models and include a 120Hz display for smooth scrolling, great graphics, awesome colours and improved brightness.
The Samsung Galaxy S21
The base model S21 features a 6.2-inch HD display that’s a bit of a step down on the previous model. That said, TechRadar notes the 120Hz refresh rate means there’s no noticeable loss of resolution.
Meanwhile, Gorilla Glass offers water and dust resistance and a 4000mAh battery ensures all-day charge.
In terms of improvements, this phone line-up is “designed to revolutionise video and photography,” according to Samsung, offering 8K resolution so you can snap “epic photos”.
And when it comes to snapping those pics, there are four camera options on the base model available.
There’s the 10MP selfie camera at the front, along with three lenses on the rear that encompass a 12MP ultra-wide camera, 12MP wide-angle camera, and 64MP telephoto lens plus 30X space zoom.
The camera bump has a smaller profile than years gone by, and while your phone won’t sit totally flat when set down on its rear, the camera is less noticeable.
The S21 comes with either 128GB or 256GB of storage, and is available in four colours including the new addition Phantom Violet.
It retails from US$$799 (AU$1249).
The Samsung Galaxy S21-Plus
The S21-Plus offers all the features of the S21 but in a slightly larger size and with some minor improvements.
Its display measures 6.7-inches, it features a slightly larger 4800mAh battery, and comes in three basic colours along with Samsung’s exclusive colours of Phantom Gold and Phantom Red.
Other than that, it’s not much of a leap from the base model S21. The Plus also has four cameras with the same specs, comes with either 128GB or 256GB of storage, and boasts the 120Hz refresh rate for its screen.
The S21-Plus retails from $999 (AU$1549).
The Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra
By the time you get to the Ultra model of the S21 range, Samsung is getting serious about storage, battery power, accessories, and photography.
The Ultra offers a 6.8-inch screen, the three storage options of 128GB, 256GB and 512GB, and comes with a 5000mAh battery.
This increased battery power and storage might well be needed to accommodate all those pics you’ll be taking with the phone’s expanded camera array.
On the front, the S21 Ultra has a 40MP selfie camera in addition to rear cameras comprising a 12MP ultra-wide camera, a 108MP wide angle lens, and two 10MP telephoto cameras along with 100X space zoom.
Unlike the lower spec models, the Ultra is also S-Pen compatible.
But these additions do come at a cost. The Ultra kicks in with a price point of $1199 (AU$1849) and it comes in two basic colour options in addition to the exclusive Samsung colours of Phantom Titanium, Phantom Navy, and Phantom Brown.
The Samsung Galaxy S21 line-up was unveiled on January 14 and arrived instore on January 29.
Related Articles
Spotlight on POS – Square features
What’s the go with GaN chargers?
Portable, compact and streamlined – The benefits of a floor stand kiosk
