While some may have heard the launch news of the Samsung Galaxy S21 5G series, some of you might want to know more on the specifications of the device. Get ready a drink and snack because you’re going to learn all about the Samsung Galaxy S21 5G series in this article.
To start it off, Samsung Galaxy S21 5G series was launched at the Samsung Galaxy Unpacked January 2021 (14th January in Malaysia) via online. The launch revealed the Galaxy S21 5G series line-up which consist of three models: Galaxy S21, Galaxy S21+ and Galaxy S21 Ultra. All three device run the similar processors, Exynos 2100 (Asia and Europe market), for Malaysia market. Three models continues the similarities with supports fast charging 25W, wireless charging 15W, reverse wireless charging 4.5W, runs Android 11 and installed with the latest One UI 3.1. Out of the box, all three models now no longer have MicroSD card slot and charging adapter, so do take note about it.
But the similarities end there, as the Galaxy S21 and Galaxy S21+ runs albeit similar specs while the Galaxy S21 Ultra has better features and spec. Let’s dive down further to the devices.
Galaxy S21 5G and Galaxy S21+ 5G
Let’s check out the details of the Galaxy S21 and Galaxy S21+ for Malaysia market. Both models will be available in one variant: 8GB RAM with 256GB internal storage. For colour options, the Galaxy S21 have four colours to choose from, Phantom Violet, Phantom Grey, Phantom Pink and Phantom White, while the Galaxy S21+ have three colours to be chosen, Phantom Violet, Phantom Silver and Phantom Black. The build design for both device is a bit different as Galaxy S21 comes with Gorilla Glass Victus on the front and plastic (Samsung called it as “Glasstic”) at the back while Galaxy S21+ is packed with Corning Gorilla Glass Victus on the front and back.
The S21 comes with 4,000mAh battery while the S21+ comes with 4,800mAh battery. Samsung also claims both device can last the whole day even with 5G usage. For connectivity, both models supports WiFi 6, Bluetooth 5.0, A-GPS, GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO, and NFC. Both device have the latest Private Share function which allows user to control who gets access to the content you send, and how long it’s available – so you can share content worry-free.
On the display of both device, the Galaxy S21 uses a 6.2 inches Infinity-O display while the Galaxy S21+ uses 6.7 inches Infinity-O display. Both display is a Dynamic AMOLED 2X which has a 120Hz adaptive fast refresh rate (48~120Hz), HDR10+ and 1300 nits max brightness. The display also maxes out at 1080 x 2400 resolution which is perfect to watch Full HD video content. For audio department, both device is running a stereo speaker setup tuned by AKG.
For camera lovers, you will be happy to know that Galaxy S21 and Galaxy S21+ uses the same rear triple camera setup, 12 MP Main camera(f/1.8, 26mm (wide), 1/1.76″, 1.8µm, Dual Pixel PDAF, OIS), 64 MP Telephoto camera (f/2.0, 29mm (telephoto), 1/1.72″, 0.8µm, PDAF, OIS, 1.1x optical zoom, 3x hybrid zoom) and 12 MP Ultrawide angle camera(f/2.2, 13mm, 120Ëš (ultrawide), 1/2.55″ 1.4µm, Super Steady video). The telephoto lens on both device can use 30X Space Zoom, which basically uses the 3x Hybrid Optic Zoom and goes up to 30x Super Resolution Zoom. The rear camera can shoot videos up to 8K at 24fps making it perfect for aspiring vlogger, social media user and aspiring filmmaker.
The front camera on both device is a 10 MP Selfie camera (f/2.2, 26mm (wide), 1/3.24″, 1.22µm, Dual Pixel PDAF). The front camera can record videos up to 4K at 60fps.
Other notable features for both device is Samsung DeX, Samsung Wireless DeX, Fingerprint scanner, Samsung Knox Vault and Bixby. In terms of pricing, Galaxy S21 5G (256GB) is priced at RM3,699 while Galaxy S21+ 5G (256GB) is priced at RM4,299 and purchase yours today at Samsung Experience Stores, Samsung Authorised Partners and Samsung Malaysia Online Store.
Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G
For Malaysia market, Samsung Malaysia is offering two variants of the Galaxy S21 Ultra: 12GB RAM+256GB internal storage and 16GB RAM+512GB internal storage. Only two colour options is available if you decided to choose the Ultra: Phantom Silver and Phantom Black. The Ultra’s body is build for durability thanks to an aluminum frame and Gorilla Glass Victus on the front and back. Ultra also packs with an enormous 5,000mAh battery that can last the whole day even with 5G usage.
The display on on Ultra a step above from the competition. The monstrous 6.8 inches Infinity-O display Dynamic AMOLED 2X has an 120Hz adaptive fast refresh rate (10~120Hz) at 1440 x 3200 resolution for smooth scrolling action. The 4K panel is also certified for HDR10+ and max brightness peaks at 1500 nits. The display also have Eye Comfort Shield that cuts down on harmful blue light, which reduces eye strain and fatigue while still sleep easy. The device has a stereo speaker setup tuned by AKG that offers an immersive audio experience.
The cameras on the Galaxy S21 Ultra pushes the boundaries of mobile photography and videography. Over the rear, a quad camera setup features 108 MP main camera (f/1.8, 26mm (wide), 1/1.33″, 0.8µm, PDAF, Laser AF, OIS), 12 MP Ultrawide angle (f/2.2, 13mm (ultrawide), 1/2.55″, 1.4µm, dual pixel PDAF, Super Steady video), 10 MP Telephoto 3x optical zoom camera (f/2.4, 70mm (telephoto), 1/3.24″, 1.22µm, dual pixel PDAF, OIS), and 10 MP Telephoto 10x optical zoom camera (f/4.9, 240mm (periscope telephoto), 1/3.24″, 1.22µm, dual pixel PDAF, OIS). S21 Ultra will carry the 100X Space Zoom feature which saw its first appearance on the S20 Ultra and now uses the 10x Optic Zoom and goes up to 100x Super Resolution Zoom. Zooming in with the telephoto lens is now assisted with Zoom Lock, when zoom in 20x or more and the phone detects a lack of significant movement for 2-3 seconds, Zoom Lock activates and automatically stabilizes the image. The Night mode on the Ultra also received some improvement for faster and lesser noise, while also controlling exposure time.
Video recording with rear cameras of the Galaxy S21 Ultra is stellar. The main camera can record videos up to 8K at 24fps while all four camera can capture 4K at 60fps. Director’s View will also help aspiring vloggers to record video on both the front and rear facing cameras. Samsung also improves the video quality during night time as well with better brightness.
For selfie lovers, you’re going to love the Galaxy S21 Ultra even more. The Ultra packs a magnificent 40 MP front camera (f/2.2, 26mm (wide), 1/2.8″, 0.7µm, PDAF) to make sure your selfies stay true to life. The front camera also can capture videos up 4K at 60fps which is perfect for vloggers.
One of the new feature that is exclusively to the Galaxy S21 Ultra is support for S Pen. Samsung stated there is 2 official version of S Pen available for user: Normal S Pen (without bluetooth function) and S Pen Pro(with bluetooth function). At the moment, the S Pen for S21 Ultra is available at launch while the S Pen Pro availability will be announced later. However, take note that the S Pen is an optional accessories hence customer need to purchase the S Pen to enjoy it. Samsung said there will be Wacom-based stylus support from brands like Wacom (One Pen), Hi-Uni (Digital Mitsubishi Pencil), Staedtler (Noris Digital) and LAMY (AL-star black EMR). If you don’t feel like spending on the new S Pen, Samsung has confirmed that S21 Ultra will work with an existing S Pen from Note and Tab series.
Connectivity on the S21 Ultra is punching above its class thanks to support up to WiFi 6E, Bluetooth 5.2, A-GPS, GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO, and NFC. The Ultra also has the latest Private Share function which allows user to control who gets access to the content you send, and how long it’s available. Security on the device is further secured with Fingerprint scanner and Samsung Knox Vault. Other notable features on the Ultra is Samsung DeX, Samsung Wireless DeX and Bixby.
The Galaxy S21 Ultra is priced at RM5,299 for 12GB RAM+256GB variant and RM5,899 for 16GB RAM+512GB variant and it’s available for purchase via Samsung Experience Stores, Samsung Authorised Partners and Samsung Malaysia Online Store.
So, which Galaxy S21 series really suits your need? Galaxy S21, Galaxy S21+ or Galaxy S21 Ultra? Let me know in the comment section.