With the new Galaxy S21 and S21+ smartphones, Samsung hopes to undo the disappointment that was the Note 20 and focus on solid tech and a suitably suave design persona.
It seems that every other day Samsung releases a new “flagship” phone. While we all love new tech, recent additions to the line up have been hit and miss (we’re looking at you Mr Note 20), to the point that Samsung (almost) axed an entire series of phones.
Now, the brand is hoping to make up lost ground with the arrival of the new Galaxy S series, which includes the Galaxy S21 and S21+ (there’s also the S21 Ultra for heavy-hitters). Packed with features, a powerful camera, and streamlined connectivity capabilities, these new S phones might be just the tool for urban lads on the move.
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Distinguishing themselves from the Note line up, the new Galaxy S21 and S21+ phones feature relatively compact edge-to-edge Dynamic AMOLED 2X Infinity O displays – 6.2-inches and 6.7-inches respectively – as well as improved battery life and a new Eye Comfort Shield that automatically adjusts blue light levels, so you can binge watch to your heart’s delight. The S21 series phones also boast metal frames and a luxurious haze finish on the back.

With phones today it seems to be all about the camera, and the new S series won’t disappoint. The S21 and 21+ phones feature an AI-powered triple-lens camera (they call it ‘pro-grade’ but what does that even mean?) that includes a 12MP main lens an f/1.8 aperture and optical stabilisation; a 12MP ultra-wide lens at f/2.2; and a 64MP telephoto lens at f/2.0, also with optical stabilisation.
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The cameras are also packed with features ranging from a portrait mode with 3D analysis that helps draw out the subject; Space Zoom, which lets you shoot crisp telephoto shots; and enhanced processing to reduce digital noise and bring out detail in darker conditions; to 8K Snap, which lets you take sharp stills from your 8K video footage; and a new Director’s Cut that lets you see, switch and select from a range of shots. The popular Single Take feature has been updated with new ‘pro-style’ settings, including Highlight Video and Dynamic Slow-Mo.

The Galaxy S21 and 21+ also feature the most advanced smartphone chipset yet in a Galaxy for greater speed, energy efficiency, and advanced computing capabilities to support 5G connectivity and on-device AI. The word is, the Galaxy S21 phones pack all the power you need to process photos, record 8K videos, enjoy a cloud gaming marathon, and make the perfect video clips on the go.
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The new Galaxy S21 and S21_ are also secured by Samsung Knox Vault, the brand’s own proprietary chipset level (SoC) security platform, and introduces Private Share, a new tool to protect and monitor user privacy.
So what are the major differences between these two cutting-edge models? The S21 weighs in at 172g versus the S21+’s 202g. The latter is also slightly taller and wider but interestingly 0.1mm slimmer. Both devices are IP68 water and dust resistant and both sport a punch hole front camera at the top of their display.

While the S21 has a 4000mAh battery, the S21+ has a little extra juice at 4800mAH. There are both 128GB and 256GB options for both phones, and both new flagships come with 8GB of RAM as standard.
Of course, there are also compromises (isn’t that so often the case) with the S21. Samsung has brought the price down from previous S models, but to do that it’s had to cut a few corners, and this includes no charger in the box, which is fine if you already have one of the fast-charging cables; no MicroSD card for memory expansion, a plastic back (it’s Gorilla glass on the S21+ and Ultra), and a display resolution downgrade from QHD to full HD. These may be deal breakers for you, or they may mean nothing – you won’t really know until you buy one, and there in lies the adventure.
Ahh, isn’t technology grand?
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