Jiří Filip The first really tough competition for the recently introduced iPhone 12 (Pro) is here. A little while ago, at its traditional Unpacked event, Samsung presented the world with news from its flagship Galaxy S series - namely the S21, S21+ and S21 Ultra models. It is these that will probably go after the iPhone 12's neck the most out of all competing smartphones in the coming months. So what are they like?
Just like last year, this year Samsung also bet on a total of three models of the Galaxy S series, two of which are "basic" and one is premium. The word "basic" is in quotation marks quite deliberately - the equipment of the Galaxy S21 and S21+ certainly does not resemble the entry-level models of this series. After all, you will be able to see for yourself in the following lines.
While Apple opted for sharp edges with the iPhone 12, Samsung is still sticking to the rounded shapes that have been typical for this series in recent years with its Galaxy S21. Compared to previous generations, however, it still stands out in terms of design - especially thanks to the redesigned camera module, which is much more prominent than what we've been used to from Samsung. However, it should be noted that this is not a step aside, at least in our opinion, since the module has a relatively smooth impression, just like in the case of iPhone 11 Pro or 12 Pro modules. The combination of shiny metal with a matte glass back is a safe bet.
The main role is the camera
As for the technical specifications of the camera, in the S21 and S21+ models you will find a total of three lenses in the module - specifically, an ultra-wide 12 MPx with a 120-degree field of view, a 12 MPx wide-angle lens and a 64 MPx telephoto lens with triple optical zoom. In the front, you will find a 10MP camera in the classic "hole" in the center of the upper part of the display. We will have to wait for a comparison with the iPhone 12, but at least in the telephoto lens, the Galaxy S21 and S21+ have a good edge.
If such a high-quality camera is not enough for you, you can reach for the premium Galaxy S21 Ultra series, which offers an ultra-wide-angle lens with the same characteristics as the previous models, but a wide-angle lens with an incredible 108 MPx and two 10 MPx telephoto lenses, in one case with a ten-fold optical zoom and in the other then triple optical zoom. Perfect focusing is then taken care of by a module for laser focusing, which will probably be similar to LiDAR from Apple. The front camera of this model also looks great on paper – it offers 40 MPx. At the same time, the iPhone 12 (Pro) only has 12 MPx front cameras.
It definitely won't offend the display
The phones are produced in a total of three sizes – namely 6,1” in the case of the S21, 6,7” in the case of the S21+ and 6,8” in the case of the S21 Ultra. The first two mentioned models, like the iPhone 12, have completely straight displays, while the S21 Ultra is rounded on the sides, similar to the iPhone 11 Pro and older. In terms of display type and resolution, the Galaxy S21 and S21+ rely on a Full HD+ panel with a resolution of 2400 x 1080 covered by Gorilla Glass Victus. The Ultra model is then equipped with a Quad HD+ display with a resolution of 3200 x 1440 at an incredible fineness of 515 ppi. In all cases, it is Dynamic AMOLED 2x with adaptive refresh rate support up to 120 Hz. At the same time, iPhones only offer 60 Hz.
Gallery
Lots of RAM, a new chipset and 5G support
At the heart of all new models is the 5nm Samsung Exynos 2100 chipset, which was officially revealed to the world only on Monday at CES. As usual, the RAM equipment looks very interesting, on which Samsung really doesn't skimp. At a time when Apple puts "only" 6 GB into its best iPhones, Samsung packed exactly 8 GB into the "basic" models, and in the S21 Ultra model you can choose from 12 and 16 GB RAM variants - that is, from two to almost three times what they have iPhones. However, only sharp tests will show whether these big differences can be seen in everyday life, rather than just on paper. If you were interested in the memory variants, 21 and 21GB versions are available for the S128 and S256+, and a 21GB version is also available for the S512 Ultra. It is very interesting that this year Samsung has said goodbye to the support of memory cards for all models, so users can no longer easily expand the internal memory. What, on the other hand, is of course not missing is the support of 5G networks, which are enjoying an ever-increasing boom in the world. The Ultra model also got support for the S Pen stylus.
As in the previous year, the phone's security will be taken care of by the fingerprint reader in the display. For all models, Samsung opted for a higher-quality, ultrasonic version, which should provide users with comfort in the form of high security combined with speed. Here, we can only hope that Apple will be inspired by the iPhone 13 and will also supplement Face ID with a reader in the display.
Battery
The new Galaxy S21 didn't skimp on the batteries either. While the smallest model boasts a 4000 mAh battery, the medium one offers a 4800 mAh battery and the largest even a 5000 mAh battery. All models are traditionally equipped with a USB-C port, support for super-fast charging with 25W chargers, support for 15W wireless charging or reverse charging. According to Samsung, the durability of the phones should be very good thanks to the deployment of an extremely economical chipset.
The prices are not surprising
As these are flagships, their price is relatively high. You will pay CZK 128 for the basic 21 GB Galaxy S22, and CZK 499 for the higher 256 GB variant. They are available in grey, white, pink and purple versions. As for the Galaxy S23+, you will pay CZK 999 for the 21GB variant and CZK 128 for the 27GB variant. They are available in black, silver and purple versions. You will pay CZK 999 for the premium Galaxy S256 Ultra model in the 29 GB RAM + 499 GB version, CZK 21 for the 12 GB RAM + 128 GB version, and CZK 33 for the highest 499 GB RAM and 12 GB version. This model is available in black and silver. It is quite interesting that together with the introduction of the new products, Mobil Emergency launched a new "upgrade promotion" in which they can be obtained at really friendly prices. You can learn more about it, for example <a href="https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/1932/8043/files/200721_ODSTOUPENI_BEZ_UDANI_DUVODU__EN.pdf?v=1595428404" data-gt-href-en="https://en.notsofunnyany.com/">here</a>.
In general, it can be said that all three newly introduced models look more than good on paper and easily outperform iPhones. However, we have already witnessed many times that paper specifications meant nothing in the end and phones with better equipment eventually had to bow down to technically outdated iPhones with lower RAM memory or lower battery life capacity. However, only time will tell whether this will also be the case with the new Samsungs.
The new Samsung Galaxy S21 can be pre-ordered, for example, here
