 | |
 From left to right S21, S21 FE, S21+, and S21 Ultra. | |
| Manufacturer | Samsung Electronics |
|---|---|
| Type | Smartphone |
| Series | Galaxy S |
| First released |
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| Discontinued | February 25, 2022; 3 years ago (2022-02-25) (S21, S21+ & S21 Ultra) October 3, 2023; 18 months ago (2023-10-03) (S21 FE) |
| Units shipped | 25.5 million |
| Predecessor | Samsung Galaxy S20 |
| Successor | Samsung Galaxy S22Samsung Galaxy S23 FE (for Fan Edition) |
| Compatible networks | 2G,3G,4G,5G |
| Form factor | Slate |
| Dimensions |
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| Weight |
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| Operating system |
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| System-on-chip |
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| CPU |
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| GPU | |
| Memory | |
| Storage |
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| Removable storage | None |
| SIM | nanoSIM,eSIM Single SIM or Hybrid Dual SIM in dual stand-by |
| Battery |
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| Charging |
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| Rear camera | All: Features: LED flash, auto-HDR,panorama Video:8K@24fps,4K@30/60fps,1080p@30/60/120fps, 720p@960fps, HDR10+, stereo sound rec., gyro-EIS & OIS
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| Front camera |
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| Display |
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| External display | Always on |
| Sound | Dolby Atmos stereo speakers tuned byAKG |
| Connectivity |
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| Data inputs | USB-C 3.2 Sensors:
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| Water resistance | IP68 water/dust resistance, up to 1.5 m for 30 minutes |
| Website | |
| References | [1][2][3][4] |
TheSamsung Galaxy S21 is a series of high-endAndroid-basedsmartphones developed, marketed, and manufactured bySamsung Electronics as part of itsGalaxy S series. They collectively serve as the successor to theSamsung Galaxy S20 series. The first three smartphones were unveiled at Samsung's Galaxy Unpacked event on 14 January 2021, while the Fan Edition model was unveiled at Samsung's CES on 3 January 2022.
The S21 series consists of the baseGalaxy S21 model, the largerGalaxy S21+ model, the high-endGalaxy S21 Ultra model, and the mid-rangeGalaxy S21 FE model. Key upgrades over the previous models, in addition to improved specifications, a display with a 120 Hz adaptiverefresh rate, an improved camera system supporting8K video recording (7680×4320) for the first three models, and a super-resolution zoom of 30–100x, for the ultra model.
The first three phones were released in theUnited States andEurope on 29 January 2021, while the Fan Edition was released globally on 7 January 2022. The Galaxy S21 FE, S21, S21+, and S21 Ultra launch prices started at $699.99, $799.99, $999.99, and $1079.99, respectively.
The Galaxy S21 was succeeded by theGalaxy S22, which was announced on 9 February 2022.[5]
The lineup of the first three devices was unveiled atSamsung'sGalaxy Unpacked event on 14 January 2021. The three devices served as the successors of the 2020 models. All devices' design scheme has changed drastically, redesigning the massive rear-camera module for a slimmer camera module incorporated with the buttons and a uniform appearance for the S21, S21+, and S21 Ultra. The base model possesses a (plastic)polycarbonate back, the only model of the three devices to attain the change. The base model attains similar specifications to the S20.[1] The S21+ retains the specifications and design of the regular S21, in contrast to minor differences. It serves as the successor to the S20+.[2] The S21 Ultra serves as the high-end model of the S21 series, integrated as the professional version of the lineup, and successor to the S20 Ultra. The phone became the first of the S-Series lineup to haveS-Pen support, with limited functionality.[3] The S21 series discontinued sales once theGalaxy S22 were released.[6] The phones were released on 29 January 2021.[7]
The "Fan Edition" follow-up was unveiled at Samsung's CES 2022 event on 3 January 2022. The S21 FE serves as the successor to the S20 FE, a series of mid-range variants of their correspondingGalaxy S lineup upon launch. The Fan Edition maintains the majority of the specifications and design of the S21, with slight discrepancies to meet its lower price value.[8] The phone was originally planned to be released in October 2021 but was delayed due to the2020–present global chip shortage. The S21 FE was released on 11 January 2022.[9] Its battery had 4500mAh (25W wired and 15W wireless). It was also equipped with a 6.4" 1080x2340 display which included under display fingerprint.[10]
The lineup comprises four devices, with the Galaxy S21 initially being the least expensive with a smaller screen size and a polycarbonate (plastic) back, which then is undercut later on by the Galaxy S21 FE with the same material minus the camera bump being also polycarbonate than metal. In contrast to the Galaxy S20+, the Galaxy S21+ is very similar to the S21 spec-wise, with the exception of a larger display, higher battery capacity, and glass back instead of plastic. The Galaxy S21 Ultra has an even larger screen size, battery, and a host of other improvements over the other models, including a more advanced camera setup highlighted by its 108 MP main sensor with laser auto-focus and a higher resolution1440p display.[11] The S21 Ultra is also the first phone in the Galaxy S series to support theS Pen, albeit sold separately and with limited functionality.[12]
The Galaxy S21 series has a design similar to its predecessor, with an Infinity-O display containing a circular cutout in the top center for the front selfie camera. The S21 and S21 FE's back panel is reinforced poly-carbonate (plastic) similar to theS20 FE andNote 20 while the S21+ and S21 Ultra use Gorilla Glass Victus.[13] The rear camera array has been integrated into the phone body except for the S21 FE which is made out of reinforced poly-carbonate integrated instead on the back cover and has a metallic surround; the S21 Ultra has a carbon fiber camera surround for exclusive colors.
| Galaxy S21 FE | Galaxy S21 | Galaxy S21+ | Galaxy S21 Ultra | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Base colors |
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|
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| Online exclusive colors | — | — |
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The S21 line comprises four models with various hardware specifications. International and Korean models of the S21 utilize theExynos 2100 SoC, while theU.S., Canadian, Chinese, Taiwanese, Hong Kong and Japanese models utilize theQualcommSnapdragon 888.[14] The U.S., Canadian, Chinese, and international (European) models of the S21 FE use the Snapdragon 888, while Korean, Indian, Brazilian and Australian markets use Exynos 2100.
The S21 series features "DynamicAMOLED 2X" displays withHDR10+ support and "dynamic tone mapping" technology. All models except the S21 FE utilize a second-generation ultrasonic in-screenfingerprint sensor with the latter opting for an optical in-screen system instead. The S21 Ultra is also now able to use 120 Hz at 1440p unlike its predecessor (which was limited to 120 Hz at only 1080p).[15]
| Model | Display size (in) | Display resolution[15] | Max refresh rate | Variable refresh rate | Shape |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| S21 | 6.2 | 2400x1080 | 120 Hz | 48 Hz to 120 Hz | Flat sides |
| S21 FE | 6.4 | 2340x1080 | 120 Hz | 60 Hz /120 Hz | Flat sides |
| S21+ | 6.7 | 2400x1080 | 120 Hz | 48 Hz to 120 Hz | Flat sides |
| S21 Ultra | 6.8 | 3200x1440 | 120 Hz | 10 Hz to 120 Hz | Curved sides |
| Models | Galaxy S21 | Galaxy S21+ | Galaxy S21 Ultra[15] | Galaxy S21 FE | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| RAM | Storage | RAM | Storage | RAM | Storage | RAM | Storage | |
| Variant 1 | 8GB | 128GB | 8GB | 128GB | 12GB | 128GB | 6GB | 128GB |
| Variant 2 | 8GB | 256GB | 8GB | 256GB | 12GB | 256GB | 8GB | 128GB |
| Variant 3 | - | - | - | - | 16GB | 512GB | 8GB | 256GB |
The S21 and S21+ offer 8 GB ofRAM with 128 GB and 256 GB options for internal storage. The S21 Ultra has 12 GB ofRAM with 128 GB and 256 GB options as well as a 16 GB option with 512 GB of internal storage. The S21 FE offers 6 GB and 8 GB ofRAM with 128 GB and 256 GB options for internal storage. All four models lack a microSD card slot, which was present in the S20 series.[16]
The S21, S21 FE, S21+, and S21 Ultra contain non-removable 4000 mAh, 4,500 mAh, 4800 mAh, and 5000 mAh batteries respectively.[17] All four models support wired charging overUSB-C at up to 25W (usingUSB Power Delivery) as well asQiinductive charging up to 15W. The phones also can charge other Qi-compatible devices from the S21's battery power, which is branded as "Wireless PowerShare," at up to 4.5W.[18]
All four phones support5G SA/NSA networks, The Galaxy S21, S21+, and S21 FE supportWi-Fi 6 andBluetooth 5.0, while the Galaxy S21 Ultra supportsWi-Fi 6E andBluetooth 5.2. The S21+ and S21 Ultra models also supportUltra Wideband (UWB) for short-range communications similar toNFC (not to be confused with5G mmWave, which is marketed as Ultra Wideband byVerizon). Samsung uses this technology for their new "SmartThings Find" feature and theSamsung Galaxy SmartTag+.[19]
| Models | Galaxy S21 & S21+ | Galaxy S21 Ultra | Galaxy S21 FE | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wide | Specs | 12 MP, f/1.8, 26 mm, 1/1.76", DPAF, OIS | 108 MP, f/1.8, 24 mm, 1/1.33", PDAF, OIS | 12 MP, f/1.8, 26 mm, 1/1.76", Dual PDAF, OIS |
| Model | Samsung S5K2LD or Sony IMX555 | Samsung S5KHM3 | Samsung S5K2LD or Sony IMX555 | |
| Ultrawide | Specs | 12 MP, f/2.2, 13 mm, 1/2.55", fixed focus | 12 MP, f/2.2, 13 mm, 1/2.55", DPAF | 12 MP, f/2.2, 15 mm, 1/3.1", Fixed Focus |
| Model | Samsung S5K2LA | Sony IMX563 | Samsung S5K3L6 | |
| Telephoto | Specs | 64 MP, f/2.0, 29 mm, 1/1.72", PDAF, OIS | 10 MP, f/2.4, 70 mm, 1/3.24", DPAF, OIS | 8 MP, f/2.4, 76 mm, 1/4.5", PDAF, OIS (3x zoom) |
| Model | Samsung S5KGW2 | Samsung S5K3J1 | SK Hynix HI-847 | |
| Periscope Telephoto | Specs | - | 10 MP, f/4.9, 240 mm, 1/3.24", DPAF, OIS | - |
| Model | Samsung S5K3J1 | |||
| Front | Specs | 10 MP, f/2.2, 26 mm, 1/3.24", DPAF | 40 MP, f/2.2, 26 mm, 1/2.8", PDAF | 32 MP, f/2.2, 26 mm, 1/2.74", Fixed Focus |
| Model | Sony IMX374 | Samsung S5KGH1 | Sony IMX616 | |
The S21 and S21+ have similar camera setups to their predecessors but benefit from improvedsoftware and image processing. Both have a 12 MP wide sensor, a 64 MP telephotosensor with 3x hybrid zoom, and a 12 MP ultrawide sensor. The S21 FE also has a similar camera setup to its predecessor but benefits from improved software and image processing. It has a 12 MP wide sensor, an 8 MP telephoto sensor with 3x optical zoom, and a 12 MP ultrawide sensor. The S21 Ultra has a new HM3 108 MP sensor with several enhancements over the previous HM1 108 MP sensor, including 12-bit HDR. It also has two 10 MP telephoto sensors with 3x and 10x optical zoom and a 12 MP ultrawide sensor.[20] Thefront-facing camera uses a 10 MP sensor on the S21 and S21+, 32 MP sensor on the S21 FE, and a 40 MP sensor on the S21 Ultra. 4K@60 recording is supported on the ultrawide camera on the S21, S21+, and S21 FE and all cameras on the S21 Ultra. All cameras are Samsung except 12MP Ultra Wide on S21 Ultra and 10MP front on S21 and S21+, which are both made by Sony, and the 8MP Telephoto on the S21 FE which is made by SK Hynix.
The Galaxy S21 series can record HDR10+ video and supportHEIF.[15]
Users discovered that the Scene Optimizer included with Samsung Galaxy S21 and later phones use artificial intelligence to identify theMoon and add details that the camera is not capable of capturing, based on a library of existing moon photos.[21][22] However, this was disputed by Samsung, claiming that they have an AI enhancement algorithm that adds detail to the moon photos.[22]
The Samsung Galaxy S21 series supports the following video modes:[15]
Still frames extracted from high-resolution footage can act as standalone photographs.[26]
The first three S21 phones were released withAndroid 11 (One UI 3.1) andGoogle Mobile Services, with Samsung'sOne UI software. While the S21 FE was supposed to be released with the same Android version and One UI skin, due to it being delayed all devices are now updated withAndroid 12 (One UI 4.0) instead.[27] They all useSamsung Knox for enhanced device factory reset protection (FRP) security, and a separate version exist for enterprise use.[28] Samsung has promised 4 years of major Android OS updates and an extra year of security updates for a total of 5 years worth of updates.
The first three S21 series smartphones were updated toAndroid 12 and One UI 4 on 15 November 2021.[29][30] Samsung added a "repair mode" to its Galaxy S21 on 28 July 2022, hiding users' data when they entrust an ailing device to a technician.[31]
The One UI 5 update based onAndroid 13 began rolling out to S21 devices on 7 November 2022.[32] As of July 2024, the S21 devices had received the One UI 6 update based onAndroid 14.[33]
The Verge's review, by Dieter Bohn, praised the S21 Ultra's punchy display, fast performance, long-lasting battery life and the general improvements to the camera system, likening the latter to that of theiPhone 12 Pro Max's; however, Bohn did note that the phone's glass back is slightly more susceptible to minor scratches.[34]Android Authority's review by David Imel noted the Samsung's Galaxy S21 Ultra "is a powerhouse smartphone" and that "the camera system in Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra is one of the best you can get on Android".[35] Matt Sweder at Techradar gave a positive review noting its "mesmerizing design" calling it "Samsung’s best-looking phone ever" and how "phenomenally powerful" the camera is, but also went on to criticize the price and lack ofmicroSD card slot, and questioning the stylus support, which is a separate purchase, with nowhere to put the S Pen on the phone itself.[36]
Criticism has been aimed at the lack of acharger andmemory card-expandable storage, the latter of which existed on the preceding Galaxy S20.[37] In 2018, Samsung made fun ofiPhone's lack of the same features and anaudio connector port in a series ofcommercials for theGalaxy S9 named "Ingenious", where unhappy iPhone customers confront anApple Store employee over the lack of functionality that the Galaxy S9 was equipped with, a feature which has since been removed from all Galaxy phones.[38]
Following Apple, Samsung decided not to include a wall charger or earphones when selling the Galaxy S21 series of smartphones, the reasoning being that "Samsung believes the removal of earphones and charger plugs from our in-box device packaging can help address the growing e-waste problem and unnecessary duplication of these items". However, reaching the highest charging rate possibly requires a new charger with separate packaging and shipping with a standalone environmental footprint.[39]
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