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Samsung launches the new Galaxy S21, S21+ and S21 Ultra

Tech news 21 January 2021

Samsung announced that its new Galaxy S21 series smartphones are now available for pre-order in South Africa.

The tech giant unveiled its flagship Galaxy S21 devices during its Galaxy Unpacked event on the 14th of January 2021.

Samsung South Africa Director of Integrated Mobility Justin Hume said that Samsung envisioned turning the “new normal” into “everyday epic” with the Galaxy S21.

“We are focusing on experiences that are aimed to improve your life and the world that we live in right now,” Hume said.

The new range of devices featured are the Galaxy S21, S21+, and Galaxy S21 Ultra, and each sports a new design and a refreshed camera system that wraps around the side of the smartphone.

Another notable feature that was launched for the first time ever on the Galaxy S21 Ultra, is that it became the first Galaxy S smartphone to feature stylus support for on-screen work known as the S Pen, which is usually found on the Note devices.

The latest series also features 120Hz refresh rates for the displays, improved chipset, and 5G support.

The standard S21’s screen size is 6.2 inches, with the S21 Plus at 6.7 inches and S21 Ultra is 6.8 inches, optimal for watching videos and gaming.

Unlike the previous-generation Galaxy S20 devices, all smartphones in the Samsung Galaxy S21 range will offer 5G connectivity in addition to high refresh-rate OLED displays.

Samsung also noted that it has omitted charging adapters and headphones from the packaging of its new smartphones.

The Galaxy S21 series also introduces a new tool to protect and monitor your privacy. You can safely remove location metadata from photos before sharing. With Galaxy S21’s all-new Private Share function, you can also control who gets access to the content you send, and how long it’s available – so you can share content worry-free.

Here are specifications on the devices:

S21 and S21+

The Galaxy S21 and S21 Plus feature the latest and 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, Galaxy S21 packs all the power you need to process photos, record 8K videos, enjoy a cloud gaming marathon and make the perfect video clips.

Galaxy S21 and Galaxy S21+’s AI-powered triple-lens pro-grade camera is designed for those times when you want to be more intentional and have more creative control.

The camera system intuitively assesses and adjusts to your scene to ensure you can perfectly capture any environment.

In Portrait Mode, the AI-powered camera leverages an improved 3D analysis that more accurately separates the subject from the background. It also brings in options for virtual studio lighting and AI background effects to make sure the subject pops from the frame.

For elusive faraway shots, whether you’re on a hike or sitting in the back row, improved Space Zoom helps you get clear and steady shots. The new Zoom Lock minimises shaky hands and captures clearer images at 30x zoom on Galaxy S21 and Galaxy S21+, by leveraging AI to keep your focal point in the centre of the frame. Plus, enhanced processing power means bright pictures, even in the dark, so you can do proper justice to gorgeous sunsets and skylines.

S21 Ultra

The S21 Ultra will feature a 108MP lens in its quad-camera setup and two telephoto lenses to enhance zoom capabilities and it will come with a selfie camera featuring a high-resolution of 40MP camera.

The device also features a high-resolution display with a high refresh rate, a hefty amount of RAM, and a large 5000 mAh battery that supports fast charging.

You’ll be able to buy the S-Pen separately to use with the S21 Ultra.

Pricing:

The Galaxy S21 will start at a price of R17 999, the S21+ will start at R21 499 and the Galaxy S21 Ultra carries a heftier price, starting at R27 999.

The phones are set to launch in South Africa on 5 February. However, pre-order customers will begin receiving their devices from 26 January.

Pre-orders are currently open, with multiple specials running, such as free gifts including the newly announced Smart Tag and Galaxy Buds Pro.

Cellucity is selling the new devices at a slight discount to the recommended retail prices with its pre-order offers.

Meanwhile, the Samsung Store is offering trade-ins of old Galaxy devices to reduce the price of the new devices. The Samsung Store also offers some exclusive colours for the devices.

Written by: Gabriella Steyn.

Guzzle Media