Overview of smartphones Samsung Galaxy S21 and S21 +

There are a lot of rumors around the Samsung Galaxy S21 and S21+ smartphones. Detailed information about new products will appear in mid-January after the official presentation. And at the end of the month they will go on sale. Consider the features of each model, as well as the advantages and disadvantages.

Specifications

Detailed description

Design

As you can see, Samsung changes the design of its smart gadgets about every 2 years. There was no wow effect with new products. Visually, smartphones look neutral and without frills. Popular models released earlier - Galaxy S6 and Galaxy S8 - on the contrary, amazed the imagination: the curved screen, the cut of the case and the quality of the color - all this attracted lovers of stylish gadgets. They were called breakthrough in terms of design.

It is assumed that the body of the phone is made of durable polycarbonate. This material provides good impact resistance. Scratches and chips are almost invisible, so the material is not painted, but has a colored structure. This solution also has disadvantages: polycarbonate increases the cost and has a low level of thermal conductivity, and this is dangerous for the device to overheat. Due to the plastic case, including, the price of the model will decrease.

The panel of the Samsung Galaxy S21 is presented in 5 colors: purple, pink, gray and white. Galaxy S21 + is limited to only three: silver, black and purple.

Both models have a narrow metal frame installed around the entire perimeter, which smoothly flows into the camera block. The front camera is located at the top of the display, not specifically highlighted.

The camera block on the rear surface is considered by many to be unsuccessful. Since it has a thickening and perceptibly protrudes. To improve the design, the company will release the Kvadrat case, which will cover everything “unnecessary”, leaving only slots for the cameras. Unfortunately, it is not clear from the published photos how the case interacts with the protrusion.

Display

Models have a large enough and comfortable screen for watching movies, as well as for playing games. The flat Full HD display looks aesthetically pleasing. And thanks to the LTPS sensor, power consumption is reduced when dark colors are displayed, and pixel density is increased. They also note good tolerance to low temperatures.

However, this technology also has some drawbacks. For example, there is a problem with blue colors - blue LEDs burn out over time. But this feature only plays into the hands of Samsung. A common problem with early models was eye fatigue due to blue light.

Speaking about the Samsung Galaxy display, one cannot remain silent about the author's development of the company - Dynamic Amoled. It has a high color rendering. The maximum brightness reaches 1400 nits. Thanks to this, you can comfortably use the device in the bright sun. To improve color balance, Comfort Display technology was created and successfully used in past generations. Models now have a special filter that can be activated.

The dimensions of the new models will be the same as the previous generations - 6.2 and 6.7 inches.

Camera

In new models, you can see an update in the design of the photomodule. All cameras are arranged vertically, and the block itself protrudes slightly above the body. Which raises a number of questions and doubts.

The triple camera has both the Galaxy S21 and the plus model. The characteristics are the same: the main and wide-angle cameras are 12 megapixels, the telephoto lens is 64 megapixels.

The wide-angle lens has a wider field of view than previous generations. It will probably even be suitable for macro photography.

All 3 cameras are capable of shooting video in Ultra HD at 60 frames per second.Previously, only the main lens could do this. The strength of the glass is also noted - now it is less prone to defects.

It is impossible to find out exactly how new items are photographed at night before the release. But we can assume that there will be a night mode, as in the previous generation, which will be able to "turn night into day."

The Galaxy S20 had autofocus issues. One can only hope that this will not happen again with new models.

Here is an example photo:

Performance

Depending on the region, the phone will be powered by an Exynos processor or the new Snapdragon 888. Samsung's own Exynos 2100 chip has 8 cores and the same GB of RAM. It also has a better energy efficiency ratio than the previous generation. It is expected that the new product will cope well with QHD + and 8K video - this will be facilitated by a graphics accelerator.

The Snapdragon 888 offers a 3-cluster CPU structure. The chip layout looks like 3 Cortex-A78 + Cortex-X1 cores + 4 Cortex A55 cores. This should ensure the smooth operation of the smartphone. Three eights in the name surprised, since the previous processor was called "865". It was assumed that logic would be traced in the naming.

Manufacturers promise + 35% to game performance, as well as updating the graphics driver. The model has accelerated by 25% compared to the previous generation. The processor can record 4k from 3 cameras simultaneously, as well as 8k at 30 frames per second.

If we compare 2 processors with each other, then the Snapdragon 888 loses in energy savings. Due to the high energy consumption, it is faster than its competitor. However, Samsung's new Exynos 2100 processor has more powerful cores, which is especially good for gaming smartphones.

Both phones - Galaxy S21 and S21+ support 5G network and are equipped with One UI3.1 firmware

Interface

The user interface with a new design has become more restrained and concise. The main widgets are arranged so that the user can quickly get all the necessary information. There is a blur feature that allows you to focus on what's important.

The appearance of elements has become smoother, and pressing the keys is realistic. You can switch music, use the calendar and view notifications without unlocking.

It is possible to customize the interface. In addition to the standard transfer of widgets and shortcuts, it is possible to create a personal and work profile on the same device. There is also a transparency setting and a change in the color and design of the watch.

Memory

16 GB LPDDR5 RAM is what Samsung promises in new models. Throughput reaches 6400 Mbps. This reduces energy consumption. The memory chip also has a new timing scheme. There is a 16% increase in speed compared to previous chips. This allows you to transfer a dozen films in Full HD in 1 second.

Other smartphones also took note of this chip and implemented it in new 2019-2020 models.

Charger

The autonomy of the new products is not bad. The new processor saves battery power. During the tests, it turned out that the Exynos 2100 processor works 2 times more economically. The Galaxy S21 has a 4,000 mAh battery, which was the same as the previous generation. And in the S21 + model, it reaches 4,800 mAh.

The smartphone will be charged for 2 hours until fully charged.

Safety

The recognition speed will double. All this thanks to the new ultrasonic fingerprint scanner.In order for the device to recognize you, a quick touch on the screen is enough. It is worth noting that this method of fingerprint recognition appeared later than all - in 2019. The sensor has not changed for 3 generations. But the Galaxy S21 promises an increase in speed.

This technology has its advantages - not just a fingerprint is scanned, but a three-dimensional model of a finger. You can set up protection that will protect against different dummies. But there is a drawback: such a detailed scan takes time, so the finger needs to be held for a while. Samsung will try to fix this problem in the new line.

Equipment

The package does not include a charger and headphones. They will have to be bought. Therefore, the set comes out modest - only a USB Type-C cable. Previously, Samsung made fun of Apple's decision to remove the charger and headphones from the kit, and now they themselves have come to the same decision. Companies justify this with environmental concerns.

Differences

The main difference between new products from each other is the dimensions. The Galaxy S21+ is larger than the S21 but has a smaller selection of classic body colors.

The main competitor of new products is the iPhone 12 Pro. If you compare the Galaxy S21 + with it, you can see that the dimensions are the same, but the Samsung screen is slightly larger. The body material is also striking - it is matte plastic. A thin frame around the entire perimeter gives accuracy to the device. The display also looks neater - the camera is installed at the top of the screen without a notch. What can not be said about the iPhone 12 Pro. Also note a more saturated color rendition.

The cameras of both devices are capable of detailed shooting.

Price

The presentation of smartphones will take place earlier than usual. Traditionally, Samsung has always introduced new models in February.The date has now been moved to January 14th. On the same day, the first pre-orders are expected. It's too early to talk about exact prices. It is likely that the S21 model will be sold for 850 euros. By comparison, the price of a smartphone of the previous generation reached 1000 euros. The plus model will cost 1050 (for 128 GB) and 1100 euros (for 256 GB). The most expensive of the new products will be the premium Galaxy S21 Ultra. Its cost will start from 1400 euros.

Pros and cons

The Galaxy S21 and Galaxy S21+ models are almost the same, so we will evaluate them together:

• triple camera, each of which shoots in Ultra HD;
• laconic design: thin frame and no "bangs";
• good tolerance to low temperatures;
• high color rendering and contrast: you can use your smartphone even in bright sunlight;
• new productive processor;
• 5G modem;
• modern Bluetooth 5.2;
• concise interface with the possibility of customization.

• No charger or headphones included.
• plastic case;
• protrusion at the block of cameras.

Of course, everyone will find their pros and cons, because this is subjective, so the assessment was carried out in comparison with the previous generation.

Reviews and expert opinion

Few people have the opportunity to test smartphones before release. Only a few foreign bloggers managed to do this. There is an improvement in focus. This is Samsung's pain point. Therefore, in 2020 they plan to abandon laser autofocus and install a two-phase system.

Regional this year is preserved: several variants of the smartphone are planned. For example, the European one is equipped with an Exynos 2100 processor. And China and the United States will get the latest Snapdragon 888 processor. It is not clear what justifies this division.

Globally, the versions of the line differ in the diagonal of the display.Also, all models are credited with supporting the S Pen electronic pen. But most likely, this feature will only be available on the Galaxy S21 Ultra.

Outcome

The exact information will appear only in January. All conclusions are made based on renderings, reviews and insider information. It is possible that at the time of the presentation of smartphones, the appearance and some components are slightly transformed.

As usual, the popularity of models will not last long - until the next generation. Although the Galaxy S21 Ultra has high hopes. It is difficult to answer the question of which smartphone is better to buy, since money possibilities and personal preferences play a big role. It is worth noting that the price of the new generation has decreased, which is good news.

The company itself does not position the line as innovative. Rather, it is a good refinement of previous smartphones. Of the entire lineup, Samsung S21 Ultra attracts attention. Here and protective glass Gorilla Glass Victus, and support for the S Pen. Laser autofocus is present, but the setting speed has been improved.

In general, each model from the series is interesting and will find its buyer. Since the quality, processor speed, camera performance has improved throughout the generation. It remains to wait for the official release to confirm or deny numerous rumors and insider information, as well as to see the final version of the flagship.