The new Samsung Galaxy S21 series consists of three phones, the regular S21, the S21 + and the S21 Ultra. The devices differ less than in previous years, but there is still plenty to choose. We list the differences and similarities for you.
Performance
In the US, the new Samsung Galaxy S21 series run on the Snapdragon 888 processor. Overall, the Snapdragon 888 outperforms the Exynos 2100, especially in graphics applications. In terms of pure computing power, the Exynos 2100 is slightly better. However you get used to it, the processor of the device is lightning fast. You run the heaviest applications without problems. All devices are available with 128 and 256 GB storage memory. The S21 Ultra is also available in a 512 GB variant.
The amount of RAM in the devices varies considerably. The S21 and S21 + have 8 GB of RAM. The S21 Ultra has 12 GB of RAM. Finally, the 512 GB version has 16 GB (!) Of memory. With these specifications, the devices are extremely fast. The amount of RAM is so large that you can easily switch between multiple intensive applications.
All devices run on Android 11 with Samsung’s own One UI on top. This interface is simpler and cleaner than previous versions and can also be used with one hand, which is great on devices with a larger screen.
Screen and design
All three devices in the S21 series have the same Infinity-O AMOLED screen, with different screen size. The more expensive the device, the larger the screen (logically). The S21 has a 6.2-inch screen, the S21 + has a 6.7-inch and the S21 Ultra comes with a huge 6.9-inch screen. New compared to the S20 series is the dynamic refresh rate of up to 120 Hz. Your refresh rate will be adjusted depending on your application.
Apart from the screen and the camera module, the devices are identical in appearance. The so-called Contour Cut camera design is a metal finish on the main camera, which ensures a unique and recognizable design of the devices. The selfie camera is a hole in the screen in all variants. Due to the larger screens (and corresponding larger batteries), the devices differ significantly in weight. The weight increases from 171 grams for the S21, up to 202 grams for the S21 + to 229 grams for the S21 Ultra.
Battery
The Galaxy S21 has a 4,000 mAh battery, and the S21 + and S21 Ultra have a 4,800 mAh and 5,000 mAh battery respectively. The S21 Ultra probably has the longest operating time, despite the larger screen. In any case, this was the case with the past generations.
Wireless charging is possible with all devices (Qi wireless) with a maximum of 15W. The wired charging speed is 25W for all devices. So also for the S21 Ultra. The S20 Ultra could still charge wired with 45W. Please note, no charger is supplied with the devices.
Cameras
As always in Samsung Galaxy S21 vs S21 + vs S21 Ultra, you will find the biggest differences with the camera module. The Galaxy S21 and S21 + cameras are identical. Both devices have a 12-megapixel main camera, a 64-megapixel zoom camera (3x optical zoom) and a 12-megapixel panorama lens.
The camera module on the S21 Ultra on the other hand is completely different. This module consists of four cameras. The main camera has a 108-megapixel resolution. This camera is complemented by a panorama camera of 12 MP, a 3-fold zoom lens of 10 MP and a ten-fold zoom lens of also 10 MP. The S21 Ultra is also head and shoulders above the other two in the selfie area.
The 40-megapixel resolution on the S21 Ultra makes the 10-megapixel selfie camera on the other two devices pale. Nice is the possibility to record video in 8K with the S21 series. Finally, artificial intelligence helps you optimize photos and videos.
Samsung Galaxy S20 Series Pricing
Galaxy S21 (8+128GB): INR 69999 (Phantom Violet, White, Pink, Grey)
Galaxy S21 (8+256GB): INR 73999 (Phantom Violet, White, Grey)
Galaxy S21+ (8+128GB): INR 81999 (Phantom Violet, Sliver, Black)
Galaxy S21+ (8+256GB): INR 85999 (Phantom Violet, Sliver, Black)
Galaxy S21 Ultra (12+256GB): INR 105999 (Phantom Black, Sliver)
Galaxy S21 Ultra (16+512GB): INR 116999 (Phantom Black)
Which S20 should I choose?
Which S21 is right for you depends of course on your wishes and your budget. The differences between the S21 and the S21 + are so small that we prefer the S21 between these two devices. If you want a larger screen the S21 + is the right choice.
The S21 Ultra is in a completely different class. Here you get an almost professional camera, a whopper of a screen and possibly 512 GB of storage. If you intend to use all the camera feature and don’t want to settle for anything than the best, then S21 Ultra is the correct choice for you.
