Samsung unveils new flagship Galaxy S21 series

Samsung also launched new line of the Galaxy Buds Pro and SmartTag along with the new Galaxy S21 series.

World's leading smartphone-maker Samsung on Thursday (January 14) pulled the wraps off the much-awaited premium Galaxy S21 series.

Like the predecessor, the new Galaxy S21 comes in three variants-- a generic Galaxy S21, a standard Galaxy S21 Plus, and a top-end Galaxy S21 Ultra.

First up, the Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G sports a 6.8-inch WQHD+ (3200 x 1440) Dynamic AMOLED 2X screen with Adaptive Display (up to 120Hz refresh rate) and a pixel density of 515 ppi (pixels per inch). It comes with AL7s10 metallic rail around the edges and an IP68 water-and-dust-resistant rating.

Inside, it comes packed with Samsung Exynos 2100/Snapdragon 888 backed by Android 11-based One UI 3 OS, 12GB/16GB RAM, 256GB/512GB storage, and 5,000mAh battery with 25W fast wired charging and 15W wireless charging in addition to wireless reverse charging PowerShare feature.

Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra boasts quad-camera module-- 108MP (f/1.8) wide + 10MP(f/2.4) + 10MP (f/4.9) + 12MP (f/2.2) ultra-wide-angle lens-- with Laser AutoFocus, Time-of-Flight sensor and LED flash on the back. On the front, it features a 40MP wide camera with f/2.2 aperture. It also supports 100X Space Zoom, 12-bit RAW file photo option, and promises stunning macro shots.

The new Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G. Credit: Samsung.

Samsung is offering S Pen and S Pen Pro (with Bluetooth), but consumers have to buy them separately and the company is also offering a custom cover case with a stylus holster. However, only the standard S Pen is compatible with the S21 Ultra.

On the other hand, the Galaxy S21 and S21 Plus come in 6.2-inch (421 ppi) and 6.7-inch screen (394 ppi) sizes. They feature a full HD+ (2400 x 1080) AMOLED display. Like the Ultra model, they come with Corning Gorilla Glass Victus protection, feature AL7s10 metal frame, and IP68 water-and-dust resistant rating.

Inside they come with Samsung Exynos 2100 chipset backed by 8GB RAM, 128GB/256GB storage, and 4,800mAh (S21 Plus)/4,00mAh (S21) battery with 25W fast wired charging and 15W wireless charging in addition to wireless reverse charging PowerShare feature.

The new Galaxy S21 and S21 Plus. Credit: Samsung

As far as the photography hardware is concerned, they come packed witha triple-camera module-- main 64MP (f/2.0) + 12MP (f/2.2) ultra-wide + 12MP (f/1.8) wide on the back and a 10MP (f/2.2) front camera.

All three phones come with an in-screen fingerprint sensor and support a 5G modem. However, only the Galaxy S21 Ultra and S21 Plus will support the UltraWideBand feature to track articles such as a house or a car key attached to the Samsung SmartTag.

Samsung's new Galaxy S21 series will be up for pre-order from January 15 on Samsung's Exclusive Stores and retail stores and on Samsung.com and leading online portals in India.

Also, consumers who pre-book the devices will get a free Galaxy SmartTag and Samsung e-shop voucher of up to Rs 10,000. As a special offer, all pre-booked consumers can get Galaxy Watch Active 2 or a combo of Galaxy Buds+ and Travel Adapter with a device of their choice.

Furthermore, consumers can also avail of HDFC Bank cashback of up to Rs 10,000 or have an option to avail Upgrade Bonus of up-to Rs 5000.

Samsung has confirmed that the pre-booked devices will reach the doorsteps of the customers from January 25 onwards. And, the devices will be available for purchase off-the-shelves on retail stores from January 29 onwards.

Galaxy S21 series configuration and price details

Galaxy S21 (8+128GB): Rs 69,999 (Phantom Violet, White, Pink, Grey)

Galaxy S21 (8+256GB): Rs 73,999 (Phantom Violet, White, Grey)

Galaxy S21+ (8+128GB): Rs 81,999 (Phantom Violet, Silver, Black)

Galaxy S21+ (8+256GB): Rs 85,999 (Phantom Violet, Silver, Black)

Galaxy S21 Ultra (12+256GB): Rs 1,05,999 (Phantom Black, Silver)

Galaxy S21 Ultra (16+512GB): Rs 1,16,999 (Phantom Black)

Samsung SmartTag and SmartTag Plus

They come in handy to locate important things like car/house keys, bicycle, and also track pets. Consumers can use the SmartThings app to find SmartTags.

Galaxy SmartTag. Credit: Samsung

Samsung Galaxy SmartTag costs $29.99 a unit. The Galaxy SmartTag (4 units) pack cost $84.99 and the pack with two units cost $49.99. It will be available from January 15 onwards in select global regions.

Samsung Galaxy Buds Pro

Samsung Galaxy Buds Pro boasts two-way speakers and is tuned by AKG. They promise to offer 360-degree sound delivery, an Intelligent Active Noise Cancellation Control, and Ambient Sound mode features. Also, it can auto switch from a tablet to the phone when the user receives a call.

Galaxy Buds Pro. Credit: Samsung

Also, it is made to fit into the ear firmly and also comes with an IPX7 rating, which comes in handy while doing exercises.

The new Galaxy Buds Pro costs Rs 15,990 in India. Pre-booking starts on January 15 across Samsung’s Exclusive Stores and retail stores and on Samsung.com and leading online portals. Customers who pre-order the Galaxy Buds Pro in India will get a wireless Powerbank U1200 for Rs 499 (against MRP: Rs 3699).

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