Galaxy S21: Samsung launches three flagship smartphones with range of new features – but no headphones or chargers

Samsung has launched its new range of smartphones, the Galaxy S21, S21 Plus, and the S21 Ultra.

At the top of the range, the S21 Ultra is the company’s latest photography-focused flagship. It has a 6.8-inch WQHD+ screen (3200 x 1440 pixel resolution) with a 11hz to 120Hz refresh rate on the front – which will be able to be used while at full resolution, unlike the Galaxy S20 ultra model.

On the back of the phone is a four-camera array, made up of an Ultra-wide 12MP camera, a wide-angle 108MP main lens, and two 10MP telephoto lenses, with a 40MP selfie lens.  

Samsung is introducing a new design where the lens blends into the phone, which looks sleeker than its other phones where the lens juts out.

Inside the device, Samsung offers either 12GB or 16GB of RAM, paired with 128GB, 256GB, or 512GB of storage, as well as a 5000mAh battery.

Notably for the S21 Ultra, it will support Samsung’s S-Pen stylus. In contract to the Galaxy Note series, which keeps the pen housed in its body, this will need to be kept outside of the device; Samsung is selling specialised cases that keep the stylus safe when it is not in use.

“We are committed to innovating new mobile experiences that flow seamlessly and continuously to make our consumers’ lives easier and better. We’ve made the bold decision to expand the S Pen experience to Galaxy S21 Ultra, and plan to expand the S Pen experience across additional device categories in the future”, TM Roh, Samsung’s President and Head of Mobile Communications Business, said in a statement. 

For internet connections, the device is both 5G and Wi-Fi 6e compatible, and also has ‘digital key’ functionality to unlock compatible cars, as the S21+ does. The S21 Ultra will cost £1149 or €1249.

The S21+, the middle sibling, has similar, but lower, specs. A 6.7-inch screen with a 2400 x 1080 pixel resolution and a 48-120Hz refresh date, coming with 8GB RAM and either 128GB or 256GB of ROM, and a 4,800mAh battery.

The triple camera array is comprised of a 12MP wide-angle and ultra-wide lens, as well as a 64MP telephoto lens, and a 10MP selfie camera. This will come priced at £949 or €1049.

The S21, meanwhile, has a 6.2-inch display with the same refresh rate as the S21+, and the same camera setup. The only major difference is the battery, which is significantly smaller at 4000mAh and, of course, the price: £769 or €849.

As well as new smartphones, Samsung has also revamped its Galaxy Buds with the Galaxy Buds Pro. These feature IPX7 waterproofing to protect a 6.5mm tweeter and 11mm woofer inside.

The wireless headphones also have adjustable noise cancellation with four levels of ambient sound, and the ability to automatically switch when it recognises conversations begin and end for more seamless use. Samsung also claims that the headphones can play for one hour after just five minutes of charge.

The Galaxy Buds Pro will come priced at £219 or €229.

Much like Apple’s latest iPhones, Samsung’s Galaxy range does not come with headphones or chargers in the box.  

“We believe that the gradual removal of charger plugs and earphones from our in-box device packaging can help address sustainable consumption issues and remove any pressure that consumers may feel towards continually receiving unnecessary charger accessories with new phones”, Patrick Chomet, Samsung’s EVP and Head of Customer Experience Office, Mobile Communications Business, said in a statement.  

We’ve also been implementing standardized USB-C type charging ports since 2017, so older chargers can still be compatible with our newest Galaxy models.”