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Samsung Galaxy S21

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Samsung Galaxy S21
NameSamsung Galaxy S21
ManufacturerSamsung Electronics
FamilyGalaxy S
Released2021
PredecessorSamsung Galaxy S20
SuccessorSamsung Galaxy S22
RelatedSamsung Galaxy Note20

Samsung Galaxy S21 The Samsung Galaxy S21 is a flagship Android smartphone introduced by Samsung Electronics in 2021 as part of the Galaxy S series, positioned between the Galaxy S20 and Galaxy S22 in Samsung's product timeline. It launched alongside the Galaxy S21+ and Galaxy S21 Ultra and competed in the 2021 flagship market with rivals from Apple, Google, and OnePlus.

Design and build

Samsung employed a glass-and-plastic mix for the Galaxy S21 lineup with a distinctive camera housing integrated into the metal frame, a design evolution from earlier Galaxy S models. The industrial design drew comparisons to devices from Apple Inc., Google LLC and OnePlus Technology and was showcased at Samsung Unpacked events alongside presentations referencing CES and Mobile World Congress. Materials and finishes varied across models, with color options intended to rival offerings from Xiaomi Corporation and Huawei Technologies.

Hardware

The Galaxy S21 used high-end system-on-chip platforms selected by region: variants shipped with Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 processors for markets favoring Qualcomm Incorporated partnerships, while other regions received Samsung's Exynos 2100 designed by Samsung Semiconductor teams. The device featured dynamic AMOLED displays engineered with panels from suppliers such as Samsung Display and incorporated LPDDR5 memory and UFS 3.1 storage sourced from firms like SK hynix and Micron Technology. Thermal management and antenna tuning involved components from industry suppliers including Broadcom Inc. and Murata Manufacturing, and the device met industrial standards influenced by testing from laboratories such as UL Solutions.

Software and features

The S21 launched with Android 11 and Samsung's One UI 3.1, integrating features developed in collaboration with partners including Google LLC, Microsoft Corporation, and Spotify Technology S.A.. Software capabilities emphasized ecosystem interoperability with Samsung services and third-party platforms like Netflix, YouTube, and WhatsApp Messenger. Security features included Samsung Knox technology aligned with standards from organizations such as FIDO Alliance and enterprise management compatibility with vendors like VMware, Inc. and BlackBerry Limited.

Camera

Camera hardware and computational photography on the Galaxy S21 combined multi-element optics supplied by specialists such as Sony Corporation and image-processing pipelines influenced by academic work on computational imaging from institutions like MIT and Stanford University. The camera bundle supported multiple focal lengths and digital zoom modes rivaling systems from Apple Inc. and Google LLC, with features such as single-take capture and director tools used in content showcased at festivals like Sundance Film Festival and platforms such as Instagram and TikTok.

Connectivity and battery

Connectivity options incorporated 5G NR radios compatible with standards developed by 3GPP and network deployments by carriers including Verizon Communications, AT&T Inc., Vodafone Group, and Deutsche Telekom. Wi‑Fi and Bluetooth subsystems followed specifications from the Wi-Fi Alliance and Bluetooth SIG, while GPS and GNSS positioning integrated services like GLONASS, Galileo, and BeiDou. Battery technology used lithium-ion cells whose suppliers included companies such as Samsung SDI and met regulatory testing referenced by agencies like the Federal Communications Commission and European Telecommunications Standards Institute.

Reception and reviews

Critical reception to the S21 focused on value positioning, performance, and design, with reviews published by outlets such as The Verge, The Wall Street Journal, CNET, TechCrunch, and Wired. Analysts compared the device against contemporaries including iPhone 12, Pixel 5, and OnePlus 9, while market commentary from firms like Counterpoint Technology Market Research and IDC discussed sales, supply chain impacts involving TSMC and Samsung Foundry, and component shortages tied to global events covered by Bloomberg and The New York Times.

Variants and special editions

The Galaxy S21 family included the baseline S21, the larger S21+, and the S21 Ultra with expanded camera and display specs; regional and carrier-branded variants were common, reflecting collaborations similar to past editions tied to carriers such as T-Mobile US and retailers like Best Buy. Samsung released special colorways and limited editions in partnership with fashion and entertainment brands reminiscent of co-branded efforts by Nike, Inc. and Beyoncé Knowles campaigns, and the product cycle influenced subsequent flagship launches by competitors like Apple Inc. and Google LLC.

Category:Samsung mobile phones