In this day and age, our whole lives have migrated onto a small box in our pockets. We get our daily world updates from our phones, we video call friends and loved ones who are residing overseas, we discuss work with our colleagues while doing a grocery run, we jot down notes, we snap millions of pictures, we watch our favourite shows… The list of things that we do with our smartphones is endless, to say the least.
Just last year, a lot of us found plenty more free time while being stuck at home to flatten the curve. And with that free time, the world – including Singapore – saw a major surge in TikTok usage as we turn to social media to not just consume content but also to create content.
We were also part of YouTube’s two billion monthly active users worldwide (Statista, 2019) when we searched for all the Dalgona coffee and banana cake recipes, and watched all the vlogs, comedy sketches, unboxing videos, and lifestyle recordings from content creators all over the world.
With so much promising potential in content creation, it’s only natural that our smartphones keep up with functions that allow us to create content more easily and seamlessly. And that’s what Samsung did with its latest Galaxy S21 series. Designed to empower you to express yourself and made for the way we live now, the new Galaxy S21 line-up is loaded with state-of-the-art innovations so you can make the most of every moment.
AVENUE ONE attended the sneak preview earlier today, and brings you a first look at the Galaxy S21 collection, which comprises the Galaxy S21 5G, Galaxy S21+ 5G, Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G, and Galaxy Buds Pro.
Samsung Galaxy S21 5G & Galaxy S21+ 5G
For over a decade, the Galaxy S series has delivered innovative mobile experiences to people who rely on their smartphone for expression, connection, and entertainment, and the new Galaxy S21 series builds on this legacy to offer the same premium experience and make every day epic.
For users who demand the finest mobile experience, with pro-grade camera innovations and top-of-the-line performance, at various price points, you can count on the all-new Galaxy S21 5G and Galaxy S21+ 5G to deliver in every category – and then some.
With a bold new style, the Galaxy S21 series is truly built for expression. Armed with a 6.2-inch display, the Galaxy S21 5G is designed for those who prefer something light and compact while the Galaxy S21+ 5G sports an expanded 6.7-inch display and a larger battery – perfect for marathon gamers and binge-watchers.
Both variants tout an intelligent, edge-to-edge Dynamic AMOLED 2x Infinity-O2 120Hz adaptive display, which offers smoother scrolling and viewing. What this means is that it automatically adjusts the frame rate based on the content you’re consuming, whether you’re swiping through your social feeds or watching shows.
The display is also made to go easy on the eyes, and comes equipped with a new Eye Comfort Shield to help reduce eye fatigue. This brand new feature automatically adjusts the blue light based on the time of day, content you’re viewing, and your bedtime – how smart!
In addition, the Galaxy S21 series introduces an all-new, iconic Contour Cut Camera housing that seamlessly blends into the device’s metal frame for a sleek yet striking aesthetic.
The series also continues Samsung’s camera heritage with pro-grade enhancements and video innovations that enable users of every skill level to get the best shot.
Whether you’re recording your puppy’s first encounter with a mirror, chronicling series game night antics or documenting spectacular views on a week-long road trip, the Galaxy S21 5G and Galaxy S21+ 5G will have you covered.
Just point, shoot, and let the smartphone do the heavy lifting – so you can capture the moment before it’s gone.
With the improved 8K Snap, the smartphone lets you grab crystal clear images from your 8K video footage, so you can capture all the live action and get standout still shots every time you hit record. Even in fast-moving or bumpy conditions, your footage will be buttery-smooth with Super Steady video at an improved 60fps.
But the latest feature that really impressed us? It’s the new Director’s View lets you see, switch, and select the best shot to tell your best story.
Capture video with the front and rear cameras simultaneously for real-time reactions with Vlogger View, and preview or change the angle, zoom or go wide without losing any action with Live Thumbnails.
If you pair it with the new Galaxy Buds Pro, you can even capture both ambient sounds and your voice at the same time using the multiple mic recording feature.
This means you can set up the smartphone in Pro Video Mode on a tripod and use Buds Pro as your voice mic, so you can step away and record speech, movement, and background sound in crisp quality.
With the power of AI, the Single Take feature allows you to capture a variety of still and video formats with just a single tap. It has been enhanced with new pro-style video settings such as Highlight Video and Dynamic Slow-Mo, which lets you focus on the most compelling action in stunning stills and highlight reels.
One thing’s for certain after previewing the Galaxy S21 series: the smartphone’s AI-powered triple-lens pro-grade camera is designed for those times when you want to be more intentional and have more creative control.
That’s because the camera system intuitively assesses and adjusts to your scene to ensure you can perfectly capture any environment.
In Portrait Mode, the AI-powered camera leverages an improved 3D analysis that more accurately separates the subject from the background. It also brings in options for virtual studio lighting and AI background effects to make sure the subject pops from the frame. Oh, here’s the real bonus: this function works for selfies too.
For elusive faraway shots, the improved Space Zoom helps you get clear and steady shots even when you’re nowhere near the subject. By leveraging AI to keep your focal point in the centre of the frame, the new Zoom Lock minimises shaky hands and captures clearer images at 30x zoom on the Galaxy S21 5G and Galaxy S21+ 5G.
Plus, enhanced processing power means bright pictures, even in the dark, so you can do proper justice to gorgeous sunsets and skylines.
We rely on our smartphones now more than ever, which is why protecting sensitive information is more important than ever. So, you’ll be happy to know that the Galaxy S21 series is secured by Samsung Knox Vault, the brand’s own proprietary chipset level (SoC) security platform. By adding tamper-resistant secure memory to its secure processor, Samsung Knox Vault enables a new layer of protection to the devices.
The Galaxy S21 range also introduces a new tool to protect and monitor your privacy, where you can safely remove location metadata from photos and videos before sharing.
With the all-new Private Share function, you can also control who gets access to the content you send, and how long it’s available – so you can share content worry-free.
Additionally, the Galaxy S21 series is designed to be used with other Galaxy devices and with SmartThings Find, which can help you quickly and easily locate your compatible Galaxy devices even when they’re offline.
Whether you left your device in another room, under the seat of your car or in a completely different city, this feature will send you in the right direction to locate the gizmo.
And now, you can even locate non-connected devices, with Samsung’s new Galaxy SmartTag Bluetooth locator. Simply attach a SmartTag to your keys, a bag or even your pet’s collar and you can use SmartThings Find to locate the item or your pet.
The Samsung Galaxy S21 5G and S21+ 5G comes in a range of eye-catching colours, including a new signature colour: Phantom Violet. Each device is coated with a luxurious haze finish on the back for a sophisticated look and feel.
Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G
For those who want Samsung’s best-of-the-best with the brand’s most advanced pro-grade camera system and brightest, most intelligent display, the Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G has pulled out all the stops for you.
To top it all off, it takes productivity and creativity up a notch by bringing the popular S Pen experience to the Galaxy S series for the first time.
As Sarah mentioned in her opening remarks, users can expect more personalised and enriching experiences with the Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G.
“Besides sporting a new look with the all-new Contour Cut camera design, users can look forward to advanced photography and videography features with the most advanced pro-grade camera system, including hyper detailed 100x Space Zoom experience, 8K video recording, and the ability to shoot from multiple angles.
Along with advanced AI capabilities and support for 5G, we aim to set the standards as to what premium smartphones can do to make our everyday lives epic, especially during these times when we are more reliant on technology to keep us connected,” she shared.
With hyper-fast, ultra-low latency 5G, the Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G is built to provide fast video downloading as well as smooth video conferencing and streaming. It also offers improved durability with Corning Gorilla Glass Victus, the toughest Gorilla Glass yet.
With a 6.8-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display, the Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G is the largest member of the Galaxy S21 this time round but here comes the next-level part of the smartphone: you no longer have to decide between the smoothness of a 120Hz refresh rate and a Quad HD+ display – on Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G, you can choose both.
The screen’s refresh rate adjusts to the content you’re viewing from 10Hz to 120Hz to ensure you enjoy the best image while staying power efficient to stretch your battery life even further.
Compared to the Galaxy S20, the Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G offers a 25% brighter picture at a 1,500nits of peak brightness, the brightest on a Galaxy smartphone. With a 50% improved contrast ratio, it delivers crystal-clear, immersive images, even when you’re spending time outside on a sunny day. And like the Galaxy S21 5G and S21+ 5G, Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G has Eye Comfort Shield to help reduce eye fatigue.
With Samsung’s most advanced pro-grade camera system, the Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G allows you to capture stunning, studio-quality photos in various lightings and settings, or shoot and edit videos with a toolbox of new AI-powered features that elevate every shot.
It has a quad rear camera (ultra-wide, wide, and dual tele-lenses) that features an upgraded 108MP pro sensor, from which you can capture 12-bit HDR photos with 64 times richer colour data and more than three times wider dynamic range.
For the first time on a Galaxy smartphone, you can shoot in 4K at 60fps across all lenses – yes, you read that right – including front and rear four lenses, so you can shift to a different perspective with the same quality. Plus, with a 12-bit RAW file option, you can rest assured that you won’t miss a single detail when editing photos.
When zooming in on the Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G, you no longer have to worry about sacrificing clarity. The Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G features 100x Space Zoom which is powered by Samsung’s first-ever Dual-tele lens system – one optical 3x and one optical 10x both equipped Dual Pixel (2PD) – so you can capture clear shots even when you are far from the action.
Meanwhile, the Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G’s improved Bright Night sensor is Samsung’s biggest leap yet in low-light photography. With improved Night Mode, noise reduction and 12MP Nona-binning technology, you can capture challenging shots – like a dimly-lit room, or a landscape at night – quickly and with excellent quality.
As mentioned earlier, the Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G is designed to take creative expression and productivity to the next level. That’s why, for the first time on any S series device, Samsung is bringing the fan-favourite S Pen experience to the Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G with Wacom’s technology.
From drawing, note-taking to editing photos and signing documents, you can now unlock the power of the S Pen on the Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G. Use an existing S Pen from a Galaxy Note or Galaxy Tab or purchase an S Pen separately on its own or with a compatible case.
On top of all of that top-of-the-line technology, the Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G also comes embedded with Ultra-wideband (UWB) – which is also found in the Galaxy S21+ 5G – to introduce new connectivity capabilities that will transform the way you interact with your devices.
With UWB, you will be able to use your Galaxy S21 device to automatically unlock compatible car doors without even reaching for your keys. Additionally, you can also use AR finder to drop virtual messages that let other Galaxy smartphone users know you need help searching for a lost item, all thanks to UWB.
And with SmartThings on Android Auto (available at selected markets globally for now), you can also use your Galaxy S21 smartphones to control smart devices in your home…from your car.
By connecting your Galaxy S21 to your Android Auto-compatible car, you can turn on your lights or even cool the room with the air conditioner before you return home, all from your car.
And because you need uninterrupted, long-lasting connections across your entire ecosystem of connected devices, the Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G employs Dual Bluetooth technology that helps your connected devices like Galaxy Buds Pro consume less battery with a stable connection.
The disruptive camera, display, and connectivity capabilities of the Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G are, of course, powered by the advanced chipset. It offers faster speed, advanced computing and greater energy efficiency. And when the battery gets low, Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G can reach a 50% charge in just 30 minutes.
The Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G is available in Phantom Black and Phantom Silver, and coated in a luxurious haze finish for an all-around sophisticated and timeless look.
Samsung Galaxy Buds Pro
With the launch of the Galaxy S21 series, Samsung is also introducing its next-generation earbuds: the Galaxy Buds Pro.
Built to help you get the most out of your work, entertainment, and everything in between, these earbuds feature immersive sound, superior call quality, intelligent Active Noise Cancellation (ANC), and enhanced connectivity across your devices – all packed into a modern and sleek design.
“With Galaxy Buds Pro, we’re making a big statement with a small device, offering users a one-of-a-kind audio experience,” said Sarah. “The wireless earbuds have been carefully engineered to address consumers’ demands for enhanced audio experiences and greater convenience.
With intelligent ANC capabilities, users can have the freedom to enjoy an optimised audio experience suited to their personal preference, or environment. And with more consumers using multiples devices, we’ve designed an even more seamless pairing experience so that the earbuds are easy to use anywhere, anytime.”
Compared to its predecessor, the Galaxy Buds Pro offers a more comprehensive sound with an 11-millimeter woofer for deeper bass and a 6.5-millimeter tweeter for a crisp treble with minimum distortion.
This delivers Samsung’s best audio experience yet – a dynamic, balanced sound that lets you enjoy your music just as the artist intended, anytime, and anywhere, be it a rhythmic hip hop groove or intricate classical melody.
But as we all know, earbuds aren’t just for entertainment anymore – they’ve become crucial for work communication, and call quality is more important than ever.
That’s why the Galaxy Buds Pro is designed to be able to separate your voice from unwanted sounds with three microphones and a Voice Pickup Unit (VPU), ensuring that you are heard as clearly as possible. One of the outer microphones also has a high signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), further eliminating background noises.
In addition, Samsung has integrated its new Wind Shield technology into the Galaxy Buds Pro – it features a less protrusive shape that minimises the wind contact area while a specially designed chamber and mesh filters out wind interference. Your phone calls will never be clearer, even if you’re stuck in windy weather.
The Galaxy Buds Pro experience is also all about hearing more of what you love, and less of what you don’t. That’s why the earbuds are touted to have most intelligent ANC capabilities as you can reduce the background noise by up to 99% or fine-tune it to your preferred level, depending on whether you need to focus on work or tune out the world around to relax
And with Ambient Sound, you can choose to amplify nearby sounds by more than 20 decibels, meaning you can adjust and personalise according to your needs. We can see how this feature is ideal for busy multitaskers – those looking after a child while working from home, or those who want to take a run through the city while staying alert for oncoming traffic.
What’s more, ANC and Ambient Sound automatically work together, adapting to your surroundings to optimise your audio experience. The Galaxy Buds Pro is designed to recognise your jaw movement when you’re speaking, and can automatically switch between cancelling nearby sounds and amplifying them.
They will also turn down your music when you want to talk, even if you are using Ambient Sound or have ANC turned off. This technology allows you to hear and communicate more effectively, making the Galaxy Buds Pro the perfect tool for daily use.
The Galaxy Buds Pro are also, by far, Samsung’s most seamless earbuds yet in the the Galaxy ecosystem. Now, you can automatically toggle your earbuds connection between your Galaxy smartphones and tablets based on your usage – no manual adjustments required.
For example, if you’re watching a video on your Galaxy Tab S7 and then receive a call on your Galaxy S21, the all-new Auto Switch feature will pause the video and let you answer the phone using Galaxy Buds Pro. Once the call is over, your earbuds instantly switch back to your tablet; the video plays again, and you can hear the audio with your earbuds again.
The Galaxy Buds Pro also expand your audio experience by connecting with other Galaxy devices – especially the Galaxy S21 series. You can enjoy realistic and immersive sound on your Galaxy Buds Pro, wherever you go with the 360 Audio featuring Dolby Head Tracking technology, which enables you to stay at the centre of the scene.
For vloggers, you can clearly capture your voice and surrounding sound by synchronising the mics on your Galaxy Buds Pro and Galaxy S21. The Galaxy Buds Pro also boast Game Mode, so when reduced audio latency is paired with Galaxy S21’s powerful performance and immersive display, you can take your gaming experience to the next level and stand out among the crowd.
No matter how you use your Galaxy Buds Pro, you don’t have to worry about battery life. When fully charged, you get up to eight hours of playback, with an additional 20 hours of reserve power available in the wireless charging case. Even when using ANC, you can still enjoy five hours of playback with 13 hours more available in the case.
The Galaxy Buds Pro aren’t just great to use though, they also look the part. Taking inspiration from Galaxy Buds Live’s innovative and iconic shape, the Galaxy Buds Pro feature an updated, more ergonomic form factor.
The shape of the canal-type earbuds improves sound quality and looks less protrusive and more natural when in your ears. This new design also reduces the contact area between your ear and the bud, improving comfort and minimising any clogged-up feeling.
In addition, the Galaxy Buds Pro are designed to give you added peace of mind as they are protected with an IPX7 water resistance rating, the highest standard of water resistance in the Galaxy Buds line.
And now with SmartThings Find, worrying about losing an earbud is a thing of the past as you can easily locate either of your earbuds, even when they’re out of Bluetooth range or completely out of your sight, misplaced at a distance location.
Eco-conscious consumers will also be happy to know that the Galaxy Buds Pro were built using 20% environmentally conscious Post-Consumer Materials (PCM), in Samsung’s ongoing efforts to help cut down on waste.
The Galaxy Buds Pro will be available in three colourways: Phantom Black, Phantom Silver, and Phantom Violet.
Where to buy the all-new Samsung Galaxy S21 collection and prices
Officially, the Samsung Galaxy S21 series and Galaxy Buds Pro will be available in Singapore from 29 January 2021.
Starting tonight (14 January) however, you can pre-order the all-new smartphones at various sales points.
Keep scrolling for the complete price list of the new Samsung Galaxy S21 series and Galaxy Buds Pro, plus where you can pre-order the devices.
Samsung Galaxy S21 series
Here’s the official price list of the Samsung Galaxy S21 series:
- Galaxy S21 5G (256GB only): S$1,248 – available in four colours: Phantom Gray, Phantom Pink, Phantom Violet, and Phantom White
- Galaxy S21+ 5G (256GB only): S$1,498 – available in three colours: Phantom Black, Phantom Silver, and Phantom Violet
- Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G (256GB/512GB): S$1,798/S$1,998 – available in two colours: Phantom Black and Phantom Silver
You can pre-order the Galaxy S21 5G, Galaxy S21+ 5G, and Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G at Samsung’s official Online Store, Lazada, Shopee, and KrisShop starting tonight (14 January).
You can also drop by any of the Samsung Experience Stores in Bugis Junction, VivoCity, Tampines Mall, NEX, and Westgate during opening hours to place your pre-order.
Consumers who pre-order their Galaxy S21 devices from the Samsung Online Store or any of Samsung Experience Stores will be entitled to the following complimentary pre-order exclusives upon successful payment for and collection or delivery of their pre-order:
- Galaxy S21 5G and Galaxy S21+ 5G: Galaxy Buds Live (Black), Galaxy SmartTag (Black) worth S$336 in total and 1-year Samsung Care+ worth S$100
- Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G: Galaxy Buds Pro (Silver), Galaxy SmartTag (Black) worth S$356 in total and 1-year Samsung Care+ worth S$100
From 15 January, 10am, pre-orders can also be made at the major telco operators – M1, Singtel, and StarHub.
Consumers who pre-order their Galaxy S21 devices from telecommunication operators will be entitled to the following complimentary pre-order exclusives upon successful payment for and collection or delivery of their pre-order:
- Galaxy S21 5G: Galaxy Buds Live (Black) and Galaxy SmartTag (Black) worth S$336 in total
- Galaxy S21+ 5G and Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G: Galaxy Tab A7 10.4″ (64GB) Wi-Fi in Dark Gray worth S$448
You can also place your pre-order at selected consumer electronics and IT stores, such as Best Denki, Challenger-Hachi, Courts, Gain City, and Harvey Norman.
Pre-order consumers will be entitled to the following complimentary pre-order exclusives upon successful payment for and collection or delivery of their pre-order:
- Galaxy S21 5G and Galaxy S21+ 5G: Galaxy Buds Live (Black) and Galaxy SmartTag (Black) worth S$336 in total
- Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G: Galaxy Buds Pro (Silver) and Galaxy SmartTag (Black) worth S$356 in total
Those who have successfully pre-ordered their Galaxy S21 5G, Galaxy S21+ 5G and S21 Ultra 5G from any of the above locations will be able to collect or receive their devices from 22 January 2021.
Samsung Galaxy Earbuds Pro
The Samsung Galaxy Buds Pro will be retailing at S$308 and pre-orders will be opened on 15 January.
You can place your pre-order at the following sales points:
- Samsung Online Store;
- Lazada;
- Shopee;
- KrisShop; and
- Major consumer electronics and IT stores.
All consumers who pre-order the Galaxy Buds Pro will be entitled to a complimentary Wireless Charging Pad and Nukin clear carrying case (worth $106 in total), upon successful full payment for and collection or delivery of their pre-order.
Consumers who choose to pre-order their Galaxy Buds Pro from the Samsung Online Store can collect their devices from 29 January 2021 via in-person collection at Samsung Experience Store or delivery.
Meanwhile, those who purchase the Galaxy Buds Pro from 29 January onwards will receive a complimentary Nukin clear carrying case (worth $28).
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