[Galaxy S21 Unpacked] Price, Camera, S Pen... How Have They Changed?

Galaxy S21 and Galaxy Buds Pro Unveiled
First 5G Flagship Under 1 Million KRW
Focus on Camera Features; Two S Pen Models Released
Expanded SmartThings and Android Auto Integration

[Asia Economy Reporter Han Jinju] The Galaxy S21 has been unveiled. It is the most affordable among Samsung's 5G flagship smartphones to date. Emphasizing improvements in camera functions to suit the era where videos and photos have become important, the design change that moves away from the 'camera bump' also draws attention.

On the 15th (Korean time), Samsung Electronics held 'Galaxy Unpacked 2021' online. The event started with the iconic 'Over the Horizon' sound of Galaxy and lasted for 75 minutes. Wireless division employees introduced the features of the Galaxy Buds Pro and Galaxy S21, and BTS members appeared in the background wearing wireless earphones or taking selfies with the Galaxy S21. The first speaker was Samsung Electronics Wireless Business Division Head (President) No Tae-moon, dressed in a black T-shirt and jacket.

President No said, "We will provide users with revolutionary ways to personalize their devices and push innovation even more powerfully," adding, "Through open collaboration, we will further expand Samsung's ecosystem."

The prices of the Galaxy S21 series are ▲Galaxy S21 999,900 KRW ▲Galaxy S21+ 1,199,000 KRW ▲Galaxy S21 Ultra (256GB) 1,452,000 KRW ▲Galaxy S21 Ultra (512GB) 1,599,400 KRW. Considering that the previous Galaxy S20 series was priced at 1,248,500 KRW, 1,353,000 KRW, and 1,595,000 KRW respectively, it is up to 240,000 KRW cheaper. Pre-orders run from the 15th to the 21st, with the official release on the 29th. The launch schedule is more than a month earlier than the previous generation.

The Core of Galaxy S21 is the 'Camera', Two S Pens

Samsung Electronics devoted a significant portion of this Unpacked event to introducing camera performance. When presenting the Galaxy S21 Ultra's camera technology, Choi Won-jun, Samsung Electronics' youngest Vice President and Head of Wireless Business Division Strategic Product Development Team, took the stage. He explained, "The zoom technology of the Galaxy S21 Ultra will turn your photos into works of art through the harmony of hardware and software." The Galaxy S21 supports 8K video recording and features 'Director's View,' which allows simultaneous shooting with multiple cameras. The Ultra model is equipped with a top 108-megapixel camera, supporting 10x optical zoom and 100x digital zoom, while the Galaxy S21 and S21+ support 3x optical zoom and 30x digital zoom.

The design of the Galaxy S21 features a bold change where the rear camera and side frame are connected. The 'camera bump' is reduced, and the durability of the camera module is improved. Colors are released as follows: ▲Galaxy S21 (6.2-inch) Phantom Violet, Pink, White, Gray ▲Galaxy S21+ (6.7-inch) Violet, Pink, Silver, Black ▲Galaxy S21 Ultra (6.8-inch) Black, Silver. The Galaxy S21+ Red and Gold, and Ultra model's Brown, Navy, and Titanium are custom colors sold exclusively on Samsung.com.

The Ultra model supports the S Pen for the first time in the S series, enabling drawing, writing, and photo editing. Two types of S Pen models are released. The S Pen allows writing, drawing, and video editing. However, features that connect via Bluetooth such as Air Actions, photo shooting, and presentations are only supported on the S Pen Pro. The S Pen Pro will also be released in collaboration models with Lamy, Uni, Staedtler, and Wacom. The S Pen Pro is compatible with devices that previously supported the S Pen.

There was also mention of the reason for excluding chargers and earphones from the Galaxy S21 package. Federico Casalegno, Executive Director of Wireless Experience Planning Team, explained, "Many users already use their existing chargers and leave the new charger and earphones in the box. Considering preferences and the environment, this proposal prevents unused items from piling up in drawers. Chargers will be offered at a lower price than before for anyone."

ANC, Call, and Sound Quality Upgrades: 'Galaxy Buds Pro'

The Galaxy Buds Pro boasts the best performance among all Galaxy Buds series. The Active Noise Cancelling (ANC) function has been significantly improved, and it is a smart wireless earphone that automatically lets in surrounding sounds during conversations. Sales start on the 15th, priced at 239,800 KRW. Colors include Phantom Black, Silver, and Violet. Purchasing from Samsung Electronics' website comes with an 'Anycall' special cover, and online retailers offer character covers from The Simpsons, Star Wars, and Kakao Friends.

When ANC is turned on in the Galaxy Buds Pro, it reduces external noise by up to 99%. The Ambient Sound feature amplifies surrounding sounds up to 20 decibels (dB) in four levels, allowing users to have conversations or hear announcements without removing the earphones. It recognizes when the user is speaking and automatically switches between ANC and Ambient Sound modes. When the user speaks while wearing the earphones, it switches to Ambient Sound mode and lowers the volume of the playing music. It separates the user's voice from unnecessary noise, improving call quality. One of the three microphones removes background noise. For the first time, technology that provides clear call quality even in windy outdoor environments has been applied.

When used with Galaxy smartphones or tablets, an auto-switching feature connects calls to the phone automatically. For example, if watching a video on the Galaxy Tab S7 paired with the Galaxy Buds Pro and a call comes in on the Galaxy S21, the user can answer the call seamlessly. A game mode reduces audio latency, providing an immersive gaming experience.

The Galaxy Buds Pro supports the highest waterproof rating among Galaxy Buds products, IPX7. The IPX7 rating means it can withstand immersion in water up to 1 meter deep for about 30 minutes. Fully charged, it plays for up to 8 hours, and with the wireless charging case, up to 28 hours. Using ANC, playback lasts up to 5 hours, and with case charging, 18 hours. Quick charging supports 1 hour of playback with just 5 minutes of charging.

Expanded Integration with Android Auto... Control Home Appliances from the Car

Samsung Electronics also emphasized the Galaxy ecosystem connecting cars and homes. The Galaxy S21 Ultra model integrates with SmartThings and the in-car service 'Android Auto,' allowing users to control home devices directly from the car screen. On the way home, users can adjust the home temperature with Google Nest and set Samsung robot vacuum cleaners to operate automatically. GDC Center Pro Jung Hae-yoon introduced, "You can use your favorite apps like navigation and music on the in-car display and control home appliances connected through SmartThings."

When he held the Galaxy S21 Ultra and approached the car, the door opened automatically. This is the 'Digital Key' feature using Ultra Wideband (UWB) technology. The smartphone and car communicate signals to calculate distance and unlock the door. The Galaxy S21+ and Ultra models are equipped with UWB technology, enabling device-to-device communication, file sharing, item location tracking, and expanding digital key services. Samsung plans to share technology with car connectivity and collaborate with manufacturers such as BMW, Ford, and Genesis to expand digital key services. Pro Jung said, "The Android Auto and SmartThings ecosystem will liberate you, providing more leisure time and experiences."

Hiroshi Lockheimer, Google Vice President of Platforms and Ecosystems, said, "Our collaboration with Samsung on Android Auto, Nest, and SmartThings is an investment to extend beyond smartphones to all devices," adding, "After 2021, the two companies will take the partnership to the next level."