[Galaxy S21 Unpacked] "Targeting Consumers Tired of the Pandemic... Samsung's Bold Move" Praised by Foreign Media

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Seulgina Jo] "A new Galaxy smartphone that focuses on consumers tired of the COVID-19 pandemic. (The Wall Street Journal)" "Smarter and cheaper. (CNN)"

On the 15th, Samsung Electronics unveiled the new flagship smartphone Galaxy S21 at the 'Galaxy Unpacked 2021' event, attracting significant attention from major foreign media. The phone features greatly enhanced camera functions that allow users to take satisfying photos and videos with just one Galaxy S21, from everyday recording to professional use, a sleek design matching the frame and camera colors, and S Pen support. Especially, Samsung Electronics, which was hit hard by COVID-19 when launching the previous Galaxy S20, is evaluated to have made a bold move by lowering the price of the Galaxy S21.

The Wall Street Journal (WSJ) reported, "Samsung Electronics released a new smartphone focusing on consumers tired of the pandemic," adding, "The base model is sold at a price $200 lower than its predecessor." WSJ cited an analyst's analysis that despite the economic downturn caused by COVID-19, "many consumers still have high expectations for premium smartphone features," emphasizing ▲camera functions including 8K video recording support, ▲display features that reduce eye fatigue, and ▲S Pen compatibility.

It also stated, "Global smartphone sales are expected to recover to pre-COVID-19 levels this year," and evaluated that "efforts are being made to answer whether consumers tired of the pandemic will be satisfied with the gradual technological and functional improvements of the new smartphone." It diagnosed that Samsung Electronics must attract consumer interest in its main product lineup, supported by demand recovery.

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US CNN reported in an article titled "Smarter and cheaper, but no charger," that "the Galaxy S21 Ultra is clearly Samsung Electronics' standout product." CNN explained, "(The Galaxy S21) is an improvement in the Galaxy lineup, especially in camera functions," and "useful features for consumers' lives during the pandemic, such as integration with home appliances, have also been introduced." It also added that the reason for supporting the S Pen but removing the charger in the Galaxy S21 is for 'sustainability.'

Economic media CNBC also cited strengths such as "better display, improved battery life, and a camera that can take clearer photos," mentioning that "the Galaxy S21 solves the camera issues of the previous Galaxy S20 Ultra, which had focus problems."

Nihon Keizai Shimbun evaluated, "It is faithful to shooting and editing functions in both camera performance and software aspects," noting that "this meets the needs of consumers who frequently upload videos to social media." The media also emphasized that the Galaxy S21 is about 250,000 KRW cheaper than its predecessor. Furthermore, it predicted that Chinese Huawei, which had been chasing Samsung Electronics as a leader in the smartphone field, is expected to fall significantly behind this year, interpreting Samsung's earlier release of the new smartphone by one month compared to previous years as a strategy to widen the market share gap.

UK BBC focused on the fact that the Galaxy S21 is equipped with an S Pen like the existing Note series, speculating that Samsung Electronics may integrate the S series and Note platforms in the future. BBC quoted analysts in the article, stating that Samsung Electronics, which had released new smartphones divided into the first and second halves of the year, had given consumers the impression that the S series became outdated every time a new Note product was announced in the second half.

It also mentioned, "The Galaxy S20, released during the first pandemic wave last year, did not secure many fans," and "Samsung Electronics needs to make the Galaxy S21 a success." The media cited Samsung's differentiated factors such as strong brand marketing capabilities and a very extensive product portfolio.

IT specialized media also emphasized the Galaxy S21's design and camera functions. In terms of design, the 'Contour Cut,' where the body, metal frame, and rear camera smoothly connect to give a sense of unity, is representative. The Verge said, "Elegant design and price," adding, "The Galaxy S21 Ultra aims to be the highest specification in Samsung Electronics' lineup." Japanese IT media reported, "The design has been renewed, and development focused on camera shooting capabilities."

[Image source=Yonhap News]

Samsung Electronics' Galaxy S21 is priced below 1 million KRW domestically for the first time among 5G smartphones. It comes in three models: the 6.2-inch Galaxy S21, the 6.7-inch Galaxy S21+, and the 6.8-inch Galaxy S21 Ultra.

The Galaxy S21 and Galaxy S21+ are equipped with 8GB RAM and 256GB internal memory, priced at 999,900 KRW and 1,199,000 KRW respectively. The Galaxy S21 Ultra is released in models with 12GB RAM and 256GB internal memory, and 16GB RAM and 512GB internal memory, priced at 1,452,000 KRW and 1,599,400 KRW respectively. In Korea, pre-orders will be held from the 15th to the 21st, with the official release on the 29th.