Reducing 'Katuktu' and Focusing on Video... Galaxy S21's 990,000 Won 'Winning Move'

Samsung 'Galaxy Unpacked 2021'

On the 15th, Samsung Electronics held the 'Samsung Galaxy Unpacked 2021' event online and unveiled three premium smartphones in the 'Galaxy S21' series. The photo shows Tae-moon Roh, President of Samsung Electronics' Wireless Business Division, introducing the 'Galaxy S21' series.
[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy reporters Seulgina Jo and Jinju Han] Samsung Electronics unveiled the Galaxy S21 at the ‘Galaxy Unpacked 2021’ event on the 15th, choosing a bold design with a price under 1 million won and matching the frame and camera colors. The camera features were further enhanced by adding video shooting and editing functions tailored for vloggers. Notably, Samsung Electronics is evaluated to have made a ‘winning move’ by advancing the launch schedule by more than a month and lowering the price.

The Galaxy S21 series consists of three models: ▲6.2-inch Galaxy S21 ▲6.7-inch Galaxy S21 Plus (+) ▲6.8-inch Galaxy S21 Ultra. The base models, Galaxy S21 and S21+, have different screen sizes but similar performance. The top-tier Galaxy S21 Ultra supports the S Pen for the first time in the S series and features a 108-megapixel camera and a high-resolution display.

The Galaxy S21 design is characterized by the ‘Contour Cut’ where the rear camera and frame are connected, reducing the ‘camera bump’?a drawback of the previous model. The screen refresh rate (the number of frames shown per second), which determines image quality, is 120Hz across all models. The refresh rate adjusts according to the content, improving battery efficiency. A function that adjusts blue light according to smartphone usage patterns was also added.

One of the biggest features of the Galaxy S21 series is the enhanced camera capabilities. It allows users to take satisfying photos with just one Galaxy S21, from everyday snapshots to professional-level shots. It supports high-resolution 8K video recording and can capture 33-megapixel photos during video capture. Especially, the Ultra model’s autofocus (AF) sensor measures the distance to the subject in real time. Close subjects can be shot in macro mode from as close as 5 cm. The ‘Director’s View’ feature shows telephoto, wide-angle, and ultra-wide camera angles on one screen and allows switching between angles while shooting.

Additionally, the portrait mode supports bokeh and various lighting effects, and the selfie mode has been improved to allow color tone selection. While shooting with the Galaxy S21 series, users can also use the microphone of the wireless earbuds ‘Galaxy Buds Pro’ as a wireless microphone to record both the user’s voice and background sounds simultaneously.

The brain has also become more powerful. The Galaxy S21 series is equipped with the most powerful 5nm processor ever in a Galaxy smartphone. The domestic sales model is equipped with the Exynos 2100, with improved energy efficiency, 5G connectivity, and artificial intelligence (AI) performance compared to the previous generation. Samsung emphasized that user information is securely protected by its proprietary security platform, ‘Samsung Knox Vault.’ The ‘SmartThings Find’ feature allows users to easily and quickly locate Galaxy devices even when network connections are lost. Samsung also introduced the ‘Galaxy SmartTag,’ which helps find various items beyond Galaxy devices. It can be linked with Android Auto to control home devices from the car’s control screen.

Foreign media interest is also high. CNN in the U.S. reported, “Smarter and cheaper,” calling the Ultra model “a clearly standout product.” The outlet explained, “The Galaxy S21 is an improvement in the Galaxy lineup, especially in camera functions,” and added, “Features useful to consumers’ lives during the pandemic, such as integration with home appliances, have also been introduced.” The economic media CNBC highlighted “better display, improved battery life, and a camera that can take clearer photos” as strengths.

Nihon Keizai Shimbun reported that the shooting and editing functions are well-suited to consumers’ needs to upload videos on social networking services (SNS). British BBC focused on the fact that the Galaxy S21 is equipped with the S Pen, like the existing Note series. There is speculation that Samsung Electronics may integrate the S series and Note platforms in the future. BBC stated, “The Galaxy S20, released during the first phase of the pandemic last year, failed to secure many fans,” adding, “Samsung Electronics needs to make the Galaxy S21 a success.” It also cited Samsung’s strong brand marketing capabilities and its very extensive product portfolio as differentiating factors.

Samsung Electronics is conducting pre-orders for the Galaxy S21 series in Korea until the 21st and will officially launch on the 29th. Prices are ▲Galaxy S21 1,999,900 won ▲Galaxy S21+ 1,199,000 won ▲Galaxy S21 Ultra (256GB) 1,452,000 won ▲Galaxy S21 Ultra (512GB) 1,599,400 won. Considering that the previous Galaxy S20 series had launch prices of 1,248,500 won, 1,353,000 won, and 1,595,000 won respectively, this is up to 240,000 won cheaper.