For a start, the already legendary Samsung front and rear-facing cameras have been given a significant upgrade compared to previous Galaxy devices. The Galaxy S21 Ultra features a massive 40-megapixel front facing camera and 108-megapixel wide angle rear camera – the highest resolution in a smartphone, as well as two tele photo lenses and an ultra-wide angle lens. The Galaxy 21 and S21+ also feature a solid setup, offering a 12-megapixel main camera, a second 12-megapixel ultra-wide cam, and a 64-megapixel telephoto camera with 30 x zoom.[1]
Front facing is a 10-megapixel camera, with all taking advantage of the 8k video capabilities to produce incredibly sharp videos that can have 33MP stills lifted from footage.[2] AI-assisted Portrait Mode uses everything from virtual studio lighting to background effects (and more) to help ensure you get a perfect portrait every time.
Also upgraded from previous Galaxy models is Samsung’s signature Single Take feature, which allows users to capture a selection of still and video formats with one click plus new pro-style video settings such as Highlight Video and Dynamic Slow-Mo to catch the action in stunning stills and highlight reels.
Even on the go, the Super Steady video shooting at 60 frames per second smooths out the action, then the new Director’s View lets you see and select the best shot to tell your best story.
The S21 Ultra can also shoot video in 4K at 60fps across all lenses (front and rear) perfect for motion videos to reduce the bumpiness. With 100x Space Zoom, including 10x optical zoom, it has the sharpest quality zoom on a smartphone and delivers crisp images even when you’re far from the action.[3]
Vlogger View records both front and rear cameras at once and Directors view lets you toggle between different shots whilst recording - change angle, zoom in or pull out to wide as the action’s happening.
The Pro Video Mode allows you to use the microphones on the new Galaxy Buds Pro in your microphone setup and then step into frame away from your device, allowing you to record your voice, movement and background sound in crisp quality.
That’s just one feature of the new Buds Pro which are designed to turn down most outside noise, automatically connect to compatible devices.[4] For example, the volume automatically drops on whatever you’re listening to if a real-world conversation takes over.
“People are depending on wireless earbud technology more than ever since the trials of 2020 and this category is one of the fastest growing amongst consumers,” says Garry McGregor, Senior Vice President, Mobile Division, Samsung Electronics Australia.
“We use them for music and entertainment, work, education and more. We also know that audio quality is of fundamental importance as is their ability to seamlessly fit into our lives”
All S21 series devices feature 120Hz screens with variable refresh rates, which means they dynamically adjust the refresh rate to suit whatever content is being viewed. Still photos, for example, default automatically to a lower refresh rate to save battery life, while video or games will jump to the faster rate for better viewing quality.
Inside, the S21 and S21+ models are powered by a 64 bit Octa-core processor and feature full 5G connectivity [5], with 8GB of RAM and 128GB of storage as standard, up to 256GB on some models. The S21 Ultra features up to 16GB of RAM and 512GB of storage.[6]
With the S21 Ultra, there’s even stylus support for an S Pen – a first for the S series. A highly anticipated addition to the range, the S Pen allows for drawing, note-taking, photo editing, signing documents and more.[7]
And of course, the new Samsung range acknowledges that for many, the aesthetics of the phone is as important as the moment it captures. The stylish new Galaxy range incorporates a unique Contour Cut Camera, in (depending on model) Phantom Black, Grey, Silver, Violet and Pink – with extra exclusive colours available on samsung.com including Phantom Gold and Phantom Red on S21+ and Phantom Titanium, Navy and Brown on S21 Ultra.
For more information on the new range, visit samsung.com.
[1] 30x zoom includes digital zoom which may cause image deterioration.
[2] To view videos in 8K a compatible device is required. Sold separately.
[3] 100x Space Zoom includes digital zoom which may cause image deterioration.
[4] Compared to Galaxy Buds Live.
[5] Available on selected plans on eligible 5G networks. Current availability is limited to major capital city CBDs and other select high traffic areas. Actual speeds achievable will vary depending on service availability and other factors.
[6] User cannot access entire memory capacity due to pre-installed content.
[7] S Pen compatibility only available on Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G. S Pen sold separately.