Samsung’s new Galaxy S21 telephone line is now that can be purchased (here is the place to order one). The newest model of Samsung’s flagship Galaxy telephone is the successor to the Galaxy S20 line, launched in 2020. If you are available in the market for an improve, chances are you’ll be questioning: What precisely are the variations between the 2 Galaxy telephones? And is it value it to spend $800 for an improve? Here’s the whole lot you’ll want to know for now about how the Galaxy S21 compares with the Galaxy S20. We selected a winner for every class beneath primarily based purely on specs. For a extra in-depth have a look at Samsung’s new telephones, learn our full evaluations of the Galaxy S21 and Galaxy S21 Ultra.
Cut by means of the chatter
Subscribe to CNET’s Mobile publication for the most recent telephone information and evaluations.
Read extra: Galaxy S21 vs. S20 specs in contrast: What Samsung modified in its new telephones
Drew Evans/CNET
The base Samsung Galaxy S21 features a 6.2-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X show with a 120Hz refresh fee, a 4,000-mAh battery and three rear digital camera lenses, together with a 12-megapixel ultrawide lens. It runs on Android 11, and has a brand new Snapdragon 888 processor. The telephone will get a significant worth drop in contrast with its predecessor, beginning at $800 (£769, AU$1,249). Read our full Galaxy S21 assessment.
Angela Lang/CNET
CNET gave the bottom Galaxy S20 a ranking of 8.7 out of 10, naming it the very best out of the S20 line. Our reviewer appreciated top-shelf options akin to a pointy show and superior digital camera capabilities, however famous that the beginning worth of $1,000 (£799, AU$1,349) was a bit excessive for what you get. While the S21 is generally comparable in options, until S20’s worth drops extra (you may get it refurbished for round $550), it appears value it to improve to the S21. Read our full Galaxy S20 assessment.
Design, display measurement and weightThe Galaxy S21 and Galaxy S20 are extraordinarily comparable in the case of shows. Both function 6.2-inch Dynamic AMOLED screens, a 120Hz refresh fee and an in-screen fingerprint sensor. The variations are comparatively small: The S21 has a pixel density of 421 ppi, in contrast with the S20’s 563 ppi. The S21 can also be barely heavier, at 6.03 ounces, whereas the S20 weighs 5.75 ounces. The two telephones additionally seem like near an identical in design. The solely main distinction in look is the rear digital camera module — on the S21, it has a steel overlay. Both telephones are IP68-rated for water and mud resistance. Neither telephone has a headphone jack. In phrases of colours, the Galaxy S21 is available in pastels referred to as phantom violet, phantom grey, phantom pink and phantom white (different colours can be found for the S21 Plus and Ultra fashions). The Galaxy S20 is on the market in cosmic grey, cloud blue, cloud pink and cosmic black. Winner: Tie
Now taking part in:
Watch this:
Review: The Galaxy S21 5G shocked us with its adjustments
10:21
CamerasThe base mannequin Galaxy S20 and Galaxy S21 have the very same digital camera setup: The rear digital camera modules have a 64-megapixel telephoto digital camera, a 12-megapixel wide-angle digital camera and 12-megapixel ultrawide digital camera. Both telephones additionally include a 10-megapixel selfie digital camera. The cameras are the identical on each Plus fashions, too. The main digital camera upgrades include the S21 Ultra. This mannequin has 4 rear cameras: a fundamental 108-megapixel broad sensor and a 12-megapixel ultrawide digital camera, plus two 10-megapixel telephoto lenses — one with 3x zoom and one with 10x zoom. It additionally boasts a quick Bright Night sensor and pixel binning expertise, which makes your photographs extra detailed. Winner: Tie (besides within the case of the S21 Ultra, which wins over the S20 Ultra)Read extra: Galaxy S21’s digital camera options are good, however are they sufficient?
Now taking part in:
Watch this:
We assessment the Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G and its bonkers cameras
9:22
Processing speedTwo of the most important upgrades to the S21 are the telephone’s processor and the software program it runs — it is now on Android 11 with a Snapdragon 888 processor, which ought to result in will increase in velocity and efficiency. The S20 was initially launched with Android 10 and has a Snapdragon 875.Winner: Galaxy S21Battery lifeThe base Galaxy S20 and S21 fashions have the identical battery measurement of 4,000 mAh. The battery measurement rises to 5,000 mAh in each the S20 Ultra and S21 Ultra. The solely distinction between fashions is within the Plus variations: The S21 Plus will get a battery measurement enhance to 4,800 mAh, in contrast with 4,500 mAh within the S20 Plus. Winner: Tie (besides within the case of the S21 Plus, which wins over the S20 Plus)Read extra: Samsung Galaxy S21: What to find out about battery life and battery sizes5G connectivityAll S21 and S20 fashions assist 5G connectivity, so once more, no distinction there. Winner: TieStylus supportOne of the larger variations between the 2 telephone fashions comes on the Ultra degree. The Galaxy S21 Ultra contains assist for the S Pen stylus (offered individually for $40), whereas not one of the S20 fashions do. That means S21 Ultra homeowners will quickly have the ability to use the small digital pen to jot notes, take higher screenshots, signal paperwork or draw of their favourite apps.Read extra: Galaxy S21 Ultra works with Samsung S Pen, Pro stylus: Price, options and limitationsPriceExterior of the processor, maybe the most important distinction between the bottom S20 and S21 is the value tag. The Galaxy S21 is now on sale (purchase the S21 right here), beginning at $800 for the 128GB mannequin. In comparability, the Galaxy S20 began at $1,000. Though the value on the S20 has fluctuated because the Galaxy Unpacked occasion, Samsung did not say whether or not it will get an additional lower, and to this point it does not appear to have accomplished so. For worldwide pricing see the chart beneath.Winner: Galaxy S21
Now taking part in:
Watch this:
Galaxy S21 Ultra’s digital camera goes head-to-head with iPhone…
5:12
Galaxy S21 vs. Galaxy S20: Spec comparabilityHere’s how the specs of the 2 telephones examine, now that the S21 particulars have been formally launched.For extra in regards to the Galaxy S21 and the whole lot else Samsung introduced, you may try our roundup. Samsung Galaxy S21 vs. Galaxy S20 specs
Galaxy S21
Galaxy S20
Display measurement, decision
6.2-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X; (2,400×1,080 pixels)
6.2-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X; (3,200×1,440 pixels)
Pixel density
421 ppi
563 ppi
Dimensions (inches)
2.80×5.97×0.31 in
2.72×5.97×0.31 in
Dimensions (millimeters)
71.2×151.7×7.9 mm
69.1×151.7×7.9 mm
Weight (ounces, grams)
6.03 oz; 171g
5.75 oz; 163g
Mobile software program
Android 11
Android 10
Camera
64-megapixel (telephoto), 12-megapixel (wide-angle), 12-megapixel (ultrawide)
12-megapixel (wide-angle), 64-megapixel (telephoto), 12-megapixel (ultrawide)
Front-facing digital camera
10-megapixel
10-megapixel
Video seize
8K
8K
Processor
Snapdragon 888
Snapdragon 865 or 64-bit octa-core processor (Max 2.7GHz + 2.5GHz + 2GHz)
Storage
128GB, 256GB
128GB
RAM
8GB
12GB (5G), 8GB (LTE)
Expandable storage
Up to 1TB
Up to 1TB
Battery
4,000 mAh
4,000 mAh
Fingerprint sensor
In-screen
In-screen
Headphone jack
No
No
Special options
IP68 ranking for water and mud resistance, 5G-enabled, 30x Space Zoom, 10W wi-fi charging, 120Hz refresh fee
5G enabled; 120Hz refresh fee; IP68 ranking for water and mud resistance,
Price at launch (USD)
$800
$1,000
Price (GBP)
£769
£799, £899 (5G)
Price (AUD)
AU$1,249
AU$1,349 (4G), AU$1,499 (5G)