Samsung Galaxy S21 / S21+ / S21 Ultra

[jamezr]

It better be a update to 11 pro max or else.... dammit so AOD isn't just a software update it's a different screen technology? Someone help me out

I think as @Shanghaichica said it could be a software update buuuut...knowing Apple they will only make it available the new models to get people to upgrade. I cant wait I have been wait for AOD on a iPhone for a while

 

[jamezr]

Would y'all guys/gals say that all of these newer phones(android and iphone)the past couple years are a significant upgrade over the Pixel 3? I use the 3 XL and happy with it but the camera is my thing and battery life. I would get a newer phone, even a generation old if the camera is a step up

from what I have heard is Samsung partnered with Google on on the AI algorithm for the S21 camera.
It should help with post processing. Not sure if it will be a great as the Pixel's post processing algorithms though.

 

[jamezr]

Here is a comparison to the S21 Ultra and Note 20 Ultra

3D Phone Comparison

Compare the latest flagship phones in photorealistic interactive 3D! Switch color, compare size and make a more confident decision when buying your next phone!

www.hotspot3d.com

 

[Healer Flame]

The Ultra is not very curved but am loving the Plus as much as the Ultra

 

[Mellofello808]

The ultra camera looks fantastic.


Start at 7:08

 

[swarlos]

If it ends up being a software update wouldn't it kill the battery on the current OLED phones, because they won't have the newer OLED that can refresh way down like the Apple Watch and S21 series? An AOD always stuck at 60hz I'd think wouldn't be (as) good for battery life?

Yeah you’re right. I used a couple of AOD tweaks on my jailbroken 11 Pro Max over summer on 13.5 and man my battery took a major hit.

That’s also a reason why we didn’t get 120hz this year either because the hit on battery life was too much. I’m also excited about AOD though cause those jailbreak tweaks were awesome.

 

[Zito Abroad]

I would say, Samsung have found their signature design with the new wrap around rear camera. You can now immediately tell a Galaxy device by the back camera. That instant recognition is a good thing. For me, the whole S21 line are easily the best looking phones on the market. I honestly can't believe how much nicer these phones look from the renders and leaks. Very premium. I hope the Fold 3 takes on this design, and has the ultra camera as well. Please make it so Samsung.

 

[Healer Flame]

I would say, Samsung have found their signature design with the new wrap around rear camera. You can now immediately tell a Galaxy device by the back camera. That instant recognition is a good thing. For me, the whole S21 line are easily the best looking phones on the market. I honestly can't believe how much nicer these phones look from the renders and leaks. Very premium. I hope the Fold 3 takes on this design, and has the ultra camera as well. Please make it so Samsung.

They did excellent job disguising the ugly bump and make it look attractive

 

[The Game 161]

It better be a update to 11 pro max or else.... dammit so AOD isn't just a software update it's a different screen technology? Someone help me out

no it won't be a software update\

if it happens it will be due to the LTPO display and that will be on the pro models only. LTPO won't come to non pro models until likely 2022 if the volume is there as the amount of panels apple will need is alot for all iPhones.

 

[ian87w]

Does AoD really sucks battery that much? Android has had AoD for years and there’s no major complaints about battery life.

 

[Shanghaichica]

I would say, Samsung have found their signature design with the new wrap around rear camera. You can now immediately tell a Galaxy device by the back camera. That instant recognition is a good thing. For me, the whole S21 line are easily the best looking phones on the market. I honestly can't believe how much nicer these phones look from the renders and leaks. Very premium. I hope the Fold 3 takes on this design, and has the ultra camera as well. Please make it so Samsung.

Samsung have been knocking out of the park with design lately. The S20 was a bit of a misstep, however the Note 20 ultra, fold 2 and now the S21 series have been stunning.

The S10 and Note 10 series were stunning too.

 

[Shanghaichica]

Does AoD really sucks battery that much? Android has had AoD for years and there’s no major complaints about battery life.

It doesn’t. Apple are just using battery life as an excuse to trickle out features like AOD and 120hz refresh rates.

 

[The Game 161]

Does AoD really sucks battery that much? Android has had AoD for years and there’s no major complaints about battery life.

It used to for me but on my fold 2 not really that noticeable but it does drain alot more on standby than my iPhone does.

Just Apple thinking battery life will be worse and they don't want things to be worse and why they will only release 120hz with LTPO. I imagine this will be why we waited for it on the Apple Watch.

 

[The Game 161]

It doesn’t. Apple are just using battery life as an excuse to trickle out features like AOD and 120hz refresh rates.

well 120hz is a legit reason I feel but AOD not so much. there's only so many IOS optimisation can do with 120hz on so LTPO really is needed for battery life to remain as good.

 

[yui4]

Preparing to dispatch my order in UK. I don’t expect it to change until sometime next week.

start counting down the sleeps!

 

[Khaleesi Kendall]

If you're in a position to never move to iOS, the good news is that it seems like Apple is feeling the pressure to catch up to Android in the feature department more than ever lately.

I see that and I’m okay with it. Usually whatever features Apple copies they normally make better. So I say carry on.

 

[The Game 161]

Preparing to dispatch my order in UK. I don’t expect it to change until sometime next week.

start counting down the sleeps!

seems they are getting released quicker than the past. getting bored with these unboxing videos seeing reviews is more worthy to view on YouTube for one.

the early photo samples look good. the zoom does seem improved on the 100x scumbag zoom

 

[yui4]

seems they are getting released quicker than the past. getting bored with these unboxing videos seeing reviews is more worthy to view on YouTube for one.

the early photo samples look good. the zoom does seem improved on the 100x scumbag zoom

It would be nice but I’m not anticipating it to arrive any earlier than a day before official release in shops. That’s how I’ve found pre ordering to be with previous launches

 

[rockitdog]

Just trying to figure out if I should buy the unlocked version or the AT&T variant.

 

[Awesomesince86]

Just trying to figure out if I should buy the unlocked version or the AT&T variant.

If you dont plan on switching carriers during the life of the phone, then ATT is the safer route. I know they have been guilty of restricting things such as Wifi calling and VoLTE to only carrier phones in the past. Not sure if that still applies.

Otherwise, if you want the flexibility, go with unlocked. Honestly, besides the things I mentioned, they should be pretty much identical. Oh and unlcoked wont have carrier bloat apps. But thats about it.

 

[rockitdog]

If you dont plan on switching carriers during the life of the phone, then ATT is the safer route. I know they have been guilty of restricting things such as Wifi calling and VoLTE to only carrier phones in the past. Not sure if that still applies.

Otherwise, if you want the flexibility, go with unlocked. Honestly, besides the things I mentioned, they should be pretty much identical. Oh and unlcoked wont have carrier bloat apps. But thats about it.

WiFi calling is a non-issue for me so I'm not worried about that. It would be nice to have the option to switch carriers if I wanted to down the road also. But that just means I am shelling out $almost $1300 upfront 🤪

 

[Awesomesince86]

WiFi calling is a non-issue for me so I'm not worried about that. It would be nice to have the option to switch carriers if I wanted to down the road also. But that just means I am shelling out $almost $1300 upfront 🤪

Could always finance through Samsung if thats offered in your area. 0% and offered in 2-4 year plans if I remember correctly.

 

[jamezr]

Just trying to figure out if I should buy the unlocked version or the AT&T variant.

Unlocked models get security updates and patches faster than carrier models.
Sometimes carriers get in the way of the updates.

 

[Harthag]

Just trying to figure out if I should buy the unlocked version or the AT&T variant.

I've been in the same boat, canceled my pre-order while I decide. I've read that the Android 11 beta on unlocked S20 enables wifi calling, but don't quote me on that. Worst case scenario, while not ideal, you can buy the unlocked version and flash the AT&T firmware onto it if you need certain AT&T features.

 

[Awesomesince86]

Unlocked models get security updates and patches faster than carrier models.
Sometimes carriers get in the way of the updates.

Is that the case with Samsung now? For the longest time, Samsung unlocked phones got updates the slowest after the carriers. Word was that had an agreement with carriers to release it last. But I think thats changed in the past few years.