Samsung Galaxy S21 / S21+ / S21 Ultra

[The Game 161]

I totally agree with that. Price is a factor... but it isn't the biggest reason. I moved away from the iPhone and I purchased an Android phone with a larger price tag than the iPhone.

Being bored is why I got the note 20 ultra last year. Sometimes you do just want a change and try something different. Some like myself got annoyed with apple waiting on features sometimes you realise its good to try new devices to see what you are missing

 

[Shanghaichica]

Being bored is why I got the note 20 ultra last year. Sometimes you do just want a change and try something different. Some like myself got annoyed with apple waiting on features sometimes you realise its good to try new devices to see what you are missing

Why did you get the S21 ultra?

 

[The Game 161]

Why did you get the S21 ultra?

Basically wanted all the features missing on the iPhone and also having the option to make the phone how I want it. I wanted a phone that I could pop in my work sim and still get a good amount of usage.

I'm using the zoom features a fair amount more than I expected to be honest. I did fear I wouldn't use it all to its potential but I actually use it fairly evenly with my 12 Pro max. The combo is working well I've got to admit

Spilt screen, pop up windows is ideal as well.

Helps the battery life is reasonable unlike the exynos 990 chips

 

[The Game 161]

Point and shoot not bad

 

[mjschabow]

Just thought you guys would get a kick out of our old friend who used to troll this thread endlessly about how iPhone blows Samsung out of the water. ???

After releasing the new M1 iPads and WWDC Apple is a spineless and gutless company who can take us for a ride whenever they want.

Apple showed their true colours today, the M1 iPad was nothing more than a easy marketing cash grab. They basically gave their customers the middle finger, never seen anything more lacklustre than iOS/iPadOS 15, all that hype about the M1 and extra ram was never going to benefit us in the end...

forums.macrumors.com

 

[Awesomesince86]

Just thought you guys would get a kick out of our old friend who used to troll this thread endlessly about how iPhone blows Samsung out of the water. ???

After releasing the new M1 iPads and WWDC Apple is a spineless and gutless company who can take us for a ride whenever they want.

Apple showed their true colours today, the M1 iPad was nothing more than a easy marketing cash grab. They basically gave their customers the middle finger, never seen anything more lacklustre than iOS/iPadOS 15, all that hype about the M1 and extra ram was never going to benefit us in the end...

forums.macrumors.com

I love it. Funny how he hasnt shown is face around here since the announcements today.

 

[Tulani]

Just thought you guys would get a kick out of our old friend who used to troll this thread endlessly about how iPhone blows Samsung out of the water.

After releasing the new M1 iPads and WWDC Apple is a spineless and gutless company who can take us for a ride whenever they want.

Apple showed their true colours today, the M1 iPad was nothing more than a easy marketing cash grab. They basically gave their customers the middle finger, never seen anything more lacklustre than iOS/iPadOS 15, all that hype about the M1 and extra ram was never going to benefit us in the end...

forums.macrumors.com

That almost knocked me off my chair!

On a more serious note that was a longtime coming.

If one is to take away the vile and the sharpness of the tongue there-will lie the truth.

For a long while now Apple has been riding on brand loyalty. With the money they make perhaps they have no reason to change.

But if one is in that camp that is objective and open to other possibilities I feel the creativity momentum now is elsewhere.

For instance right after using the S21 I have become even more intrigued by the anticipation of what the next iterations will bring.

Yes they might not have a wholesome product range offer but Samsung is pushing the boundaries.

We can almost predict what iPhone 13 is going to be like.

As for Samsung eyes and ears are waiting for the next big thing.
The folding phones.
The delayed Galaxy note.
Perhaps under-screen camera/ unlock technology soon.

 

[mjschabow]

That almost knocked me off my chair!

On a more serious note that was a longtime coming.

If one is to take away the vile and the sharpness of the tongue there-will lie the truth.

For a long while now Apple has been riding on brand loyalty. With the money they make perhaps they have no reason to change.

But if one is in that camp that is objective and open to other possibilities I feel the creativity momentum now is elsewhere.

For instance right after using the S21 I have become even more intrigued by the anticipation of what the next iterations will bring.

Yes they might not have a wholesome product range offer but Samsung is pushing the boundaries.

We can almost predict what iPhone 13 is going to be like.

As for Samsung eyes and ears are waiting for the next big thing.
The folding phones.
The delayed Galaxy note.
Perhaps under-screen camera/ unlock technology soon.

Personally I prefer the iPhone over Samsung by a lot but I’d never come in here like that guy did and stir up crap. I respect both platforms.

 

[The Game 161]

To be honest I’m far more disappointed with the features for the iPhone than iPad. Granted I had hoped for better iPad features and multasking isn’t as good as I had hoped as I wanted pop up windows and apps being used 3 at same time but the multasking features they added are neat and I will use them but should have added more. Basically the multitasking on the tab s7 plus I think the iPad needs.

apple has so much potential to make all devices as featured packed as android but they simply have no desire to do so in a quick process. Hell we won’t see periscope lens for at least two more years. the iPhone is still great though but some of the features I like is still missing on there. Mainly why I have both the pro max and ultra.

 

[mjschabow]

To be honest I’m far more disappointed with the features for the iPhone than iPad. Granted I had hoped for better iPad features and multasking isn’t as good as I had hoped as I wanted pop up windows and apps being used 3 at same time but the multasking features they added are neat and I will use them but should have added more. Basically the multitasking on the tab s7 plus I think the iPad needs.

apple has so much potential to make all devices as featured packed as android but they simply have no desire to do so in a quick process. Hell we won’t see periscope lens for at least two more years. the iPhone is still great though but some of the features I like is still missing on there. Mainly why I have both the pro max and ultra.

I’m kind of at the point where I’m not really hungry for all these new features though. Maybe I’m getting old but the phone does what I need it to do. Would icon packs and theming have been cool? I guess so but I probably would have used stock icons anyway.

What I’m more concerned about is the next iPhone. I’m hoping some of the camera features like portrait video, more zoom capabilities, and macro make the cut. If not, it wouldn’t be enough to make me switch back but I’d be a little disappointed.

 

[The Game 161]

I’m kind of at the point where I’m not really hungry for all these new features though. Maybe I’m getting old but the phone does what I need it to do. Would icon packs and theming have been cool? I guess so but I probably would have used stock icons anyway.

What I’m more concerned about is the next iPhone. I’m hoping some of the camera features like portrait video, more zoom capabilities, and macro make the cut. If not, it wouldn’t be enough to make me switch back but I’d be a little disappointed.

I don’t think people need all the features but would rather have the option though. I think for most what the iPhone does is fine and enough. Power users and tech maniacs want it all though which I get.

I think interactive widgets and being able to place your apps where you want is something I think even most users would want yet we still don’t have it.

I don’t think zoom will be any different until at least 2023. Micro is very useful and I hope apple adds it in. The features are 120hz, better ultra wide, bigger main sensors but likely same 12MP we have had for years.

Touch ID is up in the air and maybe AOD. Guess depends if it’s worth it for people. 120hz is a big deal for me but it’s still going to be the same experience. It’s an s year though so maybe people shouldn’t expect much. 120hz has been around for a while but it appears this will be the main difference aside from better ultra wide.

I do think it’s time where they need to add more MP. It’s been at 12 for a while and it will be at least until September 2022 until it increases. Still photos are great on pro max now with 12MP but still think it can improve with more MP

 

[mjschabow]

I don’t think people need all the features but would rather have the option though. I think for most what the iPhone does is fine and enough. Power users and tech maniacs want it all though which I get.

I think interactive widgets and being able to place your apps where you want is something I think even most users would want yet we still don’t have it.

I don’t think zoom will be any different until at least 2023. Micro is very useful and I hope apple adds it in. The features are 120hz, better ultra wide, bigger main sensors but likely same 12MP we have had for years.

Touch ID is up in the air and maybe AOD. Guess depends if it’s worth it for people. 120hz is a big deal for me but it’s still going to be the same experience. It’s an s year though so maybe people shouldn’t expect much. 120hz has been around for a while but it appears this will be the main difference aside from better ultra wide.

I do think it’s time where they need to add more MP. It’s been at 12 for a while and it will be at least until September 2022 until it increases. Still photos are great on pro max now with 12MP but still think it can improve with more MP

I gotcha. I pretty much have the set up how I want it now which is really nice, so things like placing apps where you want isn't as important now that widgets are integrated. I just have the big stack widget and then favorite apps and I use spotlight and/or app library to launch the apps I need. 120hz will be awesome and be enough to keep me happy I'm sure. I don't really feel like I need Touch ID or AOD. They're nice on Android, but Face ID works fine and I have an Apple Watch.

I think for the ever day user, 2-3 things are good enough every year, but I get where the tech folks get frustrated. I'll for sure upgrade based on 120hz alone and I'm sure they'll add something else that's cool.

 

[drinkingtea]

I’m kind of at the point where I’m not really hungry for all these new features though. Maybe I’m getting old but the phone does what I need it to do. Would icon packs and theming have been cool? I guess so but I probably would have used stock icons anyway.

What I’m more concerned about is the next iPhone. I’m hoping some of the camera features like portrait video, more zoom capabilities, and macro make the cut. If not, it wouldn’t be enough to make me switch back but I’d be a little disappointed.

When I was trying out the Pixel, I really had no desire to theme, especially since I don’t have the time for it. I stuck with the stock launcher and I was content. I just want a phone to work. ?‍♀️

 

[Mellofello808]

I didn't think that the limited customization options, and lack of an app drawer would be such a big deal to me. However both of them make switching back to iOS a total non starter.

It's not like I am out of the ecosystem, and forgot how nice it is. I use a iPhone every day for work. Using them side by side, just highlights the deficiencies of iOS even more to my eyes.

The only thing that could make me switch back is a total overhaul of the UI to allow user control. I was so disappointed by iOS 14 since whatever that app drawer replacement they rolled out is a hamfisted mess, and even something as simple as placing icons on the bottom of the screen is deemed off limits.

I find it offensive, that they lord so many functions away from the user to be honest.

Pretty much the only thing I wish was integrated into android was the apple TV remote app. I just use my iPad in the LR anyway so it is a non issue.

 

[Tulani]

 

[slitherjef]

Just curious, those who ordered direct from sammy (don't have to be this exact device) how was the experience? Does one need an account or can I use like google pay or just use standard plastic.

Also any experience transferring a line to another carrier with unlocked device?

 

[ian87w]

So, to put back the discussion about the actual phone...
I just traded in my Galaxy A71 for a white S21. 256GB (since Samsung Indonesia only has the 256GB model for the regular S21). Also got a denim case for it.

First impressions:

The nice:
- This thing is compact! I've been using large phones that it's actually refreshing to hold something that is more pocket friendly.
- Smooth! The A71 is not slow, but man, now I see the difference between flagship Galaxy S and the lesser classes. Everything is smooth, as it should be. No hints of sluggishness like the A71. Different class citizen completely!
- Love the matte texture back and the white pearly color. Really made the phone look classy, even if it's plastic. In contrast, the A71 used a shiny glossy plastic back, making it look cheap.

The annoyances:
- watching videos and consuming content on it is not as comfortable as the larger A71, obviously. The A71 has spoiled me with its nice large screen. Still, being a phone that is more pocketable is changing my preference for larger phones.
- No charger. Good thing I already have the quick charger from my A71.
- No headphone jack! Alright this is annoying. Worse, apparently there are two kinds of USB-C to 3.5mm audio dongles out there, and not all are compatible with Samsung phones. I was like screw it and just bought the USB-C AKG headset.
- I turned on 120Hz, and after a while, I got quite dizzy for some reason. Is this that PWM thing everybody was talking about? It was like I got sea-sick or something. Not bad, but annoying enough that I turned it off. 60Hz is fine for me. And the UI is already smooth to me.


Why am I doing this? Mostly for peace of mind of getting monthly security updates, and I deem the extra cost to be worth the peace of mind. I hate it that Samsung treated the premium mid-range A71 as a second class citizen, only getting quarterly security updates. And since I also use the phone for work, I just don't want to be worrying about patches.

Can't wait to try out the camera and the fancy director's view.
And if anyone can give me an insight why am I getting dizzy on 120Hz mode, that would be great.

 

[PinkyMacGodess]

- I turned on 120Hz, and after a while, I got quite dizzy for some reason. Is this that PWM thing everybody was talking about? It was like I got sea-sick or something. Not bad, but annoying enough that I turned it off. 60Hz is fine for me. And the UI is already smooth to me.

I remember the first experience with iPad 'Parallax'. I wasn't feeling very well, and had to fly later that week. It was a day after I landed that I read how to turn off that feature. I spent nearly a week feeling queazy and during the flight, which was actually really smooth, felt very motion sick and was using the iPad throughout the flight. I recovered within a day after turning off the 'feature'. But I can't blame Apple as the majority of people don't experience visual vertigo symptoms. *URP* ???

 

[Tulani]

So, to put back the discussion about the actual phone...
I just traded in my Galaxy A71 for a white S21. 256GB (since Samsung Indonesia only has the 256GB model for the regular S21). Also got a denim case for it.
View attachment 1791230 View attachment 1791231

First impressions:

The nice:
- This thing is compact! I've been using large phones that it's actually refreshing to hold something that is more pocket friendly.
- Smooth! The A71 is not slow, but man, now I see the difference between flagship Galaxy S and the lesser classes. Everything is smooth, as it should be. No hints of sluggishness like the A71. Different class citizen completely!
- Love the matte texture back and the white pearly color. Really made the phone look classy, even if it's plastic. In contrast, the A71 used a shiny glossy plastic back, making it look cheap.

The annoyances:
- watching videos and consuming content on it is not as comfortable as the larger A71, obviously. The A71 has spoiled me with its nice large screen. Still, being a phone that is more pocketable is changing my preference for larger phones.
- No charger. Good thing I already have the quick charger from my A71.
- No headphone jack! Alright this is annoying. Worse, apparently there are two kinds of USB-C to 3.5mm audio dongles out there, and not all are compatible with Samsung phones. I was like screw it and just bought the USB-C AKG headset.
- I turned on 120Hz, and after a while, I got quite dizzy for some reason. Is this that PWM thing everybody was talking about? It was like I got sea-sick or something. Not bad, but annoying enough that I turned it off. 60Hz is fine for me. And the UI is already smooth to me.


Why am I doing this? Mostly for peace of mind of getting monthly security updates, and I deem the extra cost to be worth the peace of mind. I hate it that Samsung treated the premium mid-range A71 as a second class citizen, only getting quarterly security updates. And since I also use the phone for work, I just don't want to be worrying about patches.

Can't wait to try out the camera and the fancy director's view.
And if anyone can give me an insight why am I getting dizzy on 120Hz mode, that would be great.

As someone who also went with the regular S21, 256G is the “correct size”. Anything smaller then you would be stretching it.

I like your color choice.

Pocket -ability and one handed use for me is always key.

I hope you also got physical dual sim given your region most likely offers one?

 

[ian87w]

As someone who also went with the regular S21, 256G is the “correct size”. Anything smaller then you would be stretching it.

I like your color choice.

Pocket -ability and one handed use for me is always key.

I hope you also got physical dual sim given your region most likely offers one?

Yup, Samsung only offers dual sim versions in my country, which is a standard for pretty much all Android phones here.

Yeah it’s refreshing having a smaller phone in my pocket. I do miss the larger screen of the A71 when I want to watch videos, but I’m now a convert that thinks the regular S21 is close to a more ideal size of a mobile phone.

 

[ian87w]

I remember the first experience with iPad 'Parallax'. I wasn't feeling very well, and had to fly later that week. It was a day after I landed that I read how to turn off that feature. I spent nearly a week feeling queazy and during the flight, which was actually really smooth, felt very motion sick and was using the iPad throughout the flight. I recovered within a day after turning off the 'feature'. But I can't blame Apple as the majority of people don't experience visual vertigo symptoms. *URP* ???

I had 120Hz on my Poco X3, but I didn’t have this issue. Then again it’s LCD (and MiUI overall still stutters here and there). So I’m wondering if what I’m experiencing is the PWM issue with OLED that everybody was talking about, although I don’t have issues when it’s 60Hz.

 

[Tulani]

 

[Tulani]

Samsung says it hasn’t decided whether to halt Galaxy S21 FE production

The S21 FE hasn’t been announced yet, but it did leak back in April.

www.theverge.com

 

[Ludatyk]

Samsung says it hasn’t decided whether to halt Galaxy S21 FE production

The S21 FE hasn’t been announced yet, but it did leak back in April.

www.theverge.com

I don't think Samsung will release a S21 FE... the S20 FE last year was result of COVID. While we are still dealing with COVID... condolences to those who have lost friends/family due to COVID. But with vaccines and people following protocols we are gradually getting back to normal.

And in addition to getting back to normal, Samsung shot themselves in the foot claiming chip shortages is the reason why Note21 isn't coming this year. If they decide to introduce a S21 FE along with the two foldables scheduled to come... that would be thoughtless of them.

 

[The Game 161]

Honestly with how cheap you can get the s21 I’m not sure a FE is really needed