Samsung Galaxy S21 specs leak reveals plastic base model, 10X optical zoom for Ultra, more

Recent rumors suggest that Samsung will launch its Galaxy S21 series early next year in January. As a result, we’ve already started seeing leaks and rumors about the company’s next flagship devices. Last month, leaked CAD renders gave us our first look at the Galaxy S21 and Galaxy S21 Ultra. But sadly, the renders revealed nothing about their hardware specifications. Now, Android Police has procured official press renders of the next-gen Galaxy devices that confirm the design we saw in the leaked CAD renders and reveal some more information about the device’s specifications.

Samsung Galaxy S21 series: Rumored specifications

As per a recent report from the publication, the Galaxy S21 series will include 3 devices — the Galaxy S21 (codename O1), Galaxy S21 Plus (codename T2), and Galaxy S21 Ultra (codename P3). The devices will either be powered by Qualcomm’s unannounced Snapdragon 875 or the upcoming Exynos 2100, based on region.

Although that may sound disappointing to some Samsung fans, sources claim that the new Exynos chip could be “on-par or better than the Snapdragon 875.” On top of that, the Exynos 2100 is rumored to be more power-efficient than previous generations. The report further adds that both the Snapdragon 875 and Exynos 2100 will be 5G compatible chips, and Samsung will offer 5G versions of all three Galaxy S21 models. However, it isn’t clear if Samsung will offer LTE-only variants of the devices.

Display improvements

On the display front, the Galaxy S21 will feature a 6.2-inch FHD+ 120Hz panel, and the Galaxy S21 Plus will feature a 6.7-inch FHD+ 120Hz panel. However, both these devices won’t feature the advanced adaptive refresh LTPO panels found on the Note 20 Ultra. The top-of-the-line Galaxy S21 Ultra, on the other hand, will feature a 6.8-inch WQHD+ LTPO panel with an adaptive refresh rate of 1Hz to 120Hz.

The display on the top-end variant will offer a peak brightness of 1600 nits and a contrast ratio of 3,000,000:1, as opposed to a peak brightness of 1400 nits and a contrast ratio of 2,000,000:1 on the Galaxy S20 Ultra. Furthermore, the sources add that the Galaxy S21 Ultra will offer S Pen support; however, the stylus won’t be included in the box. Instead, Samsung is planning to sell cases that will store the S Pen outside the phone’s body.

Camera improvements

On the camera front, the Galaxy S21 and Galaxy S21 Plus will reportedly feature the same camera setup as the Galaxy S20 series. The devices will include a 12MP primary sensor, a 64MP telephoto sensor, and a 12MP ultrawide sensor. While the sources didn’t reveal any details about the camera sensors, it’s expected that Samsung will use the same or similar parts as it did on the Galaxy S20 and Galaxy S20 Plus.

While the Galaxy S21 and Galaxy S21 Plus won’t offer any major improvements in the camera department, the Galaxy S21 Ultra will. The device will feature an improved 108MP primary sensor, the same 12MP ultrawide as the Galaxy S21 and Galaxy S21 Plus, a 3x telephoto sensor, and a 10x optical “super” telephoto sensor. The new telephoto sensors will feature 130% larger pixels and dual pixel autofocus. With the new 10x telephoto sensor, Samsung will be reviving 100x Space Zoom on the Galaxy S21 Ultra.

All camera on the Galaxy S21 series will support 4K video recording at 60 fps, which was previously limited to the main sensors. Samsung’s Super Steady stabilization mode will also get 60fps recording support, and the camera will be able to switch between 30fps and 60fps based on the lighting conditions. Samsung will also add an 8K/30fps option to the devices, a new dual recording mode which will allow users to record using both the front and rear cameras, improvements to the night mode with more manual controls, and improvements to the moon mode.

The battery capacity of all three devices in the Galaxy S21 series will remain similar to the Galaxy S20 series. The Galaxy S21 will feature a 4,000mAh unit, the Galaxy S21 Plus will include a 4,800mAh unit, and the Galaxy S21 Ultra will pack in a 5,000mAh unit. While the sources didn’t confirm maximum supported charging speeds on the devices, we expect all models to support a minimum of 25W. Both the Galaxy S21 Plus and Galaxy S21 Ultra will support Ultra Wide Band tech.

Leaked color variants

The report further reveals details about all the color variants that will be available at launch. The Galaxy S21 will come in Phantom Violet, Phantom Gray, Phantom White, and Phantom Pink. The Galaxy S21 Plus will be offered in Phantom Silver, Phantom Black, and Phantom Violent. And the Galaxy S21 Ultra will be available in Phantom Silver and Phantom Black.

The frame and camera bump on the devices will come in different colors based on the device’s colorway. For example, the Phantom Black variant will have a black frame and camera bump, while the Phantom Violet and Phantom Pink variants will have a copper frame. Much like the Galaxy Note 20 series, the base model in the Galaxy S21 series will feature a plastic back panel, while the Galaxy S21 Ultra will use glass. The sources didn’t confirm the back panel material for the Galaxy S21 Plus.

The Galaxy S21 series is shaping up to be a minor improvement over the Galaxy S20 series, except for the Galaxy S21 Ultra. However, despite the improvements, Samsung is rumored to be lowering the prices of the upcoming devices to offer a more competitive product. As of now, we have no information on the pricing of the devices.

Featured image: Leaked CAD render of the Galaxy Note 20 Ultra