Christmas is coming early this year for Samsung fans: the Galaxy S21 family is already here.
Once again, you've got three new phones to pick from - the Galaxy S21, the Galaxy S21+, and the Galaxy S21 Ultra. The Galaxy S21 is essentially the entry-level phone, with both the smallest screen and price-tag.
This page focuses on the standard Galaxy S21, but you can find more about other Galaxy S21 devices here:
Samsung Galaxy S21 Quick Links
- Galaxy S21 Plans
- Galaxy S21 Price in Australia
- Galaxy S21 Design
- Galaxy S21 Camera
- Galaxy S21 Colours
Samsung Galaxy S21 Plans
The Galaxy S21 is available on a plan through Telstra on a 24-month and 36-month repayment plan.
Pay off your Galaxy S21 over 24 months:
Samsung Galaxy S21 5G 256GB Plans
|
Telstra
$65 Basic Upfront Mobile Plan
$121/mth
Min. cost $1,409
|
Pay off your Galaxy S21 over 36 months:
Samsung Galaxy S21 5G 256GB Plans
|
Telstra
$65 Basic Upfront Mobile Plan
$102.33/mth
Min. cost $1,408.88
|
Outright Pricing: Samsung Galaxy S21
The Galaxy S21 is the cheapest phone is the Galaxy S21 family, and even cheaper than last year's models.
Here's the complete outright pricing the for Galaxy S21 range:
- Samsung Galaxy S21 (128GB): $1,249
- Samsung Galaxy S21 (256GB): $1,349
- Samsung Galaxy S21+ (128GB): $1,549
- Samsung Galaxy S21+ (256GB): $1,649
- Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra (128GB): $1,849
- Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra (256GB): $1,949
- Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra (512GB): $2,149
Samsung Galaxy S21 Design
The Galaxy S21 family looks pretty similar to the Galaxy S20 from the front, but the Galaxy S21 and Galaxy S21+ have flat displays, rather than the curved screens we saw last year. Only the Galaxy S21 Ultra has a curved display this time around.
There are however more meaningful changes on the back. All three phones have camera bumps that spill over the edge of the phone and feature a curved corner, marking a shift from the more squared-off floating camera bumps in the S20 family.
The Galaxy S21 has a polycarbonate back, as with the Galaxy S20 FE, marking a clear shift from the glass used on the Galaxy S20 last year. The S21+ and S21 Ultra have matte glass, however.
All three Galaxy S21 devices are touting 120Hz displays, but the Galaxy S21 and Galaxy S21+ have 1080p+ displays, which is a downgrade from the Quad HD+ resolution screens we saw in the Galaxy S20. The phones have the same display size as the S20 models: 6.2-inches and 6.7-inches, respectively.
The Galaxy S21 Ultra still has a Quad HD display, measuring in at 6.8-inches. That's 0.1-inches smaller than the Galaxy S20 Ultra. Given the sheer size of the Galaxy S20 Ultra, that's not a bad thing.
The Galaxy S21 Ultra also supports an S Pen stylus, but it won't be bundled in the box. There also won't be anywhere to stow it within the body of the phone, but there will be cases that have a stylus slot.
Samsung Galaxy S21 Camera
The Galaxy S21 and Galaxy S21+ have similar camera configurations to older models: a 12MP primary camera, a 12MP ultra-wide, and a 64MP 3x telephoto lens. Samsung have ditched the Time of Flight sensor this time around.
The Galaxy S21 Ultra has gone bigger, with a 108MP primary camera, a 12MP ultra-wide lens, a 10MP 3x telephoto lens, and 10MP 10x telephoto lens. This makes it one of the first phones with two telephoto lens, alongside the Huawei P40 Pro+.
Of course, specs mean very little when it comes to camera and we'll definitely need to wait and see how as to how the trio perform in real life to get a proper gauge.
Samsung Galaxy S21 Battery Life
The Galaxy S21 and Galaxy S21 Ultra have the same battery capacities as their predecessors, measuring it at 4,000mAh and 5,000mAh respectively. The Galaxy S21+ is set to have a 4,800mAh battery, which is 300mAh larger than the cell found in the Galaxy S21+.
This could mean battery performance for Samsung's 2021 family could be pretty similar to the current models, but a new processor under the hood could help with efficiencies, especially when it comes to 5G. We certainly hope so, given the Galaxy S20 Ultra struggled to get through an entire day - despite its chonky cell - in our testing.
Despite making fun of Apple for removing the wall charger from iPhone 12 boxes, Samsung has followed suit with the Galaxy S21 family.
Samsung Galaxy S21 Processor
The Galaxy S21 family are all powered by Samsung's Exynos 2100 processor. One of the biggest changes with this processor is 5G is part of the chip, rather than a separate modem component. We're hoping this will help with battery life.
Samsung Galaxy S21 Colours
The Galaxy S21+ will be available in Phantom Grey, Phantom White, Phantom Pink and Phantom Violet from most retailers.
Why Phantom? We still have no idea. It's full of mysteries.
Samsung Galaxy S21 specifications
| Galaxy S21 | Galaxy S21+ | Galaxy S21 Ultra | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Display | 6.2-inch OLED | 6.7-inch OLED | 6.8-inch OLED |
| Resolution | 1080p+ | 1080p+ | Quad HD |
| Rear Cameras | 12MP + 64MP + 12MP | 12MP + 64MP + 12MP | 108MP + 10MP + 10MP + 12MP |
| Front Camera | 10MP | 10MP | 40MP |
| Processor | Exynos 2100 | Exynos 2100 | Exynos 2100 |
| RAM | 8GB | 8GB | 12GB or 16GB |
| Storage | 128GB or 256GB | 128GB or 256GB | 128GB, 256GB, or 512GB |
| Battery | 4,000mAh | 4,800mAh | 5,000mAh |
| Water-Resistance | IP68 | IP68 | IP68 |
| Back | Plastic | Glass | Glass |
| 5G | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Price | From $1,249 | From $1,549 | From $1,849 |
Choosing a Samsung Galaxy S21 plan
With the WhistleOut search tool, you'll be able to compare Galaxy S21 pricing and inclusions across every provider. But there's a lot more to plans than just cost and data. Here's a break-down of the major benefits you can expect each provider to offer.
Telstra Galaxy plans are often the priciest on the Australian market, but they do come with a host of perks. These include:
- Access to Telstra's super-fast 4GX network
- Data-free access to Apple Music
- Free access to AFL, AFLW, NRL, Netball and Football live apps
- Free access to Telstra Air Wi-Fi hotspots across Australia
- Free access to Fon public Wi-Fi hotspots overseas
- Access to the Telstra Plus perks and rewards program
Telstra lets you pay your Galaxy off over 12 or 24 months, and all plans are free from excess data charges. If you go over your cap, your data will simply be slowed to speeds of 1.5Mbps, which is still fast enough to stream video in SD. But speeds may be slower during peak times.
Compare Telstra Samsung Galaxy plans
Optus Galaxy plans come with solid data inclusions and entertainment extras. Most Optus Galaxy plans includes:
- Free access to Optus Sport
- Discounted movie tickets for Hoyts cinemas through the Optus Perks program
You'll miss out on Optus Sport if you go for Optus' cheapest plan.
Higher-end Optus Samsung plans also come with unlimited international calls to selected destinations included with the plan, as well as a monthly allocation of roaming data for use overseas.
All Optus plans are contract-free, devices can be paid off across 12, 24, or 36 months, and you can customise inclusions like roaming and international calls on a month-to-month basis.
Compare Optus Samsung Galaxy plans
Vodafone Galaxy plans may not come with the kinds of freebies and perks you can get from Optus or Telstra, but they do offer a lot of flexibility. Like Telstra and Optus plans, Vodafone plans are contract-free on the basis that you can leave at any time without penalty. You'll just need to pay out the remaining value of your handset.
You can also step up or down in plan inclusions up to once per month, and ease the burden of ever-rising phone prices by paying off your handset over 12, 24 or 36 months. You'll pay the same overall for your Galaxy no matter which option you pick.
You'll also get access to Vodafone's famous $5 roaming, which is still easily the best way to travel with your Australian phone number.
Vodafone plans all include unlimited data at capped speeds for after you go over your allowance. Speeds start at 2Mbps for cheaper plans, but go as high as 25Mbps for those spending top dollar.
Compare Vodafone Samsung Galaxy plans
Woolworths Galaxy plans may not come from a big name telco, but there are other perks.
Customers have the flexibility to switch between plans, you'll just need to pay out the remainder of your phone if you would like to leave.
Woolworths also offers up to 200GB Data Banking for your excess data. Anything of your data allowance that you don't use will roll over to the next month. You can have up to 200GB of data in your data bank at any time.
Woolworths Mobile customers can also get 10% off their Woolworths grocery shop shop once per month.
Woolworths Mobile is powered by the Telstra network, but at present, does not have access to 5G.
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