In what can be called taking a note from Instagram’s books, YouTube is experimenting with a new feature that will let viewers buy a product shown in a video. The company is testing the new shopping trick among a small circle of users in the US market on its Android as well as the iOS app, and desktop too.
YouTube really wants you to go shopping on its massive video platform
“We’re testing a new way for people to easily discover and purchase products featured in YouTube videos. Creators in this pilot can add certain products to their videos. Viewers can then see a list of featured products by clicking the shopping bag icon on the bottom left corner of the video. From there, viewers can explore each product’s page to see more information, related videos, and purchase options for that product,” YouTube says on a support page.
YouTube began testing a similar feature in April this year called ‘products in video’ that was supposed to show the products show in a video with new visual elements such as an icon overlay with the product name and other key details about it. As per aBloomberg report, Google started asking some creators to use its in-house system to tag and track products they show in their videos. These tools will be linked with the analytics and shopping tools provided by Google. Back in December, the YouTube app began testing with a new Shorts icon in the top/bottom row to let users quickly view YouTube Shorts.
This is an experimental feature, and might not see a wider release
But as mentioned earlier, the new product shopping tool is a close circle experimental feature, so it will be visible only to a small number of users. Also, the new shopping feature is part of what the company calls ‘YouTube feature experiments’ which usually involves testing new tools for a very short span of time. And as such, it is quite likely that this feature might never be released widely.
HP has announced a new HP ProBook x360 11 G7 Education Edition. It is aimed at embracing the different ways learning happens –whether at home or in the classroom. There is a flexible 360-degree hinge and an optional 5MP auto-focusing rear camera and the laptop can be placed in tablet, tent, stand,or book mode. The company is also offering HP Pro Pen for hands-on learning for the touch-screen. The laptop is designed to withstand desk falls, drink splashes and power cord pulls.
It has an anchored keyboard to help prevent keys from being removed, plus metal-reinforced corners and a Corning Gorilla Glass 3 damage-resistant touchscreen for added protection. The device also passed 19 MIL-STD 810H tests plus enhanced education testing to meet durability standards. It comes with Wi-Fi 6 and HP Extended Wireless LAN. There is HP School Pack 4.5 is a suite of education software and system tools that supports innovative, collaborative, and engaged learning.
The HP ProBook x360 11 G7 EE comes in Jet Black and Nautical Teal color options. It weighs 1.43kg and measures 300 x 205.3 x 21.2mm. It features an 11.6-inch HD IPS display. The device is powered by the Intel Pentium Silver Processor N6000 or Celeron N5100, N4500 processors, paired with integrated graphics. There is 4GB or 8GB of LPDDR4x RAM alongside 64GB eMMC or 128GB/256GB of SSD storage. It is claimed to last up to 11 hours 30 minutes and can charge up to 90% in 90 minutes. I/O selection includes (2) USB 3.1, USB-C (data, power in/out charging, DP-Alt Mode), HDMI, 3.5mm audio, SD, DC-in, RJ45, activity LED, and Rugged AES 1.0 pen (optional).
The HP ProBook x360 11 G7 EE is expected to be available in February.
Samsung Galaxy S21 has managed to impress us with what it brings to the table, especially in terms of raw firepower and camera capabilities. However, one aspect that really out for me was the phone’s fresh design, especially that dual-tone finish. The device is also IP68-rated, which means it means it can survive a few occasional dunks inside a bucket of water. What that ingress protection doesn’t ensure is security against scratches and accidental falls. Naturally, a case is the best choice here, but at the cost of hiding its sweet design. This is where clear cases come to the rescue. And to save you the trouble, we’ve rounded up the best Galaxy S21 clear cases:
I can say from personal experience that the ESR Clear Cases is one of the thinnest protective solutions for phones. This shock-resistant case also has raised edges to protect the camera island and display.
Another excellent option from ESR, this shock-absorbent case has a smudge-resistance clear surface. Plus, the dual-mode kickstand lets you place the phone in both portrait as well as landscape orientation.
The shock-proof Ainoya Clear Grip Case has ridged sides and padded corners for added protection against accidental falls from a height of up to 6 feet. There is an oleophobic coating at the back too.
The IVSO offering provides dual-layer protection, has an antioxidant layer to stop yellowing and has shockproof corners. Plus, it comes with a screen guard that can handle falls from up to 20 feet.
The Arae Clear Case for Galaxy S21 comes with a tad too pronounced corners that are claimed to offer superior protection against bumps. Plus, the corners are hardened to resist deformation over time.
Made out of high-quality TPU and polycarbonate, the BAISRKE clear case for Samsung Galaxy S21 has an anti-scratch frame and offers military-grade protection. The raised lips on both sides are an added safety.
Temdan’s clear case for the Samsung flagship features a precision molded frame to offer the highest degree of protection againt mechanical impact. Plus, it also comes with an in-built screen protector.
Instead of relying on protruding corners with air cushion, the Restoo case instead opts for a uniformly thick frame that offers better shielding also looks clean. And oh, the raised lips will offer more safety.
The cheapest option on this list, the PULEN clear case doesn’t cut corners when it comes to protecting your pricey flagship. Made out of soft gel, it has raised corners and bezels for maximum protection.
Those were our top picks for the best Galaxy S21 clear cases. However, if I were to pick a favorite, I would go with the ESR metal kickstand case. Made out of durable polycarbonate, the ESR case is quite thin and has padded sides to protect against bumps and scratches. The best part about it is the metal kickstand at the back, which lets you place the Galax S21 on a flat surface in both portrait and landscape orientation. Plus, the angle lets you make angular adjustments within a 60-degree range.
However, if you don’t want to drop a lot of money on a clear case, the PULEN clear case will serve the purpose for less than eight bucks. Made out of soft silicone, the PULEN case will protect your phone against dirt, smudges, and scratches. Plus, the raised corners and bezels on both sides ensure that the device can brush off mechanical impact and abrasive forces.
If you’re updating your home office for 2021, you don’t necessarily have to spend a lot of money. One simple hack you can try is setting up your workspace in an area that receives a lot of natural light so that you’ll be lit better during video conferences.
Unfortunately, that isn’t an option for many people. You may have a small living space that doesn’t experience much natural sunlight, or you might be sharing your workspace with multiple people. In that case, this $26.99 lighting accessory is a must-have solution.
The Aduro U-Stream Junior Dual Ring Lights are a lighting accessory with 2 ring lights attached to 24-inch gooseneck arms. These arms are adjustable, so you can tweak them to light your most flattering angles. Plus, it features a third gooseneck arm with a phone mount so that you can use your smartphone as a webcam during video calls, streams, and virtual parties.
The lights can be adjusted with 10 different brightness settings and 3 color warmths: warm, warm yellow, and warm white. You can adjust the lights using the included remote to hone in on your settings depending on how dark your workspace is.
The U-Stream Junior features a universal clip-on mount that can attach to just about any flat surface, such as your dining table, kitchen counter, or wherever is necessary to do your work. It’s USB powered too, so you just have to plug it into your laptop while using it.
Creating a bright, cheery workplace will improve your video conferencing quality and help you stay productive in 2021. Best of all, you don’t need to spend much to brighten up your setup. The Aduro U-Stream Junior Dual Ring Lights will do the job just fine. Grab one on sale today for $26.99 in either black, rose gold, or white.
WhatsApp is reportedly working on replacing its Archived Chats feature. It is working on a Read Later feature, which will keep all chats added to this list muted. Further, you won’t get notified of these chats to reduce frequent interruptions. You can put the chats and groups that are not important in the Read Later section and clean up your WhatsApp home page to make it less cluttered and organized.
The new feature was reported by WABetaInfo. These improvements were part of the WhatsApp beta on Android. The new WhatsApp for Android beta v2.21.2.2 has instances of the Read Later feature is slated to debut in a future update. In November, WhatsApp for iOS beta v2.20.130.16 also had this feature’s mention. However, as of now, it is under development. Hence, you won’t be able to see it even if you install the latest beta. This beta is expected to roll out to more beta users once it is ready for testing, before making it available to all commercial users.
As per the report, the new Read Later feature will be at the same position as Archived Chats. It is situated above the chat list. If you tap on the button, it will introductory banner that explains what it is about, “To reduce interruptions, chats with new messages stay here and you won’t get any notifications.” The message reads, “All chats are muted to reduce interruptions.” The tracker also notes that WhatsApp is working on improving this function. Plus, the update brings a persistent message that will be located at the top of the Read Later for users to be aware of what is its functionality exactly.
Currently, WhatsApp is also said to be working to let users try anticipated multi-device support. This feature will allow users to login from multiple devices to the same account. That said, the company hasn’t officially shared any information on the feature’s existence.
Apple is reportedly planning to upgrade its MacBook Pro laptops this year. The company might introduce new, much faster processors, and the return of magnetic charging. As per a report, the new laptops are planned to have MagSafe charging with the similar elongated pill-shape design of the older MagSafe port. However, Apple is not going to remove the USB Type-C ports as it will include “multiple USB-C ports” on its future Macs.
The latest development comes from Mark Gurman of Bloomberg who wrote a report and cited “a person with knowledge of the plans.” Apple is said to be working on refreshing both 14-inch and 16-inch variants of its MacBook Pro. The former is codenamed J314 and a 16-inch version internally dubbed J316. Both these devices will move away from Intel processors and will be powered by the next-generation versions of Apple’s in-house Mac processors. These processors will be upgraded with more cores and enhanced graphics.
Upgraded chips with up to 32 cores?
For the unaware, Apple is tipped to be working on a series of new Mac processors that are aimed at outperforming Intel’s fastest. The next custom chip, which is planned for release as early as the spring and later in the fall could power the upgraded versions of the MacBook Pro, both entry-level and high-end iMac desktops as well as a new Mac Pro workstation. Apple is also working on chips with more GPU cores. For the unaware, the M1 chip comes with either seven or eight GPU cores. It is said that the company is currently testing models with 16 and 32-cores. These could be seen on the upcoming MacBook Pros.
The display and design will see some changes as well
Further, the forthcoming devices are also rumored to get upgraded displays. These will be brighter, higher-contrast panels as per the report. Another change is how computers will charge. The upcoming Macs could mark the return of MagSafe on laptops. Over the past five years, Apple has relied on USB-C ports for both power and data transfer on its laptops. However, the company is said to be bringing back its magnetic power adapter. It will allow the laptops to charge at a faster rate.
Goodbye, Touch Bar?
The report goes on to say that Apple has also tested MacBook Pro versions without the Touch Bar. The feature was introduced in 2016. It turns the keyboard’s top row from function keys into a touchscreen strip that can display a variety of information. It changes controls as per the needs of apps and tasks. However, it is not very convenient for some professionals.
As for the design, the new Macs will look similar to the current versions, albeit with minor design changes. Apple is planning to launch its new MacBook Pros by the middle of this year. That said, the company is also planning a redesigned MacBook Air but it is not expected to release anytime soon.
If you’re new to Earin, you should know that the Sweden-based company was the first-ever company to introduce True Wireless in-ear headphones in 2015, defining a new category of products that fast developed into a rather busy market leading up to this year.
At the 2021 CESShowStoppers, Earin introduced the A-3, the company’s third-generation True Wireless earbuds. Touted as the smallest earbud on the market, the A-3 brings Scandinavian design to the masses, with a price tag of $199 USD and an option to choose between black and silver models. A special Kickstarter edition is already available exclusively.
Despite its small footprint, measuring 20mm x 17mm x 15.8mm and 3,5gr., the A-3 features a large, 14.3mm Dynamic Driver with a frequency response (a metric not many headphone and earbud manufacturers announce) of 20Hz to 20KHz.
The charging case (Earin calls it the Capsule) measures 58.5mm x 47.2mm x 21.2mm and 50gr., and it fully charges the earbuds in 1.5 hours. Overall battery life is rated at up to 30 hours with the charging case.
Featuring the Qualcomm QCC5121 MCU, the earbuds are Bluetooth 5.0 compatible, and offer a touch sensor (for controls), accelerometer (detecting proper left-and-right wear), proximity sensor (wear detection), and hall sensors (for charging case detection).
The charging case is made of aluminum, and the earbuds themselves are rated IP52 for sweat, splash, and dust resistance.
On top of everything, the Earin A-3 gives you easy and seamless access to digital assistants like Google Assistant, Alexa, and Siri.
The Earin A-3 will be available in Q1 on on Earin.com and Amazon.
So, the deed has been done. Samsung has decided to ditch the bundled charging adapter from the Galaxy S21 series’ retail package, following in the footsteps of Apple. The reason? Well, because accessories like a charger contribute towards the generation of more electronic waste. However, the Galaxy S21 won’t be the only device to receive the no-charger-in-the-box treatment, as Samsung will extend this strategy to more devices in the foreseeable future.
Samsung is catalyzing an industry-wide trend started by Apple
Answering a question regarding the omission of charger and earphones from the retail package, Samsung’s Patrick Chomet mentioned that this strategy is a mix of consumer behavior as well as the company’s commitment towards a sustainable future. “We believe that the gradual removal of charger plugs and earphones from our in-box device packaging can help address sustainable consumption issues and remove any pressure that consumers may feel towards continually receiving unnecessary charger accessories with new phones,” Chomet said in a Q&A shared by Samsung.
Adding more to the conversation, he mentioned that there are many users out there who now prefer reusing accessories from an older device and are making a responsible choice. “We discovered that more and more Galaxy users are reusing accessories they already have and making sustainable choices in their daily lives to promote better recycling habits. To support our Galaxy community in this journey, we are transitioning to removal of the charger plug and earphones in our latest line of Galaxy smartphones,” said Chomet, who currently serves as Corporate Executive Vice President and Head of Customer Experience Office at Samsung Electronics, as per his LinkedIn profile.
Samsung is lowering the price of its 25W charger, but you still have to pay extra cash
However, the decision leaves out buyers who don’t necessarily have a charger lying around at home. Recognizing the aforesaid situation, Samsung has lowered the price of its 25W charger from $35 to $19. But you still have to pay extra for a phone that costs north of $800. Xiaomi has also decided to ditch the charger from its latest flagship – the Mi 11. However, the company is allowing buyers to choose between two bundles with or without a charger at no extra cost. And this, in my opinion, is a much better implementation than what Samsung and Apple are doing.
After keeping the S Pene exclusive to its Galaxy Note lineup, Samsung finally made a strategy shift this year and announced the Galaxy S21 Ultra that offers stylus support. Yes, the phone doesn’t come with a bundled stylus, neither does it have a docking station to house it, but it’s still a great start. And for buyers spending north of $1200 on the phone, S Pen support is just another great incentive. However, Samsung plans to bring the S Pen to ‘more device categories’ in the foreseeable future.
“We are committed to innovating new mobile experiences that flow seamlessly and continuously to make our consumers’ lives easier and better. We’ve made the bold decision to expand the S Pen experience to Galaxy S21 Ultra, and plan to expand the S Pen experience across additional device categories in the future,” Samsung tells SamMobile. “We remain committed to providing the best mobile experience to our consumers and will continue to actively listen and consider consumer feedback in our product innovations.”
Galaxy Z Fold 3 might get S Pen support, and will have a docking station as well
Now, this isn’t the first time that Samsung has hinted at extending the S Pen support to more devices beyond the Galaxy Note family. Samsung Electronics’ President and Head of Mobile Communications Business, TM Roh hinted via a blog post last year that stylus support will make its way to more devices in 2021, a vision that materialized with the Galaxy S21 Ultra. It is not the same stylus that comes with the Galaxy Note family, and it lacks some of its cool tricks such as Air Gestures, but you can use a Galaxy Note stylus on the device if you have one lying around.
Galaxy Z Fold 3 next in line to get S Pen support?
As for the ‘additional device categories’ part that will get stylus support in the future, the most obvious choice has to be foldable devices, especially those in the Z Fold family. And it actually makes a lot of sense. S Pen will truly realize its potential on a larger screen that is perfect for jotting down notes, drawing, annotating documents, and doing a lot more. Samsung is rumored to offer S Pen with its next foldable phone – the Galaxy Z Fold 3 – and the device might even have a docking slot for the stylus just like the Galaxy Note series phones.
The Samsung Galaxy S21 is already available, and it’s ON SALE!!
The official news today, as always begin with deals, and yes guys, we’re very close to Samsung’s Galaxy Unpacked so the Samsung deals are still going. First off, remember that you can already reserve the Galaxy S21, allowing you to get up to $700 in trade-in and $60 in credit for you to get some accessories to go with. Problem is, today is the last day so act quick. If you want a Galaxy S21 variant, make sure to checkout the first link in the description. Moving on but sticking to trade-ins, you can currently get the Galaxy S20 FE for a crazy $75, or the S20 Ultra for $600. The Z Fold 2 is available for $1000 and the Z Flip is still a crazy $100 but you need an eligible device to trade-in. Moving on, the Google Pixel 4 is currently $295 off it’s original price tag on Amazon, leaving it at $503 shipped. Speaking of Amazon, they have a huge sale on their smart speakers, the new Echo Dot is $20 off, meaning you can get it for $30 shipped. The Echo Show 5 is $45 off, leaving it at $45 shipped and the Echo Studio is still $30 off, so you can get it at $170 shipped. We have more deals on iPad Pros, True Wireless Earbuds and more in the links in the description.
No worries about losing items! Samsung Galaxy SmartTag is here to help
But alright let’s begin with a roundup of all the official news we got today, as we have to admit Samsung’s Galaxy unpacked was quite.. Packed. I know, that terrible pun was mine. Let’s start with Samsung’s Galaxy Smart Tags and yes, it’s actually plural. The Galaxy Smart Tag and Smart Tag+ are Bluetooth Trackers, essentially designed to work like Tile’s famous trackers. Starting with the vanilla Smart Tag, it offers the same functionality of a simple Bluetooth Tag, allowing you to track objects using a Bluetooth 5.0 LE module. Now, when it comes to the Tag+, this one adds Ultra Wideband Technology, giving you more enhanced features when compared to the regular model. Both of these bring a single button which can be used to send an alert and ensure that it is connected to your smartphone at the moment, allowing you to find whatever device is attached to the Tag in case you lose it, and it also works vice versa. The company announced that they have a dedicated app for these called Galaxy Find Network. The Galaxy Smart Tag and SmartTag+ will be available in single or multi-packs starting January 29th, with the regular model starting at $30. Oh, and you can get one included with your Galaxy S21 pre-order. If you want to pre-order one, we have a dedicated link for them in the description.
Samsung Galaxy Buds Pro with ANC and 360 Audio launched for $200
Now, let’s move on to a more familiar but improved product with the Galaxy Buds Pro. Samsung claims that these bring an updated design which is intended to look more natural and less obtrusive in your ear. These bring a 6.5mm tweeter, an 11mm woofer, they are IPX-7 certified but of course, the main feature is Active Noise Cancellation. According to Samsung the Buds Pro can reduce surrounding noise by up to 99% which sounds kinda crazy. They also bring an ambient mode to help users listen to their surroundings while wearing their Buds Pro in situations like traffic, sampling sounds at up to 20db. Another interesting feature is 360 Audio which uses Dolby Head Tracking technology, for you to have more of a immersive experience whenever you’re consuming content that allows it. According to Samsung the Buds Pro last up to 8 hours on a single charge, or 5 hours if you have ANC on the whole time. The new case which looks like the Buds Live one will add an extra 20 hours of playtime, promising an hour with a 5 minute charge. The Buds Pro will cost you $199 they will come in Phantom Black, Phantom Silver and Phantom Violet, and they’re available at Samsung.com, and we have a dedicated link in the description.
Samsung Galaxy S21, S21+ arrive rocking a fresh design, fast innards, and new camera tricks
Alright, we know what you’re here for, the Galaxy S21 Series, and boy is there a lot to talk about this year. Let’s start talking about the smaller siblings before we get to the main course. The Galaxy S21 and the S21+ are finally official and as expected, they’re powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 5G or the Exynos 2100, depending on where you bought it. You’re getting 8GB of RAM, up to 256GB of storage, paired with a 4000 and a 4800 mAh battery respectively. The S21 is getting a Plastic Build, while the S21+ brings Glass, both of them with a new metallic camera module. Trust me, I already have the S21 and you can’t tell a difference. The vanilla S21 brings a Flat 6.5in display, while the Plus goes up to a Flat 6.7in but, both of them are a Dynamic AMOLED 2X panel at FHD+ resolution, both running at a 120Hz display along with all the bells and whistles you can expect. When it comes to the cameras, both of them bring an identical module, including a 12MP primary sensor, a 12MP wide angle lens, and a 64MP telephoto, that offers 3x optical zoom and 30x space zoom, oh and the selfie camera is a 10MP shooter. Both of them are able to capture 8K video, all cameras can now record 4K, giving you new features like SuperSteady mode for 60fps, Vlogger Mode and more. That said, I think the major statement is the price. The Galaxy S21 starts at $799, while the S21+ now starts at $999, and they’re both up for pre-orders, and of course we have a dedicated link for them in the description. Yes, it seems Samsung has realized that the S20 FE strategy was genius, because pricing that S21 at just $799 is major. I think that’s the sleeper hit.
Story of the day:
Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra debuts with serious camera chops and a $1200 price tag
And finally, for the hottest news today, has to be the Galaxy S21 Ultra, as it kinda feels like Samsung really did go Ultra this year. Let’s start with the basics, it brings a 6.8in WQHD+ Dynamic AMOLED panel with HDR10+ certification, and it brings dynamic 120Hz refresh rate, meaning it adjusts depending on the content of the screen and it now holds the high refresh rate, even at WQHD+. As expected it’s powered by the Snapdragon 888 or the Exynos 2100, along with 12 or 16GB of RAM and you’re also getting up to 512GB of storage as well as a 5000 mAh battery. Now, what Samsung is focusing on the most on here is the camera, this phone brings 4 cameras and a Laser Autofocus Sensor. You get the main 108MP sensor, a 12MP wide angle camera, and 2 10MP telephotos, one providing 3x optical zoom, while the latter uses a periscope system to deliver 10x optical zoom and 100x “Space” Zoom, and you get 40MP in the selfie shooter. The main camera uses 9-in-1 Pixel Binning to output 12MP shots, it can also shoot 12-bit HDR pictures and now you can even get the Wide Angle to shoot 12-bit RAW files if you have Pro Mode enabled. It brings new improvements to zoom like Zoom Lock to avoid jitter, you know for those 30x and 100x zooms to actually be somewhat usable. Like its smaller siblings it shoots 8K video but brings extra perks letting you take advantage of the incredible hardware. Samsung also announced that this is the first S Series smartphone with S Pen support, which will be offered as an accessory, but of course you can use older S Pens and yes, you’ll have to place it in the case as there is no slot here. The company is also teasing new features like UWB, which helps with Smart Tags and other partnerships announced. The Galaxy S21 Ultra is available for pre-orders in 4 different color variants, and it now starts at $1199 and of course, we have a dedicated link for it in the description.
Well, it is now official, the Samsung Galaxy S21 series has recently been launched, and it’s already available for purchase. If you head over to Samsung.com, you can pre-order your device and get up to $200 instant credit for you to use towards accessories like a new Galaxy Watch or Galaxy Buds. To make things even better, you can also get up to $700 savings when you trade in an eligible device, meaning that you can get the brand-new Samsung Galaxy S21 for just $100. Yes, you got that right, the vanilla Galaxy S21 can be yours for just $99.99.
If you want to take it to the next step, the Samsung Galaxy S21+ can be yours for $300 and go all out with the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra for $500. Every model comes with 128GB storage space, but you can also choose to grab 256GB and 512GB in several color options.
Follow this link to save big bucks with your new Samsung Galaxy S21, which starts at just $100 if you trade-in an eligible device, and you can also get up to $200 towards accessories such as Galaxy Watches and Galaxy Buds.
If you’re not sure about getting the new Samsung Galaxy S21, you can still get last year’s flagships or at least some of them. The Samsung Galaxy S20 is once again available in three models. First, the Galaxy S20 FE can be yours for $340, the Samsung Galaxy S20 Plus starts from $915, and the Samsung Galaxy S20 Ultra is up for grabs for $1,115.
Moving on, we will find the Samsung Galaxy Note 20 series, which’s the best option if you’re looking for a device focused on productivity. The vanilla version is available for $400, while the Samsung Galaxy Note 20 Ultra goes for $700. Both devices come with 128GB starting storage space, and you also get a free S Pen.
The vanilla Samsung Galaxy Note 20 comes with a lower price tag than the Ultra version, but you also get an S Pen, Super Fast Charge, and a powerful device that will also excel at gaming.
Now we enter foldable territory, as the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 2 is still available for $999.99 with $1,000 discounts when you trade in an eligible device. Or get the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip with a smaller form factor and a clamshell design for $100 in the LTE only version, or grab the 5G variant for $250.
The Galaxy Z Fold 2 is considered last year's best device. It features Samsung's Ultra Thin Glass, with a 7.6-inch foldable Dynamic AMOLED 2X display when extended and a 6.2-inch screen when folded shut.
The latest Samsung Galaxy Buds Pro are also on sale, and you can grab a pair for $150 with a $50 trade-in f an eligible audio device. These are Samsung’s latest wireless earbuds, which arrive with studio sound quality, Active Noise Cancellation, and IPX7 water resistance.
Galaxy Buds Pro combines studio sound quality with Active Noise Cancellation so you can elevate everyday moments. Plus you also get IPX7 water resistance and they come in three different color options.
The gorgeous Galaxy S21 Ultra is official. The smartphone packs a 6.8-inch display with WQHD+ (3200 x 1440 pixels) resolution that also supports a 120Hz refresh rate. It sports an all-new camera setup of a 108MP primary camera and a 12MP wide-angle shooter. It is accompanied by a 10MP camera with 3x hybrid optical zoom output, while the second 10MP telephoto camera offers up to 10x hybrid optical zoom output. It rocks a glass-and-metal build, which is prone to get scratched. You might want to protect your new purchase. Therefore, we have compiled a list of the best Galaxy S21 Ultra cases for you.
It sports a crystal clear design to help you flaunt your new purchase whilst also protecting it. The case has raised bezels to protect your screen and camera.
This case is made of environment-friendly plastic and anti-stretch TPU rubber; Flexible, impact-resistant TPU provides reliable, excellent protection from scratches.
Our favorite is the Nillkin CamShiled Pro Case for the Galaxy S21 Ultra. It comes with a 0.2mm lifted bezel slide camera protect cover that protects the camera from scratches. Plus, we can say it protects your privacy too. It has accurate adjustments to the gap between the slide camera cover and case. The camera cover is easy to slide but not easy to lose. It is made of environmentally friendly TPU and PC material. It is anti-fingerprint and has upgraded impact resistant bumpers and impact-resistant corners for more protection. Further, it has the design of a non-slip bar on both sides that offers a comfortable grip. It has a classic texture that matches all styles. It is one of the best Galaxy S21 ultra cases. Plus, it comes with precise function holes.
We also recommend the Foluu Wallet case for the Galaxy S21 Ultra. It has a flip wallet design with 1 card slot for carrying your credit card, ID card, debit card, or something else. It is not only a soft phone case but also a wallet for your convenience. Moreover, it comes with a built-in stand to bring you different viewing angles for hands-free movie-watching or video-chatting. You can find the most suitable hands-free viewing experience. This full-body protection case with an anti-slip texture surface surrounding all the edges lets you hold your phone more tightly and safely.
The Samsung Galaxy S21 Plus is the middle variant of the three flagships announced by Samsung. It features a refreshing new design. The camera module now flows over the devices’ left edge and blends seamlessly with the frame. It features a flat display, which is protected by the Gorilla Glass 7. However, it also comes equipped with a glass back. And, if you are a clumsy person like me, it would worry you. I drop my phones a lot. Hence, I always invest in a good case alongside my flagship purchase. We suggest you also buy a case for your latest device. We have compiled a list of the best Galaxy S21 Plus cases which you can buy right now.
With hybrid material design with durable hard PC Back and flexible TPU Bumper protects your Galaxy S21 Plus all-around. It protects your phone when falling from a great height within 1.5 meter.
It has a powerful flexible polymer provides S21 Plus better impact protection than hard plastic. The stand lets you video call your friends or watch videos.
It is certified to exceed Military Grade Drop Test standards, premium dual-layers heavy duty armor, enhance shock-absorption protection, prevents your device from accidental drops and shocks.
It has a Transparent design and smooth, excellent quality finishing, which ensures a perfect fit for your S21 Plus. The 1.5mm raised lip protects your camera.
Our favorite is the Restoo Hard Armor case for the Galaxy S21 Plus. It offers 360-degree protection with a hybrid material design that has a durable hard PC Back and flexible TPU Bumper. With shock absorption technology for all corners, this case ensures that your Galaxy S21 Plus is free from damage when falling from a great height within 1.5 meters. With an anti-slip stripe back, you can grip your new phone easily and firmly. It comes with a three-year warranty as well, which is more than the number of updates that these Android phones get.
We also recommend the MMY case. This is one of the best Galaxy S21 Plus cases that is slim and form-fitted to the original phone shape and size. It offers full protection as the TPU is combined with the built-in PC to protect your phone from drops, scratches, and bumps. It has military-grade protection and Air-Cushion Technology for all corners, and all-around protection for your device with a slim design. Moreover, it also comes with an HD screen protector. It has a kickstand that is easy to rotate and sturdy on the case. It gives you the convenience to watch videos and movies hands-free with the desired comfort and stability.
Samsung’s Galaxy S21 is finally here. The company has announced three models in the new lineup: the Galaxy 21, Galaxy S21 Plus, and the Galaxy S21 Ultra. This time around, the three smartphones are not just refined versions of their predecessors but they feature an all-new design, flagship chipset, top-notch cameras, and big batteries. Hence, you might be wondering if you should pull the trigger and buy one of these new devices. Here are the 5 reasons to buy the new Galaxy S21 series.
The Galaxy S21 series features an all-new design language. The camera module now flows over the devices’ left edge and blends seamlessly with the frame. This design is consistent across the Galaxy S21 lineup. However, it does come in a couple of different finishes, which depends on the base colorway of the device.
The Galaxy S21 comes in four color variants — Phantom Violet Phantom Gray, Phantom White, and Phantom Pink. That said, the Phantom Violet and Phantom Pink colorways feature a copper-colored frame and camera module, while the Phantom Black colorway features a black frame and camera module. At last, the Phantom White colorway has a silver frame and camera module.
Notably, the Galaxy S21 comes with a plastic back, which helps in reducing the bulk of the device. On the other hand, the other two elder siblings feature a glass rear. The Galaxy S21 Plus has a slightly larger footprint. It comes in Phantom Silver, Phantom Black, and Phantom Violet color options.
As for the Galaxy S21 Ultra, it sports a similar camera island, which is much larger than the camera module of the other two variants. Unlike the two vanilla Galaxy S21 models, the Ultra variant features a curved display. It comes in Phantom Black and Phantom Silver color options.
Excellent display
Galaxy S21
Galaxy S21Plus
Galaxy S21 Ultra
6.2-inch Infinity-O Dynamic AMOLED 2X FHD + (2400 x 1080 pixels) 120Hz refresh rate 1300 nit peak brightness 421 PPI pixel density Gorilla Glass 7
6.7-inch Infinity-O Dynamic AMOLED 2X FHD + (2400 x 1080 pixels) 120Hz refresh rate 1300 nit peak brightness 394 PPI pixel density Gorilla Glass 7
6.8-inch Infinity-O Dynamic AMOLED 2X WQHD + (3200 x 1440 pixels) 120Hz refresh rate 1600 nit peak brightness 515 PPI pixel density Gorilla Glass 7
The new phones feature an all-new display, which is one of the best reasons to buy the Galaxy S21 series. While the Galaxy S21 and Galaxy S21 Plus have a flat-screen, the Ultra model retains the curved display.
The Galaxy S21 features a 6.2-inch Infinity-O Dynamic AMOLED 2X display. It has a resolution of 2400 x 1080 pixels with a pixel density of 421 PPI. It supports a 120Hz refresh rate and the peak brightness can go up to 1300 nits.
Flat or curved?
Coming to the Plus model, it features a bigger 6.7-inch Infinity-O Dynamic AMOLED 2X display. It comes with the same FHD+ resolution of 2400 x 1800 pixels and supports a 120Hz refresh rate. It can co up to 1300 nits as well.
Lastly, the Galaxy S21 Ultra is the biggest of the trio. It features a 6.8-inch Infinity-O Dynamic AMOLED 2X display. It gets a bumped up resolution of WQHD+ (3200 x 1440 pixels) with a 515 PPI pixel density. The display can go up to 1600 nits. The trio comes equipped with Gorilla Glass 7 on top for protection. All three smartphones support HDR10+.
Top-notch performance
Galaxy S21
Galaxy S21 Plus
Galaxy S21 Ultra
Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 Exynos 2100
Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 Exynos 2100
Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 Exynos 2100
8GB
8GB
12GB
128GB / 256GB 5G, Bluetooth 5.0, NFC, Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/ax
128GB / 256GB 5G, Bluetooth 5.0, NFC, Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/ax
The new flagship series is powered by the latest Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 SoC or the Exynos 2100 chipset, depending on the region. This will ensure that your new smartphone is buttery smooth and can last an entire day with good battery optimization. The presence of the latest processor also means photography improvements. Expect a better photo quality from the predecessor.
The Galaxy S21 and S21 Plus come equipped with 8GB of RAM, while the Galaxy S21 Ultra has 12GB of RAM. the former two have two storage options of 128GB and 256GB, whereas the latter comes in three storage variants of 128GB, 256GB, and 512GB storage. These smartphones support an ultrasonic in-display fingerprint scanner for quick biometric authentication.
New set of cameras
Galaxy S21
Galaxy S21 Plus
Galaxy S21 Ultra
12MP primary camera (f/1.8, 1/1.76-inch, 1.8µm, OIS) 12MP ultra-wide camera (f/2.2, 120°, 1/2.55-inch, 1.4µm) 64MP telephoto camera (f/2.0, 1/1.76-inch, 0.8µm, OIS) 3x hybrid optical zoom
12MP primary camera (f/1.8, 1/1.76-inch, 1.8µm, OIS) 12MP ultra-wide camera (f/2.2, 120°, 1/2.55-inch, 1.4µm) 64MP telephoto camera (f/2.0, 1/1.76-inch, 0.8µm, OIS) 3x hybrid optical zoom
108MP primary camera (f/1.8, 1/1.33-inch, 0.8µm, OIS) 12MP ultra-wide camera (f/2.2, 120°, 1/2.55-inch, 1.4µm) 10 MP telephoto camera (f/2.4, 1/3.24-inch, 1.22 µm, OIS) 3x hybrid optical zoom 10 MP telephoto camera (f/4.9, 1/3.24-inch, 1.22 µm, OIS) 10x hybrid optical zoom
4K at 30/60 FPS 8K at 30 FPS FHD at 30/60/120 FPS Slo-mo HD at 960 FPS
4K at 30/60 FPS 8K at 30 FPS FHD at 30/60/120 FPS Slo-mo HD at 960 FPS
4K at 30/60 FPS 8K at 30 FPS FHD at 30/60/120 FPS Slo-mo HD at 960 FPS
10 MP front camera (f/2.2, 80°, 1/3.24-inch, 1.22µm)
10 MP front camera (f/2.2, 80°, 1/3.24-inch, 1.22µm)
40 MP front camera (f/2.2, 80°, 1/2.8-inch, 0.7 µm)
The Galaxy S21 and Galaxy S21 Plus both sport a triple rear camera setup, which is led by a 12MP primary sensor. It supports OIS as well. It is accompanied by a 12MP ultra-wide-angle lens that has a 120-degree field of view and an f/2.2 aperture. The third sensor is a telephoto lens, which supports 3x hybrid optical zoom and OIS. On the front lies a 10MP selfie shooter. The rear cameras can record up to 8K at 30FPS and slo-mo in HD at 960 FPS.
On the other hand, the Galaxy S21 Ultra sports a quad rear camera led by a massive 108MP sensor with an f/1.8 aperture and support for OIS. It is accompanied by a 12MP ultra-wide-angle lens with a 120-degree field of view and an f/2.2 aperture. There is a 10MP telephoto lens with OIS and support for 3x hybrid optical zoom. Lastly, it comes equipped with another 10MP telephoto camera with support for OIS and 10x hybrid optical zoom. Selfies are taken care of by a 40MP shooter. Further, the rear cameras can record up to 8K at 30FPS and slo-mo in HD at 960 FPS.
S-Pen!
A new addition to the Galaxy S-family, the Galaxy S21 Ultra supports S-Pen! Notably, only the Ultra variant comes with the necessary hardware to support S-Pen input, and not the standard Galaxy S21 or the Galaxy S21+. That said, the smartphone doesn’t have a slot to house the stylus. Hence, Samsung is selling cases that have a dedicated slot to keep the S-Pen.
That said, the S-Pen doesn’t come for free. Instead, Samsung will sell it separately for $39.99 in the US market. Further, the folio case, which has a slot to house the stylus will set you back at $69,99.
Galaxy S21 reasons to buy: Conclusion
These were the 5 reasons to buy the new Galaxy S21 series. What do you think of the new smartphone lineup? Are these compelling enough for you to upgrade? Tell us in the comments below!
The first major flagship of 2021 is here. The Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra has been announced and it is already up for pre-order. The price starts at $1,199.99. However, you can save some amount if you pre-order the phone. You can benefit from the range of offers available.
Where to buy the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra in the US
The Galaxy S21 Ultra is all set to be made available via every major carrier and most major retailers across the world. In the US, you can purchase the Galaxy S21 Ultra from Verizon and AT&T. It is also available from Samsung, Amazon, and Best Buy.
Samsung
You can now pre-order the Galaxy S21 Ultra starting at 11 AM ET today, January 14. Its wide availability for carriers and Unlocked by Samsung versions is set for January 29. Consumers can take advantage of pre-order deals on Samsung.com and save up to $700, plus get a free Galaxy SmartTag.
The Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra is the company's latest flagship. It sports a 108MP primary camera, which is accompanied by three more cameras. There is a flagship SoC in the form of snapdragon 888.
The Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra is the company's latest flagship. It sports a 108MP primary camera, which is accompanied by three more cameras. There is a flagship SoC in the form of snapdragon 888.
Preorders for the Galaxy S21 5G series on Verizon start January 14 at 11 am ET and the phones will be widely available on January 29. The Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G starts at $39.99 a month for 30 months or $49.99 a month for 24 months on Verizon Device Payment (0% APR; $1,199.99 retail).
The offers are:
Current Verizon customers can save $600 on a Galaxy S21 series phone with a select trade-in on select Unlimited plans
Buy any Samsung Galaxy S21 and get another select model on Verizon, or save up to $1,000 on another Galaxy S21 series phone with select Unlimited plans when you add a new line
Get the Samsung Galaxy Watch 3 starting at $199.99, when you buy any Samsung Galaxy S21
Finally, get 25% off all Samsung Galaxy S21 cases and screen protectors and 50% off Verizon-brand charging accessories during the pre-order period. New phone cases and screen protectors will also be available from OtterBox, Coach, Tech21, Incipio, Speck, Kate Spade New York, Lifeproof, Case-Mate, Gear4, Samsung, and others.
The Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra is the company's latest flagship. It sports a 108MP primary camera, which is accompanied by three more cameras. There is a flagship SoC in the form of snapdragon 888.
Pre-orders on the carrier start on January 14, and the phone will be widely available starting January 29. AT&T is offering new and existing customers discounts, including the chance to get a Galaxy S21 5G for free.
AT&T Deal on Galaxy S21 Ultra: New and existing AT&T customers can get up to $800 off any device in the Samsung Galaxy S21 5Gseries when they trade-in an eligible device and buy on a 30-month installment plan with an AT&T unlimited plan. That means they can get the Galaxy S21 for FREE, the Galaxy S21+ for $199.99, or the Galaxy S21 Ultra for $399.99.
The Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra is the company's latest flagship. It sports a 108MP primary camera, which is accompanied by three more cameras. There is a flagship SoC in the form of snapdragon 888.
