Best phones in 2021 so far

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There are a lot of companies out there making the best phones…

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Best phones in 2021 so far

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There are a lot of companies out there making the best phones…

The post Best phones in 2021 so far appeared first on Pocketnow.

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Best Android phones in 2021 so far

If you’re looking to upgrade your phone, you’ve come to the right…

The post Best Android phones in 2021 so far appeared first on Pocketnow.

OnePlus 9 Pro is getting a $99 discount, M1 iPad Pro and more are on sale

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We start today’s deals with the OnePlus 9 Pro, the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra, the latest iPad models, and more on sale

The post OnePlus 9 Pro is getting a $99 discount, M1 iPad Pro and more are on sale appeared first on Pocketnow.

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The Best battery cases for your new Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra in 2021

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The Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra is arguably the most powerful Android smartphone out there. It has all the blazing fast internals and impressive camera hardware that you would want for that asking price. The screen in particular, which automatically adjusts its refresh rate value between 5Hz and 120Hz, has received a lot of praise. But providing the juice to power-hungry internals and using the screen at peak QHD+ resolution with 120Hz mode can drain it rather fast. To save you a run towards the power plug in the middle of the day, we’ve compiled this list of the best Galaxy S21 Ultra battery case options: 

    ZEROLEMON Galaxy S21 Ultra Battery Case 8000mAh

    Get it done

    If you don’t care much about aesthetics and want a charging case that will charge the S21 Ultra’s battery completely at least once and still have some juice left in the tank, the Zerolemon case with an 8,000mAh Li-ion pack will serve you well.

    NEWDERY Galaxy S21 Ultra Battery Case

    Sleek and reliable

    This one has a relatively slimmer profile with less sharper lines compared to the Zerolemon case described earlier, but it still has a fairly large 4,700mAh battery that can fill the Galaxy S21 Ultra’s tank up to the 80 percent mark for one cycle.

    Beseller Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra Battery Case 4700mAh

    Worth the bucks

    The Beseller charging case for the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra has almost the same internals as the NEWDERY case, and has a very similar design as well. Plus, the TPU hard shell is there to provide extra protection for your pricey flagship.

Unfortunately, there are not many battery case options out there. However, there is a whole catalog of great charging accessories for the phone for both scenarios – when you’re on the move or seated at your workstation.

    Samsung 25W USB-C Super Fast Wall Charger

    Max out

    The Galaxy S21 Ultra is among the priciest Android flagships, yet it charges at a slower pace than the competition at merely 25W. However, if you want to fully milk whatever the phone has to offer, the official Samsung 25W charger is the one to get.

    Samsung Electronics Wireless Charger Trio

    Multifunctional

    If you’re a tech-savvy person and own a lot of gadgets, you must surely be aware of the charger management hassle. The Samsung Wireless Charger trio can juice up to three devices at once, and saves you from the web of intertwined cables too.

    Samsung 15W Fast Charge 2.0 Wireless Charger Stand

    Standing convenience

    In case you need something small, but in a form factor that lets you glance at the phone’s screen or do video calls while it is charging, the Samsung Fast Charge 2.0 Wireless Charger Stand with a 15W charging output should be at the top of your shopping list.

    SAMSUNG 10,000 mAh Super Fast 25W Portable Wireless Charger Charger

    Double Duty

    A hot favorite of mine ever since it was launched, this power bank cum wireless charging pad has not only saved me from carrying cables all the time, but has also proved to be a multifunctional option that can juice up to two devices on the go.

Which one would I personally pick from the aforementioned list? Well, I am at my workstation all day long and use my phone for attending video calls. The Samsung Wireless Charging Stand 2.0 (15W) sounds like a match made in heaven for me, as it keeps the device in perfect orientation for me to use it for video calls or check notifications, while also charging simultaneously. If you’re looking for more accessories for your Samsung phone, we’ve rounded up lists of the best Galaxy S21 Ultra leather cases as well as colorful cases

The post The Best battery cases for your new Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra in 2021 appeared first on Pocketnow.

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Best MicroSD Card alternatives for the Galaxy S21

Samsung launched the Galaxy S21 with tons of improvements and a new design. However, it also ditched a user-beloved feature – the microSD card slot. You can no longer expand the storage on your Galaxy S21. But what if you have important files on your previous device that are backed up on a microSD card? What if you have loads of important data on a microSD card? Don’t worry, you have come to the right place. We have compiled a list of the best microSD alternatives for the Galaxy S21.

Anker SD card reader

    Anker SD Card Reader

    A microSD card reader

    Have a lot of files stored on a microSD card that you need to access on your shining new Galaxy S21? Use this!

This compact 2-in-1 SD card reader can be used effortlessly and connected to your phone even while it’s in its case. You can use it to access the files stored on your microSD card. You get a standard and a MicroSD slot to let you easily sync, swap, and share files. It is also optimized to work with a wide range of USB-C devices, like MacBook, Galaxy S21, and more.

Samsung T7 Portable SSD 1TB 

    Samsung T7 Portable SSD 1TB

    An SSD

    So you bought the base Galaxy S21 but 128 gigs of storage isn't enough for you? Spend your money on this!

This Samsung SSD is likely one of the best MicroSD alternatives for the Galaxy S21. It can transfer files nearly 9.5x faster than an external hard disk drive (HDD). Furthermore, it offers a shock-resistant design that can withstand 6-foot drops so you can take it anywhere with you. Plus, it offers 1,050 MB/s write speeds that guarantee quick transfers between your Galaxy S21 and SSD.

Samsung Duo Plus 256GB

    Samsung Duo Plus 256GB

    A flash drive

    If you find an SSD too expensive, and if it is too big for your use case, look at this flash drive from Samsung.

This is a cable-free, 2-in-1 Type C USB on the go flash drive for expanded storage and easy file transfers between your Galaxy S21, tablets, and PCs. It is designed with a key ring to reduce the risk of losing it. It offers reliable and secure storage for your photos, videos, music, and files. Plus, Samsung offers a 5-year warranty on this product.

RAVPower FileHub

    RAVPower FileHub

    A File Hub

    Do you need to connect SD cards, a portable hard disk, or an SSD wirelessly to your Galaxy S21? If yes, buy this!

A file hub can enable you to connect all kinds of storage devices including an SD card, an HDD, as well as an SSD to your Galaxy S21 wirelessly. You can not only stream music, photos, videos, and browse documents, but also transfer files mutually between an SD Card, SSD/HDD, and your Galaxy S21. It is a must-have if you are a frequent traveler. It is perhaps one of the best MicroSD alternatives for the Galaxy S21.

uni USB-C Memory Card Reader

    uni USB C Memory Card Reader Adapter

    Under $15

    Do you want to access content on an SD card or a microSD card but are on a tight budget? Look at this product.

If you are on a budget, this $15 SD card reader can simultaneously read and write on two cards to save the constant plugging and pulling of plugs. It will enable you to double your productivity with simultaneous microSD/SD card access with your Galaxy S21.

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Samsung and Hulu partner for a reality series that follows creative photographers

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Samsung has announced a unique kind of partnership today. The company is partnering with Hulu, Westbrook Media, and BBH Entertainment to execute a first-of-its-kind mobile photography reality series, Exposure. It is set to debut on Hulu starting April 26.

The show will feature organic integrations with the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G and compelling storytelling through themed challenges. Exposure is said to inspire and encourage viewers to explore their own creativity with readily available smartphone camera technology that has become an integral part of everyday life. 

The series includes following creative photographers as they complete weekly challenges to find America’s best mobile photographer. The show challenges photographers to put the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G cameras to the test by showcasing all the incredible things they can capture using the phone. “The Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G is Samsung’s ultimate smartphone experience, pushing the limits of what a smartphone can do with its standout pro-grade camera system,” says Samsung.

“The partnership on Exposure cements Hulu as the perfect streaming home for the series, tapping into Hulu’s younger audience of TV fans as well as inspiring the next generation of budding photographers and tech enthusiasts,” said the press release.

The series represents a partnership in which each company brings its specialty:

  • Samsung creates smartphones that inspire creativity with powerful camera capabilities
  • BBH Entertainment brings expertise in ideating entertaining formats for brands and publishers
  • Hulu offers brands the opportunity to develop, co-create, and strategically market projects in a visionary new way for the streaming era
  • Westbrook Media provides skillful creative and production capabilities

 

Exposure, which will feature the Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G will debut on Hulu and starts streaming on April 26.

 

 

 

 

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Samsung Galaxy S21+ is available for just $99.99, while supplies last

We have reached the last day of Samsung’s Discover Spring Event sale, which means that this is your last chance to get crazy savings. We have seen the Samsung Galaxy S21 series getting some rather aggressive discounts, which usually lets you get a Galaxy S21+ for just $300, but the latest offer is even better.

You can currently get a new Samsung Galaxy S21+ for just $100. Now, this isn’t as straightforward as you’d think, since you only get $200 off the phone’s regular price tag, but if you have an eligible device to trade-in, you can get up to $700 off, and that’s how you get your new Galaxy S21+ for $100. Upon purchase, you will get a new 5G enabled smartphone with 128GB of storage space, 8GB RAM, a Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 processor, a 6.7-inch Dynamic AMOLED display with 120Hz refresh rates, and $50 Samsung Credit to use towards accessories or anything you can find on Samsung’s online store.

    Samsung Galaxy S21+
      One of Samsung’s latest flagships, the Galaxy S21+ comes with tons of power, and it will deliver amazingly clear, high-quality photos, 8K video and more

    Now, you can also want to get a new Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra, and you can now get one for just $300 after an eligible trade-in. This is the only Galaxy S21 variant to feature a glass back, S Pen support, and a larger 6.8-inch display. Further, you get the best camera out of the three existing variants.

    You should check out the Samsung Deals page, as you will find that previous Discover Spring Event discounts are still life. Such is the case of the Samsung Galaxy Note 20 Ultra, which is still selling for $325 locked to Verizon or AT&T, after an eligible trade-in, of course. You can also save 40 percent off the Samsung Galaxy Tab S7+, the Galaxy Watch 3, Buds Pro, and more. Plus, if you buy from different departments, you can also score 10 percent savings.

    Remember that any purchase will also let you enter a contest that will give a grand prize of $20K divided into ten lucky customers. The first prize will get you $5K in Samsung Credits, three second-place winners will get $2K each, and six other customers will score 1K each.

    The post Samsung Galaxy S21+ is available for just $99.99, while supplies last appeared first on Pocketnow.

    OnePlus 9 Pro vs Galaxy S21 Ultra: Which one’s the alpha Android flagship?

    OnePlus has finally launched its latest flagship – the OnePlus 9 Pro. Yes, this one is a tad more expensive compared to the OnePlus 9 – the bread and butter phone from the company – but this one is a major step up too. And a quick look at the specification sheet makes it abundantly clear that this phone is going against the best in the Android ecosystem – with the Galaxy S21 Ultra being at the top of that list. On the surface, the OnePlus 9 Pro actually offers more in terms of sheer hardware compared to the Samsung flagship – and for a lot less. Read our OnePlus 9 Pro vs Galaxy S21 Ultra comparison to find how the two phones stack up against each other:

    OnePlus 9 Pro Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra
    Display Size: 6.7-inch
    Resolution: 1440 x 3216
    Pixel Density: 525 ppi
    Refresh Rate: Smart 120Hz
    Aspect Ratio: 20.1:9
    Type: AMOLED with LTPO
    sRGB, Display P3, 10-bit color
    Corning Gorilla Glass
    6.8-inch Curved
    Quad HD+ ((3200×1440 pixels)
    Dynamic AMOLED 2X
    Infinity-O Display
    515 ppi Pixel Density
    HDR10+ certified
    120Hz refresh rate
    Gorilla Glass Victus
    Processor Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 Qualcomm Snapdragon 888
    Exynos 2100
    RAM 8/12GB LPDDR5 12/16 GB LPDDR5
    Storage 128/256GB UFS3.1 128/256/512GB
    Rear Cameras Main Camera
    Sensor: Sony IMX789
    Sensor Size: 1/1.43-inch
    Megapixels: 48
    Lens Quantity: 7P
    OIS: Yes
    EIS: Yes
    Aperture: f/1.8Ultra-wide-angle camera
    Sensor: IMX766
    Sensor Size: 1/1.56-inch
    Megapixels: 50
    Lens Quantity: 7P
    Aperture: f/2.2 LensTelephoto camera
    Megapixels: 8MP
    Pixel Size: 1.0 μm
    Aperture: f/2.4
    3.3x optical and 30x digital zoom

    Macro camera
    2MP

    108MP Wide-angle Camera
    PDAF, OIS
    Pixel size: 0.8μm (12MP 2.4μm)
    FOV: 83˚
    F.No (aperture): F1.8
    1/1.33″ image sensor size12MP Ultra Wide Camera
    Super Speed Dual Pixel AF
    Pixel size: 1.4μm
    FOV: 120˚
    F.No (aperture): F2.210MP Telephoto Camera 1
    Dual Pixel AF
    Pixel size: 1.22μm
    FOV: 35˚
    F.No (aperture): F2.4

    10MP Telephoto Camera 2
    Dual Pixel AF
    Pixel size: 1.22μm
    FOV: 10˚
    F.No (aperture): F4.9

    Front Camera Sensor: Sony IMX471
    Megapixels: 16
    Pixel Size: 1.0 μm
    EIS: Yes
    Autofocus: Fixed Focus
    Aperture: f/2.4
    40MP selfie camera
    PDAF
    Pixel size: 0.7μm
    4-in-1 pixel binning (10MP 1.4μm)
    FOV: 80˚
    F.No (aperture): F2.2
    Battery 4500 mAh
    Warp Charge 65T (10V/6.5A)
    Warp Charge 50 Wireless (Input: 10V/6.5A, 20V/3.25A,
    Output: 50W max)
    5000mAh
    Fast Wireless Charging 2.0
    USB PD 3.0 (PPS) certified Fast Charging for wired charging
    Wireless PowerShare
    Dimensions 163.2×73.6×8.7 mm 165.1 x 75.6 x 8.9mm
    Weight 197g grams 227 grams

    OnePlus 9 Pro vs Galaxy S21 Ultra: Design

    OnePlus 9 Pro

    Well, this is going to be a tricky one. Both the phones go for curved display aesthetics and employ a glass-and-metal sandwich design. However, the design of the camera bump is something that is going to be up for debate. Notably, both the phones come with an IP68-certified build, which means they can handle a few dunks in a bucket of water. The color options, and surface finish though, will up to your personal preference.

    POCKETNOW ADVISORY: Whichever device you end up picking among the OnePlus 9 and Galaxy S21, we strongly advise putting a case on it, unless you like scratches ruining the look of your phone or costing you hundreds of dollars for a screen replacement. To save you the hassle, we’ve rounded up this great list of the best Galaxy S21 Ultra cases, and will soon share a similar one for the OnePlus 9 too.

    The OnePlus 9 Pro is available in a trio of colors – Morning Mist with a glossy mirror finish, Pine Green with a dual-layer matte texture, and Stellar Black rocking a frosted matte glass texture. As for the Galaxy S21 Ultra, you get to choose between Phantom Black (matte finish) and Phantom Silver. However, if you’re making the purchase from Samsung’s official website, you will get three more options to choose from – Phantom Navy, Phantom Titanium, and Phantom Brown.

    Galaxy S21 ultra

    OnePlus 9 Pro vs Galaxy S21 Ultra: Display

    Now, let’s talk substance. Both the phones feature a curved AMOLED display with 120Hz refresh rate, HDR10+ certification, and hole-punch (left-cornered on the OnePlus 9 Pro vs centered on the Galaxy S21 Ultra) aesthetics. The screen resolution you get on the OnePlus flagship is 3216 x 1440 pixels, which translates to a pixel density of 525 PPI. The Galaxy S21 Ultra’s screen has a resolution of 3200 x 1440 pixels, offering a slightly lower pixels density of 515 PPI.

    OnePlus 9 Pro review

     

    Both the phones employ the LTPO technology for adaptive refresh rate, but there’s a slight difference. The panel on OnePlus can intelligently vary the refresh rate value between 1Hz and 120Hz, while the Samsung offering has the lowest refresh rate value set at 5Hz and goes up to 120Hz.

    Internals

    Both the phones draw power from the Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 SoC, however, the Samsung offering also comes in a variant powered by the in-house Exynos 2100 SoC. 5G support is on the table in both cases though. Samsung Galaxy S21 lets you take the configuration choice up to 16GB of RAM and 512GB of onboard storage. OnePlus 9 Pro, on the other hand, goes up to 12GB of LPDDR5 RAM and 256GB of UFS 3.1 storage.

    specs galaxy s21 ultra pocketnow

    OnePlus 9 Pro is miles ahead of Galaxy S21 Ultra when it comes to charging speeds

    To keep the lights on, OnePlus 9 Pro comes equipped with a 4,500mAh battery that supports an impressive 65W fast charging, taking the battery from 0-100 percent in just 29 minutes. There is also support for insanely fast 50W wireless charging that can fully fill the tank in 43 minutes.

    Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra, on the other hand, comes equipped with a larger 5,000mAh battery, but the peak wired charging wattage is capped at 45W, and the wireless charging speed is much slower yoo. On the bright side, you get support for reverse wireless charging as well.

    Another key weapon in the Galaxy S21 Ultra’s arsenal is support for S Pen, which takes the productivity aspect to the next level. But do keep in mind that you have to spend extra cash for the stylus.

    View Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G S Pen at Samsung

    Cameras

    oneplus 9 pro

    Now, this is where Samsung builds upon a legacy of solid camera performance, while the OnePlus offering emerges as a true challenger with massively upgraded camera hardware and some tuning with help from Hasselblad. The quad-camera setup of the OnePlus 9 Pro includes a custom 48MP Sony IMX789 sensor with OIS that can capture 4K videos at 120FPS, and click 12-bit HDR photos too.

    It sits alongside a massive 50MP ultra-wide-angle camera with the Sony IMX766 sensor at its heart. It also pulls the double duty as a macro camera, with a maximum proximity range of 4cm for sharp focus. You will also find an 8MP telephoto camera that can go up to 3.3x optical zoom and 30x digital zoom. And finally, there is also a 2MP monochrome camera as well. Over at the front, you’ll find a 16MP camera housed in a hole-punch to take care of selfies and video calls.

    GALAXY S21 ULTRA POCKETNOW

    On the Galaxy S21 Ultra, you get a massive 108MP optically stabilized primary camera that can capture 8K videos, sitting alongside a 12MP ultra-wide angle snapper. Unlike the OnePlus 9 Pro which has a single telephoto camera, the Samsung device had two 10MP shooters, one of which relies on a periscope system to deliver a higher lossless zoom range. The first telephoto camera goes up to 3x optical zoom, while the one with the folded lens system delivers 10x optical zoom and up to 100x Super Resolution zoom.

    OnePlus 9 Pro Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra
    Nightscape, Super Macro,
    UltraShot HDR, Smart Scene
    Recognition, Portrait mode, Pro
    mode, Panorama, Tilt-shift mode,
    Focus Peaking, Cat/Dog Face
    Focus, Raw file, Filters, Super
    Stable, Video Nightscape, Video
    HDR, Video Portrait, Focus
    Tracking, Timelapse, Hyperlapse8K video at 30fps
    4K video at 30/60/120fps
    Super Slow Motion: 720p video at
    480fps, 1080p video at 240fps
    Time-Lapse: 1080p at 30fps, 4K at
    30fps
    Scene Optimizer, Shot suggestions, Scan QR codes, Camera Modes (Single Take, Pro, Panorama, Food, Night, Portrait, Portrait Video, Pro Video, Super Slow-mo, Slow motion, Hyperlapse, Director’s View, AR Doodle, Quick Measures, HDR10+ recording, 33MP still photos while playing 8K video, Tracking AF, VDIS (Video Digital Image Stabilization), Playback zoom

    8K video recording at 24 fps
    4K UHD video recording at 60 fps
    1080p FHD video recording at 60 fps
    720p HD video recording at 30 fps
    Super Steady 1080p video support at 60 fps

    Super Slow-mo 720p video support at 960 fps
    Slow-motion 1080p video support at 240 fps

    Hyperlapse 4K video support at 30 fps

    Pricing

    For the OnePlus 9 Pro, you’ll have to shell out a minimum of $969 for the 8GB + 128GB model, While the base configuration of Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra will set you back by $1,299 in the US market. You can watch our Galaxy S21 Ultra review video to find out its strength and weaknesses, and determine whether it’s worth that price tag, and also check out whether the OnePlus 9 Pro is worth its asking price in the video below.

    View Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G at Samsung

     

    The post OnePlus 9 Pro vs Galaxy S21 Ultra: Which one’s the alpha Android flagship? appeared first on Pocketnow.

    Should you buy the Galaxy S21 series or the Galaxy S20 series?

    Samsung Galaxy S21 series is now out in the market. The latest Samsung flagship trio – Galaxy S21, Galaxy S21+, and the Galaxy S21 Ultra – come rocking a new design, a beastly 5nm processor(s), upgraded imaging hardware with a host of new camera tricks, and polished software. And oh, did I mention that the entry point into Samsung’s Galaxy S family for 2021 is now $200 lower? But the arrival of a new generation of flagships also means the now-cheaper-but-still-perfectly-fine last-gen flagships demand a reconsideration. Well, if you’re with me on this one, let me break it down for you – Should you buy the Galaxy S21 series or the Galaxy S20 series in 2021?

    The real fight is between the vanilla and ultra flagships

    If you are torn between the 2021 and 2020 Galaxy S flagships, let me put it in clear words – the ‘Plus’ models (Galaxy S20+ and Galaxy S21+) are really not much worth talking about here. Unless, you simply want a Galaxy S21 that is bigger, or you don’t want to spend the cash that the Galaxy S21 Ultra demands. Either way, you can save some benjamins by getting the vanilla Galaxy S21 which has the same innards (save for a larger display and bigger battery ) as the Galaxy S21+, or just fork out a couple of hundred dollars extra and jump the Ultra bandwagon. 

    Whichever path you choose, the Galaxy S21+ is a device that I would only recommend if you desire a Galaxy S21 that is slightly bigger. That’s the only scenario where I can suggest getting it. With the ‘Plus’ conundrum out of the way, let’s do the real talk.

    To Ultra, or not… That’s the thousand dollar question!

    Now, if you have been smitten by all those gorgeous product shots of the Galaxy S21 series posted on Twitter by my fellow journalists or seen in their videos, you should ask yourself the real question – Do you want the pure Galaxy S flagship experience without breaking your bank, or you simply want the best that Samsung has to offer without any budget constraints?

    If you agree with the first part of the question, just get the Galaxy S21. No questions asked. But if you prefer the finer things in life and choose only what’s best on the table for you, the matte black Galaxy S21 Ultra should be your next flagship smartphone in 2021. 

    Oh, I could say the same thing about the Galaxy S20 and its Ultra sibling too. If you’ve made up your mind regarding the experience you want – the good old standard flagship vs the overpowered Ultra deal – let’s dissect whether the Galaxy S21 is a better deal for you over the Galaxy S20 and if you should pick the Galaxy S21 Ultra over the Ultra from Galaxy S20 family!

    Galaxy S21 vs Galaxy S20

    samsung galaxy s21 colors

    Some questionable decisions regarding the build

    Right off the bat, the biggest difference between Galaxy S21 and Galaxy S20 is their design, as Samsung has made more than few changes here. Samsung has changed the design of the camera island and it now appears to meet with the surrounding frame. And oh, there is some sweet dual-tone aesthetic upgrade as well.

    The Galaxy S21 is made out of plastic, while the Galaxy S21 employs a glass-and-metal build.

    However, Samsung has made some cost-cutting too. The Galaxy S21 is made out of plastic, while the Galaxy S21 employs a glass-and-metal build. Both the phones come with an IP68 dust and water resistance though. Another difference here is that the Galaxy S21 has a flat panel, while the Galaxy S20 has a curved one.

    Flat panel, lower resolution

    Talking about the display, Galaxy S21 has a lower-resolution 6.2-inch FHD+ 120Hz panel, while the Galaxy S20 offers a higher resolution QuadHD+ display of the same size and refresh rate. However,  the panel on the Galaxy S21 automatically adjusts the refresh value between 48Hz and 120Hz based on the on-screen content. Now FHD+ is still adequately sharp for a 6.2-inch panel, but the downgrade is still worth pointing out here. 

    No dearth of raw firepower

    2 Samsung Galaxy S20s side by side

    Inside, the Galaxy S21 relies on the Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 (Exynos 2100 in some regions) paired with 8 gigs of RAM and up to 256GB of onboard storage. The Galaxy S21 relies on the Snapdragon 865 SoC (Exynos 990 in some regions) ticking alongside up to 12 gigs of RAM and 128GB storage in tow. Notably, the Galaxy S21 doesn’t allow storage expansion, while its predecessor offered this neat convenience.  

    Old camera hardware, new tricks

    Not much has changed in the camera department though, as both the Galaxy S21 and its last-gen sibling offer an optically stabilized 12MP primary camera, a 12MP ultra-wide angle snapper, and a 64MP telephoto camera that goes up to 3x optical zoom and 30x space zoom output. On the front, you’ll find a 10MP selfie snapper. 

    No camera hardware upgrades, only software enhancements

    There a few new camera tricks such as an improved Single Take, 8K video snap, enhanced portrait mode, Director’s View, Vlogger View, and multi-mic recording to name a few. While some of the new camera features on the Galaxy S21 are meaningful, a few will eventually trickle down to the Galaxy S20 as well via software updates.

    Both the phones come equipped with a 4,000mAh battery support, and offer support for wireless charging as well as reverse wireless charging. You get 5G support on both the Galaxy S-series smartphones as well. 

    Galaxy S21Galaxy S20
    Display6.2″ flat FHD+
    2400 x 1080 pixels
    Dynamic AMOLED 2X
    Infinity-O Display
    421 ppi
    HDR10+ certified
    120Hz refresh rate
    6.2” Quad HD+
    3200 x 1440 pixels
    Dynamic AMOLED 2X
    Infinity-O Display
    563 ppi
    HDR10+ certified
    120Hz refresh rate support
    ProcessorQualcomm Snapdragon 888
    Exynos 2100
    Snapdragon 879
    RAM8GB LPDDR58GB LPDDR5 on 4G variant
    12GB LPDDR5 on 5G variant
    Storage128GB
    256GB
    *Non-expandable
    128GB
    *Expandable up to 1TB via a
    microSD card
    Rear Cameras12MP Ultra Wide Camera
    Pixel size: 1.4μm
    FOV: 120˚
    F.No (aperture): F2.2
    12MP Wide-angle Camera
    Super Speed Dual Pixel AF, OIS
    Pixel size: 1.8μm
    FOV: 79˚
    F.No (aperture): F1.8
    1/1.76″ image sensor size
    64MP Telephoto Camera
    Pixel size: 0.8μm
    FOV: 76˚
    F.No (aperture): F2.0
    12MP Ultra Wide Camera
    Pixel size: 1.4μm
    FOV: 120˚
    F.No (aperture): F2.2
    12MP Wide-angle Camera
    Super Speed Dual Pixel AF, OIS
    Pixel size: 1.8μm
    FOV: 79˚
    F.No (aperture): F1.8
    1/1.76″ image sensor size
    64MP Telephoto Camera
    Pixel size: 0.8μm
    FOV: 76˚
    F.No (aperture): F2.0
    Front Camera10MP Selfie Camera
    Dual Pixel AF
    Pixel size: 1.22μm
    FOV: 80˚
    F.No (aperture): F2.2
    10MP Selfie Camera
    Dual Pixel AF
    Pixel size: 1.22μm
    FOV: 80˚
    F.No (aperture): F2.2
    Battery4000mAh 
    Fast Wireless Charging 2.0
    Wireless PowerShare
    4000mAh
    Fast Wireless Charging 2.0
    Wireless PowerShare
    ColorsPhantom Violet
    Phantom Gray
    Phantom White
    Phantom Pink
    Cosmic Gray
    Cloud Blue
    Cloud Pink
    Cloud White
    Dimensions151.7 x 71.2 x 7.9mm151.7 x 69.1 x 7.9mm
    Weight169g163g
    (Note: This table is best viewed in landscape mode on mobile)

    So, which one to buy – Galaxy S21 vs S20?

    Samsung Galaxy S21 family

    Now, coming to the pricing part, the Galaxy S21 starts at $800, while the Galaxy S20 went for a base price of $1000 upon its launch. Interestingly, the stock of Galaxy S20 has mysteriously vanished from major retailers such as Amazon and Best Buy in the US, where it was going for around $750 until a few weeks ago.

    Assuming you can find the Galaxy S20 at a retail outlet for somewhere around $750, it is not a bad device for that kind of money. But I would suggest spending the extra $50 to $100 and getting the Galaxy S21. However, if your budget can’t exceed the $700 threshold and you can snag a Galaxy S20 for that amount (or lower), don’t hesitate.

    Galaxy S21 Ultra vs Galaxy S20 Ultra  

    Galaxy S21 ultra with dice

    Better design this year

    Yes, the redesign extends to the Ultra siblings too. But frankly, the ginormous camera bump on the Galaxy S21 Ultra is way easier on the eyes, especially in that matte black colorway, compared to the massive bump on the Galaxy S20 Ultra. Both the phones offer an IP68-certified glass and metal build, complete with support for wireless charging and Wireless PowerShare. But the color options on the table for Galaxy S21 are much better. 

    Am improved display with many perks

    Coming to the display, both the phones appear to be neck-and-neck going by on-paper specs. You get a 120Hz WQHD+ Dynamic AMOLED 2X curved display on both phones. The Galaxy S21 Ultra offers a smaller 6.8-inch screen real estate, while the Galaxy S20 Ultra has a 6.9-inch panel. But the Galaxy S21 Ultra offers a few remarkable add-ons too.

    To start things, the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra’s panel offers stylus support, which drastically boosts the productivity aspect of this phone. Additionally, its display can automatically adjust the refresh rate value between 10Hz and 120Hz, helping save battery life and offering the best viewing experience. And if you fancy, you can operate the Galaxy S21 Ultra’s screen at 120Hz with the resolution set to its peak WQHD+ preset.  

    The same Qualcomm-Exynos story this year too

    Internally, you’ll find the Snapdragon 888 (Exynos 2100 – also based on the 5nm process – in some markets) inside the Galaxy S21 Ultra, while Snapdragon 865 (or Exynos 990) powers the Galaxy S20 Ultra. You’ll find up to 16GB of RAM inside both the devices and up to 512GB of storage. But unlike the Galaxy S20 ultra, there is no scope for storage expansion on the Galaxy S21 Ultra.  

    Massive camera upgrades – both hardware and software

    samsung Galaxy S20 ultra close up

    Now, let’s talk cameras – one area where the Galaxy S21 Ultra offers a big leap over the Galaxy S20 Ultra, both in terms of hardware as well as camera capabilities. On the Galaxy S20 Ultra, you’ll find a 108MP primary camera, 12MP wide-angle lens, and a 48MP telephoto shooter. The Galaxy S21 Ultra comes armed with the new and updated 108MP camera sensor, sitting alongside a 12MP wide-angle snapper. 

    You get two zoom cameras on the latest Samsung offering though – a 10MP telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom output, and another 10MP periscope-style telephoto camera with a 10x hybrid optical zoom range and 100x Space Zoom output. And this time, Samsung has really worked to turn it into something actually worth using, and not just a gimmick. 

    Plus, the Galaxy S21 Ultra comes with its own share of pro-grade photography tricks such as 4K video capture across all cameras, multi-mic recording, no limit on the length of videos you can capture, 12-bit HDR photography and 12-bit RAW capture, 8K video snap, and Zoom Lock among others. Some of them might eventually arrive on the Galaxy S20 Ultra down the road, but the Galaxy S21 Ultra will still be far ahead, and a great deal of that performance gap can be attributed to the new 108MP ISOCELL HM3 sensor and the dual telephoto lens system.

    Some connectivity upgrades too

    Both the devices pack a 5,000mAh battery with support for Fast Wireless Charging 2.0 and Wireless PowerShare. However, the Galaxy S21 Ultra also upgrades the connectivity suite as well by introducing support for Bluetooth v5.2, WiFi 6E, and Ultra-Wideband technology. 

    Galaxy S21 UltraGalaxy S20 Ultra
    Display6.8″ edge Quad HD+
    Dynamic AMOLED 2X
    Infinity-O
    3200 x 1440 pixels
    515 ppi
    HDR10+ certified
    120Hz refresh rate
    6.9″ Quad HD+
    Dynamic AMOLED 2X
    Infinity-O Display
    3200 x 1440 pixels
    511 ppi
    HDR10+ certified
    120Hz refresh rate
    ProcessorQualcomm Snapdragon 888
    Exynos 2100
    Qualcomm Snapdragon 865
    Exynos 990
    RAM12GB LPDDR5
    16GB LPDDR5
    12GB LPDDR5
    16GB LPDDR5
    Storage128GB
    256GB
    512GB
    *Non-expandable
    128GB
    256GB
    512GB
    *Expandable up to 1TB via a
    microSD card
    Rear Cameras12MP Ultra Wide Camera
    Super Speed Dual Pixel AF
    Pixel size: 1.4μm
    FOV: 120˚
    F.No (aperture): F2.2
    108MP Wide-angle Camera
    PDAF, OIS
    Pixel size: 0.8μm (12MP 2.4μm)
    FOV: 83˚
    F.No (aperture): F1.8
    1/1.33″ image sensor size
    10MP Telephoto Camera
    Dual Pixel AF
    Pixel size: 1.22μm
    FOV: 35˚
    F.No (aperture): F2.4
    10MP Telephoto Camera
    Dual Pixel AF
    Pixel size: 1.22μm
    FOV: 10˚
    F.No (aperture): F4.9
    Laser AF
    12MP Ultra Wide Camera
    Pixel size: 1.4μm
    FOV: 120˚
    F.No (aperture): F2.2
    108MP Wide-angle Camera
    PDAF, OIS
    Pixel size: 0.8μm (12MP 2.4μm)
    FOV: 79˚
    F.No (aperture): F1.8
    1/1.33″ image sensor size
    48MP Telephoto Camera
    Pixel size: 0.8μm (12MP 1.6μm)
    FOV: 24˚
    F.No (aperture): F3.5
    DepthVision Camera
    Front Camera40MP Selfie Camera
    PDAF
    Pixel size: 0.7μm (10MP 1.4μm)
    FOV: 80˚
    F.No (aperture): F2.2
    40MP Selfie Camera
    PDAF
    Pixel size: 0.7μm (10MP 1.4μm)
    FOV: 80˚
    F.No (aperture): F2.2
    Battery5000mAh
    Fast Wireless Charging 2.0
    Wireless PowerShare
    5000mAh
    Fast Wireless Charging 2.0
    Wireless PowerShare
    ColorsPhantom Black
    Phantom Silver
    Phantom Titanium
    Phantom Navy
    Phantom Brown
    Cosmic Black
    Cosmic Gray
    Dimensions165.1 x 75.6 x 8.9mm166.9 x 76.0 x 8.8mm
    Weight227g220g
    (Note: This table is best viewed in landscape mode on mobile)

    No contest here – Get the Galaxy S21 Ultra!

    Galaxy S21 ultra on a stand

    The Galaxy S20 Ultra made its debut at $1,399, and since then, its price hasn’t depreciated much. On the other hand, the Galaxy S21 UItra starts at a much lower $1200 and offers a lot more. A LOT MORE. Even if you can find a Galaxy S20 Ultra going for around $1100, I would suggest going the extra mile for the Galaxy S21 Ultra instead. 

    The post Should you buy the Galaxy S21 series or the Galaxy S20 series? appeared first on Pocketnow.

    Best Cheap Cases for the Galaxy S21 Ultra in February 2021

    Samsung really managed to grab some eyeballs with the stunning matte black finish on the Galaxy S21 Ultra. But as they say, all that beauty will prove to be a costly mistake in case of any accidents, which obviously means a protective case is a must-have here. But you don’t always have to spend some serious cash on one. We’ve made this best Galaxy S21 Ultra cheap case list to help you find the right solution on a budget. Give it a read:

       Caseology Nano Pop Compatible with Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra Case

      A pop of color

      Among my favorite protective cases that strike a great balance between sturdiness and minimalist aesthetics, you should definitely have the Caselogy Nano Pop on the list.
       Caseology Skyfall Compatible with Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra Case

      Stealth and clarity

      In case you’re looking for a clear case that also complements the Galaxy S21 Ultra’s matte black finish on the rear panel, the Caseology Skyfall case is tailor-made for your needs.
       Goospery Canvas Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra Fabric wallet Flip case

      For fabric fans

      For a device as large as the Galaxy S21 Ultra, a wallet case makes a lot of sense. The Goosepry flip case with a canvas fabric finish by Goospery is a great option here.
       Goospery Liquid Silicone Case for Galaxy S21 Ultra Jelly Rubber Bumper Case

      Fits like a glove

      If you prefer soft, skin-like feel of silicone cases but don’t want to spend a fortune on what Samsung offers, the Goospery Liquid Silicone case serves fine.
       Spigen Thin Fit Designed for Galaxy S21 Ultra Case

      Thin yet strong

      Easily among the best thin protective cases, the Spigen Thin Fit offers the desired mix of great material quality, thin profile without any added bulk, and brand value too.
       Spigen Tough Armor Designed for Galaxy S21 Ultra Case

      Stealthy shield

      In case you’re looking for a case that offers military grade durability but doesn’t like an alien warship, Spigen Tough Armor Case for Galaxy S21 Ultra is the right one for you.
       SUPCASE Unicorn Beetle Pro Series Case Designed for Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra

      Wither the storms

      One of the most well-equipped rugged cases out there, the Supcse Unicorn Pro Series offering should be on your shopping list if ruggedness is your top priority.
       TENDLIN Wood Grain Leather case for Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra

      Stands out

      One of the best-looking cases on this list by far, the composite wood veneer, synthetic leather and TPU build with textured edges of the Tendlin case is unparalleled.
       TORRAS Shockproof Compatible for Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra Case

      Looks and substance

      If you care about aesthetics and ruggedness to equal measure, The Torras shockproof case will offer you just that in a thin profile that is also quite easy on the eyes.

    Well, that was all about our best Galaxy S21 Ultra cheap case recommendation list. As far as personal picks go, I’d recommend the Spigen Thin Fit case as it doesn’t much bulk to the device and fits just like a second skin. Plus, the material quality is top-notch and it also does a good job of keeping scratches and smudges at bay. 

    In case you prefer silicone cases, the Goospery Liquid Silicone case will serve you just fine. It has a silky-smooth exterior finish and a soft microfiber lining inside to protect the phone’s glass-made rear panel. It offers a great grip and doesn’t add much bulk to the overall device either. Plus, you can pick it up in a wide range of colors such as grey, black, and bright red to name a few. 

    And hey, we’ve also compiled separate product recommendation lists such as the best rugged cases and screen protectors for the Galaxy S21 Ultra, which you should also check out on the Pocketnow website. Plus, hear from Pocketnow’s Jaime Rivera how good (or bad) the Galaxy S21 Ultra is, in the video below: 

    The post Best Cheap Cases for the Galaxy S21 Ultra in February 2021 appeared first on Pocketnow.