Details on the Samsung Galaxy S21 series continue to build a pretty solid picture of the new devices as the most recent reports suggest components for the Galaxy S21 Ultra model, in particular, are already in production.
This may validate rumors that suggest the Galaxy S21 series may launch as early as January 2021. In order to get new products on the market sooner, Samsung would have to ramp up all stages of product development, including the physical making of devices. An early launch may serve as a makeup effort, on Samsung’s part for low sales of the Galaxy S20 series, which was especially crippled due to the pandemic. The manufacturer may also be looking to pick up Huawei market share, as the Chinese brand continues to suffer the effects of US sanctions.
Typically, Samsung’s early year devices see a production timeline between December and January before a launch in February. However, it is also important to note that just because devices are announced at a certain date doesn’t mean they will quickly be available to customers. This allows for additional production time while consumers get to learn more about the device and decide if it’s worth the purchase. The Galaxy S20 series didn’t hit the market until early March after an early February unveiling event. Similarly, we may not see the Galaxy S21 series on sale for at least a month after its initial introduction, even if it is unveiled earlier than usual.
Rumors have not pinpointed any particular timeframe in January for the Galaxy S21 launch. There has also been word of a February 5th announcement for the Galaxy S21 series, most pundits appear to be favoring the January launch speculation.
Currently, the Mobile World Congress tech conference, which takes place from late-February into March is the main point of reference we have to consider for an unveiling or market release. Samsung has revamped its launch strategy for the S series several times over the years, but it is most commonly associated with MWC in some way. Many iterations of the S series were announced in tandem with the conference. In more recent years, Samsung has announced new devices right before MWC while still using the conference as a stage for an industry-first look before a market launch.
But the manufacturer is likely looking to revamp its launch strategy once again due to the pandemic. It might be interesting for Samsung, to say, have an early unveiling of the Galaxy S21 series, and then have the device release to market around the time of MWC. Assuming that most, if not all conference activities may take place online in 2021, the market launch would have to serve as the industry-first look.
While launch date rumors continue to circulate, there are also several specs and feature details that are being considered for the Galaxy S21 series. Recent reports indicate that Samsung may follow in Apple’s footsteps by selling the upcoming devices without major accessories in the retail box. The South Korean publication, ChosunBiz claims that the new flagship series may sell without a USB-C charger or earbuds as in-box accessories.
Samsung previously teased Apple on social media upon its launch of the iPhone 12. However, the Korean manufacturer may similarly be looking to a stance of environmental impact while also looking to increase its sales margins by removing “free” accessories from smartphone packaging. Many have noted that Apple selling the iPhone 12 without accessories has not changed its price for the cheaper. The same is likely true for Samsung if it opts to forgo accessories for the Galaxy S21.
Several hardware specs have also leaked, suggesting a Samsung Exynos 2100 chip for South Korean and other international models, a Qualcomm Snapdragon 875 chip for western models. The Galaxy S21 Ultra model, in particular, may feature a 6.9-inch AMOLED display, at least 12GB of RAM, 128GB internal storage, a 5,000mAh battery, an updated 108-megapixel ISOCELL main sensor, and an elaborate camera module, and S-Pen support with 165.1mm x 75.6mm x 8.9mm dimensions and silver and black color options.
Some renders showcase a possible flat design for the standard Galaxy S21 model with a 6.24-inch display. Samsung has also trademarked a seamless display technology called Samsung Blade, which is supposed to further reduce the bezels and frame of the Galaxy S21 handsets.
All models in the Galaxy S21 series are set to run Android 11 software with the One UI 3.0 overlay.
