The Samsung Galaxy S21 line took a step closer to launch today after it stopped through the FCC lookin’ for certifications. The first device to show up for approval was the regular Galaxy S21, though I wouldn’t be shocked to see the Galaxy S21+ and Galaxy S21 Ultra here shortly.
The Galaxy S21 is here under model number SM-G991U, which should be the generic or unlocked number for the US. The Galaxy S21+ should carry model number SM-996U and the Galaxy S21 Ultra is expected to be SM-G998U.
We are still actively diving into documents to see if any new details have spilled outside of specs leaks, device renderings, real-life images, and these promos, so stay tuned for more in a minute.
The first thing to note is the long list of supported bands (below). We still have CDMA support for carriers like Verizon, but you’ll also note the list of LTE and 5G (sub-6 and mmW) bands. We wouldn’t expect anything less than the ultimate list of support from a Samsung flagship and we have that here.
Of course, Bluetooth 5.0 and NFC are there, as is wireless charging and WiFi 6 (802.11ax).
- UPDATE 1: Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 confirmed here.
- UPDATE 12/18: The Galaxy S21+ has made its way through the FCC as well. We know this because of the supplied model number of SM-G996U. We haven’t seen the S21 Ultra yet, but it should be SM-G998U.
// FCC
So disappointed.
First of all, I only use the Ulttra as my comparison basis, as that is the device most likely to keep us old Note diehards in the fold.
Compared to S20 Ultra:
-.1″ smaller screen
-No 16GB RAM variant
-No microSD slot
-Higher price
-No charger or anything else in the box
-Seemingly only 25w charging support
-Same battery capacity
The only tangible benefits, and they ARE significant, is full-resolution 120hz display, the 888 and massively improved camera aesthetics.
So glad I got a 512GB Note 20 Ultra so I can safely watch the market play out and the pandemic to subside and wait for proper flagships again!
It’s the S6 debacle all over again!
Are the Exynos variants “promising” 4 years of support and updates? Thinking the 888 is looking mighty appealing right now?
Glad to see the 888. Probably time to move on from my Pixel 2XL
I wonder if this will be the year that people would want the Exynos chip instead of the Qualcomm chip. Either way, this is looking to a promising phone.
Yes i was expecting the Exynos/AMD chip. Maybe it will be saved for the note line or what ever their replacing the note with.
Can’t wait to see how much the SD888 makes the prices of these phones go to.