Tech Guide – Samsung officially introduced their latest smartphones to the public: the Galaxy S21, S21 Plus, and S21 Ultra. All three have very capable cameras, but how do the Samsung S21 cameras differ? Are the differences significant?
Both the Galaxy S21 and S21 Plus have three rear cameras arranged vertically on the side. These three cameras consist of a 12MP main camera, a 12MP ultra-wide camera, and a 64MP telephoto camera. On the front, they both have a 10MP camera positioned in the center top.
However, the camera differences for the Ultra version, as the highest variant, are quite significant. The S21 Ultra comes with four cameras, making it even more appealing to photography enthusiasts. It features a 108MP main camera, a 12MP ultra-wide camera, and two 10MP telephoto cameras. The front camera of the Samsung S21 Ultra is 40MP.
Features & Camera Differences of the Samsung S21 Series for Photography
To make every photo you take even more stunning, these three latest Samsung smartphones come with very capable features. For instance, the Single Take 2.0 feature can capture both photos and videos in a single shot. This feature was already present in the Samsung Galaxy S20 but has now been further enhanced.
Enhancements include the ability to capture more frames per second. The single take feature can be used to create slow-motion videos with dramatic quality. Another feature of the Samsung S21 camera is the ability to record up to 8K, an improved Night Mode, and a portrait feature.
In the portrait feature of the S21 series, Samsung claims that the bokeh effect is similar to the results of professional cameras. The camera itself uses AI to achieve color depth, providing a more natural-looking bokeh. The embedded AI also enhances lighting, making photos look like they were taken in a studio.
All three series have digital zoom up to 30x, while the camera difference for the S21 Ultra is up to 100x. The S21 Ultra is equipped with a 10x periscope to achieve better and sharper long-distance shots.
Another advantage of the Galaxy S21 Ultra camera is its ability to capture HDR and 12-bit RAW images. In simple terms, when you shoot in this mode, there are 68 million colors. This shooting mode is very useful for professional photographers or those who are passionate about photography.
Videography Features Differences in the Samsung S21 Series
Not only are they excellent for photos, but the S21 Series variants are also great for videography. The 8K 24fps, 4K 30/60fps, and slow-motion recording features make it easier to capture every moment more dramatically. However, there is something special about the Ultra version as the highest variant.
In the S21 Ultra, 4K 60fps recording allows all cameras to be active simultaneously, not just one. Both the ultra-wide camera and the telephoto camera can be active at the same time. In Vlogger View mode, you can record using all cameras, including the front camera.
The multi-mic feature also helps achieve better audio quality as it records from all the microphone holes. The camera stabilizer or Super Steady Video ensures more stable recordings.
Here are the camera differences for each variant of the Samsung S21 Series:
| Galaxy S21 | Galaxy S21 Plus | Galaxy S21 Ultra |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Camera 1 | 12 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), 1/1.76″, 1.8µm, Dual Pixel PDAF, OIS | 12 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), 1/1.76″, 1.8µm, Dual Pixel PDAF, OIS |
| Rear Camera 2 | 12 MP, f/2.2, 13mm, 120-degree FoV (ultrawide), 1/2.55″ 1.4µm | 12 MP, f/2.2, 13mm, 120-degree FoV (ultrawide), 1/2.55″ 1.4µm |
| Rear Camera 3 | 64 MP, f/2.0, 29mm (telephoto), 1/1.72″, 0.8µm, PDAF, OIS, 1.1x optical zoom, 3x hybrid zoom | 64 MP, f/2.0, 29mm (telephoto), 1/1.72″, 0.8µm, PDAF, OIS, 1.1x optical zoom, 3x hybrid zoom |
| Rear Camera 4 | – | – |
| Front Camera | 10 MP, f/2.2, 26mm (wide), 1/3.24″, 1.22µm, Dual Pixel PDAF | 10 MP, f/2.2, 26mm (wide), 1/3.24″, 1.22µm, Dual Pixel PDAF |
| Photography Features | 8K Video Snap, Single Take 2.0, Enhanced Portrait Mode, 30x Space Zoom | 8K Video Snap, Single Take 2.0, Enhanced Portrait Mode, 30x Space Zoom |
| Videography Features | 8K 24 fps, 4K 30/60 fps, Director’s View, Vlogger View, Multi-mic Recording, Super Steady Video | 8K 24 fps, 4K 30/60 fps, Director’s View, Vlogger View, Multi-mic Recording, Super Steady Video |
These camera differences make the Samsung S21 Series highly recommended for photography and videography enthusiasts. The camera quality is truly desirable, though the price may not be.