Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G -- new 108MP sensor, but without MicroSD
[18:20 Fri,15.January 2021 by blip]
The new generation of Samsung Galaxy smartphones have been officially unveiled. The flagship model Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G features a quad main camera with 108 megapixels, a 12-megapixel ultra-wide-angle camera, and two telephoto camera modules in a Galaxy smartphone for the first time. These combine a 3x and a 10x optical magnification and sensors with dual pixel technology. As in the predecessor, the camera films in up to 8K with 24p.
As the promo video about the installed camera technology shows, the 10x optical zoom of the second telephoto camera is achieved by deflecting the incoming light beams via prism so that the camera module does not protrude from the casing. Furthermore, macro shots with a distance of 5cm from the subject are possible in the wide-angle range.
The built-in 108MP Isocell HM3 sensor is a new development that should bring several improvements over Samsung's older 108MP sensors. Thanks to a 3x3 sensor pixel layout, 9 of the 0.8um sensors can be combined into one larger one (nona-binning technology) to capture extra light. The 108MP sensor then acts as a 12MP version with a 2.4μm sensor size.
On the photo side, Smart ISO Pro is a new HDR feature that captures a shot simultaneously at two ISO levels, which are then combined to create an image with 12-bit color depth (intra-scene dual conversion gain (iDCG). Phase detection autofocus is also said to be faster and more precise due to the addition of micro-lenses ("Super PD Plus adds AF-optimized micro-lenses over the phase detection focusing agents").
The night mode of the Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G is said to have been optimized once again. As with the Mi 11 (which is, however, only available in China for now), AI algorithms intervene and supplement invisible details during brightening. The 100x "Space Zoom" is based on AI, it seems.
When shooting video, users can choose between the different focal lengths in a director's view. There is also the option to record videos with the front and main camera simultaneously. High-resolution photos can be extracted from 8K videos via the Video Snap function.
The Exynos 2100 5 nm 64-bit octa-core processor is on board for the calculations. The Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G features a 6.8-inch (17.30 cm) Dynamic AMOLED display with a 120 Hz refresh rate in WQHD+ resolution. The refresh rate of the display can adaptively adjust from 10 Hz up to 120 Hz to the respective content. Compared to the Galaxy S20, the Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G is said to offer a 25 percent brighter image with a peak brightness of up to 1,500 nits, as well as a 50 percent improved contrast ratio.
The battery offers a power of 5,000 mAh. As the first smartphone model in the Galaxy S series, the Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G is compatible with the S Pen. Wi-Fi 6E is supported. However, Samsung has dropped the MicroSD interface on the S21 models, so external storage can unfortunately no longer be used.
The Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G will be available from January 29, and the prices are staggered as follows: - with 128 GB, 12 GB RAM 1,249 Euro - with 256 GB, 12 GB RAM 1,299 euros - with 512 GB, 16 GB RAM 1,429 euro
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