Samsung Galaxy S21 Unpacked Recap: The Launch That Defined the Modern Flagship (2021)
In January 2021, Samsung held its Galaxy Unpacked event to unveil the Galaxy S21 series (the S21, S21+, and S21 Ultra). This launch was momentous for several reasons: it shifted the release schedule forward, introduced a daring new design language, and fundamentally changed the definition of a Samsung flagship. Nearly five years on, the S21 series remains a strong performer and a fantastic value option in the refurbished market.
🎨 The Bold New Look: Contour Cut Design
The most immediate and striking change was the aesthetic. The S21 introduced the now-iconic 'Contour Cut' camera housing, where the camera module seamlessly flowed into the metal frame of the phone. This design made the camera bump look deliberate and sophisticated, distinguishing it clearly from competitors.
- Build Materials: The standard S21 notably featured a plastic (or 'Glasstic') back, helping Samsung achieve a lower starting price point. The S21 Ultra retained a premium glass build.
- Flat Screens: The base S21 and S21+ models switched from curved displays to flat screens, a move welcomed by many users for improved durability and reduced accidental touches.
🖊️ The Note-Worthy Feature: S Pen on Ultra
For the first time ever, the Galaxy S series crossed over into Note territory. The S21 Ultra model was launched with support for the S Pen stylus, marking the beginning of the end for the dedicated Note line (which was officially discontinued later). While the pen didn't slot inside the phone like a Note, this feature made the S21 Ultra the ultimate productivity tool of its time, offering a massive 6.8-inch display and advanced WQHD+ resolution.
💰 Price and Packaging Controversies
The S21 launch was also notable for two significant shifts in consumer practice:
- Price Reduction: The base Galaxy S21 launched at a significantly lower price than its predecessor, the Galaxy S20, making flagship 5G technology more accessible.
- No Charger in Box: Following Apple's lead, Samsung removed the power adapter from the box, citing environmental reasons, much to the chagrin of some buyers.
Under the hood, the S21 series featured either the Exynos 2100 or the Snapdragon 888 chip (depending on the region), both of which were leading-edge 5nm processors at the time, offering superb performance that holds up well today.
🌟 The S21 Series in 2025: A Smart Refurbished Buy
Fast forward to 2025: the Galaxy S21 series is no longer receiving major Android OS updates (having completed its four generations of guaranteed support), but it continues to receive regular security patches. For those who want premium features, a powerful processor, and an excellent camera without the flagship price tag, the S21 series is a brilliant choice.
The S21 Ultra, in particular, with its 108MP camera, dual telephoto zoom system (3x and 10x), and S Pen support, delivers performance and features that rival mid-range new devices today.
Unlock the legacy of the S21 series. Find a fully tested, guaranteed Galaxy S21, S21+, or S21 Ultra when you buy a refurbished smartphone. Ready to use your old tech to fund an S21 upgrade? Get a competitive quote to sell your old handset to Envirofone.
