Samsung is known for making high-quality smartphones. Their phones offer exciting features like the split-screen view, one-handed usage mode, and expandable storage. Samsung also provides phones across the full price spectrum, so customers can find the right phone for their budget.
With all this in mind, there’s no doubt that the company’s latest smartphone, the Galaxy S21, is one of the most highly sought-after phones on the market. The S21 offers plenty for prospective buyers. Even better, all the major carriers are offering trade-in deals to upgrade without having to pay anything for the S21.
Framesira / ShutterstockWhat Is New in the Samsung Galaxy S21?
Much like previous Galaxy phones, the Galaxy S21 comes in three models: the standard S21, S21+, and S21 Ultra. The models are priced at $799, $999, and $1,299, respectively.1
All three models share the same processor, a Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 or Exynos 2100 CPU, and a Dynamic AMOLED 120Hz display. From here, each model has different technical specifications.
The S21 is the standard. It comes with a 6.2-inch display, 4,000 mAh battery, 8GB of RAM, and 128 of 256GB of storage. While the S21+ has the same memory and storage as the S21, it edges out the S21 with its 6.7-inch display and 4,800 mAh battery. At the top, the S21 Ultra beats out the other models due to its 6.8-inch display, 12 or 16GB of RAM, up to 512GB of storage, and 5,000 mAh battery.2
Compared with the S20, the S21 has a similar AMOLED screen. The S21 has a slightly higher pixel density, which leads to slightly better graphics. However, compared with the earlier S10 model, the Dynamic AMOLED 2X Infinity-O outperforms the older Quad HD+ display. Even better, the newer model features a 120Hz adaptive refresh rate, which easily outperforms the 60Hz rate of the older model.
The most significant camera improvement between the S21 series and the S20 series is in the S21 Ultra. According to Samsung, this top-of-the-line phone comes with four rear cameras, including a primary 108MP sensor. Moreover, Samsung boasts that this phone can capture the highest resolution photos and videos yet.
This improved resolution comes in handy for the S21’s Space Zoom feature. With Space Zoom, you can zoom in up to 100x. This lets you see and capture every detail, no matter the distance.3
As privacy and security have become big concerns for many customers, Samsung has made an effort to enhance those two areas in their phones. Their primary solution is Samsung Knox. This pre-installed software secures your phone right down to the chip. Another security feature is the new Ultrasonic Fingerprint sensor, which provides faster and more accurate unlocking.4
Trade-In Deals
With the prices mentioned above, Samsung’s new lineup of Galaxy S21 phones is certainly expensive. However, there are several deals right now that can leave you with a free or heavily discounted Galaxy S21.
Samsung
Currently, Samsung is offering customers up to $700 off a Galaxy S21 when trading in an eligible device. On top of this great deal, Samsung is giving customers a $100 credit towards accessories, a free SmartTag, and four months of YouTube Premium with every purchase of the S21.5
T-Mobile
T-Mobile has a fantastic deal on the Galaxy S21. You can get a free Galaxy S21 5G with an eligible trade-in. This offer is valued at up to $800 and gets applied via monthly bill credits.
If you don’t have an eligible trade-in, T-Mobile has you covered. When you buy a Galaxy S21 and set up a second line, get a second phone free, which you can use to get another S21. If you need two lines, this is a great way to go.
For business customers, T-Mobile has a deal for you. Get a free Samsung Galaxy S21 when adding a line on Magenta Business Plus accounts. Better yet, T-Mobile will give you $100 for every line you activate.6
Verizon
Similar to the other deals highlighted, Verizon offers a free Samsung Galaxy S21 for new lines with an eligible trade-in, valued up to $750.
If you upgrade an existing phone line with an eligible trade-in, you can save up to $600. The credits get applied to your monthly bill over 24 months.
Last but not least, Verizon offers a buy one, get one deal for those without an eligible trade-in. Be aware that to qualify for this deal you must sign up for a new line and an Unlimited plan.7
AT&T
AT&T has a special Valentine’s Day promotion for the Galaxy S21. As part of this promotion, AT&T is offering up to $800 off the phone with an eligible trade-in and the selection of an unlimited plan.8