Sarah Tew/CNET
Samsung’s Galaxy S21 lineup is sure to make Android fans happy. From the base model, the Galaxy S21 to the top-of-the-line S21 Ultra, the entire lineup offers a modest upgrade from previous Galaxy phones. (We haven’t had a chance to review the S21 Plus quite yet.) All three phones have a new design, with a new metal-framed camera array on the back and new camera tricks. If you pick up the high-end Ultra model, you can even use Samsung’s S Pen stylus to write on your screen, just as you can on a Galaxy Note model. (Keep in mind, you’ll need to buy the S Pen separately as the Ultra doesn’t come with one.)
This year, all three Galaxy S21 models offer full 5G, and now you don’t have to pick between a smoother scrolling experience or the display’s high resolution — you can now have both at the same time.
Below I’ll walk you through the Galaxy S21’s launch, including when preorders will arrive and when you can walk into a store and buy the new phone.
Galaxy S2, S21 Plus, S21 Ultra US pricing
| 128GB | 256GB | 512GB | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Galaxy S21 | $799 | $849 | N/A |
| Galaxy S21 Plus | $999 | $1,049 | N/A |
| Galaxy S21 Ultra | $1,199 | $1,249 | $1,399 |
When will my new Galaxy S21 arrive?
Preorders started to arrive on Jan. 29, the same day as in-store availability.
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Which colors will the Galaxy S21, S21 Plus and S21 Ultra come in?
As is usually the case for Samsung, your color options depend on the model.
- Galaxy S21: Phantom violet, phantom gray, phantom pink and phantom white. The 256GB version is only available in phantom gray.
- Galaxy S21 Plus: Phantom violet, phantom silver and phantom black. The 256GB version is only available in phantom black.
- Galaxy S21 Ultra: Phantom silver or phantom black. The 256GB and 512GB models will only come in phantom black.
How much will the Galaxy S21 cost me?
The cost for each phone will vary based on storage amount. Below are the US prices we currently know for each model.
Galaxy S21
- 128GB: $799
- 256GB: $849
Order from: Samsung | Verizon | AT&T | T-Mobile | Walmart | Best Buy | Spectrum | Visible | Altice Mobile
Galaxy S21 Plus
- 128GB: $999
- 256GB: $1,049
Order from: Samsung | Verizon | AT&T | T-Mobile | Walmart | Best Buy | Spectrum | Visible | Altice Mobile
Galaxy S21 Ultra
- 128GB: $1,199
- 256GB: $1,249
- 512GB: $1,399
Order from: Samsung | Verizon | AT&T | T-Mobile | Walmart | Best Buy | Spectrum | Visible | Altice Mobile
Manufacturers and retailers
Samsung
You can order directly from Samsung either through the site, or by using the Shop Samsung app.
Walmart
The retail giant is selling all three S21 models, however, you’ll need to be a Verizon or AT&T customer (or be willing to switch to either carrier).
Best Buy
You can find almost every configuration of the S21 lineup on Best Buy’s site, and in-store.
Carriers
Spectrum
Orders for Spectrum customers are now open. If you switch to the carrier, you’ll get $100 with an eligible trade-in.
Visible
Visible is selling the S21 and S21 Plus on launch day, Jan. 29. The prepaid carrier is taking a little bit off the price of both models, with the S21 starting at $792 and the S21 Plus starting at $984.
We will update this section as retailers and carriers announce plans.