Galaxy S21 launch today: Watch Samsung’s Unpacked event livestream here

We’re at the tail end of CES 2021 and Samsung has decided to launch its next flagship Galaxy S21 line, comprised of the S21, S21 Plus (and S21 Plus with 5G) and S21 Ultra, earlier than usual with an Unpacked event during the same busy week. Thus far, Samsung’s launched its Galaxy Buds Pro and SmartTracker, and begun talking about the phones. But we’ve also got a lot of info on the S21 already.  Catch the even now, on Samsung’s YouTube page or its homepage, or right here.

The new model is all metal and tougher glass for better durability, with a screen that supports adaptive refresh between 48 and 120Hz and improved low blue light protection. And naturally, a trio of better cameras, and new photo processing hardware with AI. Better bokeh! Pet-specific mode! It adds multishot processing and skin-optimized white balance to your selfie options. 

For video, you’ll be able to pull 8K photos from videos and shoot photos and videos simultaneously, plus a best shot mode. It adds a multicamera view for video as well, with quick switching among them — that sounds very cool.

The phone has an updated processor for faster processing, too.

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Our first look at the new Galaxy S21 and S21 Plus

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Samsung’s brings its IoT technology to Galaxy SmartTag and SmartTag Plus (with ultra-wideband wireless),a small portable device for tracking anything (or anyone) you can put it on with a SmartThings Find app on your phone.

New Samsung SmartTag finds lost Galaxy S21, keys, more: Price, sale date, how it works

It’s not just phones, though. The company debuted its Galaxy Buds Pro as well, with improved sound; they add a tiny woofer for better bass. They have motion tracking sensors and Dolby audio for 360 surround, as well as active noise cancelling. And they look very different.

Samsung Galaxy Buds Pro are out now for $200

The mic has been improved as well to be more directional and has a more closed fit with tweaks to minimize wind noise.

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Galaxy S21 Ultra: Our first look at Samsung’s new premium…

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Samsung, in its invite from early January, touted “Welcome to the Everyday Epic” as the theme for its event. It’s expected to unveil the new Galaxy S21 lineup, as well as some possible accessories. Here’s everything we’ve heard so far about the Galaxy S21. Here’s hoping you aren’t worn out by CES — it’s the last day of the show but Samsung has plenty of news coming. The South Korean electronics giant will broadcast its virtual Unpacked event at 7 a.m. PT this morning, the last day of CES. You can watch it on Samsung’s YouTube page or its homepage, and CNET will host a live show that begins 30 minutes before the event. 

Read more: Why now is the worst time to buy the Samsung Galaxy S20

“Over the past year, mobile technology has taken center stage in everyday life as people are working remotely and spending more time at home,” Samsung said. “The accelerated transition to a mobile-first world brings with it the need for devices that can transform everyday life into an extraordinary experience.”

A Jan. 14 date for Unpacked comes earlier than normal for Samsung. In the past, the company has typically unveiled its newest flagship phone in February, either slightly before or during the Mobile World Congress trade show, and then released the device in March or even April. 

Samsung likely will unveil three different models of its flagship phone at Thursday’s event: the 6.2-inch S21, the 6.7-inch S21 Plus and the 6.8-inch S21 Ultra. The devices are expected to look largely the same but have bigger camera modules, boosting their photo and video capabilities.

Read more: Samsung Galaxy S21 specs: Battery, price, size and more, according to rumors

The company may also discontinue its Galaxy Note line this year and replace it with S Pen support on its Galaxy S21 Ultra. Early renders don’t show a visible location for a stylus, which may mean it has to be housed separately from the phone when not in use. On Samsung’s popular — but niche — Note lineup, the stylus slides into the device for storage. 

Along with the Galaxy S21 lineup could be some other announcements from Samsung. The company is expected to unveil new Galaxy Buds Pro earbuds and physical Tile-style smart trackers, possibly called Galaxy Smart Tags, to help people keep track of their possessions using BlueTooth. Apple has long been rumored to be working on its own AirTags, but it hasn’t yet unveiled anything in that arena. 

Tune into CNET for full coverage from Samsung’s first Unpacked event of 2021.

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