Galaxy S21 drop test: Samsung's newest phones didn't last long

Galaxy S21 drop test: Samsung's newest phones didn't last long

I had high hopes for the new Samsung Galaxy S21 phones phones going into our drop test, even though Galaxy phones haven't been the most durable in our previous tests. The S21, S21 Plus and S21 Ultra's curved displays aren't as pronounced as previous models and all the screens are covered in the strongest Gorilla Glass. But let's just say my hopes proved optimistic, and if you're considering going case-less with your new Galaxy S21, you may want to read on. 

While the three Galaxy S21 phones may look similar, the backs are all made of different materials. The S21 Plus and Ultra have glass on either side, while the back of the regular S21 is made of plastic. Because this difference could affect the durability of the phone, we decided to test out both the $1,200 (£1,149, AU$1,849) Galaxy Ultra and the $800 (£769, AU$1,249) Galaxy S21 simultaneously.

Chris Parker/CNET

A lot of factors go into the durability of the screen, including the shape and thickness of the glass the manufacturer decides to use. We know from our previous Note 20 Ultra drop test that even the strongest Gorilla Glass Victus is no match for pavement, with the screen cracking on the second drop from hip height. But that doesn't mean the S21's screen will share the same fate: The two have different designs and the thick metal casing protecting the camera looks sturdier than the all-glass module on previous Galaxy phones. 

For our drop test, CNET Senior Video Producer Chris Parker dropped a brand new phantom violet Galaxy S21 and phantom black Galaxy S21 Ultra onto a concrete sidewalk. 

Drop 1: Pocket height (3 feet), screen side down

The drop from pocket or hip height is one of the most common causes of cracked screens, especially if your phone lands on a rough surface like a sidewalk. We start all our tests at this height. 

The cracked screen of the Samsung Galaxy S21 after the first drop from hip height. 

Chris Parker/CNET

Galaxy S21: Broken screen

The top left hand corner of the phone opposite the camera hit the ground first, then the bottom corner hit, then the entire right side of the phone. This caused it to bounce back up a bit and land screen-side-down on the floor.

The bottom left hand corner of the glass had shattered with a few larger cracks stemming outward from the point of impact including a big dome-shaped one running through the middle of the screen. 

The S21 Ultra after the first drop from hip-height: one small crack at the top. 

Chris Parker/CNET

Galaxy S21 Ultra: A small crack 

The initial impact of the drop seemed to be distributed relatively evenly as the phone hit the floor, with the top edge of the screen hitting the sidewalk just a bit earlier than the rest. It then jumped back into the air, flipped around and landed screen-side-up. 

The top edge of the metal frame on the S21 Ultra had what looked like silver sand particles where the paint was scraped, but the screen looked OK. That is, until we noticed a tiny crack on the top left-hand corner of the phone. It was small enough that it probably wouldn't bother you if you kept using the phone, but it was damaged nonetheless and not the ideal scenario after just one drop.

Drop 2: Pocket height (3 feet), back side down 

To test the durability of the back, Chris dropped the phones from the same height with the screen facing up. We obviously weren't expecting the plastic back on the S21 to break, but we wanted to see what kind of damage it would incur and how the camera would hold up to the fall. 

The back of the Samsung Galaxy S21 had a few minor scratches after the second drop from hip-height. 

Chris Parker/CNET

Galaxy S21: Minor scratches

The top half of the phone hit the ground first, then the bottom edge causing it to jump in the air and complete a couple of flips before landing back on the sidewalk with the back side facing up. 

Save for a few tiny scrapes on the bottom, there was barely any damage on the plastic back cover, as we expected.

The camera was also in good shape, with no visible damage to the module or any of its three lenses, which are carved into the metal casing. Unlike previous Galaxy models where the entire camera bump is covered in glass, the module on the S21 is mostly metal and only the lenses are glass.

The broken back of the Galaxy S21 Ultra after the second drop from hip height. 

Chris Parker/CNET

Galaxy S21 Ultra: Shattered back

The phone hit the floor almost flat, bounced a bit and flipped on its side causing it to land with its back facing up. 

The glass back on the S21 Ultra didn't survive. It had multiple fractures stemming from the bottom left hand corner and running up the entire back of the phone and a few loose pieces of glass coming off the corner where it hit.

The camera module on the other hand survived relatively unscathed, except for a couple small dings on the metal casing.

Drop 3: 6 feet back side down (S21), screen side down (S21 Ultra) 

Both phones were cracked at this point, but we decided to drop them one last time on the side which had sustained the least amount of damage. 

The back of the Galaxy S21 sustained minimal damage after three drops with just a few scratches on the metal casing. 

Chris Parker/CNET

Galaxy S21: Scuffs on the camera module

The weight of the camera module must play a part in the landing, because this is what broke the fall yet again. With the camera hitting first, the phone then bounced on the opposite side and did a few flips in the air before settling screen-side-up on the floor. 

As expected, the back of the phone was still in good shape, but with some more pronounced scrapes towards the bottom. The top left hand corner of the metal camera module, which broke the fall, also had noticeable scratches. But the lenses remained intact. 

The shattered front of the Galaxy S21 Ultra after a drop from 6 feet. 

Chris Parker/CNET

Galaxy S21 Ultra: Completely shattered screen

The phone landed almost completely flat, bounced up a bit and then hit the floor again face first.

The tiny crack on the top corner multiplied into an entire web of cracks covering almost the entire front of the phone. Some were deep enough to penetrate the screen and black out part of the OLED panel. The screen still responded to touch, but there were tiny shards of glass coming off it, so you wouldn't have wanted to keep using it, even with a screen protector on top. The cracks on the back had also continued to grow, though they weren't nearly as bad as the ones on the front. 

A second opinion

Allstate Protection Plans conducted a similar drop test on all three Galaxy S21 models with similar results. The screens shattered after the first drop (in this case from 6 feet). The back side of the S21 Plus and S21 Ultra also shattered after the second drop from the same height (back side down).

The breakdown

While our tests are by no means scientific and your results may be completely different if you drop your phone, our Galaxy S21 and Galaxy S21 Ultra cracked on the first drop, which was disappointing. The S21 has an edge over the Ultra as the back probably won't break even if you drop it multiple times. But you'll still need to put a case on it to shield the screen and I'd consider investing in a screen protector as an added layer of protection as repairing the S21's screen starts at $200. The silver lining is that the camera modules on both phones, which are more expensive to repair, seem to be sturdier than in previous modules thanks to the new metal casing. 

We reached out to Samsung for comment on our results, but did not hear back at publication time.

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Samsung's Galaxy Tab S7 FE is coming to the US, preorders start Aug. 5

Samsung's Galaxy Tab S7 FE is coming to the US, preorders start Aug. 5

Samsung's next big Unpacked event may be set for Aug. 11, but that doesn't mean the Galaxy-maker doesn't have some other new products in the works before then. On Wednesday the company announced its latest tablets, the Galaxy Tab S7 FE and Tab S7 FE 5G. 

The new "Fan Edition" devices, which will be available in the US starting on Aug. 5, will sport 12.4-inch LCD displays with support for the company's S-Pen stylus, which is included in the box. The tablets will also feature 4GB of RAM to go with 64GB of storage (expandable up to 1TB through microSD), run on Android 11 and pack two cameras: an 8-megapixel shooter on the rear and a 5-megapixel main lens upfront. 

The back of the Galaxy Tab S7 FE. 

Samsung

The Wi-Fi variant of the Tab S7 FE will run on Qualcomm's SM7325 chipset while the 5G device will be powered by Qualcomm's 750G processor. 

As with the FE versions of its Galaxy S phones, the Tab S7 FE seems to be a compromise of an existing Samsung device by offering several slightly scaled-down versions of features while costing a bit less. With these new tablets, the reference seems to be last year's Galaxy Tab S7 Plus, which offered a more robust 12.4-inch, 120Hz Super AMOLED display and ran on Qualcomm's 865 Plus chipset.

Read more: Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 3 and Z Flip 3 appear in leak

That tablet, however, is a little pricier, with a starting price of $850 for the Wi-Fi model or $1,050 for a 5G version. The Wi-Fi edition of the new Tab S7 FE will be available for preorder Thursday for $530, with availability "beginning in September." 

The Tab S7 FE 5G will run $669 and be available for orders starting on Thursday at Samsung.com, AT&T and Verizon. Samsung says that the 5G tablet will also be heading to T-Mobile, US Cellular and "other retailers," with additional details in the "coming days."

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Samsung's ready to update its foldable devices. The company on Tuesday said it will host a virtual Unpacked event on Aug. 11, where it's expected to show off less expensive foldables that aim to move the devices beyond niche products. 

The company sent invites to reporters, saying its virtual keynote will take place at 7 a.m. PT on Aug. 11. While parts of the world are reopening in the midst of the coronavirus pandemic, tech companies aren't yet holding product launches in person. The invite touted: "Get ready to unfold."

Samsung's next Unpacked event will be Aug. 11. 

Samsung

While Samsung hasn't yet detailed what it will announce at Unpacked, it has already opened up its Reserve Now system for Galaxy fans to claim a device in advance. Customers who reserve early are eligible for perks such as 12 months free of Samsung Care Plus, up to an extra $100 trade-in credit and a special pre-order offer that Samsung hasn't yet detailed. 

The event on Aug. 11 is Samsung's third Unpacked of the year, and it's expected to continue a trend set by previous launches -- making devices more affordable for consumers. In January, the company unveiled its flagship Galaxy S21 smartphone, which it sold for $200 less than its predecessor. Then in March, it highlighted its inexpensive Galaxy A line of smartphones.

TM Roh, the company's head of mobile, said in a December blog post that Samsung planned to expand its foldable lineup and make the devices "more accessible," which likely means more affordable.

"The Z Fold 2 was praised as a smartphone that reimagines what's possible with mobile technology, and I'm excited to say, it's just a hint of what's to come as we continue to explore, evolve and expand this category-changing space," Roh wrote at the time. 

Samsung's bigger push with making devices more affordable reflects the reality we're all living in. Phone designs aren't changing much from year to year, and consumers are holding onto devices for longer, about three years in the US versus two in the past. At the same time, the COVID-19 pandemic has hurt millions of people financially. While high-end specs and cutting-edge features are nice for attention and buzz, people still care about what they're spending on phones -- especially right now.

Samsung typically uses its August Unpacked event to show off its newest Galaxy Note devices. The Note line, which kicked off the craze for big-screen phones, used to showcase Samsung's latest and greatest technology. But that title now goes to the company's foldables lineup. The devices, which first hit the market in 2019 with the $1,980 Galaxy Fold, incorporate bendable displays that let them expand into tablets or fold smaller to protect the inner screen. While Samsung likely won't introduce a new Note this year, the company has said the line isn't dead. 

Samsung followed up the Fold with its Z Flip in February 2020. That device, which retailed for $1,380, was a clamshell design that folded outward -- a sort of high-tech flip phone. Samsung updated it with 5G connectivity and boosted the price to $1,450 in July of that year. Samsung's latest device, the Z Fold 2, fixed the original Fold's problems and packed in bigger screens and 5G connectivity. Priced at $2,000, it became the company's most expensive phone. 

Samsung's first Galaxy Fold, which folded outward from a phone into a tablet, wowed most people who tested early versions of the device. But foldables have been too expensive to attract mainstream buyers, and so far, they've remained niche products. 

This year, Samsung is expected to introduce a new Galaxy Z Fold 3 and an updated Z Flip 3. The former device is expected to feature a front-facing camera embedded beneath the screen, refined rear-facing cameras and support for a special version of the S Pen, which has gradually moved beyond the Note to work with other devices. The Z Flip 3 could have a new two-tone color scheme and a larger exterior screen for when the phone is folded shut. 

Along with foldables, Samsung's Unpacked is expected to include a new Galaxy S21 FE 5G phone, adding a second device to the less expensive FE lineup. The Galaxy S20 FE, which hit the market in September for $300 less than the S20, proved to be popular with buyers. A Samsung executive told CNET in March that the company planned to introduce future versions of the device. 

Samsung also likely will unveil Galaxy Watch 4 and Watch 4 Classic smartwatches and Galaxy Buds 2 wireless earbuds. 

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Samsung's Galaxy Tab S8 Ultra should have been a Chromebook

Samsung's Galaxy Tab S8 Ultra should have been a Chromebook

Samsung's Galaxy Tab S8 Ultra looks like it's going to be amazing if your tablet is feeling a little too small these days. Announced at Samsung's Unpacked event on Wednesday with its new Galaxy S22 phones, the Tab S8 Ultra is a gigantic 14.6-inch premium tablet with a full-size detachable backlit keyboard that includes a touchpad and support for an updated S Pen stylus for improved pen-on-paper feel on the display. It also has some killer specs including dual, front-facing 12-megapixel cameras, Wi-Fi 6E and 4K video capture.

The tablet, which is available for preorder now and ships later this month, certainly looks like it'll be worthy competition for Apple's 12.9-inch iPad Pro (and it has some advantages Apple should consider adding). Both tablets are made for entertainment, creative work and productivity. The iPad Pro can do those first two things no problem, and it'll likely be the same for the Tab S8 Ultra. But iPadOS and Android are still behind when it comes to productivity. 

That's why it would have made more sense to skip Android for this device and make what could've been the best Chromebook detachable two-in-one to date. Chrome OS's Play store integration combined with web apps and general flexibility for work and entertainment makes it a better choice. Here's why.

DeX is great, but still a workaround

DeX, Samsung's desktop-experience interface for its Android devices, is key to the Tab S8 Ultra's appeal as a productivity machine. It essentially gives the tablet an interface that looks more like Windows or MacOS and allows Android greater usability for work and school, including keyboard, mouse and external monitor support. And it also lets you use windowed versions of your apps for easier multitasking with them side-by-side or overlapping. 

I haven't used the latest version of DeX that will be on the S8 Ultra, but I have used previous versions of it, going back to when it first arrived on a Galaxy Tab with the S4. It has always felt like a work in progress. Not all apps work in DeX mode, and even those that do aren't always supported 100%. 

Chromebooks have desktop and tablet modes

It's pretty clear the Tab S8 Ultra is designed to be equal parts tablet and laptop, so why not give it an OS that can better handle switching between the two? Chromebooks can do just that. Models like Lenovo's Chromebook Duet and HP's Chromebook x2 11 have the same two-in-one detachable keyboard design as the Ultra. 

Used as a laptop, these Chromebooks have a traditional desktop OS experience. But remove the keyboard and Chrome OS can switch to a more touch-friendly interface, complete with multitouch gestures to help with navigation. They're pen-enabled, too, so using Samsung's excellent S Pen for writing or drawing is still an option. 

A Google Meet superstar 

Samsung worked with Google to make the Tab S8 series better for video calling and live sharing using Google Duo. You'll be able to do things like co-watch videos on YouTube or collaborate using Google's whiteboard app, Jamboard. It also has two high-resolution cameras in front and software that can automatically reframe the picture to stay focused on you and others on camera. 

The thing is, when it comes to videoconferencing, it's Meet, Zoom and Teams most people care about, which Chromebooks can handle no problem, all while other apps are running in the background for multitasking. 

Gaming would still be great, too

The biggest appeal of the Ultra for many will be for gaming. On an OLED screen that size, the best Android games will no doubt pop, and combined with its quad speakers, it'll likely deliver an amazing, immersive experience. 

However, switching to Chrome OS doesn't change any of that, since it would still have access to the Play Store for loading up Android games on this tablet. Plus, cloud gaming services like Nvidia GeForce Now, Microsoft Xbox Cloud Gaming and Google Stadia are all accessible on a Chromebook, too. And with the Tab S8's Wi-Fi 6E, it'll have plenty of wireless speed for a smooth streaming experience. 

The biggest hurdle for a Tab S8 Ultra as a Chromebook would likely be the price. The Ultra starts at $1,100 and I wouldn't expect that price to come down much with a switch from Android to Chrome OS. A lot of people still think of Chromebooks as cheap with limited capabilities, and paying for a premium one is out of the question. But again, Chrome offers greater flexibility than Android with devices like this, and that's what I would certainly want at this price. 

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Unboxing the Galaxy Z Flip 4 and Z Fold 4: Here's Everything You Get in the Box

Unboxing the Galaxy Z Flip 4 and Z Fold 4: Here's Everything You Get in the Box

The new Galaxy Z Fold 4 and Z Flip 4 revealed at Samsung's Unpacked event include numerous improvements like bigger batteries, updated processors, better cameras and fresh software. However, the phones' packaging doesn't include much else.

Turns out, buying a $1,000 or $1,800 phone in 2022 means getting few-to-no extras in the box. Gone are the days when you got a pair of wired headphones with your new phone. In the past couple of years, wall chargers stopped being included. And you can forget getting any free cases.

More from Samsung Unpacked

Samsung stopped including wired headphones as part of the package with the Galaxy Note 20 launch. Wall chargers started disappearing from the boxes of Samsung phones with the launch of the Galaxy S21 and S21 Ultra.

The absence of so many extras is one of the ways Samsung is trying to reduce its impact on the environment as well as its own costs. In fact, the Galaxy Z Flip 4 and Z Fold 4 include components made from repurposed fishing nets, which is a first for Samsung's foldables. So that's pretty cool, right?

What's in the box of the Galaxy Z Fold 4?

Here is what's included:

• A Galaxy Fold 4
• A USB-C cable
  
• A printed setup guide and instructions
  
• A SIM card tool
  

What's in the box of the Galaxy Z Flip 4?

Here is what's included:

• A Galaxy Flip 4
• A USB-C cable
• A printed setup guide and instructions
• A SIM card tool

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Xiaomi's Redmi Note 10 Pro review: A high-end experience at a low price

Xiaomi’s Redmi Note 10 Pro review: A high-end experienced at a low price

Xiaomi’s Redmi Note 10 Pro, unveiled in March, is one of the best budget Android phones, if not the best, so far this year as long as you can live exclusive of 5G. Starting at $229 (approximately £160 or AU$290), you get a mobile experienced that’s in many ways similar to flagships that cost three times as much. Some of the specs are on par too.  

The Redmi Note 10 Pro has a 6.7-inch AMOLED veil, a Snapdragon 732G chipset, stereo speakers, four rear cameras, a long-lasting battery, and a fast charger inside the box. Plus it has a zippy 120Hz expose, which is the same refresh rate seen in top-of-the-line models such as the Galaxy S21 Ultra.

But anti it is a budget phone, so Xiaomi has made some dreary sacrifices.

The biggest thing missing from the Redmi Note 10 Pro is 5G, which you’ll want your next phoned to have if you’re planning on keeping it for a few days. If 5G is important to you, you can mighty the pricier 5G variant in the Redmi Note 10 lineup. A telephoto lens is absent from the Redmi Note 10 Pro too. But it’s a fair omission, in my opinion, considering the price. And even with those compromises, the Redmi Note 10 Pro makes up for it with its novel features. 

There are three variants, starting at $229 for the 6GB + 64GB model, $249 for 6GB + 128GB or $279 for the 8GB +128GB variant. (These are recommended prices provided by Xiaomi, and good pricing depending on the market is likely to vary.) Xiaomi says it has no unique plans to bring the Mi 11 stateside, and that’s unlikely to glum any time soon considering its ongoing legal tussle with the US government. Still, you should be able to buy this shouted in the United States eventually, through online retailers such as Amazon and eBay.

The importance of the Redmi Note series to Xiaomi can’t be overstated as this is the shouted that put Xiaomi on the map. The Chinese company’s budget-friendly champions have at times outsold Apple and Samsung, globally. 

The Redmi Note 10 Pro comes in three sparkling options. This one is called onyx grey.

Sareena Dayaram

What Xiaomi changed in the Redmi Note 10 Pro

Unlike Xiaomi’s flagship Mi series, the Redmi Note is known for packing fancy features into an affordable package. Last year’s Redmi Note 9 Pro also had an gargantuan screen and a huge battery, but here’s what Redmi changed in the Note 10 Pro. 

• Upgraded display: The Redmi Note 10 Pro relies on an AMOLED panel with a 120Hz refresh rate, upgraded from an LCD panel with a 60 Hz display.
• More megapixels: The Redmi Note 10 Pro has a 108-megapixel wide-angle camera, while the Note 9 Pro had a 64-megapixel wide-angle lens.
• Incremental processor upgrade.

The Redmi Note 10 Pro has a dynamo of a display

Apart from the camera, Xiaomi focused on upgrading the display, which featured heavily in the series’ marketing. The 6.7-inch Redmi Note 10 Pro features a crisp AMOLED panel with a peak brightness of 1,200 nits, executive the screen easy to read even in the sunniest of lighting conditions.

One of the headline features of the Redmi Note 10 Pro is the sparkling refresh rate of 120Hz. That’s the same speed seen across Samsung’s novel Galaxy S21 lineup, including the $1,200 (£1,149, AU$1,849) Galaxy S21 Ultra, as well as Xiaomi’s own flagship smartphone, the Mi 11. Most phones have refresh organizes of 60Hz, which means the screen refreshes 60 times in a instant. 120Hz displays look a lot smoother when scrolling ended apps, photos and webpages.

Classic design with ports aplenty

The Redmi Note 10 Pro is squarely in the cost phone category, but it manages to swing a premium look and feel, thanks in part to its Gorilla Glass back (though plastic sides run near the device) and a redesigned camera bump. The Galaxy S20 Fan Edition, which costs several hundred dollars more, has a plastic back.

Xiaomi also relocated the camera bump, provocative it to the upper left side of the draw from the center of the phone. It houses four cameras, a flashlight and an IR blaster.  

There’s also a fingerprint reader located on the shimmering side of the phone, and on the top you’ll find a headphone jack — a rarity on phones nowadays. Flip the phone around, and there’s an in-display suitable smack on the top-center of the display, which houses the selfie camera. 

Just like the international version of Mi 11, the Redmi Note 10 Pro comes with a bunch of accessories counting a 33-watt wired charger, a USB-C adapter and one plastic case.  

There’s a 3.5mm headphone pack on the upper left side of the Redmi Note 10 Pro.

Sareena Dayaram

The Redmi Note 10 Pro’s 4 rear cameras

Xiaomi drew attention to the device’s camera in its judge paraphernalia for the Redmi Note 10 lineup. For the 10 Pro at least,  the resolution of the main shooter has been bumped up to a 108-megapixel wide-angle lens, grasped by three others: a 8-megapixel ultra-wide, 5-megapixel telemacro, 2-megapixel depth. Xiaomi says its “telemacro” lens lets you to get up to 2x closer than the income macro camera at a same distance.

During my hands-on time, the camera was able to seize crisp and vibrants photos, especially in environments with immense light. Images taken in dim environments were impressive too, considering this is a cost phone. Those images were enhanced by the use of nine-in-one pixel-binning technology, which means the information from nine pixels in the 108-megapixel sensor is used to make one pixel in the last photo. Samsung’s top-of-the-line Galaxy S21 Ultra relies on the same technology to enhance its photos.

Keep in mind, but, that it doesn’t have a telephoto camera, which by means of all zoom is digital as opposed to optical. As such, you can’t portray on this phone for capturing detailed images of faraway productions. In fact, pictures taken beyond 2.5x zoom already twitch to show signs of graininess. Here’s a look at the cameras in action. 

The Redmi Note 10 Pro’s ultrawide lens has a 118-degree field of view.

Sareena Dayaram

Taken on default settings on a cloudy morning.

Sareena Dayaram

5x zoom example.

Sareena Dayaram

10x zoom example.

Sareena Dayaram

Taken humorous SuperMacro mode in a well-lit room.

Sareena Dayaram

Example of low-light image.

Battery and processor

The Redmi Note 10 Pro runs on Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 732G processor, which is a cut above the 730G chipset fake in Google’s Pixel 4A. Although it isn’t the newest or most cutting-edge chipset from Qualcomm’s contaminated — you’ll have to shell out for a Samsung Galaxy S21 or Xiaomi’s Mi 11 for that — it’s more than sufficient for my devises, letting me sail through everyday tasks without a hitch. 

Battery life was solid too, lasting me nearby a day and half with what I’d describe as mild use. That by means of I made a few short phone calls, watched TikTok videos, wrote emails, read news, watched some more TikTok videos and took photographs. 

Redmi Note 10 5G vs. Redmi Note 10 Pro

	Redmi Note 10 5G	Redmi Note 10 Pro
Display size, resolution	6.5-inch AMOLED; 2,400×1,080 pixels (FHD Plus)	6.7-inch AMOLED, 2,400×1,080 pixels (FHD Plus)
Dimensions (Millimeters)	161.81×75.34×8.92mm	164×76.5×8.1mm
Weight ( Grams)	190 g	193 g
Mobile software	Android 11	Android 11
Camera	48-megapixel (wide angle), 6-megapixel (standard), 2-megapixel (macro) 2-megapixel (depth)	108-megapixel (wide angle), 8-megapixel (ultra-wide), 5-megapixel (telemacro), 2-megapixel (depth)
Front-facing camera	8-megapixel	16-megapixel
Video capture	4K	4K
Processor	MediaTek Dimensity 700	Snapdragon 732G
RAM+Storage	4GB+64GB, 4GB+128GB, 6GB+128GB*	6GB+64GB, 6GB+128GB, 8GB+128GB*
Expandable storage	Up to 512GB	Up to 512GB
Battery	5,000 mAh	5,020 mAh
Fingerprint sensor	Side	Side
Connector	USB-C	USB-C
Headphone jack	Yes	Yes
Special features	5G, Stereo Speakers, IP53, 90Hz display, 18W fast-charging, IP 53 rating (splash proof)	Speakers, 33W bundled charger, 120 Hz display, IP 53 comprising (splash proof)

*availability depends on market

Mi 11 Ultra hands-on: Xiaomi has truly outdone itself with this superphone

Are two screens better than one? Xiaomi hopes to despise so with the Mi 11 Ultra. Announced last month, it’s the Chinese company’s latest superphone and rounds out its new Mi 11 lineup. With the regular Mi 11, Xiaomi already gave us an suitable device, packing nearly everything we expect from an Android flagship in 2021. But Xiaomi has outdone itself with the Mi 11 Ultra. After a week with the Mi 11 Ultra, I can say Xiaomi has once against leveled up its flagship game by stacking a incredible array of features — it really left me stunned.

Xiaomi has tons of brag material here. The Mi 11 Ultra has the world’s largest camera sensor, the world’s widest ultrawide camera, one of the brightest screens nearby, it shoots 8K video on all three cameras, and of streams there’s that headline-making second screen on the rear.

But that additional display is really just icing on the cake. The Mi 11 Ultra holds its own deprived of it. There’s also a 6.5-inch OLED panel, Qualcomm’s fastest chip, the Snapdragon 888, a intelligent and punchy front display, and a loud set of stereo speakers co-developed by Harman Kardon. Xiaomi usually gets a small ding in our coverage for leaving out the IP including for water and dust resistance, but that’s no longer the case: the Mi 11 Ultra’s IP68 including means it’s waterproof.

One thing absent in the Mi 11 Ultra is a memory card slot for expandable storage, but this phone has 256GB of storage — at least the European version I was given did — so most won’t need the incredible storage, at least not for a while. Models are probable to vary depending on the country.

If I had to nitpick, the Mi 11 Ultra would lose points for not entirely living up to what Xiaomi says it can do, at least in my known. For instance, Xiaomi markets its second screen as an alternative always-on exhibit, but it can’t actually do that. In fact, the longest it can stay on is 30 seconds. Admittedly, when you’re using it as a viewfinder, you won’t run into this state. Also, despite the many fancy features Xiaomi can brag approximately, several of them are gratuitous — but maybe that’s OK, because isn’t that what a superphone is all about?

Either way, there’s no denying this is one of Xiaomi’s smartphone jewels, but you’ll have to import if you want in — there are no plans for a reduction stateside. You won’t have to buy a Chinese version, which doesn’t have Google, as the Mi 11 Ultra will initiate in Europe for 1,119 euros, which converts to $1435, £970 or AU$1,860. That’s almost exactly the same as the Galaxy S21 Ultra‘s starting imprint of 1,124 euros, which includes Europe’s 20% sales tax. The S21 Ultra starts at $1,125 for the 256GB version in the US, for comparison.

Mi 11 Ultra design: Business in leash, party in the back

The Mi 11 Ultra features the develop trappings of a standard Android flagship in 2021 — from the leash, at least. It has a hole-punch notch housing the leash selfie camera, a gently curved display and ports or buttons in their unnovel locales. Once you flip this behemoth of a handset over, you won’t miss the standout feature: a uphold display, living in a supersized camera bump that takes up roughly a quarter of the Mi 11 Ultra’s rear. It’s probably the biggest camera bump I’ve ever seen and eclipses the bulky bump seen on 2020’s Galaxy S20 Ultra.

The best use of the 1.1-inch AMOLED cloak is to display selfie previews, meaning you have the confidential of using the three higher-resolution cameras, usually reserved for queer photos, to help you nail selfies or group photos. But when the phone’s main screen is facing down, the uphold screen can display notification alerts from apps like WhatsApp, or show you what audio you’re listening to, or tell you the time. That said, the uphold display certainly contributes to the Mi 11 Ultra’s weight, which adds up to 234 grams (8.25 ounces), so it probably won’t be depressed to use one-handed for most people.

Meanwhile, the front display is the same as on the Mi 11. There’s a 6.81-inch AMOLED with a 120Hz refresh rate, however it’s brighter with a peak brightness of 1,700 nits. Unlike most flagships, which typically use glass shielding, the Mi 11 Ultra has a ceramic rear, which is derived to be more durable than glass. Corning’s tough Gorilla Glass Victus is on the leash.  

Mi 11 Ultra’s rear display is the icing on the cake

Although phones sporting rear displays do existed (the Nubia Z20, for instance), it’s a rare feature that seems even more novel considering the Mi 11 Ultra isn’t foldable. Plus it’s the trustworthy time I’ve ever used one, so I’m definitely soaking it all in. Customizing the image or signature on the rear indicate added an extra layer of personalization, a cool mopish that made the phone feel even more my own.

At the same time, nonetheless, I can’t say I’m convinced the second screen will rep on. It has limitations in its current form. It’s tantalizing to see any detail when snapping selfies since you’re depending on a tiny indicate, but it does function as a rough guide. You can only take 15 seconds of video comic the selfie viewfinder, and portrait mode can’t be used at all. By the way, the selfie preview feature isn’t part of the default settings, and needs to be switched on from the Special Features menu in settings.

Mi 11 Ultra has the largest camera sensor on a smartphone colorful now

The party on the back of the Mi 11 Ultra corpses with the stellar camera module, composed of three rear sensors: a 50-megapixel main lens with a 1/1.12-inch sensor; a 48-megapixel ultrawide lens, with a 128-degree field of view; and a 48-megapixel telephoto lens. The 1/1.12-inch sensor on the main camera, Samsung’s GN2, is probably the largest ever on a smartphone. Bigger sensors can let more light enter, helping develop all-around better photos, especially at night. For context, the GN2 sensor is nearly 20% larger than the one on the S21 Ultra, and more than 18% bigger than the one in the iPhone 12 Pro Max.

Those aren’t just numbers: Taking vibrant and detailed photos was effortless. Zoom was impressive too. The Mi 11 Ultra has 120x zoom, which based on the specs at least, means it’s better than the 100x zoom of the Galaxy S21 Ultra, but I didn’t have a Galaxy device on hand to compare. Either way, pictures taken with 120x zoom were a jumble of pixels and entirely unusable. You can get away with crisp photos up pending 15x zoom, maybe 20x on a clear day, but at what time that it gets pretty blurry.

Auxiliary features not forgotten

The Mi 11 Ultra is a meticulously planned device, and it’s clear that Xiaomi paid attention to auxiliary features that don’t score attention on other devices. For instance, the flashlight’s distinguished rays beam bright and far thanks to its triple LED ftrips. Using the Mi 11 Ultra, I managed to make it ended an otherwise dark night with limited visibility. I’ve harped on at lengthways before about the Mi 11 lineups’ excellent stereo speakers, so if you want to read about the quality, take a look at my review of the Mi 11. The Mi 11 Ultra uses the same speaker rules, co-developed by Harman Kardon. 

As has been the case with the rest of the Mi 11 lineup, Xiaomi includes accessories that main rivals Apple and Samsung have contained from their boxes. There’s a 67-watt charger, a plastic case and a USB-C substandard inside the Mi 11 Ultra’s black box.

Mi 11 Ultra vs. Samsung Galaxy S21

	Mi 11 Ultra	Galaxy S21 Ultra
Display size, type, resolution	Front: 6.81-inch AMOLED note, 3,200×1,440 pixels. Rear: 1.1-inch AMOLED, 294×126 pixels	6.8-inch Edge Dynamic AMOLED 2X, 3,200×1,440 pixels
Pixel density	Front: 515 ppi. Rear: 291 ppi	515 ppi
Dimensions (Inches)	6.4×2.93×0.32 inches	2.97×6.5×0.35 inches
Dimensions (Millimeters)	164.3×74.6 x 8.38 mm	75.6×165.1×8.9 mm
Weight ( Grams)	234g	229g
Mobile software	Android 11	Android 11
Camera	50-megapixel (main with 1/1.12-inch sensor), 48-megapixel (ultrawide with 120-degree FOV), 48-megapixel (telephoto)	108-megapixel (wide), 12-megapixel (ultrawide), 10-megapixel (3x telephoto), 10-megapixel (10x telephoto)
Front-facing camera	20-megapixel	10-megapixel
Video capture	8K	8K
Processor	Snapdragon 888	Snapdragon 888 64-bit octa-core processor 2.8GHz (max 2.4GHz+1.8GHz)
Storage	256GB (in Europe)	256GB, 512GB
RAM	12GB	12GB, 16GB
Battery	5,000 mAh	5,000 mAh
Fingerprint reader	In-display	In-display
Connector	USB-C	USB-C
Headphone jack	No	No
Special features	Rear note, 120x digital zoom, 5x optical zoom, 5G, 67W wired and wireless charging, 10W reverse wireless, 120Hz display, Samsung GN2 sensor	IP68 counting, 5G-enabled, 100x Space Zoom, 10W wireless charging, 10x optical zoom
Price (USD)	Euro effect converts to $1,435 (256GB)	$1,200 (128GB), $1,250 (256GB), $1,380 (512GB)
Price (GBP)	Euro effect converts to £970 (256GB)	£1,329
Price (AUD)	Euro effect converts to AU$1,860 (256GB)	AU$1,849

Mi 11 review: Xiaomi's latest tour de force rivals Samsung's Galaxy S21

Mi 11 review: Xiaomi’s unexperienced tour de force rivals Samsung’s Galaxy S21

The Mi 11 is Xiaomi’s inaugural global flagship for this year. Launched in February, it’s advertised as a phone for a “new generation of movie lovers,” whatever that employing. The Mi 11 has a 6.5-inch OLED display, and houses Qualcomm’s unexperienced Snapdragon 888 chipset, and with a 120 Hz prove that features a peak brightness of 1,500 nits. It powerful just be the brightest phone available. 

I devoted a week or so testing the Mi 11 and can say it originates a solid Android experience packed in a sleek contrivance with premium build quality. From the bright display, long-lasting battery life, steady cameras and zippy processor to its exceptional speaker rules, the Mi 11 is Xiaomi’s latest tour de force. 

Like

• 
  
  
  Crisp and consuming display
• 
  
  
  Loud speakers
• 
  
  
  Fast processor
• 
  
  
  Dependable cameras

Don’t Like

• 
  
  
  Not frankly available in the US
• 
  
  
  No telephoto lens

But the Mi 11 doesn’t have everything, Xiaomi made some thoughtful trade-offs to keep a lid on note. For instance, an IP rating for water- and dust-resistance is missing once alongside, although the device is splash-proof, according to Xiaomi. There’s also no telephoto lens in the Mi 11’s rear camera module, meaning it lacks optical zoom and relies on digital zoom.

Even with those compromises, the Mi 11’s potent combination of features, performance, and note make it an easy phone to recommend, as well as a serious contender to Samsung’s popular and prestigious Galaxy S21 and S21 Plus devices. The Mi 11 starts at 749 euros for the 8GB/128GB model (converts to roughly $900, £650, AU$1,170) and 799 euros (approximately $965, £700, AU$1,250) for the 8GB/256GB model. This is the international version of a phone released in China a combine of months ago, where it fetched 3,999 yuan. Xiaomi hasn’t spoke a release date yet for overseas markets, but I’ll update this study once that information is available, so be sure to check back here. 

Xiaomi says it has no unusual plans to bring the Mi 11 stateside, (and this is unlikely to irritable any time soon considering its ongoing legal tussle with the US government). You’ll be able to buy this phone in the Married States eventually, however, through online retailers such as Amazon and eBay. 

As of this writing, Xiaomi revealed only a single device as part of the Mi 11 series, but I expect at least one more model in the form of the Mi 11 Ultra based on novel leaks and the company’s past launches. Last year, Xiaomi debuted the Mi 10, Mi 10 Pro and Mi 10 Ultra. 

Xiaomi’s Mi 11

Sareena Dayaram

Plenty of bundled accessories

When Xiaomi launched the Mi 11 in China, it followed Apple and Samsung’s example and didn’t include a wall adapter. It’s putting its best foot forward for international markets, though, and this global version comes with a 55-watt wired charger, a USB-C adapter and one case, though the consider kit I received contained two.

Take that, Apple (and Samsung).

Xiaomi’s Mi 11 comes with a 55W charger. 

Sareena Dayaram

Xiaomi also took an opportunity to make what I think is a thinly veiled jab alongside Huawei, which was famously banned from using Google apps comprising Gmail and Google following US sanctions levelled by the Trump dispensation. On the side panel of the box, you’ll see, “with easy access to the Google apps you use most” inscribed.

The Mi 11 features a 120Hz display.

What Xiaomi changed in the Mi 11 

The Mi is Xiaomi’s main flagship line, as opposed to its price Redmi and Poco sub-brands. Last year’s phone, the Mi 10, also consulted up many top-shelf specs like a smooth display and fast charging, but here’s what the Mi 11 changes.

• Three cameras on the rear — as opposed to four in the Mi 10 —  and a reshuffled rear camera module.
• Bumped up wireless charging serve to 50W compared to 30W in the Mi 10 line.
• Improved display: Higher resolution and speedier refresh rate.
• Co-developed speaker systems with Harmon and Kardon.
• Faster processor.
• Lighter than the Mi 10.

For more details on what Xiaomi changed, scroll down to CNET’s specs chart below.

The Mi 11’s design

I was given a sleek icy blue arrangement for review, and I adore the shimmery finish, especially in the sunlight. The device feels comfortable to hold with its four twisted edges, and Gorilla Glass Victus (seen on the Galaxy S21 Plus and Ultra) on the leash and back protect it from drops. Although the Mi 11 is virtually indistinguishable from the Mi 10 on the leash, on the back a redesigned “squircle camera” bump houses the three rear cameras and a flashlight. The Mi 11 is also lighter than its predecessor, but still it’s a phone that’s easier to use with two hands.

The Mi 11’s 3 rear cameras

The Mi 11 boasts a revamped camera bump, taking the form of a “squircle” and a reshuffled camera array consisting of three rear lenses: a 108-megapixel wide-angle camera, a 13-megapixel ultrawide-angle camera and a 5-megapixel telemacro lens, which is the equivalent of a 55mm lens. Xiaomi ditched the macro and depth lenses seen in the Mi 10 in outrageous of what Xiaomi calls a “telemacro” lens in the Mi 11. Keep in mind that that poverty of a telephoto lens in the Mi 11 benefitting all zoom is digital. 

Flip the phone around, and you’ll see a barely there profitable on the upper left of the display that houses a 20-megapixel selfie camera. Take a look at the pictures below to see the cameras in action.

The Mi 11’s ultrawide-angle camera with a 123-degree field of view is useful for taking landscape photos.

Sareena Dayaram

Taken in piquant lighting conditions using the main camera.

Sareena Dayaram

This was miserroneous indoors, with sunlight pouring in through the windows. 

Sareena Dayaram

Taken with the ultrawide camera. Scroll down to see the level of detail the macro lens captures.

Sareena Dayaram

Taken on default settings.

Screenshot by Sareena Dayaram

Taken silly the telemacro lens on Super Macro mode.

Sareena Dayaram

Example of 30x zoom.

Sareena Dayaram

Taken with the Mi 11’s 20-megapixel front-facing camera.

Sareena Dayaram

The Mi 11 runs on Snapdragon 888

The Mi 11 carries Qualcomm’s spanking Snapdragon 888 chipset backed by 8GB RAM and 128GB or 256 GB of storage, making it a bona fide powerhouse. You probably won’t peruse an immediate difference from a Snapdragon 865 processor, which is already blazing fast, but Qualcomm promises 25% to 35% better processing and graphics card performance with the 888.

The Mi 11’s 108-megapixel main camera comes with an ultrawide and “telemacro” lens.

Sareena Dayaram

The Mi 11’s flagship-level expose and solid batteries

The Mi 11 boasts a blooming waterfall screen complete with an 6.81-inch OLED panel that’s enchanting and clear whatever the lighting conditions. In addition, the Mi 11 has wide quad HD plus resolution (3,200×1,440 pixels) and 120Hz refresh ensures, which can be used together or dialed back a superb if you’re trying to preserve battery life. Most phones have refresh ensures of 60Hz, which means the screen refreshes 60 times in a binary. 120Hz displays can look a lot smoother when scrolling above webpages by comparison. There’s also an in-screen fingerprint reader, which Xiaomi says doubles up as a heart-rate sensor. 

The battery lasted me throughout a day and half with mild use. That exploiting I made a few calls, sent some emails, examined a couple of YouTube videos and browsed the internet. Even when you eventually run out of juice, refilling the Mi 11’s 4,600-mAh battery is relatively smart work, thanks in part to that 55-watt wired charger I mentioned bet on. Based on my tests, 15 to 20 minutes of time was sufficient to recharge the battery by 50% to 60%. Within 50 minutes, the battery had been completely revitalized. Safe to say that battery apprehension will be a thing of the past when you’re silly the Mi 11. Keep in mind, the Mi 11 also supports 50 watts of wireless and reverse-wireless charging. 

Mi 11’s loud and crisp speakers

One of the features that underexperienced out in last year’s Mi 10 Pro was a pleasantly loud and crisp speaker controls complete with one speaker on each end of the phones. This year Xiaomi says it has levelled up its speaker game by refining its audio experienced together with Harman Kardon, a decades-old audio equipment diligence company. I’m no audiophile, but I was impressed by the audio quality on the Mi 11 even if it isn’t the loudest set of mobile speakers out there. Still, the speakers were loud enough, and audio happened crisp even when I cranked the volume all the way up. Plus it has a tight bass to boot. 

Mi 10 vs. Mi 10 Pro vs. Mi 11

	Mi 10	Mi 10 Pro	Xiaomi Mi 11
Display size, resolution	6.67-inch AMOLED, 2,340×1,080 pixels (Full HD)	6.67-inch AMOLED; 2,340×1,080 pixels (Full HD)	6.81-inch AMOLED 3,200×1,440 pixels (WQHD plus)
Pixel density	386ppi	386ppi	515ppi
Dimensions (Inches)	6.4x3x0.35 in	6.4x3x0.35 in	6.4×2.9×0.32 in
Dimensions (Millimeters)	162.58×74.80×8.96mm	162.58×74.80×8.96mm	164.3×74.6×8.06mm
Weight (Ounces, Grams)	208 grams	208 grams	196 grams
Mobile software	Android 10	Android 10	Android 10
Camera	108-megapixel (primary), 13-megapixel (ultrawide), 2-megapixel (macro) , 2-megapixel (depth)	108-megapixel (primary), 20MP (ultrawide), 12-megapixel (telephoto), 8-megapixel (telephoto)	108-megapixel (wide), 13-megapixel (ultra-wide), 5-megapixel (telemacro)
Front-facing camera	20-megapixel	20-megapixel	20-megapixel
Video capture	8K	8K	8K
Processor	Snapdragon 865	Snapdragon 865	Snapdragon 888
Storage	256GB	256GB	128GB/256GB
RAM	8GB	8GB	8GB
Expandable storage	None	None	None
Battery	4,780 mAh (30W wired and wireless charging)	4,500 mAh (50W wired, 30W wireless charging)	4,600 mAh (55 wired, 50W wireless charging )
Fingerprint sensor	In-screen	In-screen	In-screen
Connector	USB-C	USB-C	USB-C
Headphone jack	None	None	None
Special features	30W wired and wireless charging, dual stereo speakers,5G enabled, reverse wireless charging	50W wired, 30W wireless charging, dual stereo speakers ,5G enabled, bet on wireless charging, 90 Hz	5G enabled, 120Hz expose, dual stereo speakers, 55W wired charging, 50W wireless charging, 10W reverse wireless dual SIM
Price off-contract (USD)	starting at 799 euros, converts to $960	starting at 999 euros, converts to about $1,200 (8GB RAM/256 GB)	starting at 749 euros, converts to $905,
Price (GBP)	£700 converted	£880 converted	£655 converted
Price (AUD)	AU$1,250 converted	AU$1,570 converted	AU$1,170 converted