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Definition: Galaxy S
A family of Android smartphones from Samsung introduced in 2010. The following year, Galaxy S was named European Smartphone of the Year and soon became the most popular Android phone on the market. In 2012, Samsung featured a 4.8" screen on its S III and accelerated the trend for larger displays (see phablet).
"Active" Ruggedized Models
Starting with S4, "Active" models are ruggedized Galaxy S phones. However, all Galaxy S models, starting with S7, are certified IP68 (see IP code). A brief description of all S models follows starting with the S4. See Galaxy Note, Google Nexus, Galaxy A, Galaxy C and Galaxy X.
Galaxy S21 (January 2021)
Prices are less than S20 models due to plastic backs, eliminating the rounded edge on the screens and reducing RAM from 12GB to 8GB. The Ultra has a 5000 mAh battery and is the first non-Note phone that supports Samsung's S Pen. The Ultra has four camera lenses and the same 108MP wide angle camera as the Note 20. See Galaxy Note.
Galaxy S20 FE, S20 FE 56 (October 2020)
The FE (Fan Edition) models are the entry level for the S20 line. Back is plastic instead of glass but is $300 less than non-FE model. Optical fingerprint reader instead of ultrasonic sensor. Also supports 120Hz video.
Galaxy S20 (February 2020)
All models have low-band and mid-band 5G; Ultra has high-band (see 5G frequency bands). No more 3.5mm headphones jack, larger batteries, 120 Hz display and 8K video. 30x zoom on S20/S20+, 100x on Ultra.
Galaxy S10 - (April 2019)
S10 5G has massive 6.7" screen, 5G cellular and six cameras, including rear infrared camera to enhance depth for augmented reality (AR).
Galaxy S9 - (April 2018)
Similar to S8; however, S9 has a new camera with increased brightness and a more efficient processor for better battery life. Fingerprint sensor is easier to reach.
Galaxy S8 - (April 2017)
Physical home button dropped, and fingerprint reader moved to back. Curved screens and rotating toolbars like S7 Edge. S8+ taller than S7 Edge. Type C USB replaces Micro USB, and Samsung's Bixby added (see USB Type C and Bixby).
Screen Selection
Galaxy S7 (April 2016)
Dust and water-resistant. Slightly thicker and heavier. External SD card brought back, and non-removable battery bumped from 2,550 to 3,000 mAh (3,600 in Edge model). New camera sensor and faster auto-focus. See Galaxy S7 Edge.
Always Available Time
Galaxy S6 (April 2015)
Slightly thinner, more refined case. Qi wireless charging added. No more replaceable battery or SD card. Fast battery charging and a minimum 32GB of storage. S6 Edge has curved screens (see Galaxy S6 Edge).
Galaxy S5 (April 2014)
Built-in heart rate sensor and fingerprint reader. 16MP photos with advanced modes; depth of field can be changed later. Waterproof for a short period in one meter of water, and S5 can be a baby monitor sending signals to Samsung smartwatch (see Samsung Gear).
Galaxy S4 (April 2013)
Slightly thinner. 13MP rear camera, automatic album creation and simultaneous front/back recording. Higher-capacity battery, infrared (IR) blaster for home theater. Support for hand motion scrolling and zooming. Eye tracking pauses video if user stops watching.
"Active" Ruggedized Models
Starting with S4, "Active" models are ruggedized Galaxy S phones. However, all Galaxy S models, starting with S7, are certified IP68 (see IP code). A brief description of all S models follows starting with the S4. See Galaxy Note, Google Nexus, Galaxy A, Galaxy C and Galaxy X.
ALL GALAXY S MODELS
Max Storage
Screen Weight Screen (GB)
Model Size (oz.) Res. Int. Ext**
S21 Ultra 6.8" 8.0 3200x1440 512 ---
S21+ 6.7" 7.1 2400x1080 256 ---
S21 6.2" 6.0 2400x1080 256 ---
S20 FE 5G 6.5" 6.7 2400x1080 128 1TB
S20 FE 6.5" 6.7 2400x1080 128 1TB
S20 Ultra 6.9" 7.8 3200x1440 512 1TB
S20 6.2" 5.8 3200x1440 128 ---
S20+ 6.7" 6.6 3200x1440 512 1TB
S10 5G 6.7" 7.0 3040x1440 256 ---
S10+ 6.4" 6.2 3040x1440 1TB 512
S10 6.1" 5.5 3040x1440 512 512
S10e 5.8" 5.3 2280x1080 256 512
S9+ 6.2" 6.7 2960x1440 256 400
S9 5.8" 5.7 2960x1440 256 400
S8+ 6.2" 6.1 2960x1440 128 256
S8 5.8" 5.4 2960x1440 64 256
S7 Edge 5.5" 5.5 2560x1440 128 200
S7 5.1" 5.4 2560x1440 64 200
S6 Edge+ 5.7" 5.4 2560x1440 128 ---
S6 Edge 5.1" 4.7 2560x1440 128 ---
S6 5.1" 4.9 2560x1440 128 ---
S5 5.1" 5.1 1920x1080 32 200
S4 5.0" 4.6 1920x1080 64 64
S III 4.8" 4.7 1280x720 64 64
S II 4.3" 4.0 800x480 32 32
S 4.0" 4.0 800x480 32 32
** microSD External storage
Galaxy S21 (January 2021)
Prices are less than S20 models due to plastic backs, eliminating the rounded edge on the screens and reducing RAM from 12GB to 8GB. The Ultra has a 5000 mAh battery and is the first non-Note phone that supports Samsung's S Pen. The Ultra has four camera lenses and the same 108MP wide angle camera as the Note 20. See Galaxy Note.
Galaxy S20 FE, S20 FE 56 (October 2020)
The FE (Fan Edition) models are the entry level for the S20 line. Back is plastic instead of glass but is $300 less than non-FE model. Optical fingerprint reader instead of ultrasonic sensor. Also supports 120Hz video.
Galaxy S20 (February 2020)
All models have low-band and mid-band 5G; Ultra has high-band (see 5G frequency bands). No more 3.5mm headphones jack, larger batteries, 120 Hz display and 8K video. 30x zoom on S20/S20+, 100x on Ultra.
Galaxy S10 - (April 2019)
S10 5G has massive 6.7" screen, 5G cellular and six cameras, including rear infrared camera to enhance depth for augmented reality (AR).
Galaxy S9 - (April 2018)
Similar to S8; however, S9 has a new camera with increased brightness and a more efficient processor for better battery life. Fingerprint sensor is easier to reach.
Galaxy S8 - (April 2017)
Physical home button dropped, and fingerprint reader moved to back. Curved screens and rotating toolbars like S7 Edge. S8+ taller than S7 Edge. Type C USB replaces Micro USB, and Samsung's Bixby added (see USB Type C and Bixby).
Starting with the S8, the screen can be switched to three resolutions. Lower resolutions save battery.
Galaxy S7 (April 2016)
Dust and water-resistant. Slightly thicker and heavier. External SD card brought back, and non-removable battery bumped from 2,550 to 3,000 mAh (3,600 in Edge model). New camera sensor and faster auto-focus. See Galaxy S7 Edge.
The S7 introduced always-on time, date and battery level, which consumes very little power.
Galaxy S6 (April 2015)
Slightly thinner, more refined case. Qi wireless charging added. No more replaceable battery or SD card. Fast battery charging and a minimum 32GB of storage. S6 Edge has curved screens (see Galaxy S6 Edge).
Galaxy S5 (April 2014)
Built-in heart rate sensor and fingerprint reader. 16MP photos with advanced modes; depth of field can be changed later. Waterproof for a short period in one meter of water, and S5 can be a baby monitor sending signals to Samsung smartwatch (see Samsung Gear).
Galaxy S4 (April 2013)
Slightly thinner. 13MP rear camera, automatic album creation and simultaneous front/back recording. Higher-capacity battery, infrared (IR) blaster for home theater. Support for hand motion scrolling and zooming. Eye tracking pauses video if user stops watching.