(Pocket-lint) – Samsung is expected to reveal its Galaxy S21 series at an event on 14 January, though the devices have already leaked heavily, giving us an idea of what we can expect.

We’ve compared the Galaxy S21+ to the S20+ and S20 FE in a separate feature, but here we are looking at how the regular Galaxy S21 is expected to compare to the S20 to help you work out whether you should upgrade.

Design

• Galaxy S21: TBC
• Galaxy S20: 151.7 x 69.1 x 7.9mm, 163g

Measurements have not yet leaked for the Galaxy S21, though we’d expect the new device to be within a couple of millimeters of its predecessor in terms of size. Rumours have suggested Samsung might move to a plastic rear for the Galaxy S21 however, like it did with the Galaxy S20 FE, rather than the glass rear of the S20.

The Galaxy S20 comes with a curved display on the front and a centralised punch hole camera at the top, and the Galaxy S21 is expected to do the same, though it is thought it will have a flat display instead of curved.

Based on the leaks though, the main changes appear to be happening on the back of the device. The triple rear camera housing looks like it will reach round to the frame on the Galaxy S21, while on the S20, the housing is more of an island. Both sport the rear camera in the top left corner though.

The Galaxy S20 has IP68 water and dust resistance and we’d expect the same for the Galaxy S21. 

Display

• Galaxy S21: 6.2-inch, Full HD+, 120Hz, 1400nits
• Galaxy S20: 6.2-inch, Quad HD+, 120Hz, 

According to rumours, the Samsung Galaxy S21 will come with a 6.2-inch display, which is the same as the Galaxy S20, meaning no changes in screen size.

It’s also claimed the Galaxy S21 will sport the same 120Hz variable refresh rate that the S20 also offers, but it’s said the S21 will have a brighter screen with a maximum brightness of 1400nits.

The Galaxy S20 has a resolution of Quad HD+ – though it is set to Full HD+ by default. It also has curved edges as we mentioned before. The Galaxy S21 meanwhile, is said to have a Full HD+ display and flat edges so you’ll get less detail, but only if you have chosen to set the S20 to the Quad HD+ resolution.

Hardware and specs

• Galaxy S21: Qualcomm SD888/Exynos 2100, 5G, 8GB RAM, 128/256GB storage, 4000mAh
• Galaxy S20: Qualcomm SD865/Exynos 990, 4G/5G, 8GB RAM, 128GB storage, microSD, 4000mAh

The Samsung Galaxy S21 is expected to run on the Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 processor or the unannounced Exynos 2100 chipset, depending on the region. It is expected that all models will be 5G. 

Rumours suggest that storage options for the Galaxy S21 will be 128GB and 256GB and the RAM will start at 8GB. Its battery capacity is said to be 4000mAh with support for 25W wireless charging.

The Galaxy S20 meanwhile, runs on the Qualcomm Snapdragon 865 or the Exynos 990, depending on the region. There are 4G and 5G variants. It comes with 128GB of storage, 8GB of RAM and it offers microSD support for storage expansion. Its battery is 4000mAh so not much looks like it will be changing in terms of hardware, except the new processors.

Camera

• Galaxy S21: 12MP main, 64MP telephoto, 12MP ultra wide
• Galaxy S20: 12MP main, 64MP telephoto, 12MP ultra wide

The Samsung Galaxy S21 is expected to come with a triple rear camera comprised of a 12-megapixel main sensor, 12-megapixel ultra-wide sensor and a 64-megapixel telephoto sensor, which is the same as the Galaxy S20.

The Galaxy S21 is said to be bringing a couple of new features though, including the cameras automatically switching between 30fps and 60fps depending on the lighting conditions, a dual recording mode, improved night mode, more manual controls and improved moon mode.

The front camera specifications for the Galaxy S21 haven’t been detailed as yet, though if the rear is the same as the S20, we’d expect the front to be the same too. The S20 has a 10-megapixel front camera.

Conclusion

Based on the rumours, the Samsung Galaxy S21 will offer a slightly different design to the Galaxy S20 in terms of its rear camera housing, finish material and display. It also looks like it will offer some new camera features, a brighter screen and a new processor.

Otherwise however, the leaks suggest the Galaxy S20 and S21 will have the same camera hardware, the same RAM, same storage and the same battery capacities. The Galaxy S20 might look more premium with its glass rear and curved display though, as well as offering a sharper screen.

It’s all just rumour for now though. We will update this feature when Samsung reveals the official specifications for the Galaxy S21. For now, you can follow all the rumours in our separate feature.

Writing by Britta O’Boyle.