ANOTHER GALAXY…

In previous years, Samsung has typically saved its annual blockbuster Galaxy Unpacked event until February. However, due to the disruption caused by the pandemic, it’s pulled back the curtain on its 2021 line-up a little earlier than normal.

Hogging a large portion of the spotlight was the 6.8in Galaxy S21 Ultra (from £1,149). A new camera cluster design that wraps around the side of the device puts a firm focus on photography. The Ultra gets all the trimmings thanks to a quad camera system that boasts an ultra-wide camera, an 108-megapixel main camera and two 10-megapixel telephoto cameras with differing lengths of optical zoom that’ll enable it to switch between 3x and 10x magnification.

Meanwhile, Samsung’s decision to make it compatible with its S Pen does nothing to dispel rumours that it’s leaving its popular stylus-based Note smartphone in 2020.

Triple camera aside, the 6.2in S21 and 6.7in S21+ siblings (from £769 and £949 respectively) share a refreshed design, a performance boost

Snap happy: The Galaxy S21 Ultra features a new camera cluster design

and 5G. All three are up for grabs from January 29.

Samsung also used its virtual stage to announce that its bean-shaped AirPods rivals, Galaxy Buds, have been given a Pro update with Active Noise Cancellation, alongside the launch of £29 Galaxy SmartTags mini location trackers for forgetful types. LUCY HEDGES

The £219 Buds, as well as the phones, are up for pre-order now and also out on January 29