Samsung is planning to release a 4G variant of the Galaxy S21, it seems. Two new models got certified by the Bluetooth SIG, and they come with SM-G990F and SM-G990F_DS models.
4G Galaxy S21 handset may be coming in both single SIM & dual SIM options
Those two models represent the same device, but one with a single SIM, and the other with dual SIM (DS) support. These two models seem to be different than the current SM-G991X model number of the Galaxy S21 5G.
It is easily possible these are 4G variants, notes GalaxyClub. These could be aimed at markets where 5G is not yet a thing. Truth be said, there are a lot of markets where 5G is barely present, or not present at all.
Do note that this is not a definite confirmation that the 4G Galaxy S21 is coming. This model number does not flat out confirm it, but it sure seems like that’s what we’re looking at. We’ll have to wait for more information.
Having said that, Samsung did announce three Galaxy S21 handsets earlier this month. The company announced the Galaxy S21, S21+, and S21 Ultra. All three of those phones come with 5G support.
All three existing Galaxy S21 handsets support 5G
All three phones do ship with either the Snapdragon 888 or Exynos 2100 SoC, depending on the market you buy them in. Regardless, 5G support is included, on all of them.
Releasing a 4G variant kind of makes sense, presuming that Samsung can cut price tags at the same time. If that won’t be the case, then there’s really no point. Users in non-5G markets can use those devices as well, but just won’t be able to access 5G functionality.
5G is barely present in the vast majority of markets, and chances are that won’t change anytime soon. 5G presence is growing, but slowly, and there’s a good chance buying a 5G phone is more about future-proofing than anything else. That will depend on the market you’re located in, of course.