iPhone 12 brushes off Galaxy S21 threat: Samsung set to repeat Note 20 mistake

Samsung is set to launch the Galaxy S21 in January in a surprise manoeuvre that sees the release move up from its usual March window, following hot on the heels of the iPhone 12.  

While an early debut is good news for fans, they might be in for a let-down with news that the smartphone could forgo its premium materials for the same plastic chassis that we saw on the Galaxy Note 20.

This is on top of the rumors that suggest the Galaxy S21's specs are going to be underwhelming, and that a merger with the Note series could be on the cards as Samsung turns its attention to its foldable series.

• Breaking! Not just PS5! Xbox Series X is shipping early too
• Just in: iPhone 13 shock leak looks like open goal for Samsung Galaxy S21
• Don't miss: Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 2 look out: LG Rollable is real!
• Plus: Samsung Galaxy S21 crashes iPhone 12 party in launch date leak

Samsung tipser Ice Universe  has taken to Twitter to once again advise anyone waiting on the next year's flagships to abandon that plan and pick up a Galaxy S20 Ultra or Note 20 Ultra instead; sticking to this year's flagship seems to be the wisest choice for Samsung phones who aren't interested in foldables. 

It seems that Samsung is set to utilise a plastic body for the smartphone based on the comment, as well as tweet from fellow leaker Chun, who said it's more than likely just last month. 

The standard Note 20 is kitted out with 'glasstic' – a glass-like plastic – which riled up customers who were forking out $1,000 in the US for the 128GB 5G model at minimum. 

With everything we've heard so far, it does seem that Samsung's focus is on moving to the Galaxy Z Fold 2 follow-up for its premium flagship, rather than offering a top tier device in its S or Note series next year. 

Of course, this is all unconfirmed, but with noted leakers steering fans away from the Galaxy S21 and Note 21, it's worth keeping that advice in mind.