Updated on November 30, 2023
This Samsung Galaxy S21 review is perfect for those who are looking for an in-depth analysis of its features, specifications, and capabilities. Even though this is NOT the latest or newest phone in the market as of this writing, it still has some impressive features that are worth considering.
So, if you’re thinking of buying a new phone, it’s important to know what sets this phone apart from others in the market and whether it’s a good fit for your needs.
In this review, we’ll dive into all the essential details of the Samsung Galaxy S21 that you need to know before making a decision. From its design and performance to its camera quality and battery life, we’ve got you covered. So, let’s get started and find out everything you need to know about this phone.
To begin with, the Samsung Galaxy S21 was first announced on January 14, 2021, and released for sale on January 29, 2021. Moving on to the network section, the phone supports GSM/CDMA/HSPA/EVDO/LTE connectivity.
Additionally, the phone also features a fingerprint (under the display, ultrasonic), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, and barometer sensors.
As for the body, the phone measures 151.7 x 71.2 x 7.9 mm and weighs 169 g. The build includes a glass front (Gorilla Glass Victus), a plastic back, and an aluminum frame. The phone supports single SIM (Nano-SIM) or dual SIM (Nano-SIM, dual stand-by) and is IP68 dust/water resistant (up to 1.5m for 30 min).
Moving on to the display, the phone features a Dynamic AMOLED 2X display that measures 6.2 inches and has a resolution of 1080 x 2400 pixels, with a 20:9 ratio. Corning Gorilla Glass Victus protects the display and also features an always-on display.
Turning to the platform, the phone runs on Android 11, One UI 3.1 and is powered by an Exynos 2100 (5 nm) – International chipset. The CPU is Octa-core and the GPU is Mali-G78 MP14 – International.
Regarding memory, the phone comes with either 128GB or 256GB internal storage with 8GB RAM (UFS 3.X). As for photography, the phone features a triple main camera setup with 12MP, 64MP, and 12MP lenses, while the front-facing selfie camera is a single 10MP lens.
Moving on to communications, the phone supports USB Type-C 3.2 and OTG. As for the battery, the phone is powered by a non-removable Li-Ion 4000 mAh battery with 25W wired charging.
The phone is available in Phantom Gray, Phantom White, Phantom Violet, and Phantom Pink, and is priced at $214 / €849 / £780 / C$619 / ₱44,990 / ₹38,999 / Rp6,300,000.
Friendly Reminder
Prices may differ based on the retailer and the specific model you select. It’s worth noting that a phone with more storage capacity will typically be more expensive. However, prices may decrease over time as newer models are released.
Key Features of the Samsung Galaxy S21
Impressive Display
The Samsung Galaxy S21 features a Dynamic AMOLED 2X display that measures 6.2 inches and has a resolution of 1080 x 2400 pixels, with a 20:9 ratio. Corning Gorilla Glass Victus protects the display and also features an always-on display, which makes it easy to check the time, date, and notifications without having to unlock your phone.
The display is simply stunning and provides sharp and vibrant colors, making it perfect for streaming videos or playing games on your phone.
Powerful Hardware
The Samsung Galaxy S21 is powered by Exynos 2100 (5 nm) – An international chipset. The CPU is Octa-core and the GPU is Mali-G78 MP14 – International, which provides exceptional performance even when running multiple applications simultaneously.
This hardware combination allows for smooth and seamless multitasking, making it perfect for users who need to switch between work and personal apps frequently.
Exceptional Camera Setup
The Samsung Galaxy S21 boasts a triple main camera setup with 12MP, 64MP, and 12MP lenses, while the front-facing selfie camera is a single 10MP lens. This camera setup provides exceptional image quality, especially in low-light conditions.
The phone’s camera has several features such as optical zoom, autofocus, panorama, and HDR. With these features, you can capture stunning photos and videos with ease.
Long-Lasting Battery Life
The Samsung Galaxy S21 is powered by a non-removable Li-Ion 4000 mAh battery with 25W wired charging. This battery life will last you all day, even if you’re using your phone extensively for streaming or gaming.
Additionally, if you’re in a hurry, you can charge the phone quickly thanks to the fast charging feature.
Durable and Water-resistant Build
The Samsung Galaxy S21 is built with high-quality materials such as Gorilla Glass Victus for the front display, a plastic back, and an aluminum frame. The phone is also IP68 dust/water resistant (up to 1.5m for 30 min), which means that it can withstand accidental drops or spills without getting damaged.
Why do people like the Samsung Galaxy S21 and who it’s for
Why do people like the Samsung Galaxy S21?
People love the Samsung Galaxy S21 for its sleek design, top-notch display, and advanced camera setup. The phone features a Dynamic AMOLED 2X display that measures 6.2 inches and has a resolution of 1080 x 2400 pixels, with a 20:9 ratio.
Corning Gorilla Glass Victus protects the display and also features an always-on display, making it ideal for multimedia consumption.
In addition to the display, the phone also boasts a triple main camera setup with 12MP, 64MP, and 12MP lenses, while the front-facing selfie camera has a single 10MP lens. This advanced camera setup allows users to take stunning photos and videos, even in low-light conditions.
The Samsung Galaxy S21 also runs on Android 11, One UI 3.1, and is powered by an Exynos 2100 (5 nm) – International chipset. The CPU is Octa-core and the GPU is Mali-G78 MP14 – International, resulting in smooth and efficient performance.
Moreover, the phone’s IP68 dust/water resistance rating ensures that it can withstand accidental spills or exposure to water, providing peace of mind to users.
Overall, the Samsung Galaxy S21 is a top choice for anyone looking for a high-performance smartphone with an impressive camera setup and sleek design.
Who is the Samsung Galaxy S21 for?
The Samsung Galaxy S21 is perfect for anyone who wants a powerful smartphone with a top-of-the-line camera setup and advanced features. With its sleek design and stunning display, the phone is ideal for multimedia consumption and entertainment.
Moreover, the advanced camera setup allows users to capture stunning photos and videos, making it an excellent choice for photography enthusiasts. The phone’s IP68 dust/water resistance rating also makes it suitable for those who want a durable device that can withstand accidental spills or exposure to water.
Furthermore, the phone’s smooth and efficient performance makes it ideal for multitasking and running demanding applications. The Samsung Galaxy S21 is a top choice for anyone who wants a high-performance smartphone with advanced features and an impressive design.
Overall, the Samsung Galaxy S21 is an excellent device that offers an impressive camera setup, sleek design, and advanced features. With its powerful performance, durable build quality, and stunning display, this phone is a top choice for anyone in the market for a premium smartphone.
Samsung Galaxy S21 Full Specifications
| LAUNCH▾ |
| Announced: 2021, January 14 |
| Status: Available. Released 2021, January 29 |
| NETWORK▾ |
| Technology: GSM / CDMA / HSPA / EVDO / LTE |
| FEATURES▾ |
| Sensors: Fingerprint (under display, ultrasonic), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, barometer |
| *Samsung DeX, Samsung Wireless DeX (desktop experience support) |
| *Bixby natural language commands and dictation |
| *Samsung Pay (Visa, MasterCard certified) |
| BODY▾ |
| Dimensions: 151.7 x 71.2 x 7.9 mm (5.97 x 2.80 x 0.31 in) |
| Weight: 169 g (5.96 oz) |
| Build: Glass front (Gorilla Glass Victus), plastic back, aluminum frame |
| SIM: Single SIM (Nano-SIM) or Dual SIM (Nano-SIM, dual stand-by) |
| *IP68 dust/water resistant (up to 1.5m for 30 min) |
| DISPLAY▾ |
| Type: Dynamic AMOLED 2X, 120Hz, HDR10+, 1300 nits (peak) |
| Size: 6.2 inches, 94.1 cm2 (~87.2% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Resolution: 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~421 ppi density) |
| Protection: Corning Gorilla Glass Victus |
| *Always-on display |
| PLATFORM▾ |
| OS: Android 11, One UI 3.1 |
| Chipset: Exynos 2100 (5 nm) - International |
| *Qualcomm SM8350 Snapdragon 888 5G (5 nm) |
| CPU: Octa-core (1x2.9 GHz Cortex-X1 & 3x2.80 GHz Cortex-A78 & 4x2.2 GHz Cortex-A55) - International |
| *Octa-core (1x2.84 GHz Cortex-X1 & 3x2.42 GHz Cortex-A78 & 4x1.80 GHz Cortex-A55 |
| GPU: Mali-G78 MP14 - International |
| *Adreno 660 |
| MEMORY▾ |
| Card slot: No |
| Internal: 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM |
| *UFS 3.X |
| MAIN CAMERA▾ |
| Triple: 12 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), 1/1.76", 1.8µm, Dual Pixel PDAF, OIS |
| *64 MP, f/2.0, 29mm (telephoto), 1/1.72", 0.8µm, PDAF, OIS, 1.1x optical zoom, 3x hybrid zoom |
| *12 MP, f/2.2, 13mm, 120˚ (ultrawide), 1/2.55" 1.4µm, Super Steady video |
| Features: LED flash, auto-HDR, panorama |
| Video: 8K@24fps, 4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60/240fps, 720p@960fps, HDR10+, stereo sound rec., gyro-EIS |
| SELFIE CAMERA▾ |
| Single: 10 MP, f/2.2, 26mm (wide), 1/3.24", 1.22µm, Dual Pixel PDAF |
| Features: Dual video call, Auto-HDR |
| Video: 4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30fps |
| SOUND▾ |
| Loudspeaker: Yes, with stereo speakers |
| 3.5mm jack: No |
| *32-bit/384kHz audio |
| *Tuned by AKG |
| COMMUNICATIONS▾ |
| WLAN: Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Bluetooth: 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| Positioning: GPS, GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO |
| NFC: Yes |
| Radio: FM radio (Snapdragon model only; market/operator dependent) |
| USB: USB Type-C 3.2, OTG |
| BATTERY▾ |
| Type: Li-Ion 4000 mAh, non-removable |
| Charging: 25W wired, PD3.0 |
| *15W wireless (Qi/PMA) |
| *4.5W reverse wireless |
| MISCELLANEOUS▾ |
| Colors: Phantom Gray, Phantom White, Phantom Violet, Phantom Pink |
| Models: SM-G990F, SM-G990F/DS |
| Price: $214 / €849 / £780 / C$619 / ₱44,990 / ₹38,999 / Rp6,300,000 |
Similar Products
Same Features, Different Brands: Samsung Galaxy S21 Alternatives
If you’re in the market for a new phone, you might be considering the Samsung Galaxy S21. But did you know that there are other phones on the market with similar specifications and features? Here are five phones that are comparable to the Samsung Galaxy S21:
Apple iPhone 12
The Apple iPhone 12 is a great alternative to the Samsung Galaxy S21. It has a similar size and weight, as well as a 6.1-inch display. The iPhone 12 also runs on the latest version of iOS and has a powerful A14 Bionic chip.
Apple iPhone 12 – Specs & Review
Google Pixel 5
Another phone that compares well to the Samsung Galaxy S21 is the Google Pixel 5. It has a slightly smaller display at 6.0 inches, but it also offers a higher resolution at 1080 x 2340 pixels. The Pixel 5 also has a great camera system, with a 12.2 MP primary lens and a 16 MP ultra-wide lens.
Google Pixel 5 – Specs & Review
OnePlus 9
The OnePlus 9 is a solid choice for anyone looking for a phone with similar specifications to the Samsung Galaxy S21. It has a 6.55-inch display and is powered by a Snapdragon 888 chipset. The OnePlus 9 also has a triple rear camera system with a 48 MP primary lens, a 50 MP ultra-wide lens, and a 2 MP monochrome lens.
Xiaomi Mi 11
The Xiaomi Mi 11 is an excellent phone that offers similar specifications and features to the Samsung Galaxy S21. It has a slightly larger display at 6.81 inches and is powered by a Snapdragon 888 chipset. The Mi 11 also has a triple rear camera system with a 108 MP primary lens, a 13 MP ultra-wide lens, and a 5 MP macro lens.
Sony Xperia 1 III
If you’re looking for a phone with an even larger display than the Samsung Galaxy S21, consider the Sony Xperia 1 III. It has a 6.5-inch OLED display and is powered by a Snapdragon 888 chipset. The Xperia 1 III also has a triple rear camera system with a 12 MP primary lens, a 12 MP ultra-wide lens, and a 12 MP telephoto lens.
Sony Xperia 1 III – Specs & Review
Friendly Reminder
All of these phones are great alternatives to the Samsung Galaxy S21, with similar specifications and features. Take your time to review each one to decide which phone best fits your needs and budget.
PROS and CONS of Samsung Galaxy S21
PROS
| ✅ The Samsung Galaxy S21 offers a high-quality camera setup that allows users to capture stunning photos and videos. |
| ✅ The phone runs on a powerful chipset, making it fast and efficient for multitasking and demanding apps. |
| ✅ Its long-lasting battery life ensures that users can enjoy using their phones for extended periods without worrying about running out of charge. |
| ✅ The phone features IP68 dust and water resistance, offering protection against accidents and spills. |
| ✅ The phone's display is vibrant and protected by Corning Gorilla Glass Victus, ensuring durability and visibility. |
CONS
| ❌ The plastic back of the phone may not feel as premium or durable as other materials used in smartphone builds. |
| ❌ While the phone has impressive specifications, it may not be the latest or newest technology available on the market. |
| ❌ The starting price point for the Samsung Galaxy S21 may be too expensive for some consumers. |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the screen size and resolution of the Samsung Galaxy S21?
The Samsung Galaxy S21 features a Dynamic AMOLED 2X display that measures 6.2 inches and has a resolution of 1080 x 2400 pixels, with a 20:9 ratio.
What type of camera setup does the Samsung Galaxy S21 have?
The Samsung Galaxy S21 features a triple main camera setup with 12MP, 64MP, and 12MP lenses, while the front-facing selfie camera is a single 10MP lens.
What is the battery life of the Samsung Galaxy S21?
The Samsung Galaxy S21 is powered by a non-removable Li-Ion 4000 mAh battery with 25W wired charging, making it capable of lasting all day with moderate use.
Conclusion
The Samsung Galaxy S21 is a top-of-the-line smartphone that boasts impressive features in terms of connectivity, sensors, and display. It is designed to cater to the needs of users who demand high-quality performance from their devices.
The phone’s IP68 dust/water resistance, fingerprint sensor, accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, and barometer sensors make it an ideal choice for those who value security and convenience.
The Dynamic AMOLED 2X display with Corning Gorilla Glass Victus protection ensures that the user enjoys a clear and vivid viewing experience. Additionally, the phone’s triple main camera setup with 12MP, 64MP, and 12MP lenses and its single 10MP front-facing selfie camera are perfect for capturing high-quality photos and videos.
The phone is powered by an Exynos 2100 (5 nm) – International chipset and runs on Android 11, One UI 3.1, which provides fast and efficient performance. The internal storage of either 128GB or 256GB along with 8GB RAM (UFS 3.X) ensures that the phone can handle multiple apps and use cases with ease.
Overall, the Samsung Galaxy S21 is an excellent choice for anyone looking for a high-quality smartphone with cutting-edge features. Its impressive specs and sleek design make it a great option for individuals who want to stay connected while enjoying top-notch performance. Its price point at $214 / €849 / £780 / C$619 / ₱44,990 / ₹38,999 / Rp6,300,000 makes it a competitive product in the market.
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