Updated on November 30, 2023
The Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G may not be the latest or newest phone in the market as of this writing, but it still packs a punch when it comes to features and capabilities.
In this review, we’ll take an in-depth look at what sets this phone apart from others in the market and why it could be the right fit for your needs. From its impressive specifications to its standout features, we’ll dive into it all so you can make an informed decision before making your next smartphone purchase.
So, let’s get started and explore what makes the Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G a top contender in the smartphone world.
To begin with, the Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G was first announced on January 14, 2021. The phone was initially announced on this date, and it was later released on January 29, 2021.
Moving on to the network, the phone supports GSM / CDMA / HSPA / EVDO / LTE / 5G network technology.
Furthermore, the phone also features a Fingerprint (under the display, ultrasonic), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, and barometer sensors.
As for the body, in terms of its physical characteristics, the phone measures 161.5 x 75.6 x 7.8 mm and weighs 200 g (Sub6), 202 g (mmWave) (7.05 oz). The phone’s build is a Glass front (Gorilla Glass Victus), glass back (Gorilla Glass Victus), and aluminum frame.
The phone supports Nano-SIM and eSIM or Dual SIM (2 Nano-SIMs and eSIM, 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 6.7 inches and has a 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio resolution. Corning Gorilla Glass Victus protects the display and has an always-on display feature.
Turning to the platform, as for the phone’s operating system, the phone runs on Android 11, upgradable to Android 13, One UI 5.1. In terms of performance, the phone is powered by an Exynos 2100 (5 nm) – International and Qualcomm SM8350 Snapdragon 888 5G (5 nm) – USA/China chipset.
The phone’s CPU is Octa-core (1×2.9 GHz Cortex-X1 & 3×2.80 GHz Cortex-A78 & 4×2.2 GHz Cortex-A55) – International and for Octa-core (1×2.84 GHz Cortex-X1 & 3×2.42 GHz Cortex-A78 & 4×1.80 GHz Cortex-A55) – USA/China, and the phone’s GPU is Mali-G78 MP14 – International and for Adreno 660 – USA/China.
Moving on to memory, the phone has 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM internal memory storage, and does not have a card slot.
Turning to the camera, in terms of photography, the phone features a triple 12 MP + 64 MP + 12 MP main camera setup. As for the front-facing camera, the phone features a single 10 MP selfie camera.
Moving on to communications, the phone supports USB Type-C 3.2, and OTG.
As for the battery, the phone is powered by a Li-Ion 4800 mAh, non-removable battery that provides an endurance rating of 114h. The phone supports 25W wired, PD3.0 charging.
Lastly, in terms of aesthetics, the phone is available in Phantom Black, Phantom Silver, Phantom Violet, Phantom Pink, Phantom Gold, and Phantom Red colors. The phone is priced at $999 / €842 / £960 / C$1,287 / ₱54,450 / ₹85,999 / Rp15,270,360.
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+ 5G
Dynamic AMOLED 2X Display with Always-on feature
The Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G features a stunning Dynamic AMOLED 2X display that measures 6.7 inches and has a resolution of 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio. Corning Gorilla Glass Victus protects the display and also features an always-on display feature, which means you can check the time, notifications, and other important information at a glance without having to wake up your phone.
According to DisplayMate, the phone’s display sets new records for brightness, contrast, and color accuracy.
IP68 Dust and Water Resistance
The Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G is IP68 certified, which means it is dust and water-resistant for up to 1.5 meters and 30 minutes. This feature provides peace of mind for users who are frequently exposed to water or dusty environments.
With this certification, users can take photos and videos underwater without worrying about damaging their phones.
Powerful Camera Setup
The Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G features a triple-camera setup consisting of a 12 MP wide-angle lens, a 64 MP telephoto lens, and a 12 MP ultrawide lens. The camera also comes equipped with exciting features such as Dual Pixel autofocus, optical image stabilization, and 8K video recording capabilities.
Furthermore, the camera system offers various modes such as Night mode, Portrait mode, and Pro mode, among others, giving users the flexibility to capture high-quality images in different environments.
High-Performance Processor
The Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G comes with two variants of processors depending on the region. One variant features an Exynos 2100 (5 nm) chipset for international models, while the other variant features a Qualcomm SM8350 Snapdragon 888 5G (5 nm) chipset for USA/China models.
Both processors are octa-core and powerful, and enable the phone to deliver fast and smooth performance. The processor is paired with Mali-G78 MP14 or Adreno 660 GPU, depending on the region.
Large Capacity Battery
The Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G comes with a large Li-Ion 4800 mAh non-removable battery, which according to GSMArena, delivers an endurance rating of 114 hours, making it ideal for heavy users. The phone also supports 25W wired charging and PD3.0 charging, enabling users to charge their phones quickly and efficiently.
Why do people like the Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G and who it’s for
Why do people like the Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G?
The Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G is a popular smartphone choice for many people due to its impressive features and capabilities. One of the standout features of this phone is its camera setup, which includes a triple 12 MP + 64 MP + 12 MP main camera and a single 10 MP selfie camera. With such high-quality cameras, users can capture stunning photos and videos with ease.
Another reason why people like the Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G is its impressive battery life. The phone is powered by a Li-Ion 4800 mAh non-removable battery that provides an endurance rating of 114h. This means that users can go longer without having to worry about charging their phones, making it an ideal option for those who are always on the go.
Additionally, the phone’s operating system, Android 11, upgradable to Android 13, One UI 5.1, provides a smooth and seamless user experience. Whether a user is multitasking or streaming content, they can expect the phone to operate efficiently and effectively.
Overall, the Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G stands out among other smartphones due to its high-quality camera setup, impressive battery life, and smooth operating system, making it an excellent choice for anyone in the market for a new phone.
Who is the Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G for?
The Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G is a great fit for anyone in need of a reliable and high-performing smartphone. Its sleek design, impressive camera setup, and long-lasting battery make it an excellent choice for individuals who prioritize these features in their phones.
Business professionals will appreciate the phone’s ability to multitask efficiently, allowing them to stay on top of their work while on the go. Additionally, the phone’s large display makes it easy to view and edit documents, making it a practical option for those who need to work on their phone.
Students and creatives will appreciate the phone’s camera capabilities, as it allows them to capture high-quality photos and videos for projects or social media. The phone’s smooth operating system also makes it easy to navigate and use various apps necessary for school or creative endeavors.
Overall, the Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G is an excellent fit for anyone in need of a reliable and high-performing smartphone that can keep up with their busy lifestyle.
Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G Full Specifications
| LAUNCH▾ |
| Announced: 2021, January 14 |
| Status: Available. Released 2021, January 29 |
| NETWORK▾ |
| Technology: GSM / CDMA / HSPA / EVDO / LTE / 5G |
| 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) |
| *Ultra Wideband (UWB) support |
| BODY▾ |
| Dimensions: 161.5 x 75.6 x 7.8 mm (6.36 x 2.98 x 0.31 in) |
| Weight: 200 g (Sub6), 202 g (mmWave) (7.05 oz) |
| Build: Glass front (Gorilla Glass Victus), glass back (Gorilla Glass Victus), aluminum frame |
| SIM: Nano-SIM and eSIM or Dual SIM (2 Nano-SIMs and eSIM, 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: 6.7 inches, 107.8 cm2 (~88.3% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Resolution: 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~394 ppi density) |
| Protection: Corning Gorilla Glass Victus |
| *Always-on display |
| PLATFORM▾ |
| OS: Android 11, upgradable to Android 13, One UI 5.1 |
| Chipset: Exynos 2100 (5 nm) - International |
| *Qualcomm SM8350 Snapdragon 888 5G (5 nm) - USA/China |
| 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) - USA/China |
| GPU: Mali-G78 MP14 - International |
| *Adreno 660 - USA/China |
| MEMORY▾ |
| Card slot: No |
| Internal: 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM |
| *UFS 3.1 |
| 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 4800 mAh, non-removable |
| Charging: 25W wired, PD3.0 |
| *15W wireless (Qi/PMA) |
| *4.5W reverse wireless |
| TESTS▾ |
| Performance: |
| AnTuTu: 622276 (v8) |
| GeekBench: 3476 (v5.1) |
| GFXBench: 54fps (ES 3.1 onscreen) |
| Display: |
| Contrast ratio: Infinite (nominal) |
| Camera: Photo / Video |
| Loudspeaker: -25.8 LUFS (Very good) |
| Battery life: Endurance rating 114h |
| MISCELLANEOUS▾ |
| Colors: Phantom Black, Phantom Silver, Phantom Violet, Phantom Pink, Phantom Gold, Phantom Red |
| Models: SM-G996B, SM-G996B/DS, SM-G996U, SM-G996U1, SM-G996W, SM-G996N, SM-G9960 |
| SAR: 0.65 W/kg (head) 0.95 W/kg (body) |
| SAR EU: 0.54 W/kg (head) 1.33 W/kg (body) |
| Price: $999 / €842 / £960 / C$1,287 / ₱54,450 / ₹85,999 / Rp15,270,360 |
Similar Products
Same Features, Different Brands: Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G Alternatives
The Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G may not be the latest phone in the market, but it still stands out with its impressive features and capabilities. With a dynamic AMOLED 2X display, IP68 dust/water resistance, and an always-on display feature, this phone is designed to provide an exceptional user experience.
If you’re considering purchasing the Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G, you may also want to check out these five similar phones:
Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max
With a 6.7-inch Super Retina XDR OLED display, the iPhone 12 Pro Max offers a brilliant visual experience. The phone features Apple’s A14 Bionic processor and includes three rear cameras, including a LiDAR scanner for improved photography.
Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max – Specs & Review
Google Pixel 5
The Google Pixel 5 is another phone that competes with the Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G in terms of camera performance. With a dual-camera setup, the phone includes a 12.2 MP main camera and a 16 MP ultra-wide camera.
Google Pixel 5 – Specs & Review
OnePlus 9 Pro
The OnePlus 9 Pro includes a 6.7-inch Fluid AMOLED display and is powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 chipset. The phone features a quad-camera setup, which includes a 48 MP main camera, and supports fast charging.
OnePlus 9 Pro – Specs & Review
Xiaomi Mi 11
The Xiaomi Mi 11 boasts a 6.81-inch AMOLED display and is powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 chipset. The phone includes a triple-camera setup, which includes a 108 MP main camera, and supports fast wireless charging.
Oppo Find X3 Pro
The Oppo Find X3 Pro features a 6.7-inch AMOLED display and is powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 chipset. The phone includes a quad-camera setup, which includes a 50 MP main camera, and supports fast charging.
Oppo Find X3 Pro – Specs & Review
Friendly Reminder
The Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G is a well-rounded phone that offers an excellent user experience. However, if you’re looking for alternatives, these five phones are also worth considering based on their similar features and capabilities.
PROS and CONS of the Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G
PROS
| ✅ The Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G has a large and impressive Dynamic AMOLED 2X display that measures 6.7 inches and has a 1080 x 2400 pixel resolution. |
| ✅ The phone's camera setup is noteworthy with a triple 12 MP + 64 MP + 12 MP main camera and a single 10 MP front-facing camera. |
| ✅ The Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G supports GSM / CDMA / HSPA / EVDO / LTE / 5G network technology, making it future-proof for next-generation connectivity. |
| ✅ The phone has an IP68 dust/water-resistant rating which ensures its durability and longevity. |
| ✅ The Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G has a robust battery life of Li-Ion 4800 mAh, a non-removable battery that provides an endurance rating of 114h. |
| ✅ The phone's build features a Glass front (Gorilla Glass Victus), glass back (Gorilla Glass Victus), and aluminum frame which adds to its premium feel. |
CONS
| ❌ The phone does not have a card slot which limits the storage capacity options. |
| ❌ The Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G is comparatively expensive when compared to some other phones in the market. |
| ❌ Some users may not like the fact that the phone does not have a headphone jack. |
| ❌ Users may experience fingerprint scanner issues as the phone features an under-display ultrasonic fingerprint sensor which may be less reliable than a traditional sensor. |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the display size of the Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G?
The Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G features a Dynamic AMOLED 2X display that measures 6.7 inches.
What is the battery life of the Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G?
The phone is powered by a Li-Ion 4800 mAh non-removable battery that provides an endurance rating of 114 hours.
Does the Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G have expandable memory?
No, the Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G does not have a card slot for expandable memory. However, it comes with either 128GB or 256GB internal storage and 8GB RAM.
Conclusion
The Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G is a highly capable smartphone that, despite not being the latest model available on the market, is still a top contender. Its standout features include a powerful processor, an excellent camera setup, and a long-lasting battery life.
The device also features a large, high-quality display, making it ideal for streaming video content or browsing the web.
This phone would be an excellent choice for anyone looking for a top-of-the-line smartphone with advanced features and capabilities. It is perfect for those who enjoy taking high-quality photos or shooting videos, as well as people who need a device that can handle demanding tasks such as gaming or multitasking.
Overall, the Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G is a powerful and impressive smartphone that offers a wide range of features and capabilities to its users. Despite not being the newest model on the market, it still holds its own against other competitors and is certainly worth considering for anyone in the market for a premium smartphone.
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