Samsung Galaxy S21
"The Samsung Galaxy S21 is a flagship smartphone that offers powerful performance, a stunning camera system, a sleek design, and an immersive display. With advanced features and comprehensive software, it provides excellent value for those seeking cutting-edge technology and a top-tier smartphone experience. While it may have some limitations, such as no expandable storage and a higher price, it delivers on performance, camera quality, and overall user experience"
Pros
- Powerful performance for demanding tasks and multitasking.
- Stunning camera system with exceptional photo and video quality.
- Sleek and modern design with a premium look and feel.
- Immersive display with vibrant colors and high refresh rate.
- 5G connectivity for fast network speeds.
Cons
- No expandable storage via microSD card.
- Charger and headphones not included in the retail package.
- Higher price compared to some other smartphones.
- No built-in support for the S Pen stylus.
- Limited availability of certain features based on region or carrier.
In the world of flagship smartphones, the Samsung Galaxy S21 has made its mark as a true marvel of performance and features. From its sleek design to its powerful hardware, this flagship device has captivated users with its cutting-edge technology and impressive capabilities. In this comprehensive review, we dive deep into the Galaxy S21, exploring its stunning design, advanced camera system, lightning-fast performance, and a plethora of innovative features that set it apart from the competition.
As technology enthusiasts and smartphone aficionados, we understand the importance of a device that not only looks stylish but also delivers a seamless user experience. The Galaxy S21 does just that, boasting a modern and refined design that exudes elegance. Its glass front seamlessly blends into a matte glass or metal back, creating a visually striking aesthetic. But the Galaxy S21 isn’t just about looks; it’s about pushing the boundaries of what a smartphone can do.
One of the standout features of the Galaxy S21 is its mesmerizing display. With a 6.2-inch Dynamic AMOLED screen, this device offers an immersive viewing experience that brings content to life. Vibrant colors, deep blacks, and excellent contrast levels make every image and video pop with stunning clarity. And with a 120Hz refresh rate, scrolling and navigating through apps becomes silky-smooth, providing an unrivaled level of responsiveness.
Underneath its sleek exterior, the Galaxy S21 houses a powerful Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 (or Exynos 2100) processor coupled with 8GB of RAM. This hardware combination ensures that the device effortlessly handles even the most demanding tasks. Whether you’re multitasking between apps, gaming with intense graphics, or editing videos on the go, the Galaxy S21 delivers blazing-fast performance that leaves no room for lag or slowdown.
Samsung Galaxy S21 Specs
| Software | Android 11, One UI 3.1 |
|---|---|
| Display | 6.2-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X |
| Resolution | 2400 x 1080 pixels (Full HD+) |
| Processor | Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 / Exynos 2100 |
| RAM | 8GB or 12GB |
| Storage | 128GB or 256GB (non-expandable) |
| Rear Camera | 12MP (Wide), 12MP (Ultra Wide), 64MP (Telephoto) |
| Front Camera | 10MP |
| Battery | 4,000mAh |
| Connectivity | 5G, 4G LTE, Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.1, NFC |
| Features | In-display fingerprint sensor, Face recognition, IP68 water and dust resistance |
| Dimensions | 151.7 x 71.2 x 7.9 mm |
| Weight | 171 grams |
| Colors | Phantom Gray, Phantom White, Phantom Violet, Phantom Pink, Phantom Gold |
Photography enthusiasts will appreciate the Galaxy S21’s impressive camera system. Equipped with a triple-lens setup consisting of a 12MP wide-angle lens, a 12MP ultra-wide-angle lens, and a 64MP telephoto lens, this device captures breathtaking photos with incredible detail, color accuracy, and dynamic range. The camera’s advanced features, such as AI-powered enhancements and various shooting modes, elevate your photography skills and unlock your creative potential.
With its premium features and impressive performance, the Samsung Galaxy S21 stands tall among flagship smartphones. While it comes with a higher price tag, it offers a comprehensive package that justifies its value for those seeking the pinnacle of smartphone technology and innovation.
In the following sections, we will delve into the design, camera capabilities, performance, and features of the Samsung Galaxy S21, providing an in-depth analysis that will help you make an informed decision about this remarkable device. Join us on this journey as we explore the limitless possibilities of the Samsung Galaxy S21.
Design and Display
The Samsung Galaxy S21 showcases a sleek and modern design that embodies elegance and sophistication. Its glass front seamlessly blends into a matte glass or metal back, creating a seamless and visually appealing aesthetic. The device feels premium in hand, with smooth edges and a slim profile that adds to its ergonomic appeal.
But the true star of the show is the Galaxy S21’s display. Sporting a 6.2-inch Dynamic AMOLED screen, it captivates with its stunning visuals. The display boasts a resolution of 2400 x 1080 pixels, delivering sharp and vibrant imagery. Colors are rich and vivid, blacks are deep and inky, and the overall contrast is outstanding. Whether you’re browsing photos, watching videos, or playing games, the Galaxy S21’s display offers an immersive and enjoyable experience.
What sets the Galaxy S21’s display apart is its dynamic and responsive nature. It supports an impressive 120Hz refresh rate, resulting in incredibly smooth animations and ultra-responsive touch interactions. Scrolling through content feels fluid and natural, enhancing the overall user experience. The adaptive refresh rate technology intelligently adjusts the display’s refresh rate based on the content being viewed, conserving battery life when higher refresh rates are unnecessary.
Additionally, the display is protected by Corning Gorilla Glass Victus, providing excellent durability against scratches and accidental drops. The front-facing camera is housed in a discreet punch-hole cutout located at the top center of the screen, minimizing distractions and maximizing screen real estate.
Samsung has also implemented an in-display ultrasonic fingerprint sensor, which allows for secure biometric authentication. This convenient feature eliminates the need for physical buttons and enhances the overall sleekness of the device.
Whether you’re indulging in multimedia content, browsing the web, or simply admiring the vibrant colors, the Samsung Galaxy S21’s design and display combination offer a visually stunning and immersive experience that is sure to impress even the most discerning users.
Phone Performance
The Samsung Galaxy S21 is a powerhouse when it comes to performance, delivering exceptional speed, responsiveness, and multitasking capabilities. Under the hood, it is equipped with the Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 (or Exynos 2100, depending on the region) processor, combined with 8GB of RAM. This powerful combination ensures that the device can handle demanding tasks and intensive applications with ease.
Whether you’re gaming, streaming high-definition content, or running multiple apps simultaneously, the Galaxy S21 exhibits smooth and lag-free performance. The processor’s advanced architecture and efficient power management contribute to snappy app launches, seamless transitions, and swift navigation throughout the user interface.
The device’s GPU (Graphics Processing Unit) ensures that graphics-intensive games and visually rich content are rendered with exceptional detail and smoothness. The Galaxy S21’s hardware is optimized to handle even the most demanding mobile games, delivering a lag-free and immersive gaming experience.
Furthermore, the Galaxy S21 benefits from Samsung’s intelligent software optimizations. Samsung’s One UI, based on the Android operating system, streamlines the user experience, ensuring that interactions and animations are responsive and intuitive. The UI has been fine-tuned to take full advantage of the hardware, providing a seamless and enjoyable user experience.
The 8GB of RAM allows for effortless multitasking, enabling users to switch between apps without any noticeable slowdown. Whether you’re juggling between messaging, email, social media, and productivity apps, or utilizing split-screen functionality, the Galaxy S21 handles it all without compromising performance.
At A Glance – Video
The device also offers ample storage capacity, ranging from 128GB to 256GB, allowing users to store a vast library of apps, photos, videos, and documents. This ensures that you have enough space to keep your files readily accessible without worrying about running out of storage.
In terms of connectivity, the Galaxy S21 supports 5G networks, enabling blazing-fast download and upload speeds in areas with 5G coverage. This future-proof connectivity ensures that you can take full advantage of the latest network technologies and enjoy seamless browsing, streaming, and online gaming experiences.
Overall, the Samsung Galaxy S21’s performance is exemplary, providing a smooth and responsive user experience. From everyday tasks to resource-intensive applications, this flagship device delivers exceptional performance, making it a suitable companion for power users, gamers, and those who demand the best performance from their smartphones.
Camera System
The Samsung Galaxy S21 boasts a sophisticated camera system that takes mobile photography and videography to new heights. Equipped with a triple-lens setup, it offers versatility and exceptional imaging capabilities.
At the heart of the camera system is a 12MP wide-angle lens, which serves as the primary shooter. This lens captures stunning photos with excellent detail, vibrant colors, and accurate exposure. It performs admirably in various lighting conditions, whether you’re shooting in bright daylight or low-light environments. Samsung’s image processing algorithms further enhance the quality of the images, ensuring that each shot is sharp and well-balanced.
The Galaxy S21 also features a 12MP ultra-wide-angle lens, which expands your perspective and allows you to capture more expansive scenes. This lens is perfect for capturing landscapes, group photos, and architecture, as it offers a wider field of view. It maintains good image quality, with minimal distortion towards the edges of the frame.
Additionally, the camera system includes a 64MP telephoto lens, enabling you to zoom in closer to your subjects without compromising on detail. With its high-resolution capabilities, you can capture intricate details even from a distance. The telephoto lens also supports optical zoom, ensuring that your zoomed-in shots remain clear and sharp.
Samsung has implemented advanced AI-powered features and image processing algorithms in the Galaxy S21’s camera system. These enhancements optimize settings automatically, resulting in well-balanced exposures, accurate colors, and improved dynamic range. The camera’s Night Mode is particularly impressive, allowing you to capture stunning low-light shots with reduced noise and enhanced details.
On the video front, the Galaxy S21 shines with its 8K video recording capabilities. This feature enables you to capture videos with incredible clarity and detail, offering a level of quality that rivals professional-grade equipment. The device’s image stabilization technology ensures smooth footage, even when shooting handheld or in motion.
The camera app provides a range of shooting modes and features, including Pro mode for manual control, Portrait mode for beautiful bokeh effects, and Single Take mode, which captures multiple photos and videos with a single press of the shutter button, giving you a variety of options to choose from.
The Galaxy S21’s camera system is not just about hardware and image quality; it also offers seamless integration with a comprehensive suite of editing and sharing tools. Samsung’s photo editing features allow you to fine-tune your shots, apply creative filters, and enhance your photos before sharing them with others.
In summary, the Samsung Galaxy S21’s camera system delivers impressive results, capturing stunning photos and videos with excellent detail, vibrant colors, and accurate exposures. Whether you’re a photography enthusiast or simply enjoy capturing precious moments, the Galaxy S21’s versatile camera system is sure to satisfy your creative needs.
Software and User Interface
The Samsung Galaxy S21 runs on Samsung’s highly acclaimed One UI, which is based on the Android operating system. This combination offers a seamless and intuitive user experience, packed with a plethora of features and customization options.
One of the key highlights of One UI is its clean and modern design. The interface is visually appealing, with a focus on simplicity and ease of use. The layout is well-organized, making it easy to navigate through various menus, settings, and apps. Samsung has also implemented a system-wide dark mode, which not only enhances the aesthetic appeal but also helps conserve battery life on the Galaxy S21’s OLED display.
One UI introduces several features that enhance productivity and user convenience. For instance, the device supports multi-window functionality, allowing you to run two apps simultaneously in split-screen mode. This enables you to multitask effectively, whether you’re replying to emails while watching a video or taking notes during a conference call.
Samsung has also prioritized privacy and security in One UI. The Galaxy S21 offers robust privacy controls, including app permissions and the ability to block or restrict certain permissions for individual apps. It also incorporates Samsung Knox, a comprehensive security platform that protects your data and ensures the integrity of the device.
The user interface is highly customizable, allowing you to personalize your Galaxy S21 to suit your preferences. You can customize the home screen layout, app icons, wallpapers, and even the system-wide theme. One UI also supports various gesture-based navigation options, providing a fluid and intuitive way to interact with your device.
Samsung’s ecosystem integration is another standout feature of One UI. The Galaxy S21 seamlessly connects with other Samsung devices, such as smartwatches, earbuds, and tablets, allowing for a cohesive and integrated user experience. You can easily transfer files, mirror notifications, and control compatible devices directly from your Galaxy S21.
The software experience is further enhanced by Samsung’s commitment to providing regular software updates. These updates not only introduce new features and enhancements but also ensure that your Galaxy S21 remains secure and up to date with the latest security patches.
In summary, the Samsung Galaxy S21’s software, powered by One UI, offers a polished and user-friendly experience. With its intuitive interface, customization options, and seamless integration with the wider Samsung ecosystem, it provides a delightful user experience that enhances productivity, privacy, and convenience.
Battery Life and Charging
The Samsung Galaxy S21 excels in the realm of battery life, providing reliable performance throughout the day. The device is equipped with a 4,000mAh (typical) battery that offers ample capacity to power through various tasks, whether you’re browsing the web, streaming media, or engaging in intensive applications.
With its efficient hardware and software optimizations, the Galaxy S21 strikes a balance between performance and battery consumption. The device intelligently manages power usage, ensuring that unnecessary background processes are minimized, thus extending the battery life.
On a typical day of moderate usage, the Galaxy S21 can easily last from morning until night without the need for a recharge. However, heavy users or those engaging in power-intensive activities, such as gaming or video streaming, may find the need to top up their battery before the day’s end.
When it comes to charging, the Galaxy S21 offers both wired and wireless charging options. It supports fast charging technology, allowing you to quickly replenish the battery. With the included charger, you can experience fast charging speeds that significantly reduce the time spent connected to a power source.
For added convenience, the Galaxy S21 also supports wireless charging. Simply place the device on a compatible wireless charging pad, and it will begin charging without the need for cables. While wireless charging is generally slower than wired charging, it provides a convenient solution for topping up your battery throughout the day.
Additionally, the Galaxy S21 features Wireless PowerShare, which allows you to use your device as a wireless charging pad for other Qi-enabled devices. This feature comes in handy when you want to share battery power with a friend or charge other accessories, such as wireless earbuds, directly from your Galaxy S21.
It’s important to note that the actual battery life and charging times may vary based on individual usage patterns, settings, and network conditions. However, with its reliable battery life and fast charging capabilities, the Samsung Galaxy S21 ensures that you can stay connected and powered up throughout your day, even during heavy usage scenarios.
Connectivity and Features
The Samsung Galaxy S21 offers a wide range of connectivity options and features that enhance your smartphone experience and keep you connected to the world around you.
Connectivity-wise, the Galaxy S21 supports various network technologies, including 5G. With 5G capabilities, you can enjoy lightning-fast download and upload speeds, enabling seamless streaming, gaming, and browsing experiences, provided you are in an area with 5G coverage.
In addition to 5G, the Galaxy S21 is also compatible with 4G LTE networks, ensuring reliable and fast connectivity in areas where 5G is not yet available. It also supports Wi-Fi 6, the latest Wi-Fi standard, providing faster speeds, better range, and improved network efficiency when connected to compatible routers.
The device features Bluetooth 5.1, allowing you to connect wireless accessories, such as headphones, speakers, and smartwatches, for a seamless and hassle-free experience. NFC (Near Field Communication) is also supported, enabling contactless payments and easy pairing with compatible devices.
The Galaxy S21 incorporates advanced GPS capabilities, providing accurate location tracking for navigation and location-based services. It also features an array of sensors, including an accelerometer, gyroscope, proximity sensor, and ambient light sensor, among others, which contribute to a rich and immersive user experience.
Samsung has equipped the Galaxy S21 with an IP68 rating, making it dustproof and water-resistant. This ensures that your device is protected against accidental spills, splashes, and exposure to dust, giving you peace of mind in various environments.
The device also offers a range of additional features and functionalities that enhance the overall user experience. Samsung Pay allows you to make contactless payments at supported terminals using your Galaxy S21, providing convenience and security. The device supports facial recognition and an in-display ultrasonic fingerprint sensor, enabling secure and convenient biometric authentication options.
Furthermore, the Galaxy S21 supports Samsung DeX, which allows you to connect your device to an external monitor, providing a desktop-like experience. This feature is particularly useful for productivity tasks, as it enables you to use your Galaxy S21 as a computer, complete with a keyboard and mouse.
Samsung’s Bixby virtual assistant is also integrated into the Galaxy S21, providing voice commands, personalized recommendations, and smart home integration. With Bixby, you can control compatible smart devices, set reminders, and perform tasks using voice commands, enhancing convenience and efficiency.
Overall, the Samsung Galaxy S21 offers a comprehensive set of connectivity options and features that cater to various needs and preferences. From high-speed connectivity to advanced sensors and intelligent features, the Galaxy S21 ensures that you stay connected, protected, and empowered in the digital age.
Price and Value
The Samsung Galaxy S21 comes with a premium price tag, reflecting its status as a flagship smartphone with top-of-the-line features and capabilities. The exact pricing may vary depending on your region and the specific model variant you choose, but generally, the Galaxy S21 is positioned in the upper price range of smartphones.
While the price may be a significant consideration for some potential buyers, it is essential to assess the value that the Galaxy S21 offers in relation to its price point.
The device delivers a high-quality and premium experience across various aspects, making it a worthwhile investment for those who seek cutting-edge technology and advanced features.
In terms of design and build quality, the Galaxy S21 showcases Samsung’s attention to detail, featuring a sleek and modern aesthetic with premium materials. The device exudes a sense of sophistication and craftsmanship, providing a visually appealing and ergonomic design.
| Price | Sold By | |
|---|---|---|
| $790In StockWas: $830 | Amazon | |
| $799In StockWas: $850 | Conrad | |
| $775Out of StockWas: $829 | Amazon | |
| $800In StockWas: $850 | Alibaba |
The Galaxy S21’s performance is top-notch, thanks to its powerful processor, ample RAM, and efficient software optimizations. Whether you’re a power user, gamer, or simply someone who demands smooth and responsive performance, the Galaxy S21 delivers exceptional speed, multitasking capabilities, and overall fluidity.
The camera system of the Galaxy S21 is a standout feature, capturing stunning photos and videos with excellent detail, vibrant colors, and accurate exposures. The device offers versatility with its triple-lens setup, allowing you to capture a wide range of subjects and scenes with impressive results. The advanced software enhancements and AI-powered features further enhance the imaging capabilities of the device.
With regards to software and user interface, the Galaxy S21’s One UI provides a clean, intuitive, and customizable user experience. It offers a range of features, customization options, and seamless integration with Samsung’s ecosystem, enhancing productivity, convenience, and privacy.
The battery life of the Galaxy S21 is reliable, ensuring that you can go through a typical day of usage without the need for frequent recharging. The fast charging capabilities and wireless charging options provide convenience for quickly topping up the battery when needed.
Connectivity-wise, the Galaxy S21 supports 5G, offering future-proof connectivity for accessing high-speed networks where available. It also incorporates a range of features and technologies, such as IP68 water and dust resistance, NFC, Bluetooth, and advanced sensors, enhancing the overall user experience and functionality.
Considering the combination of design, performance, camera capabilities, software experience, and advanced features, the Samsung Galaxy S21 offers a compelling package that justifies its premium price. While it may not be the most affordable option on the market, it delivers excellent value for those who prioritize cutting-edge technology, premium design, and a top-tier smartphone experience.
Ultimately, the decision to invest in the Samsung Galaxy S21 will depend on your specific needs, preferences, and budget. It’s important to consider the value it brings to your daily life and how it aligns with your usage patterns and expectations.
Advantages and Disadvantages
Advantages
Disadvantages
Conclusion
Overall, the Samsung Galaxy S21 impresses with its sleek design, powerful performance, excellent camera capabilities, and feature-rich software. It caters to users who prioritize a top-tier smartphone experience and are willing to invest in a device that delivers cutting-edge technology and innovative features.