Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G Review (2021): The Perfect Balance of Power and Elegance
The
Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G arrived in early 2021 as part of
Samsung’s flagship S-series lineup, positioned right between the standard S21 and the premium S21 Ultra. For users who wanted a large display, strong performance, and premium design without going all the way to Ultra-level pricing, the S21+ 5G quickly became a sweet spot.
In this detailed review, we’ll explore everything about the Galaxy S21+ 5G, from design and display to performance, camera, battery, pricing, and how it compares with the S21 Ultra.
Design and Build: Premium Yet Practical
Samsung made a bold shift in design with the S21 series, and the Galaxy S21+ 5G stands out with its refined aesthetics. The device features a
metal frame that seamlessly blends into the camera module, giving it a modern and distinctive look.
The phone measures
161.5 x 75.6 x 7.8 mm and weighs about 200g, making it substantial yet comfortable to hold.
Build Quality
- Gorilla Glass Victus on the front (and back in most variants)
- Aluminum frame
- IP68 water and dust resistance
Comparison with Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G (Design)
When compared to the
Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G:
- The S21+ is lighter and slimmer, making it easier to handle
- The Ultra has a more premium and bulkier feel, with a larger camera module
- The S21+ has a flat display, while the Ultra leans toward a more advanced and slightly curved design
In simple terms, the S21+ is
sleek and practical, while the Ultra is
luxurious and feature-packed.
Display: Smooth, Bright, and Immersive
One of the biggest highlights of the Galaxy S21+ 5G is its display.
- 6.7-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X
- Resolution: 1080 x 2400 pixels
- Refresh rate: 120Hz adaptive
- HDR10+ support
The 120Hz refresh rate ensures ultra-smooth scrolling, gaming, and animations. While it doesn’t have the Quad HD resolution of the Ultra, the Full HD+ panel still delivers sharp visuals and excellent color accuracy.
This display is perfect for:
- Streaming Netflix and YouTube
- Gaming
- Everyday browsing
Performance: Flagship Power in 2021
Under the hood, the Galaxy S21+ 5G is powered by:
- Exynos 2100 (international)
- Snapdragon 888 (select markets)
Performance Specs:
- 8GB RAM
- 128GB / 256GB storage (UFS 3.1)
- Android 11 with One UI
This setup delivers:
- Fast app launches
- Smooth multitasking
- Excellent gaming performance
Whether you’re gaming heavily or switching between multiple apps, the S21+ handles everything effortlessly.
Camera: Versatile and Reliable
Samsung kept things consistent with a
triple-camera setup:
Rear Cameras:
- 12MP (wide)
- 64MP (telephoto)
- 12MP (ultrawide)
Front Camera:
Key Camera Features:
- 8K video recording
- 4K at 60fps
- Super Steady video
- 3x hybrid zoom
The camera system delivers:
- Sharp daylight photos
- Strong dynamic range
- Impressive zoom capabilities
Compared to S21 Ultra:
- The Ultra features a 108MP sensor and dual telephoto lenses
- The S21+ offers a simpler but still very capable setup
For most users, the S21+ camera is more than enough.
Battery Life: Built to Last All Day
The Galaxy S21+ 5G packs a
4800mAh battery, which is larger than the standard S21.
Battery Features:
- 25W fast charging
- 15W wireless charging
- Reverse wireless charging
In real-world usage:
- Easily lasts a full day
- Handles heavy usage well
- Great standby performance
Connectivity and 5G Experience
As the name suggests, the S21+ fully embraces
5G connectivity, supporting:
- Sub-6GHz and mmWave 5G bands
Other connectivity features include:
- Wi-Fi 6
- Bluetooth 5.0
- NFC
- USB Type-C
Storage and Software
The device comes with:
- 128GB or 256GB internal storage
- No microSD card slot
Running on
Android 11 with Samsung One UI, the software experience is:
- Clean and intuitive
- Feature-rich
- Regularly updated
Price at Launch (2021)
At launch, the Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G was priced around:
- $999.99 (USD)
- ₦419,999 – ₦439,999 (Nigeria)
- £949 (approx.)
- ₹81,999 (India)
This positioned it as a premium flagship, but still more affordable than the Ultra model.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Premium and stylish design
- Large, vibrant 120Hz AMOLED display
- Strong flagship performance
- Reliable and versatile cameras
- Excellent battery life
- 5G support
Cons
- No expandable storage
- No charger in the box
- Lower resolution than S21 Ultra
- Camera not as advanced as Ultra
Conclusion: Who Should Buy the Galaxy S21+ 5G?
The Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G is ideal for users who want:
- A large premium smartphone
- Flagship performance without Ultra pricing
- A balanced experience across all features
It strikes a near-perfect balance between performance, design, and price—making it one of the smartest flagship choices of 2021.
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