Samsung Galaxy S21 5G Review (2021): A Compact Flagship That Redefines Value
When
Samsung Galaxy S21 5G was officially unveiled in January 2021, it marked a bold shift in
Samsung’s flagship strategy. Instead of pushing prices higher like previous generations, Samsung decided to make its premium lineup more accessible, without sacrificing performance.
Announced on January 14, 2021, and released globally on January 29, 2021, the Galaxy S21 5G arrived as a powerful, stylish, and feature-packed smartphone aimed at users who wanted top-tier performance in a compact form factor.
In this detailed review, we’ll explore everything, from design and performance to camera capabilities and pricing, while also comparing it briefly to its bigger sibling,
Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G.
Design and Build Quality
Samsung introduced a fresh design language with the Galaxy S21 5G, and it instantly stood out.
The most noticeable feature is the
Contour Cut Camera housing, which seamlessly blends into the frame. This gives the phone a premium and futuristic appearance that feels different from the traditional camera bumps seen in previous models.
The device features:
- Glass front (Gorilla Glass Victus)
- Plastic (polycarbonate) back
- Aluminum frame
At just
169g, the S21 is lightweight and comfortable to use, especially compared to larger flagships.
Comparison with Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G (Design)
While the S21 5G offers a sleek and compact design:
- The S21 Ultra 5G uses a glass back, making it feel more premium
- The Ultra is significantly larger and heavier
- The Ultra supports the S Pen, which the S21 lacks
In short:
- S21 5G → Compact, lightweight, practical
- S21 Ultra 5G → Premium, bigger, more feature-rich
Samsung clearly positioned the S21 as the more affordable flagship without completely compromising aesthetics.
Display: Smooth, Bright, and Beautiful
The Galaxy S21 5G comes with a
6.2-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display, offering:
- Full HD+ resolution (1080 x 2400)
- 120Hz adaptive refresh rate
- HDR10+ support
- Up to 1300 nits brightness
The adaptive refresh rate ensures smooth scrolling while preserving battery life. Whether you’re gaming, streaming, or browsing, the display remains vibrant and responsive.
While it doesn’t have the QHD+ resolution of the Ultra, the difference is barely noticeable for most users.
Performance: Flagship Power
Under the hood, the Galaxy S21 5G is powered by:
- Exynos 2100 (global)
- Snapdragon 888 (USA/China)
Paired with:
- 8GB RAM
- 128GB / 256GB storage (no microSD)
This setup delivers blazing-fast performance across:
- Gaming
- Multitasking
- Heavy apps
The 5nm chipset ensures better efficiency and improved thermal management compared to previous generations.
Camera System: Reliable and Versatile
Samsung has always been known for its cameras, and the S21 continues that legacy.
Rear Camera Setup:
- 12MP (Wide)
- 64MP (Telephoto)
- 12MP (Ultra-wide)
Features:
- 8K video recording
- Super Steady video
- 3x hybrid zoom
- Night mode
The camera produces:
- Sharp images
- Excellent dynamic range
- Vibrant colors
Front Camera:
- 10MP selfie camera
- 4K video support
Compared to S21 Ultra:
- Ultra offers 108MP main sensor
- Dual telephoto lenses (10x zoom)
- Better low-light performance
However, for everyday users, the S21’s camera is more than capable.
Battery Life and Charging
The Galaxy S21 5G packs a
4000mAh battery, which is decent for its size.
Charging Options:
- 25W fast charging
- 15W wireless charging
- Reverse wireless charging
Battery performance is solid for a full day of moderate usage, though heavy users might need a top-up.
Software and User Experience
The device launched with:
Samsung’s One UI offers:
- Clean interface
- Smooth animations
- Useful customization features
Samsung also improved its update policy, making the S21 series future-proof with multiple years of software support.
Connectivity and 5G
As the name suggests, the Galaxy S21 5G supports:
- Sub-6GHz and mmWave 5G
- Wi-Fi 6
- Bluetooth 5.0
This ensures fast downloads, smooth streaming, and future-ready connectivity.
Price at Launch (2021)
At launch, the
Samsung Galaxy S21 5G was priced at:
- $799.99 (USD)
- £769 (GBP approx.)
- ₹69,999 (INR)
- ₦380,000 (NGN approx.)
Samsung’s decision to lower the price compared to the S20 made it more attractive to a wider audience.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Premium and modern design
- Compact and lightweight
- Excellent AMOLED display with 120Hz
- Powerful performance (Snapdragon 888 / Exynos 2100)
- Versatile and reliable camera system
- 5G support
Cons
- Plastic back instead of glass
- No expandable storage
- No charger in the box
- Battery life is good, not exceptional
- Lower resolution than S21 Ultra
Conclusion
The
Samsung Galaxy S21 5G is a well-balanced flagship that successfully combines performance, design, and affordability.
Samsung made smart compromises:
- Swapping glass for plastic
- Lowering display resolution slightly but in return, they delivered a device that feels premium, performs exceptionally well, and costs less than its predecessor.
If you prefer a
compact flagship with powerful features, the S21 5G is an excellent choice. However, if you want the absolute best in camera and display, the
Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G remains the ultimate option.
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