Samsung Galaxy S21 5G Review

• Overview
• Design and Build Quality
• Display
• Performance
• Software and User Interface
• Camera
• Battery Life
• Connectivity and Networking
• Additional Features
• Comparison with Other Related Phones
• Pros and Cons
• Conclusion

Overview

The Samsung Galaxy S21 5G is a cutting-edge smartphone that raises the bar for mobile technology. With its sleek and stylish design, it is a true head-turner. The 6.2-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display delivers stunning visuals with its 120Hz refresh rate and HDR10+ support. Powered by the Exynos 2100 or Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 5G chipset, it offers lightning-fast performance and smooth multitasking. The triple camera setup, featuring a 12MP main lens, 64MP telephoto lens, and 12MP ultrawide lens, captures breathtaking photos and videos. The S21 5G also boasts a long-lasting battery and supports fast wired and wireless charging. With its impressive features and affordable price, the Samsung Galaxy S21 5G is a top contender in the smartphone market.

Design and Build Quality

The Samsung Galaxy S21 5G boasts a sleek and premium design that exudes a sense of elegance. With its slim form factor and minimal bezels, the device offers an immersive viewing experience. The phone features a glass front with Corning Gorilla Glass Victus for added durability and protection against scratches. The back panel is made of plastic, which helps to reduce weight without compromising on sturdiness. The aluminum frame adds a touch of sophistication and ensures the device feels solid in hand.

The dimensions of the Galaxy S21 5G are 151.7 x 71.2 x 7.9 mm, making it compact and easy to hold. The weight of 169g (Sub6) or 171g (mmWave) further contributes to its portability. The device has a smooth texture, providing a comfortable grip. The finishing touches on the phone are impeccable, giving it a premium look and feel.

In terms of ergonomics, the placement of buttons and controls is well-thought-out, allowing for easy access and convenient one-handed usability. The device is also IP68 dust and water-resistant, adding to its robustness.

Overall, the design and build of the Samsung Galaxy S21 5G showcase a perfect blend of aesthetics and functionality. Its sleek design, premium materials, and attention to detail make it a standout device in terms of both form and function. Whether it's the slim profile, durable construction, or comfortable grip, the Galaxy S21 5G delivers a high-quality user experience.

Display

The Samsung Galaxy S21 5G boasts a stunning display that delivers an immersive viewing experience. With its 6.2-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X screen, the device offers a generous screen size that provides ample space for multimedia consumption and productivity tasks. The display features a resolution of 1080 x 2400 pixels, resulting in a sharp pixel density of approximately 421 ppi. This ensures crisp and detailed visuals, making it a delight for watching videos, browsing the web, or playing games.

The aspect ratio of 20:9 offers an elongated screen, allowing for a more cinematic experience. The OLED technology utilized in the display produces vibrant colors and deep blacks, creating a visually pleasing and immersive experience. The Galaxy S21 5G also supports HDR10+, which enhances contrast and color accuracy, providing a more realistic and dynamic range of colors.

The display is capable of reaching a peak brightness of 1300 nits, which ensures excellent outdoor visibility even in bright sunlight. Additionally, the screen is protected by Corning Gorilla Glass Victus, which offers robust protection against scratches and accidental drops.

Samsung has also integrated features like an always-on display, allowing users to view important notifications and information at a glance without having to unlock the device. The display also features an anti-reflective coating, reducing glare and improving visibility in various lighting conditions.

The Galaxy S21 5G's screen-to-body ratio is approximately 87.2%, thanks to its minimal bezels and a centered hole-punch cutout for the front camera. This design choice maximizes the screen real estate, providing an immersive experience while minimizing distractions.

Overall, the display of the Samsung Galaxy S21 5G offers a combination of impressive specifications and features, including a vibrant OLED panel, sharp resolution, high brightness levels, and durable protection. It ensures an enjoyable and visually stunning user experience for both entertainment and productivity purposes.

Performance

The Samsung Galaxy S21 5G boasts impressive performance thanks to its powerful chipset and optimized system. With two variants available, the Exynos 2100 for international markets and the Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 for the USA and China, this smartphone delivers exceptional speed and efficiency.

When it comes to CPU benchmarks, the Galaxy S21 5G shines with its octa-core processor. It features a combination of high-performance cores, such as the Cortex-X1, and energy-efficient cores for everyday tasks. This setup ensures smooth multitasking and snappy app loading speeds. Users can expect a lag-free performance and a seamless user experience while navigating through various applications.

The GPU benchmarks of the Galaxy S21 5G are equally impressive. The Mali-G78 MP14 in the international version and the Adreno 660 in the US and China variant deliver excellent graphics scores, making it ideal for gaming enthusiasts. The device can handle even the most demanding games with ease, providing a stunning gaming experience with smooth frame rates and realistic visuals.

In terms of thermal management, the Galaxy S21 5G excels at keeping the device cool during extended gaming sessions. The efficient thermal design ensures that the device does not overheat, maintaining optimal performance even under heavy loads. This allows users to enjoy long gaming sessions without worrying about performance degradation.

Benchmark tests further validate the Galaxy S21 5G's exceptional performance. Synthetic benchmarks consistently yield high scores, indicating the device's overall prowess. Additionally, gaming benchmarks demonstrate the device's ability to handle resource-intensive games, providing a smooth and immersive gaming experience.

Overall, the Samsung Galaxy S21 5G impresses with its powerful chipset, efficient GPU, and optimized system. It delivers top-notch performance in CPU and GPU benchmarks, making it a great choice for gaming enthusiasts. With smooth multitasking, lag-free performance, and excellent thermal management, this smartphone ensures a seamless user experience. Whether it's for gaming or everyday tasks, the Galaxy S21 5G offers a high-performance device that meets the demands of even the most tech-savvy users.

Software and User Interface

The Samsung Galaxy S21 5G runs on the Android 11 operating system, with the option to upgrade to Android 13 and the One UI 5.1 user interface. This combination offers a smooth and user-friendly experience for the users. The One UI 5.1 brings a host of customization options, allowing users to personalize their device according to their preferences. It provides a clean and intuitive interface, making it easy to navigate through the various features and settings.

In terms of pre-installed apps, the Galaxy S21 5G comes with a range of useful applications, such as Samsung Pay for convenient mobile payments and Bixby for voice commands and dictation. While these apps enhance the overall functionality of the device, some users might consider them as bloatware if they do not find them useful. However, it's worth noting that the Samsung Galaxy S21 5G offers a significant amount of storage, with options for 128GB or 256GB, allowing users to install their preferred apps without worrying about running out of space.

The Galaxy S21 5G also boasts a range of features that enhance the user experience. For example, it includes an under-display ultrasonic fingerprint sensor for secure and convenient unlocking. Additionally, it supports Samsung DeX, which enables a desktop-like experience by connecting the device to a monitor, keyboard, and mouse. This feature can be particularly useful for productivity tasks or enjoying multimedia content on a larger screen.

Overall, the software of the Samsung Galaxy S21 5G provides a user-friendly interface, customization options, and a range of pre-installed apps and features. While some users might consider certain apps as bloatware, the device's ample storage capacity allows for personalization and installing preferred applications. The Android 11 operating system and One UI 5.1 contribute to a smooth and intuitive user experience, making the Galaxy S21 5G a versatile and user-friendly smartphone.

Camera

The Samsung Galaxy S21 5G boasts an impressive camera system that delivers exceptional image quality and versatility. Equipped with a triple-camera setup, it combines a 12-megapixel main camera with a wide f/1.8 aperture, a 64-megapixel telephoto camera with 1.1x optical zoom and 3x hybrid zoom, and a 12-megapixel ultrawide camera with a 120-degree field of view. These lenses, coupled with advanced image processing technology, ensure stunning results in various shooting scenarios.

During daylight photography, the Galaxy S21 5G captures images with vibrant colors and excellent sharpness. The dynamic range is commendable, allowing for well-balanced exposures even in challenging lighting conditions. When shooting indoors or in low-light situations, the camera's low-light sensitivity and noise reduction capabilities come into play, producing impressive results with minimal noise and maintaining good detail.

For night photography, the Galaxy S21 5G offers a dedicated Night mode that enhances low-light performance. This mode utilizes multi-frame processing and long exposures to capture well-exposed images with improved detail and reduced noise.

The camera also comes with a range of features such as portrait mode, HDR, panorama mode, and pro mode for more creative control. AI scene recognition intelligently identifies different scenes and adjusts settings accordingly to optimize image quality. When it comes to video recording, the Galaxy S21 5G supports 4K video with excellent clarity and detail. Video stabilization ensures smooth footage, while slow-motion and time-lapse modes offer creative options for capturing special moments.

Overall, the camera capabilities of the Samsung Galaxy S21 5G make it a reliable and versatile tool for capturing stunning photos and videos in a variety of conditions. Whether it's capturing natural colors and sharpness in daylight photography or excelling in low-light performance, the Galaxy S21 5G's camera system is a standout feature of this flagship device.

Battery Life

The Samsung Galaxy S21 5G comes with a non-removable Li-Ion 4000 mAh battery, which provides a decent amount of power for daily use. The battery life of the device is quite impressive, with an endurance rating of 93 hours. This means that the phone can last for an extended period without needing to be charged. Additionally, the battery supports fast charging, with a 25W wired charger and 15W wireless charging options available. This allows users to quickly recharge their device and get back to using it. The S21 5G also has power efficiency and optimization features, which help to conserve battery life and improve overall performance. With its battery management system, users can monitor and control their battery usage, ensuring that the device lasts longer and performs optimally. Overall, the battery performance of the Samsung Galaxy S21 5G is reliable, providing users with a long-lasting and efficient power source for their daily needs.

Connectivity and Networking

The Samsung Galaxy S21 5G offers a wide range of connectivity options, making it a versatile device for staying connected. With 5G capabilities, users can experience faster data speeds and enhanced network compatibility, ensuring a seamless browsing and streaming experience. Wi-Fi 802.11 standards are supported, allowing for high-speed wireless internet connectivity. Bluetooth 5.0 is available, enabling users to easily connect their devices and enjoy wireless audio streaming. NFC technology is also present, allowing for contactless payments and easy file sharing. The device features a USB Type-C 3.2 port, offering fast and convenient charging and data transfer. Additionally, the Samsung Galaxy S21 5G supports wireless charging, eliminating the need for cables. Dual SIM functionality provides the flexibility of using two SIM cards simultaneously, ideal for those who need to manage personal and work contacts on a single device. GPS and GLONASS navigation systems ensure accurate location tracking and convenient navigation. Furthermore, the Samsung Galaxy S21 5G can be used as a mobile hotspot, enabling users to share their cellular data connection with other devices. With its comprehensive range of connectivity features, the Samsung Galaxy S21 5G offers users a seamless and reliable connection experience.

Additional Features

• Standout Features: The Samsung Galaxy S21 5G offers several standout features that make it a top choice for smartphone enthusiasts.


• Water and Dust Resistance: With its IP68 rating, the Galaxy S21 5G is both water and dust resistant, allowing users to confidently use it in various environments.


• Wireless Charging: The device supports wireless charging, making it convenient for users to charge their phone without the need for cables.


• Advanced Sensors: The Galaxy S21 5G comes equipped with a range of sensors, including an accelerometer and gyroscope, providing accurate motion tracking and enhancing user experience.


• Environmental Sensors: The device also features additional environmental sensors, allowing it to monitor and provide information on various environmental factors.

Comparison with Other Related Phones

The Samsung Galaxy S21 5G is a flagship smartphone that competes with other high-end devices in the market. When comparing it to related gadgets, it stands out with its impressive features and specifications.

In terms of performance, the Galaxy S21 5G is powered by either the Exynos 2100 or Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 chipset, depending on the region. These powerful processors ensure smooth multitasking and excellent gaming performance. Comparatively, devices like the iPhone 12 Pro and Google Pixel 5 also offer top-tier performance, but the Galaxy S21 5G holds its own in this competitive landscape.

The display of the Galaxy S21 5G is another standout feature. With its Dynamic AMOLED 2X panel, 120Hz refresh rate, and HDR10+ support, it delivers vibrant colors and sharp visuals. Similar devices like the iPhone 12 Pro Max and OnePlus 9 Pro also boast high-quality displays, but the Galaxy S21 5G's screen-to-body ratio of approximately 87.2% gives it a slight edge in terms of immersive viewing experience.

Camera capabilities are crucial for many smartphone users, and the Galaxy S21 5G doesn't disappoint. Its triple camera setup, consisting of a 12MP wide, 64MP telephoto, and 12MP ultrawide lens, captures detailed and vibrant photos. When compared to other flagship phones like the iPhone 12 Pro and Google Pixel 5, the Galaxy S21 5G offers similar camera quality, with each device having its unique strengths and weaknesses.

In terms of pricing, the Galaxy S21 5G is positioned as a premium device, but it offers good value for money when considering its high-end features and performance. Competitors like the iPhone 12 Pro and OnePlus 9 Pro are priced similarly, making the decision more subjective based on individual preferences.

Overall, the Samsung Galaxy S21 5G competes fiercely in the high-end smartphone market, with its top-notch performance, stunning display, and impressive camera capabilities. While it shares similarities with other flagship devices, it offers a unique combination of features and specifications that make it a compelling choice for consumers looking for a powerful and versatile smartphone.

Pros and Cons

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Samsung Galaxy S21 5G offers a compelling package for potential buyers. With its sleek design, vibrant and smooth display, and powerful performance, this flagship device delivers a premium user experience. The camera setup impresses with its versatility and high-quality imaging capabilities, while the battery life ensures long-lasting usage. Additionally, the phone's 5G connectivity opens up a world of fast and seamless internet experiences. Although lacking expandable storage and a traditional headphone jack, the S21 5G compensates with features like water resistance and wireless charging. Overall, if you're looking for a top-tier smartphone with cutting-edge features, the Samsung Galaxy S21 5G is a worthy choice.