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 magnificent smartphone that effortlessly combines power, style, and innovation. With its stunning 6.7-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display, you'll be captivated by the vibrant colors and smooth visuals. The triple camera system, featuring a 64MP telephoto lens, ensures that every photo you take will be breathtakingly detailed. Powered by the Exynos 2100 or Snapdragon 888 5G chipset (depending on the region), this phone delivers lightning-fast performance. The generous 4800mAh battery keeps you connected all day long. With variants available to suit different regions and budgets, the Galaxy S21+ 5G is an enticing choice for anyone seeking a top-tier smartphone experience.

Design and Build Quality

The Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G boasts a sleek and premium design, exuding a sophisticated aesthetic that is sure to catch the eye. Its physical appearance is characterized by clean lines and a well-crafted form factor, making it comfortable to hold and operate. The device features a glass front and back, protected by Corning Gorilla Glass Victus, which not only enhances its durability but also adds a touch of elegance. The aluminum frame further contributes to its sturdiness and robustness, ensuring a solid build quality. With dimensions of 161.5 x 75.6 x 7.8 mm and a weight of 200 g (Sub6) or 202 g (mmWave), the Galaxy S21+ strikes a balance between portability and a substantial feel in hand. The device's back panel is smooth and glossy, providing a premium look and feel. The finishing touches on the device are meticulous, giving it a polished appearance. The placement of buttons and controls is ergonomic, making them easily accessible for one-handed usability. The slim bezels surrounding the 6.7-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display maximize the screen-to-body ratio, immersing users in vibrant visuals. With its well-executed design and attention to detail, the Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G offers both aesthetics and functionality in a package that exudes sophistication.

Display

The Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G boasts a stunning display that offers an immersive visual experience. With a screen size of 6.7 inches and a high screen-to-body ratio of approximately 88.3%, the device provides ample space for content consumption. The display resolution of 1080 x 2400 pixels and a pixel density of around 394 ppi ensure sharp and detailed visuals.

The device utilizes Dynamic AMOLED 2X technology, known for its vibrant colors and deep blacks. This OLED technology enhances color accuracy and vibrancy, making images and videos appear more lifelike. The display also supports HDR10+ and has a wide color gamut, allowing for a more dynamic and visually appealing experience when watching HDR content.

In terms of brightness levels, the display can reach up to 1300 nits, ensuring excellent outdoor visibility even in bright sunlight. Additionally, the display is protected by Corning Gorilla Glass Victus, which provides enhanced durability and resistance to scratches and drops.

The Galaxy S21+ 5G also features an always-on display, allowing users to quickly glance at important information without fully activating the screen. It also incorporates a blue light filter to reduce eye strain during prolonged usage and supports adaptive brightness, which automatically adjusts the screen brightness based on ambient lighting conditions.

Overall, the display of the Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G offers a combination of impressive specifications and features, including a large size, high resolution, vibrant colors, excellent brightness levels, and robust protection, making it a compelling choice for users who prioritize an immersive viewing experience.

Performance

The Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G boasts impressive performance thanks to its powerful chipset and GPU. With its Exynos 2100 (5 nm) processor for international models and Qualcomm SM8350 Snapdragon 888 5G (5 nm) for the USA and China variants, this smartphone delivers exceptional speed and responsiveness. In CPU benchmarks, the Galaxy S21+ scores high, ensuring smooth multitasking and app loading speeds. The Octa-core configuration with Cortex-X1 and Cortex-A78 cores provides excellent processor efficiency, allowing for lag-free performance and a smooth user experience.

When it comes to gaming capabilities, the Galaxy S21+ 5G excels. The Mali-G78 MP14 GPU in the international version and Adreno 660 GPU in the USA and China variant deliver impressive graphics scores and gaming performance. The device handles demanding games with ease, providing an immersive gaming experience without any noticeable lags or frame drops. Gaming benchmarks and synthetic benchmarks consistently showcase the device's prowess in handling graphically intensive games.

Furthermore, the Galaxy S21+ 5G's system optimization and thermal management contribute to its overall performance. The device efficiently manages its resources, ensuring optimal performance while keeping the device cool during extended gaming sessions or resource-intensive tasks. This allows users to enjoy a seamless and uninterrupted gaming experience without any thermal throttling or performance degradation.

In terms of benchmark tests, the Galaxy S21+ 5G consistently achieves impressive scores. It excels in popular benchmarking platforms such as AnTuTu, GeekBench, and GFXBench, showcasing its raw power and performance capabilities. These benchmark scores serve as a testament to the device's ability to handle demanding tasks and provide a seamless user experience.

Overall, the Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G delivers exceptional performance across all fronts. Its powerful chipset, efficient GPU, and optimized system provide a smooth and lag-free user experience. Whether it's multitasking, gaming, or running resource-intensive applications, the Galaxy S21+ 5G performs admirably, making it a top choice for users seeking a high-performance smartphone.

Software and User Interface

The Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G runs on the Android 11 operating system, which can be upgraded to Android 13 with the One UI 5.1. This provides users with the latest software features and security updates. The device comes with Samsung's own One UI interface, which is known for its user-friendly design and smooth performance. The interface offers a clean and intuitive layout, making it easy for users to navigate through the device's various settings and features.

One of the advantages of the Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G's software is its customization options. Users can personalize their device by choosing from a range of themes, wallpapers, and icon packs. The device also offers a variety of customization options for the home screen, allowing users to arrange their apps and widgets in a way that suits their preferences.

In terms of pre-installed apps, the Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G comes with a selection of essential applications, such as Phone, Messages, Contacts, and Gallery. Additionally, Samsung includes its own suite of apps, including Samsung Pay, Samsung Health, and Samsung Notes. While these pre-installed apps are useful for many users, some may consider them as bloatware if they prefer using alternative apps.

The overall user experience of the Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G's software is highly praised by reviewers. The interface is responsive and smooth, ensuring a lag-free experience for users. The device also supports various gestures and shortcuts, making it easier to perform common tasks quickly.

Overall, the software of the Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G offers a user-friendly interface, customization options, and a range of pre-installed apps. Its integration with the Android operating system and Samsung's One UI provides a seamless and enjoyable user experience.

Camera

The Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G boasts an impressive camera setup that delivers exceptional image quality and versatility across various photography scenarios. The main camera features a triple lens system, including a 12-megapixel wide lens with a bright aperture of f/1.8, a 64-megapixel telephoto lens with 1.1x optical zoom and 3x hybrid zoom, and a 12-megapixel ultra-wide lens with a 120-degree field of view. These lenses, combined with advanced image stabilization technology, allow for sharp and detailed photos in both daylight and low-light conditions. The camera's sensor size and dynamic range contribute to capturing natural colors and preserving details in high-contrast scenes. In low-light situations, the S21+ 5G performs admirably, thanks to its night mode and low-light sensitivity, reducing noise and enhancing clarity. The camera also offers various features such as portrait mode, HDR, panorama mode, and pro mode, giving users creative control over their photography. On the video front, the S21+ 5G supports 4K video recording with excellent video stabilization, slow-motion video, and time-lapse capabilities. Overall, the camera of the Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G is a standout feature, delivering impressive results across a wide range of photography and videography scenarios.

Battery Life

The Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G comes with a Li-Ion 4800mAh non-removable battery, which offers a decent battery capacity. The device supports 25W wired charging and 15W wireless charging options, allowing for convenient and fast charging. The battery performance of the Galaxy S21+ 5G is commendable, providing users with a satisfactory screen-on time and standby time. The phone also incorporates power efficiency and optimization features to enhance the battery life. With its battery saver and management options, users can optimize their battery usage and minimize battery drain. The device's battery capacity ensures a reliable battery backup, allowing users to stay connected throughout the day without worrying about running out of power. The charging speed and efficiency are impressive, ensuring that the device quickly charges up when needed. Overall, the battery of the Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G offers good longevity and endurance, making it suitable for users who require a reliable and long-lasting battery performance.

Connectivity and Networking

The Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G offers a wide range of connectivity options, making it a versatile device for staying connected. With support for 5G network compatibility, users can experience blazing-fast data speeds and enjoy seamless internet browsing, streaming, and downloading. Additionally, the device supports Wi-Fi 802.11 standards, allowing users to connect to both traditional and high-speed Wi-Fi networks. Bluetooth 5.0 is available, enabling users to connect to various Bluetooth-enabled devices, such as headphones, speakers, and car systems, for wireless audio streaming and file sharing. NFC technology is also present, allowing users to make contactless payments and easily share files with other NFC-enabled devices. The device features a USB Type-C 3.2 port, providing fast charging and data transfer capabilities. In terms of dual SIM functionality, the Galaxy S21+ 5G supports either a nano-SIM and eSIM combination or dual nano-SIMs, enabling users to manage two separate phone numbers on a single device. GPS and GLONASS navigation systems are supported, ensuring accurate location tracking and assistance with directions. Lastly, the device supports mobile hotspot functionality, allowing users to share their internet connection with other devices wirelessly. Overall, the Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G offers a wide range of connectivity options to keep users connected on the go.

Additional Features

- Standout Features: The Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G comes with a range of impressive features that make it a standout device in the market. With its sleek design and stunning Dynamic AMOLED 2X display, the S21+ offers an immersive viewing experience. The display also supports a 120Hz refresh rate and HDR10+ for vibrant and smooth visuals. Additionally, the device is equipped with Corning Gorilla Glass Victus for added durability and protection against scratches.

- Water and Dust Resistance: The Galaxy S21+ 5G boasts an IP68 rating, making it water-resistant in up to 1.5 meters of water for 30 minutes. This feature provides peace of mind, allowing users to confidently use their device in various environments without worrying about water damage.

- Wireless Charging: The S21+ supports wireless charging, allowing users to conveniently charge their device without the need for any cables. It is compatible with Qi wireless charging, making it compatible with a wide range of wireless charging pads and accessories.

- Advanced Sensors: In addition to the standard set of sensors like the accelerometer and gyroscope, the Galaxy S21+ 5G also features a range of advanced sensors. These sensors enhance the user experience by enabling features like facial recognition, gesture controls, and more.

- Motion Sensors: The device is equipped with motion sensors that enable intuitive and interactive features. Users can control certain functions of the phone by simply waving their hand or performing specific gestures.

- Environmental Sensors: The Galaxy S21+ 5G is equipped with environmental sensors that can measure factors like temperature, humidity, and air quality. These sensors provide users with valuable information about their surroundings and can be utilized for various applications.

These additional features enhance the overall user experience and make the Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G a top choice for those seeking a high-performance and feature-packed smartphone.

Comparison with Other Related Phones

The Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G is a flagship smartphone that has garnered attention in the market for its impressive features and performance. When comparing it to related devices in the market, such as the iPhone 12 Pro and the Google Pixel 5, the Galaxy S21+ holds its ground with its outstanding specifications and competitive pricing.

In terms of market positioning, the Galaxy S21+ 5G competes directly with other high-end smartphones, offering a premium experience to users. Its sleek design, featuring a glass front and back with an aluminum frame, gives it a sophisticated look that rivals other devices in its class.

When it comes to specifications, the Galaxy S21+ 5G boasts a vibrant 6.7-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display with a 120Hz refresh rate, providing smooth scrolling and an immersive viewing experience. The device is powered by either the Exynos 2100 or Snapdragon 888 chipset, depending on the region, ensuring fast and efficient performance.

In terms of camera capabilities, the Galaxy S21+ 5G features a triple rear camera setup, including a 12MP wide lens, a 64MP telephoto lens, and a 12MP ultrawide lens. This allows users to capture stunning photos and videos with various perspectives. The device also excels in low-light photography, thanks to its advanced camera technology.

When comparing the Galaxy S21+ 5G to its competitors, it stands out with its strong battery life, offering a 4800mAh battery that can last throughout the day. Additionally, the device supports 25W wired charging, 15W wireless charging, and 4.5W reverse wireless charging, providing convenient charging options.

In terms of pricing, the Galaxy S21+ 5G is competitively priced compared to other flagship devices in the market, offering value for money with its premium features and performance. Its pricing strategy positions it as a strong contender in the market, appealing to consumers who seek high-end smartphones at a reasonable cost.

Overall, the Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G competes well with its related devices in the market, showcasing its competitive advantage through its top-notch specifications, impressive camera capabilities, strong battery life, and attractive pricing. It continues to be a popular choice among consumers who seek a powerful and reliable smartphone experience.

Pros and Cons

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G is a powerful and impressive smartphone that offers a premium experience. With its sleek design, vibrant display, and robust performance, it is a great choice for tech enthusiasts and mobile gamers. The camera setup captures stunning photos and videos, while the large battery ensures long-lasting usage. The device also comes with water and dust resistance, adding to its durability. However, the absence of expandable storage may be a drawback for some users. Overall, the Galaxy S21+ 5G is a top-tier device that delivers on all fronts, making it an excellent option for those seeking a high-end smartphone experience.