Samsung Galaxy S21 5G : In the ever-evolving world of smartphones, the Samsung Galaxy S21 5G emerged as a game-changer, offering flagship features at a more accessible price point.
Released in January 2021, this device marked a significant shift in Samsung’s strategy, proving that cutting-edge technology doesn’t always have to come with a premium price tag.
Let’s dive deep into what makes the Galaxy S21 5G a standout device, even in today’s competitive market.
Samsung Galaxy S21 5G Design: Elegance Meets Practicality
The Galaxy S21 5G showcases Samsung’s commitment to refined aesthetics.
With dimensions of 151.7 x 71.2 x 7.9 mm and weighing a mere 169g, it strikes an ideal balance between screen real estate and one-handed usability.
The phone’s design is a head-turner, featuring a sleek “Contour Cut” camera housing that seamlessly blends into the device’s frame.
While some may raise an eyebrow at the “glasstic” (plastic) back, it’s a clever move by Samsung.
Not only does it contribute to the phone’s lightness, but it also enhances durability and helps keep costs down.
Available in Phantom Gray, Phantom White, Phantom Violet, and Phantom Pink, there’s a color to suit every taste.
The front of the device is dominated by a 6.2-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display, protected by Corning Gorilla Glass Victus.
With minimal bezels and a small punch-hole camera, the S21 5G offers an immersive viewing experience that belies its compact form factor.
Samsung Galaxy S21 5G Display: A Visual Feast
Speaking of the display, the S21 5G doesn’t disappoint. The 6.2-inch screen boasts a resolution of 2400 x 1080 pixels (421 ppi) and supports HDR10+.
But the real star of the show is the adaptive 120Hz refresh rate.
This feature dynamically adjusts the refresh rate based on the content being displayed, ensuring smooth scrolling and responsive touch inputs while conserving battery life.
The display’s brightness peaks at 1300 nits, ensuring excellent visibility even under direct sunlight.
Colors are vibrant and accurate, thanks to Samsung’s expertise in display technology.
Whether you’re browsing photos, watching videos, or playing games, the S21 5G’s screen is a joy to behold.
Samsung Galaxy S21 5G Performance: Power Packed
Under the hood, the Galaxy S21 5G is a powerhouse. In most regions, it’s equipped with Samsung’s own Exynos 2100 chipset, while some markets receive the Qualcomm Snapdragon 888.
Both are top-tier processors built on a 5nm process, offering excellent performance and energy efficiency.
Coupled with 8GB of RAM and either 128GB or 256GB of storage, the S21 5G handles multitasking with ease.
From resource-intensive games to productivity apps, this phone doesn’t break a sweat.
However, it’s worth noting that Samsung has removed the microSD card slot, so choose your storage option wisely.
In benchmark tests, the S21 5G holds its own against more expensive flagships.
Geekbench 5 scores hover around 1000 for single-core and 3200 for multi-core performance, placing it firmly in the upper echelon of smartphone performance.
Samsung Galaxy S21 5G Camera System: Versatility at Your Fingertips
The camera setup on the Galaxy S21 5G is a testament to Samsung’s imaging prowess. The triple-camera array consists of:
12MP main camera (f/1.8, 26mm, 1/1.76″, 1.8µm, Dual Pixel PDAF, OIS)
64MP telephoto camera (f/2.0, 29mm, 1/1.72″, 0.8µm, PDAF, OIS, 1.1x optical zoom, 3x hybrid zoom)
12MP ultra-wide camera (f/2.2, 13mm, 1/2.55″, 1.4µm, Super Steady video)
This versatile combination allows for a wide range of photographic possibilities.
The main camera captures detailed, well-exposed shots in various lighting conditions.
The high-resolution telephoto lens not only provides optical zoom but also allows for high-quality digital zoom up to 30x.
The ultra-wide lens is perfect for landscapes and group shots, with Samsung’s software doing an excellent job of correcting distortion.
Video capabilities are equally impressive, with 8K recording at 24fps and 4K at up to 60fps.
The Super Steady mode, available in 1080p, uses AI to compensate for shaky hands, resulting in smooth, professional-looking footage.
The 10MP front-facing camera (f/2.2, 26mm, 1/3.24″, 1.22µm, Dual Pixel PDAF) doesn’t disappoint either, capturing sharp selfies and offering features like portrait mode and night mode.
Samsung Galaxy S21 5G Software: One UI 3.1 Shines
The Galaxy S21 5G launched with Android 11 and Samsung’s One UI 3.1, offering a clean, intuitive interface with plenty of customization options.
Samsung’s commitment to software updates means the device is eligible for three major Android updates and four years of security patches, ensuring longevity.
One UI 3.1 introduces several useful features, including:
Enhanced privacy controls
Improved Samsung DeX functionality
Google Discover feed integration
Eye Comfort Shield for reduced blue light emission
The software experience is smooth and responsive, thanks to the powerful hardware and optimized UI.
Samsung Galaxy S21 5G Battery Life and Charging: All-Day Power
Despite its compact size, the S21 5G packs a 4000mAh battery.
Combined with the efficient processor and adaptive refresh rate, this provides all-day battery life for most users. In typical usage scenarios, expect 6-7 hours of screen-on time.
The device supports 25W fast charging, wireless charging up to 15W, and reverse wireless charging at 4.5W.
While these aren’t the fastest charging speeds on the market, they’re more than adequate for most users.
It’s worth noting that Samsung no longer includes a charger in the box, citing environmental concerns.
Samsung Galaxy S21 5G Connectivity: Future-Proofed
As the name suggests, the Galaxy S21 5G is fully equipped for the 5G era.
It supports both sub-6GHz and mmWave 5G networks, ensuring compatibility with various 5G implementations worldwide.
This future-proofs the device, allowing users to take advantage of faster data speeds and lower latency as 5G networks continue to expand.
Samsung Galaxy S21 5G Value Proposition: More Bang for Your Buck
Perhaps the most compelling aspect of the Galaxy S21 5G is its price. Launched at $799 for the base model, it represented a significant price drop from its predecessor.
This aggressive pricing, combined with frequent promotions and discounts, makes the S21 5G an attractive option for those seeking flagship features without breaking the bank.
Samsung Galaxy S21 5G Pros and Cons
Pros:
Excellent performance
Versatile camera system
Beautiful, 120Hz display
Compact, ergonomic design
5G support
Competitive pricing
Cons:
No microSD card slot
“Glasstic” back may not appeal to everyone
Charger not included in the box
No headphone jack
Samsung Galaxy S21 5G Conclusion: A Flagship for the Masses
The Samsung Galaxy S21 5G represents a pivotal moment in smartphone evolution.
It proves that flagship features don’t have to come with an exorbitant price tag.
By making strategic compromises – like the plastic back and FHD+ resolution – Samsung has created a device that offers an exceptional user experience without breaking the bank.
From its sleek design and powerful performance to its versatile camera system and 5G capabilities, the S21 5G ticks all the boxes for what a modern smartphone should be.
While it may not have the absolute top-tier specs of its Ultra sibling, it offers the best balance of features and value in the S21 lineup.
For most users, the Galaxy S21 5G is more than capable of handling day-to-day tasks, creative pursuits, and entertainment needs.
Its future-proof 5G support and Samsung’s commitment to software updates ensure that it will remain a relevant and capable device for years to come.
In a market where flagship prices have been steadily climbing, the Galaxy S21 5G is a breath of fresh air.
It’s a reminder that innovation and accessibility can go hand in hand, and that sometimes, less really is more.
Whether you’re a Samsung fan, an Android enthusiast, or simply someone looking for a high-quality smartphone without the premium price tag, the Galaxy S21 5G deserves your attention.