Samsung Galaxy S21 5G smartphone

Photo: Jakub CA via Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 4.0)

Samsung

Samsung Galaxy S21 5G

January 29, 2021 8/10 Rating Updated
In brief: The Samsung Galaxy S21 5G is a compact flagship smartphone released in early 2021, featuring a vibrant 6.2-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display with a 120Hz refresh rate. It's powered by either the Exynos 2100 or Snapdragon 888 chipset, offering robust performance and 5G connectivity. The device boasts a versatile triple-camera system capable of 8K video recording, all housed in a sleek design with an IP68 rating for dust and water resistance.
Display6.2-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X, 120Hz, 1080x2400 pixels.
ChipsetExynos 2100 or Snapdragon 888 5G.
Main CameraTriple 12MP (wide) + 64MP (telephoto) + 12MP (ultrawide).
Battery4000 mAh, 25W fast charging.
Starting from $141

💰 Samsung Galaxy S21 5G Price

The Samsung Galaxy S21 5G lowest price is $141, based on current retailer listings.

📌 Full Specifications

Display

TypeDynamic AMOLED 2X, 120Hz, HDR10+, 1300 nits (peak)
Size6.2 inches, 94.1 cm2 (~87.2% screen-to-body ratio)
Resolution1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~421 ppi density)
ProtectionCorning Gorilla Glass Victus
FeaturesAlways-on display, Eye Comfort Shield

Platform

OSAndroid 11, upgradable to Android 14, One UI 6.1
ChipsetExynos 2100 (5 nm) - International; Qualcomm SM8350 Snapdragon 888 5G (5 nm) - USA/China
CPUOcta-core (1x2.9 GHz Cortex-X1 & 3x2.80 GHz Cortex-A78 & 4x2.2 GHz Cortex-A55) - International; Octa-core (1x2.84 GHz Cortex-X1 & 3x2.42 GHz Cortex-A78 & 4x1.80 GHz Cortex-A55) - USA/China
GPUMali-G78 MP14 - International; Adreno 660 - USA/China

Memory

Card slotNo
Internal128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM
TypeUFS 3.1

Main Camera

Triple12 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), 1/1.76", 1.8µm, Dual Pixel PDAF, OIS; 64 MP, f/2.0, 29mm (telephoto), 1/1.72", 0.8µm, PDAF, OIS, 1.1x optical zoom, 3x hybrid zoom; 12 MP, f/2.2, 13mm, 120˚ (ultrawide), 1/2.55", 1.4µm, Super Steady video
FeaturesLED flash, auto-HDR, panorama
Video8K@24fps, 4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60/240fps, 720p@960fps, HDR10+, stereo sound rec., gyro-EIS

Selfie Camera

Single10 MP, f/2.2, 26mm (wide), 1/3.24", 1.22µm, Dual Pixel PDAF
FeaturesDual video call, Auto-HDR
Video4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30fps

Battery

TypeLi-Ion 4000 mAh, non-removable
Charging25W wired (PD3.0), 15W wireless (Qi/PMA), 4.5W reverse wireless

Body

Dimensions151.7 x 71.2 x 7.9 mm (5.97 x 2.80 x 0.31 in)
Weight169 g (Sub6), 171 g (mmWave) (5.96 oz)
BuildGlass front (Gorilla Glass Victus), plastic back, aluminum frame
SIMNano-SIM and eSIM or Dual SIM (2 Nano-SIMs and eSIM, dual stand-by)
Water & Dust ResistanceIP68 dust/water resistant (up to 1.5m for 30 min)

Comms

WLANWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct
Bluetooth5.0, A2DP, LE
PositioningGPS, GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO
NFCYes
USBUSB Type-C 3.2, OTG

Launch

AnnouncedJanuary 14, 2021
ReleasedJanuary 29, 2021

⚖ Pros & Cons

Pros

  • Compact and premium design with IP68 rating.
  • Excellent 120Hz Dynamic AMOLED 2X display.
  • Powerful performance from Exynos 2100 or Snapdragon 888.
  • Versatile and capable triple camera system with 8K video.
  • Good battery life with fast and wireless charging.
  • Affordable price point compared to its siblings at launch.

Cons

  • No charger or headphones included in the box.
  • Plastic back panel feels less premium than glass.
  • No microSD card slot for expandable storage.
  • Flat screen and thicker bezels compared to some competitors.
  • Less RAM than some previous flagship models.
  • Battery life can be inconsistent for some users.
★ Our Verdict

The Samsung Galaxy S21 5G earns a solid 8/10 for its excellent display, powerful performance, and versatile camera system, despite some compromises like the plastic back and lack of charger in the box.

The Samsung Galaxy S21 5G remains a compelling choice for users seeking a compact yet powerful Android flagship. Its stunning 120Hz AMOLED display, robust performance from the Snapdragon 888 or Exynos 2100, and capable triple-camera setup make it ideal for everyday use, gaming, and photography. While it lacks a charger in the box and has a plastic back, its IP68 rating and software support ensure durability and longevity. Consider it if you prioritize a premium experience in a smaller form factor and are comfortable with the absence of expandable storage. Look for deals on renewed or older stock to get excellent value, as its core features still hold up well against newer mid-range devices.

📦 In The Box & Warranty

  • Samsung Galaxy S21 5G smartphone
  • USB-C to USB-C cable
  • SIM ejector tool
  • Quick Start Guide
  • Warranty information

Samsung smartphones typically come with a 12-month limited warranty covering manufacturing defects from the date of purchase.

❓ Questions & Answers

What are the main camera specifications of the Samsung Galaxy S21 5G?

The Samsung Galaxy S21 5G features a versatile triple-camera system, including a 12 MP wide lens, a 64 MP telephoto lens with 3x hybrid zoom, and a 12 MP ultrawide lens. It supports 8K video recording at 24fps.

Does the Samsung Galaxy S21 5G support expandable storage?

No, the Samsung Galaxy S21 5G does not have a microSD card slot, meaning its internal storage of 128GB or 256GB cannot be expanded.

What is included in the box with the Samsung Galaxy S21 5G?

The retail package for the Samsung Galaxy S21 5G is minimal, including the smartphone itself, a USB-C to USB-C cable, a SIM ejector tool, a Quick Start Guide, and warranty information. A charger and headphones are not included.

What kind of display does the Samsung Galaxy S21 5G have?

The Samsung Galaxy S21 5G boasts a 6.2-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display with a 120Hz adaptive refresh rate, HDR10+ support, and a peak brightness of 1300 nits. It has a resolution of 1080 x 2400 pixels and is protected by Corning Gorilla Glass Victus.

What processor powers the Samsung Galaxy S21 5G?

Depending on the region, the Samsung Galaxy S21 5G is powered by either Samsung's own Exynos 2100 (5 nm) chipset or Qualcomm's Snapdragon 888 5G (5 nm) chipset. Both are octa-core processors designed for high performance and 5G connectivity.

Is the Samsung Galaxy S21 5G water resistant?

Yes, the Samsung Galaxy S21 5G has an IP68 rating, which means it is dust and water resistant. It can withstand immersion in up to 1.5 meters of fresh water for up to 30 minutes.