Samsung Galaxy S21 smartphone

Photo: Dinkun Chen via Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 4.0)

Samsung

Samsung Galaxy S21

2021, January 29 8/10 Rating Updated
In brief: The Samsung Galaxy S21 is a high-end Android smartphone released in early 2021, featuring a vibrant 120Hz Dynamic AMOLED 2X display and a powerful processor. It offers a versatile triple-camera system and 5G connectivity, packaged in a more compact and affordable design compared to its Ultra counterpart.
Display6.2-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X with 120Hz refresh rate.
ChipsetSnapdragon 888 (US/Korea/China) or Exynos 2100 (International).
Main CameraTriple 12MP wide, 64MP telephoto, 12MP ultrawide.
Battery4000 mAh with 25W fast charging.
Starting from $145

💰 Samsung Galaxy S21 Price

The Samsung Galaxy S21 lowest price is $145, based on current retailer listings.

📌 Full Specifications

Display

TypeDynamic AMOLED 2X, 120Hz, HDR10+, 1300 nits (peak)
Size6.2 inches
Resolution1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~421 ppi density)
ProtectionCorning Gorilla Glass Victus

Platform

OSAndroid 11, upgradable to Android 14 (with One UI 6.1)
Chipset (International)Exynos 2100 (5 nm)
Chipset (USA/China/Korea)Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 5G (5 nm)
CPU (Exynos)Octa-core (1x2.9 GHz Cortex-X1 & 3x2.80 GHz Cortex-A78 & 4x2.2 GHz Cortex-A55)
CPU (Snapdragon)Octa-core (1x2.84 GHz Kryo 680 & 3x2.42 GHz Kryo 680 & 4x1.80 GHz Kryo 680)
GPU (Exynos)Mali-G78 MP14
GPU (Snapdragon)Adreno 660

Memory

RAM8GB
Internal Storage128GB, 256GB
Card SlotNo

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+

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)
BuildGlass front (Gorilla Glass Victus), plastic back, aluminum frame
SIMDual Nano-SIM; eSIM
Water 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
RadioFM radio (Snapdragon model only)
USBUSB Type-C 3.2, OTG

Launch

Announced2021, January 14
StatusAvailable. Released 2021, January 29

⚖ Pros & Cons

Pros

  • Excellent and versatile camera system
  • Vibrant and smooth 120Hz display
  • Powerful performance with flagship chipsets
  • More affordable than its predecessor at launch
  • Compact and comfortable size
  • IP68 water and dust resistance

Cons

  • No charger or headphones included in the box
  • Plastic back may feel less premium to some
  • No microSD card slot for expandable storage
  • Middling battery life compared to some competitors
  • Cameras largely unchanged from previous generation (S20)
  • No 3.5mm headphone jack
★ Our Verdict

The Samsung Galaxy S21 offers a strong flagship experience with a superb display, powerful performance, and a versatile camera, though it has some compromises like the plastic back and lack of charger in the box.

The Samsung Galaxy S21 remains a solid choice for those seeking a compact yet powerful Android flagship. Its 120Hz AMOLED display provides a fluid and vibrant viewing experience, perfect for media consumption and gaming. The triple-camera setup, while not a massive leap from its predecessor, still delivers excellent photos and 8K video capabilities. Consider this phone if you prioritize a premium feel, strong performance, and a capable camera in a smaller form factor. Be aware that you'll need to purchase a charging brick separately, and there's no expandable storage, so choose your internal storage wisely. It's an ideal device for users who want a high-end Samsung experience without the larger size or higher cost of the Ultra model.

📦 In The Box & Warranty

  • Samsung Galaxy S21 phone
  • USB-C to USB-C cable
  • SIM ejector tool
  • Quick Start Guide/Documentation

Samsung smartphones typically come with a 12-month limited warranty.

❓ Questions & Answers

When was the Samsung Galaxy S21 released?

The Samsung Galaxy S21 was officially released on January 29, 2021, after being unveiled on January 14, 2021.

Does the Samsung Galaxy S21 come with a charger or headphones?

No, the Samsung Galaxy S21 does not include a wall charger or headphones in the box; only a USB-C to USB-C cable and a SIM ejector tool are provided.

Is the Samsung Galaxy S21 water resistant?

Yes, the Samsung Galaxy S21 has an IP68 rating, meaning it is dust and water resistant, capable of being submerged in up to 1.5 meters of water for 30 minutes.

Does the Samsung Galaxy S21 have expandable storage?

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

What processor powers the Samsung Galaxy S21?

The Samsung Galaxy S21 is powered by either the Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 5G (, and Korea) or Samsung's own Exynos 2100 (in international markets).

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

The Samsung Galaxy S21 features a triple-camera system on the rear, consisting of a 12 MP wide lens, a 64 MP telephoto lens with 3x hybrid zoom, and a 12 MP ultrawide lens.