Samsung Galaxy S21 review: specs and price
Samsung Galaxy S21
Why is Samsung Galaxy S21 better than the average?
- Battery power?
4000mAhvs3690.22mAh - Pixel density?
421ppivs352.66ppi - RAM?
8GBvs4.58GB - Resolution?
1080 x 2400pxvs1.89MP - CPU speed?
1 x 2.9GHz & 3 x 2.8GHz & 4 x 2.2GHzvs12.64GHz - Megapixels (main camera)?
64MP & 12MP & 12MPvs34.89MP - Screen size?
6.2"vs5.89" - Internal storage?
256GBvs86.58GB
Price comparison
User reviews
Overall Rating
Features
Build quality
8.8/10
22 votes
Display quality
9.4/10
22 votes
Battery life
8.4/10
22 votes
Photography
9.2/10
22 votes
Performance
9.0/10
22 votes
Design
weight
171g
We consider a lower weight better because lighter devices are more comfortable to carry. A lower weight is also an advantage for home appliances, as it makes transportation easier, and for many other types of products.
thickness
7.9mm
The thickness (or depth) of the product.
width
71.2mm
The width represents the horizontal dimension of the product.
height
151.7mm
The height represents the vertical dimension of the product.
weather-sealed (splashproof)
✔Samsung Galaxy S21
The device is protected with extra seals to prevent failures caused by dust, raindrops, and water splashes.
The first number of the IP rating refers to protection against dust, while the second number refers to protection against liquid. E.g. a first number of 6 denotes that it is completely dustproof, and a second number of 7 denotes that the device can withstand full immersion in water.
The waterproof depth rating indicates how well the device is protected against water ingress and water pressure. Devices which can withstand more water pressure are better for swimming or diving.
volume
85.33cm³
Volume is the quantity of three-dimensional space enclosed by the product's chassis or, in simpler terms, the space the product occupies.
lowest potential operating temperature
Unknown. Help us by suggesting a value.
The minimum temperature at which the device can perform to the optimal level.
Display
screen size
6.2"
The bigger the screen size is, the better the user experience.
Display type
OLED/AMOLED
The type of technology used in the display.
pixel density
421ppi
Pixel density is a measurement of a screen's resolution, expressed as the number of pixels per inch (PPI) on the screen. A higher pixel density translates into more clarity and sharpness for the images rendered on the screen, thus improving the quality of the viewing experience.
resolution
1080 x 2400px
Resolution is an essential indicator of a screen's image quality, representing the maximum amount of pixels that can be shown on the screen. The resolution is given as a compound value, comprised of horizontal and vertical pixels.
refresh rate
120Hz
The frequency at which the screen is refreshed. Higher frequency results in less flickering (less noise) and more natural movement representation in action-intense scenes.
brightness
1300 nits
A nit is a measurement of the light that a display emits, equal to one candela per square meter. Brighter displays ensure a screen's contents are easy to read, even in sunny conditions.
has branded damage-resistant glass
✔Samsung Galaxy S21
Damage-resistant glass (such as Corning Gorilla Glass or Asahi Dragontrail Glass) is thin, lightweight, and can withstand high levels of force.
Gorilla Glass version
Gorilla Glass Victus
Gorilla Glass is one of the most popular brands of chemically strengthened glass, manufactured by Corning. Several versions have been developed, the newer ones being more durable and providing better damage resistance.
has an HDR10-enabled display
✔Samsung Galaxy S21
The display supports HDR10, which is an HDR (high dynamic range) video technology. Compared to standard dynamic range (SDR) video, HDR10 video has greater contrast and color depth, resulting in more realistic images.
Performance
internal storage
256GB
The internal storage refers to the built-in storage space available in a device for system data, apps, and user-generated data. With a large amount of internal storage, you can save more files and apps on your device.
RAM
8GB
Random-access memory (RAM) is a form of volatile memory used to store working data and machine code currently in use. It is a quick-access, temporary virtual storage that can be read and changed in any order, thus enabling fast data processing.
Android version
Android 11
A newer version of Android generally provides a better user experience. Major Android releases include new features and improvements to performance, as well as important security updates.
AnTuTu benchmark score
677991
AnTuTu is one of the most important benchmarks for Android devices. The score reflects the overall performance of a device by summing up results of individual tests that various parameters, such as RAM speed, CPU performance, 2D & 3D graphics performance.
Wild Life is a cross-platform benchmark developed by 3DMark that tests the graphical performance of a device (using the Vulkan API on Android/Windows and the Metal API on iOS). Source: 3DMark.
Wild Life is a cross-platform benchmark developed by 3DMark that tests the graphical performance of a device (using the Vulkan API on Android/Windows and the Metal API on iOS). The Unlimited version runs off-screen so that factors such as display resolution don’t affect the score. Source: 3DMark.
Wild Life is a cross-platform benchmark developed by 3DMark that tests the graphical performance of a device (using the Vulkan API on Android/Windows and the Metal API on iOS). The Extreme version is much more graphically-demanding than the standard Wild Life benchmark. Source: 3DMark.
Geekbench 5 is a cross-platform benchmark that measures a processor's multi-core performance. (Source: Primate Labs, 2023)
Geekbench 5 is a cross-platform benchmark that measures a processor's single-core performance. (Source: Primate Labs, 2023)
Cameras
megapixels (main camera)
64MP & 12MP & 12MP
The number of megapixels determines the resolution of the images captured with the main camera. A higher megapixel count means that the camera is capable of capturing more details. However, the megapixel count is not the only important element determining the quality of an image.
The number of megapixels determines the resolution of the images captured with the front camera. A higher megapixel count means that the front camera is capable of capturing more details, an essential factor for taking high-resolution selfies.
has built-in optical image stabilization
✔Samsung Galaxy S21
Optical image stabilization uses gyroscopic sensors to detect the vibrations of the camera. The lens adjusts the optical path accordingly, ensuring that any type of motion blur is corrected before the sensor captures the image.
video recording (main camera)
3240 x 30fps
The maximum resolution available for videos shot with the main camera. Although it may be possible to choose among other frame rates, those recordings usually have lower resolutions.
wide aperture (main camera)
Unknown. Help us by suggesting a value.
With a wider aperture the sensor can capture more light, helping to avoid blur by enabling a faster shutter speed. It also provides a shallow depth of field, allowing you to blur the background to focus attention on the subject.
Has a dual-tone LED flash
✔Samsung Galaxy S21
A dual-tone flash has LED lights with different color temperatures, delivering a better color balance to photos and videos.
has a BSI sensor
✔Samsung Galaxy S21
A BSI (backside illuminated) sensor is a camera image sensor which captures better quality images in poor lighting conditions, and offers better overall sharpness and image quality.
has continuous autofocus when recording movies
✔Samsung Galaxy S21
When recording movies they stay focussed and sharp.
Has phase-detection autofocus for photos
✔Samsung Galaxy S21
Phase-detection autofocus is much faster than a contrast detection autofocus, allowing for sharper images.
Operating system
has clipboard warnings
✖Samsung Galaxy S21
This privacy feature alerts you with a small notification when an app copies data from your clipboard.
has location privacy options
✖Samsung Galaxy S21
This privacy feature allows you to share your approximate location with an app instead of your precise location.
has camera/microphone privacy options
✖Samsung Galaxy S21
You can enable or disable an app’s access to the camera or microphone on your device. There are also indication icons to show you when an app uses the camera or microphone.
has Mail Privacy Protection
✖Samsung Galaxy S21
Mail Privacy Protection is a feature built into the default email app that blocks senders from using “tracking pixels” to see when you’ve read an email. It also hides your IP address from senders.
has theme customization
✔Samsung Galaxy S21 (Android 11)
Theme customization allows you to easily change the appearance of the user interface (UI). For example, by changing the system colors or the app icons.
can block app tracking
✖Samsung Galaxy S21
Some apps track your activity even when the app is not in use. This privacy feature allows you to block this tracking, either across all apps or on a per-app basis.
blocks cross-site tracking
✖Samsung Galaxy S21
This setting (in the default browser) allows you to block cross-site tracking cookies and data to help protect your privacy.
has on-device machine learning
✖Samsung Galaxy S21 (Android 11)
On-device machine learning is used to recognize people, places, and more in the Photos app. The algorithms run on the device, where this sensitive data is then kept. Competing services upload the photos and perform this on their servers, which requires the sharing of personal data.
Can play games while they download
✖Samsung Galaxy S21 (Android 11)
This means you don’t have to wait for the entire game to download first, as the later stages of the game download while you are playing.
Battery
battery power
4000mAh
Battery power, or battery capacity, represents the amount of electrical energy that a battery can store. More battery power can be an indication of longer battery life.
has wireless charging
✔Samsung Galaxy S21
It supports a wireless charging standard such as Qi. To charge the device, you simply put it down on a compatible charging pad.
Supports fast charging
✔Samsung Galaxy S21
Fast charging technologies, like Qualcomm’s Quick Charge or MediaTek’s Pump Express, are used to reduce the time it takes to charge a device. For example, with Quick Charge 3.0, the battery can be charged to 50% in just 30 minutes.
charging speed
Unknown. Help us by suggesting a value.
Charging speeds are expressed in watts (W), a measure of electrical power. A higher wattage results in a faster charging speed. In order to achieve the advertised charging speed, it is important to use a compatible charger.
wireless charging speed
Unknown. Help us by suggesting a value.
Charging speeds are expressed in watts (W), a measure of electrical power. A higher wattage results in a faster charging speed. In order to achieve the advertised charging speed, a compatible wireless charger must be used.
has reverse wireless charging
✔Samsung Galaxy S21
The device can be used as a wireless charging station to power other gadgets.
reverse wireless charging speed
Unknown. Help us by suggesting a value.
Charging speeds are expressed in watts (W), a measure of electrical power. A higher wattage results in a faster charging speed.
has a removable battery
✖Samsung Galaxy S21
The battery is removable and can be replaced by the user if broken.
Has an ultra power-saving mode
✖Samsung Galaxy S21
The ultra power-saving mode, also called low power mode, is an effective way to extend the battery life of the device. Usually, it involves limiting screen brightness and contrast, disabling location services, restricting connectivity, and turning off nonessential apps.
Audio
has a socket for a 3.5 mm audio jack
✖Samsung Galaxy S21
With a standard mini jack socket, you can use the device with most headphones.
has stereo speakers
✔Samsung Galaxy S21
Devices with stereo speakers deliver sound from independent channels on both left and right sides, creating a richer sound and a better experience.
has aptX
✖Samsung Galaxy S21
aptX is a codec used for transmitting audio wirelessly with Bluetooth. It is developed by Qualcomm, and supports 16-bit audio at a bit rate of 384kbps.
has LDAC
✖Samsung Galaxy S21
LDAC is a codec developed by Sony for Bluetooth audio. It is capable of a very high bitrate of 990kbps, which provides high resolution audio. It can also automatically adjust to a lower bitrate of 330kbps or 660kbps to increase stability.
has aptX HD
✖Samsung Galaxy S21
aptX HD is an audio codec for Bluetooth devices that is developed by Qualcomm. It supports high quality 24-bit audio (at a bit rate of 576kbps).
has aptX Adaptive
✖Samsung Galaxy S21
aptx Adaptive is an audio codec for Bluetooth devices that is developed by Qualcomm. It has a variable bit rate (between 279kbps and 420kbps), which means it can adjust the bit rate for different scenarios, such as listening to HD audio or reducing interference from other devices.
Has a radio
✖Samsung Galaxy S21
A built-in FM radio tuner allows you to listen to most of the live-broadcasted FM radio stations without using the internet.
More microphones result in better sound quality and enable the device to filter out background noise.
Has dedicated media keys
✖Samsung Galaxy S21
Phones with physical keyboards have dedicated media keys, such as: play, stop, next, previous, volume up/down, etc.
Features
has 5G support
✔Samsung Galaxy S21
The fifth-generation wireless technology delivers higher speeds and lower latency than the previous, fourth-generation tech.
Wi-Fi version
Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax), Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac), Wi-Fi 4 (802.11n)
The Wi-Fi versions supported by the device.
download speed
3000MBits/s (Samsung Exynos 2100)
The download speed is a measurement of the internet connection bandwidth, representing the maximum data transfer rate at which a device can access online content.
upload speed
422MBits/s (Samsung Exynos 2100)
The upload speed is a measurement of the internet connection bandwidth, representing the maximum data transfer rate at which a device can send information to a server or another device.
Has USB Type-C
✔Samsung Galaxy S21
The USB Type-C features reversible plug orientation and cable direction.
USB version
3.2
Newer USB versions are faster and have better power management.
has NFC
✔Samsung Galaxy S21
NFC (near-field communication) allows a device to perform simple wireless transactions, such as mobile payments. Note: this feature may not be available in all markets.
SIM cards
1 SIM, 1 eSIM
The number and type of SIM cards supported.
Has a fingerprint scanner
✔Samsung Galaxy S21
The device has a fingerprint scanner which identifies the user.
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Comments
Fabio
1 year ago
10 / 10
Não justifica pagar 3x por um iPhone,se é inferior
Fabio
1 year ago
10 / 10
Não justifica pagar 3x mais por um iPhone12, se tecnicamente é inferior ao GalaxyS21. A não ser para mostrar um padrão social. O marketing da Apple é muito forte, se transforma em "desejo", mas tecnicamente os números mostram que o S21 é um excelente aparelho, com câmeras muito superiores, bateria e processadores superiores e na medida certa. São 2 aparelhos muito bons. Quer comprar o melhor, use a razão e compre o GalaxyS21. Quer mostrar um "padrão social", use a emoção, gaste 3x mais e compre um iPhone.
Maitham
11 months ago
10 / 10
This phone makes my life easier.
Maitham
11 months ago
10 / 10
This phone made my life easier. Since I was moving from the samsung galaxy s7 edge to the samsung galaxy s21 is amazing. The display is 1440p, which is perfect. It has a 3880 mah battery, which is pretty decent. 3 cameras for all types of shooting and many more. From a gaming experience I can tell you, it has never been better, it is quick and responsive as I multitasking on it. So I highly recommend it. The only problem you might face is finding a case. I recommend ringke (search it) and they have nice cases for good prices.
Pros
Cons
Eddy
11 months ago
10 / 10
Un Digno Representante de un Gama Alta
Eddy
11 months ago
10 / 10
Teléfono Completo en todo los aspectos, Sonido, Pantalla, Batería y Sistema Operativo, Excelente la Experiencia la que se obtiene en el uso diario
Pros
Cons