Samsung Galaxy S21 5G: Everything You Need to Know

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The Samsung Galaxy S21 5G is a powerhouse of a phone, and for good reason. It's powered by a large 4500mAh battery, which is sure to get you through even the longest of days.

One of the standout features of the S21 5G is its impressive display. With a Dynamic AMOLED 2X screen, you can expect vibrant colors and crisp text. The screen also boasts a 120Hz refresh rate, making it perfect for gaming and watching videos.

The S21 5G also boasts an impressive camera system, with a 50MP primary sensor, 12MP front camera, and support for 8K video recording. This means you can capture stunning photos and videos with ease.

On a similar theme: Samsung Galaxy Camera 2

Design and Display

The Samsung Galaxy S21 series boasts an impressive design and display. The Galaxy S21 series features an Infinity-O display with a circular cutout in the top center for the front selfie camera, similar to its predecessor.

The display is made of Dynamic AMOLED 2X, which supports HDR10+ and dynamic tone mapping technology, resulting in an eye-opening experience with incredibly vivid and smooth visuals. This display is also incredibly bright, with a peak brightness of up to 1300 nits.

Credit: youtube.com, Samsung Galaxy S21 - The Perfect Design?

The S21 series offers a range of display sizes and resolutions, from 6.2 inches to 6.8 inches, with resolutions ranging from 1080p to 1440p. The refresh rate varies across models, with some supporting up to 120Hz and others up to 48Hz or 10Hz.

Here's a breakdown of the display specs for each model:

The adaptive 120Hz display on the Galaxy S21 series makes scrolling feel faster and silky smooth, while also being easy on the eyes, according to Samsung.

Dynamic AMOLED 2X

The Dynamic AMOLED 2X display is a game-changer for mobile viewing experiences. This technology supports HDR10+ and dynamic tone mapping, ensuring vivid colors and a smooth picture quality.

You'll be amazed by the peak brightness of up to 1300 nits, which significantly improves contrast between light and dark areas of digital content. This results in a more immersive viewing experience.

The Dynamic AMOLED 2X display is not just limited to the Galaxy S21 series, but it's also certified by VDE Germany for 100 percent Mobile Color Volume in the DCI-P3 color range. This means your images won't be washed out, and you'll get unbelievably vivid colors regardless of differing levels of brightness.

Credit: youtube.com, Super AMOLED vs OLED vs Flow OLED vs Dynamic AMOLED 2X - Display Test!

One of the standout features of the Dynamic AMOLED 2X display is its ability to achieve a 2,000,000:1 contrast ratio, making it perfect for watching videos or browsing through your gallery.

Here's a quick rundown of the display specs for the Galaxy S21 series:

The Dynamic AMOLED 2X display is a significant upgrade over its predecessor, allowing for 120Hz at 1440p, making it perfect for gaming and video streaming.

Design

The Galaxy S21 series has a design similar to its predecessor, with an Infinity-O display containing a circular cutout in the top center for the front selfie camera.

The back panel of the S21 and S21 FE is made of reinforced poly-carbonate, a type of plastic, similar to the S20 FE and Note 20.

The S21+ and S21 Ultra use Gorilla Glass Victus for their back panel, providing added protection and durability.

The rear camera array has been integrated into the phone body on most models, but the S21 FE has a metallic surround instead, giving it a slightly different look.

The S21 Ultra stands out with a carbon fiber camera surround, available in exclusive colors that make it truly unique.

A different take: Sony Xperia XA Ultra

Ultra

Samsung smartphone placed on a wooden surface outdoors during sunset.
Credit: pexels.com, Samsung smartphone placed on a wooden surface outdoors during sunset.

The Ultra model of the Galaxy S21 series is a real showstopper. It's the high-end model of the S21 series, designed for professionals and those who want the best.

The S21 Ultra is the first S series phone to have S Pen support, although it's limited in functionality. This feature allows users to take notes and draw with precision.

One of the standout features of the S21 Ultra is its display. The adaptive 120Hz display makes scrolling feel faster and silky smooth. It's also easy on the eyes, whether you're using it outside, inside, or at night.

The S21 Ultra has a sleek design, with a slimmer camera module that's incorporated with the buttons. This gives it a uniform appearance that's both modern and stylish.

Here's a quick comparison of the S21 Ultra with the other models in the series:

The S21 Ultra is a powerful device that's perfect for those who want the best. With its impressive display and sleek design, it's a great choice for anyone looking for a top-of-the-line smartphone.

Performance and Battery

Credit: youtube.com, How is the S21 Battery Performance One Year Later?

The Samsung Galaxy S21 series has some impressive battery life, with the Galaxy S21 FE 5G lasting up to 79 hours of audio playback and 37 hours of talk time.

All four models in the series have non-removable batteries with varying capacities: 4000 mAh, 4500 mAh, 4800 mAh, and 5000 mAh for the S21, S21 FE, S21+, and S21 Ultra respectively.

You can expect to get through the day and into the night with an all-day battery that adapts to your usage patterns, although actual battery life may vary depending on your specific usage habits.

On a similar theme: S22 Fe

6.7

The display on the Galaxy S21 Plus 5G is a standout feature, with a 6.7-inch screen that's perfect for watching videos or browsing the web on the go.

This display is also super smooth, thanks to its 120Hz refresh rate, making it feel silky to the touch and reducing eye strain when scrolling through long lists or watching movies.

The display is also a great size for gaming, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in your favorite games without worrying about the screen feeling cramped.

All-Day Battery

A sleek Samsung smartphone placed on a wooden surface, capturing modern elegance.
Credit: pexels.com, A sleek Samsung smartphone placed on a wooden surface, capturing modern elegance.

The Galaxy S21 series has some impressive battery life. The Galaxy S21 FE 5G's audio playback time is up to 79 hours.

You can expect to get a long day's use from your phone, and then some. The Galaxy S21+ 5G's audio playback time is up to 75 hours.

The batteries in these phones are also pretty powerful, with capacities ranging from 4000 mAh to 5000 mAh. The S21 Ultra has the largest battery, at 5000 mAh.

All four models support fast charging, with a maximum power delivery of 25W. You can also use Wireless PowerShare to charge other Qi-compatible devices from your phone's battery.

The battery life is also adaptable, intuitively adjusting to your usage patterns.

Readers also liked: Samsung Galaxy Phone Battery

Chipsets (SoC)

The Samsung S21 line has different chipsets depending on the region, with the Exynos 2100 used in international and Korean models, and the Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 used in U.S., Canadian, Chinese, Taiwanese, Hong Kong, and Japanese models.

Credit: youtube.com, Mobile processor explained | Phone buying guide

The choice of chipset affects the performance and efficiency of the device, with the Snapdragon 888 generally considered to be more powerful than the Exynos 2100.

The U.S., Canadian, Chinese, and international (European) models of the S21 FE also use the Snapdragon 888, which is a significant factor in their performance capabilities.

This variation in chipsets can impact the overall user experience, with some users reporting better performance with the Snapdragon 888 and others finding the Exynos 2100 to be sufficient for their needs.

For another approach, see: Sony Xperia X Performance

Camera and Features

The Samsung Galaxy S21 has a powerful camera system that's designed to capture life's moments with ease. With Single Take mode, you can record a video and the camera will automatically capture multiple formats, including video clips, stills, and boomerangs.

The S21 series can record high-quality videos, including 8K@24fps, 4K@30/60fps, and 1080p@30/60/240fps. The 720p@960fps mode is also available, but on the S21 Ultra, it's actually 480fps that's interpolated to 960fps.

Check this out: Samsung Galaxy Camera

Credit: youtube.com, Samsung Galaxy S21: Camera functions explained

One of the standout features of the S21's camera is its ability to capture 12-bit HDR with the HM3 108 MP sensor. This means you'll get more detailed and nuanced images, especially in bright or low-light conditions.

The camera setup on the S21 series is quite impressive, with a 12 MP wide sensor, a 64 MP telephoto sensor with 3x hybrid zoom, and a 12 MP ultrawide sensor. The S21 Ultra takes it up a notch with two 10 MP telephoto sensors and a 40 MP front-facing camera.

Here's a quick rundown of the camera specs for each model:

The S21 series also supports HDR10+ video and HEIF, which means you can capture and share high-quality images and videos with ease.

Storage and Connectivity

The Samsung Galaxy S21 series offers a range of storage options to suit different needs. The Galaxy S21 and S21+ come with 8GB of RAM and 128GB or 256GB of internal storage, while the S21 Ultra has 12GB of RAM and 128GB, 256GB, or 512GB of storage. All four models lack a microSD card slot.

Credit: youtube.com, Galaxy S21/Ultra/Plus: How to Enable/Disable Cloud or Network Storage

The S21 FE stands out with its 6GB and 8GB RAM options, paired with 128GB or 256GB of storage. If you're planning to store a lot of photos or videos, the 512GB option on the S21 Ultra might be the way to go.

Here's a quick rundown of the storage options across the S21 series:

In terms of connectivity, all four phones support 5G SA/NSA networks. The Galaxy S21, S21+, and S21 FE also support Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.0, making them great for streaming and connecting to devices on the go.

Storage

The storage options on the Galaxy S21 series are quite varied. The S21 and S21+ offer 8 GB of RAM with 128 GB and 256 GB options for internal storage.

You can choose between two storage options for the S21 and S21+: 128 GB or 256 GB. The S21 Ultra takes it to the next level with 12 GB of RAM and storage options of 128 GB, 256 GB, and 512 GB.

Close-up of a Samsung phone surrounded by transparent cases on a purple surface, showcasing modern technology.
Credit: pexels.com, Close-up of a Samsung phone surrounded by transparent cases on a purple surface, showcasing modern technology.

The S21 Ultra's 16 GB option comes with a whopping 512 GB of internal storage. This is perfect for storing a large collection of photos, videos, and apps.

The S21 FE offers 6 GB and 8 GB of RAM with 128 GB and 256 GB options for internal storage. This makes it a great option for those who want a balance between performance and storage capacity.

Here's a quick rundown of the storage options for each model:

All four models lack a microSD card slot, which means you'll need to choose your storage capacity wisely when buying your phone.

Connectivity

When it comes to connectivity, the Samsung Galaxy series has got you covered. All four phones support 5G SA/NSA networks, which means you can enjoy fast speeds and low latency on the go.

The Galaxy S21, S21+, and S21 FE support Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.0, making it easy to stay connected at home or in the office. This is especially useful for streaming your favorite shows or playing online games.

Detailed close-up shot of a sleek Samsung smartphone highlighting its advanced camera lenses.
Credit: pexels.com, Detailed close-up shot of a sleek Samsung smartphone highlighting its advanced camera lenses.

The Galaxy S21 Ultra takes connectivity to the next level with Wi-Fi 6E, which provides even faster speeds and lower latency. It also supports Bluetooth 5.2, giving you a more stable and reliable connection.

The S21+ and S21 Ultra models also support Ultra Wideband (UWB) for short-range communications, similar to NFC. This technology is used for Samsung's new "SmartThings Find" feature and the Samsung Galaxy SmartTag+.

Discover more: Sony Xperia C5 Ultra

Software and Cameras

The Samsung Galaxy S21 has a robust software and camera system. The phone was released with Android 11 (One UI 3.1) and Google Mobile Services, with Samsung's One UI software.

The S21 series can record HDR10+ video and support HEIF. This means you can capture high-quality videos with a wider range of colors and details.

One of the standout features of the S21's camera system is its ability to record 8K@24fps video, although this feature is not available on the FE model. The phone also supports 4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60/240fps, and 720p@960fps video recording.

Broaden your view: Samsung Galaxy A6 / A6+

Credit: youtube.com, Samsung S21/S21 Ultra- Software Update - Camera - Detail enhancer compatibility

The S21 series has a range of cameras, including a 12 MP wide sensor, a 64 MP telephoto sensor with 3x hybrid zoom, and a 12 MP ultrawide sensor. The S21 Ultra has an additional 10 MP telephoto sensor with 10x optical zoom.

The front-facing camera on the S21 series varies by model, with the S21 and S21+ using a 10 MP sensor, the S21 FE using a 32 MP sensor, and the S21 Ultra using a 40 MP sensor. All cameras are Samsung except for the 12MP Ultra Wide on the S21 Ultra and 10MP front on the S21 and S21+, which are both made by Sony, and the 8MP Telephoto on the S21 FE which is made by SK Hynix.

The S21 series also has a feature called Scene Optimizer, which uses artificial intelligence to identify the Moon and add details that the camera is not capable of capturing. However, Samsung disputes this, claiming that they have an AI enhancement algorithm that adds detail to the moon photos.

Here's a summary of the camera specs for each S21 model:

5G and Reception

Credit: youtube.com, Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra Turn Off 5G & Switch To 4G LTE Works On Verizon,at&t ,T-mobile Usa Networks

The Samsung Galaxy S21 is a powerhouse of a phone, and one of its standout features is its 5G capabilities. This means you can enjoy super-fast internet speeds, perfect for streaming your favorite shows or downloading apps in seconds.

The S21's 5G speed is demonstrated in a scene where a woman is watching TV and downloading another episode at the same time, showing just how quickly the phone can handle multiple tasks.

The phone's reception is also top-notch, with reviewers praising its punchy display and fast performance. In fact, The Verge's review noted that the S21 Ultra's camera system is one of the best you can get on Android.

Here are some key features of the S21's reception:

  • Punchy display for clear visuals
  • Fast performance for seamless multitasking
  • Long-lasting battery life for all-day use
  • Improved camera system with multiple rear cameras
  • 8K video recording capabilities

Some reviewers have noted that the phone's glass back is slightly more susceptible to minor scratches, but overall, the S21's reception is hard to beat.

Product Information

The Samsung Galaxy S21 is a feature-packed smartphone that's sure to impress.

Credit: youtube.com, Samsung Galaxy S21, Review of What We Know!

It's available in three different models: the S21, S21+, and S21 Ultra, each with its own unique set of features.

The S21 model has a 6.2-inch Dynamic AMOLED display, while the S21+ has a slightly larger 6.7-inch screen.

The S21 Ultra boasts the largest screen of the three, measuring 6.8 inches.

The phone's processor is powered by a 5nm 64-bit octa-core processor, which provides fast performance and efficient battery life.

In terms of storage, the S21 comes with 128GB or 256GB of internal storage, while the S21+ offers 128GB, 256GB, or 512GB of storage.

The S21 Ultra takes it up a notch with up to 1TB of internal storage.

The phone's camera system is also worth noting, with a 50MP primary sensor, a 12MP front camera, and support for 8K video recording.

On a similar theme: Sony Xperia Z Ultra

Comparison and Conclusion

The Samsung Galaxy S21 is a solid choice for anyone looking for a high-end smartphone. It offers a 6.2-inch Dynamic AMOLED display, which is a significant upgrade over the S20's 6.1-inch display.

Credit: youtube.com, Galaxy S21 Camera Conclusion: Where does it win?

In terms of performance, the S21 is powered by a large 4500mAh battery, which provides a full day's worth of use. This is especially useful for heavy users who need their phone to last all day.

One notable feature of the S21 is its camera system, which includes a 50MP primary sensor, a 12MP front camera, and support for 8K video recording. This makes it an excellent choice for photography enthusiasts.

The S21 also supports 5G connectivity, which provides faster data speeds and lower latency compared to 4G networks. This is a significant advantage for users who rely on their phone for work or streaming.

Overall, the Samsung Galaxy S21 is a well-rounded device that offers a great balance of performance, camera quality, and battery life.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Samsung S21 being discontinued?

The Samsung S21 series was discontinued after the Galaxy S22 series release. Discontinued sales occurred on 29 January 2021.

How much does a Samsung S21 cost?

The Samsung S21 costs between R7 000 - R9 000 in South Africa. Check our pricing guide for the latest information and deals.

Lamar Smitham

Writer

Lamar Smitham is a seasoned writer with a passion for crafting informative and engaging content. With a keen eye for detail and a knack for simplifying complex topics, Lamar has established himself as a trusted voice in the industry. Lamar's areas of expertise include Microsoft Licensing, where he has written in-depth articles that provide valuable insights for businesses and individuals alike.

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