As a tech aficionado and smartphone photography enthusiast, I've had the pleasure of putting the Samsung Galaxy S21 through its paces. In this comprehensive review, I'll share my firsthand experience with this flagship device, focusing on its capabilities as a powerhouse for mobile photography and everyday use.
## Introduction
The Samsung Galaxy S21 represents the Korean tech giant's vision for a flagship smartphone in 2021. It's designed to cater to users who demand top-tier performance, exceptional camera capabilities, and 5G connectivity, all wrapped in a sleek, premium package. But does it live up to the hype? Let's dive in and find out.
## Product Overview
The Samsung Galaxy S21 is a feature-packed smartphone that aims to set the standard for flagship devices. Here's a breakdown of its key features and benefits:
1. **Display**: 6.2-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display with 120Hz refresh rate
2. **Processor**: Exynos 2100 (Global) / Snapdragon 888 (USA/China)
3. **RAM and Storage**: 8GB RAM with 128GB/256GB storage options
4. **Camera Setup**:
- Rear: 12MP wide + 12MP ultra-wide + 64MP telephoto
- Front: 10MP selfie camera
5. **Battery**: 4,000mAh with 25W fast charging, 15W wireless charging, and reverse wireless charging
6. **Operating System**: One UI 3.1 based on Android 11
7. **Additional Features**: 5G connectivity, IP68 water and dust resistance, under-display fingerprint sensor
## Pros and Cons
### Pros:
1. **Excellent Camera System**: Versatile triple-camera setup with impressive zoom capabilities
2. **Powerful Performance**: Top-tier processor ensures smooth operation for all tasks
3. **Stunning Display**: 120Hz refresh rate and vibrant colors offer an immersive viewing experience
4. **5G Connectivity**: Future-proof with support for the latest network technology
5. **Sleek Design**: Premium build quality with a distinctive camera bump design
6. **Improved Software**: One UI 3.1 offers a refined and feature-rich user experience
### Cons:
1. **No microSD Slot**: Lack of expandable storage may be a dealbreaker for some users
2. **Plastic Back**: While durable, it might feel less premium compared to glass or metal
3. **Charger Not Included**: Following Apple's lead, Samsung no longer includes a charger in the box
4. **Battery Life**: The 4,000mAh battery might struggle to last a full day with heavy use
5. **Price**: While more affordable than its predecessor, it's still a significant investment
## Features Table
Here's a quick overview of the Galaxy S21's key features with star ratings:
| Feature | Rating |
|---------|--------|
| Display | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Performance | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Camera | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ |
| Battery Life | ⭐⭐⭐☆☆ |
| Build Quality | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ |
| Value for Money | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ |
## Performance Score
To give you a more detailed look at the Galaxy S21's performance, here's a table comparing its scores across various benchmarks with other flagship devices:
| Benchmark | Galaxy S21 | iPhone 12 | OnePlus 9 |
|-----------|------------|-----------|-----------|
| Geekbench 5 (Single-Core) | 1,048 | 1,593 | 1,123 |
| Geekbench 5 (Multi-Core) | 3,302 | 3,859 | 3,618 |
| 3DMark Wild Life | 5,789 | 8,659 | 5,683 |
| GFXBench Aztec Ruins (High) | 30 fps | 60 fps | 35 fps |
| PCMark Work 2.0 | 14,051 | N/A | 11,919 |
These scores indicate that the Galaxy S21 is a top performer, holding its own against other flagship devices. While it may not lead in every category, it offers balanced performance suitable for demanding tasks and high-end gaming.
## Camera Performance
As a photography enthusiast, the camera system is one of the most crucial aspects of any smartphone for me. The Galaxy S21 doesn't disappoint in this department, offering a versatile triple-camera setup that caters to various shooting scenarios.
### Main Camera
The 12MP main sensor captures stunningly detailed images with excellent color reproduction. Samsung's AI-enhanced scene optimization works wonders, automatically adjusting settings to capture the best possible shot in any given situation.
### Ultra-Wide Camera
The 12MP ultra-wide lens offers a 120-degree field of view, perfect for capturing expansive landscapes or large group shots. Distortion is well-controlled, and the color consistency with the main camera is impressive.
### Telephoto Camera
The 64MP telephoto lens is a standout feature, offering 3x hybrid optical zoom and up to 30x digital zoom. While image quality inevitably degrades at higher zoom levels, the results are still impressive for a smartphone camera.
### Night Mode
Low-light performance has seen significant improvements, with the night mode producing bright, detailed images even in challenging lighting conditions. The AI-powered multi-frame processing does an excellent job of reducing noise while preserving details.
### Video Capabilities
The Galaxy S21 shines in video recording, offering 8K video at 24fps and 4K at up to 60fps. The addition of Director's View, which allows you to shoot with multiple cameras simultaneously, is a game-changer for content creators.
### Selfie Camera
The 10MP front-facing camera produces detailed selfies with natural skin tones. Portrait mode works well, with accurate edge detection and pleasing background blur.
Overall, the camera system on the Galaxy S21 is versatile and capable, offering professional-grade features in a pocket-sized device. While it may not always produce the absolute best images in every scenario, its consistency and ease of use make it a top choice for mobile photography enthusiasts.
## Software Experience
The Galaxy S21 runs on One UI 3.1, Samsung's custom Android skin based on Android 11. Over the years, Samsung has refined its software experience, and it shows in this latest iteration.
### User Interface
One UI 3.1 offers a clean, intuitive interface with a focus on one-handed usability. The redesigned widgets and new notification panel are particularly noteworthy improvements.
### Features
Samsung packs in a plethora of features, including:
- Enhanced privacy controls
- Google Discover feed integration
- Improved DeX mode for desktop-like experience
- Bixby voice assistant (which can now be replaced with Google Assistant if preferred)
### Bloatware
While Samsung has reduced pre-installed apps compared to previous years, there's still some bloatware present. However, most of these apps can be disabled or uninstalled.
### Updates
Samsung has committed to providing three years of major Android updates and four years of security updates for the S21 series, which is excellent news for long-term users.
## Battery Life and Charging
The Galaxy S21 is equipped with a 4,000mAh battery, which is the same capacity as its predecessor. In my testing, the phone typically lasted through a full day of moderate to heavy use, though power users might find themselves reaching for a charger by evening.
The adaptive refresh rate helps conserve battery life by automatically adjusting between 48Hz and 120Hz depending on the content displayed.
### Charging Options
- 25W Fast Charging (charger not included)
- 15W Wireless Charging
- Reverse Wireless Charging
While the 25W fast charging isn't the fastest on the market, it's sufficient for most users. A full charge takes about 70 minutes.
The decision to not include a charger in the box is controversial but aligns with industry trends towards reducing electronic waste.
## Buying Guide
If you're considering purchasing the Samsung Galaxy S21, here are some tips to keep in mind:
1. **Storage Options**: With no microSD slot, choose between 128GB and 256GB wisely based on your needs.
2. **Color Choice**: The S21 comes in several attractive colors; pick one that suits your style.
3. **Carrier vs. Unlocked**: Consider whether a carrier-specific model or an unlocked version better suits your needs.
4. **Trade-In Deals**: Samsung often offers generous trade-in values for older devices, which can significantly reduce the cost.
5. **Accessories**: Factor in the cost of a charger and case if you don't already have compatible ones.
6. **Warranty**: Consider whether an extended warranty or protection plan is worth it for your usage.
## Comparison with Competitors
To put the Galaxy S21's offerings into perspective, let's compare it with two popular alternatives in the flagship segment:
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 | iPhone 12 | OnePlus 9 |
|---------|---------------------|-----------|-----------|
| Display | 6.2" Dynamic AMOLED 2X, 120Hz | 6.1" Super Retina XDR OLED, 60Hz | 6.55" Fluid AMOLED, 120Hz |
| Processor | Exynos 2100 / Snapdragon 888 | A14 Bionic | Snapdragon 888 |
| Main Camera | 12MP | 12MP | 48MP |
| Battery | 4,000mAh | 2,815mAh | 4,500mAh |
| Charging | 25W Fast Charging | 20W Fast Charging | 65W Fast Charging |
| Starting Price | $799 | $799 | $729 |
While the iPhone 12 offers superior processing power and the OnePlus 9 boasts faster charging, the Galaxy S21 provides a balanced mix of features, making it a strong contender in the flagship segment.
## FAQs
1. **Q: Does the Galaxy S21 support 5G?**
A: Yes, the Galaxy S21 supports 5G networks, including both sub-6GHz and mmWave in compatible regions.
2. **Q: Is the Galaxy S21 water-resistant?**
A: Yes, the Galaxy S21 has an IP68 rating, meaning it can withstand submersion in up to 1.5 meters of freshwater for up to 30 minutes.
3. **Q: Can I expand the storage on the Galaxy S21?**
A: No, the Galaxy S21 does not have a microSD card slot for expandable storage.
4. **Q: Does the Galaxy S21 come with a charger?**
A: No, Samsung no longer includes a charger in the box. You'll need to use an existing compatible charger or purchase one separately.
5. **Q: Can I use the S Pen with the Galaxy S21?**
A: No, S Pen support is limited to the Galaxy S21 Ultra in this series.
## Conclusion
The Samsung Galaxy S21 represents a refinement of the flagship smartphone concept, offering a powerful, feature-packed device at a slightly more accessible price point than its predecessor. Its strengths lie in its versatile camera system, stunning display, and powerful performance, making it an excellent choice for photography enthusiasts and power users alike.
The camera capabilities, in particular, stand out. Whether you're capturing wide landscapes, zooming in on distant subjects, or shooting in low-light conditions, the Galaxy S21 delivers impressive results. The addition of 8K video recording and features like Director's View push the boundaries of what's possible with mobile videography.
However, it's not without its compromises. The plastic back, while durable, might disappoint those expecting a premium glass feel. The lack of expandable storage and the omission of a charger in the box are also potential downsides to consider.
For photography enthusiasts, the Galaxy S21 offers a powerful tool that can often replace a dedicated camera. Its versatility, combined with Samsung's excellent image processing, allows for creative freedom in a wide range of shooting scenarios.
In conclusion, if you're in the market for a flagship smartphone that excels in photography and overall performance, the Samsung Galaxy S21 should be high on your list. It offers a compelling package that balances cutting-edge features with a more palatable price point compared to ultra-premium models.
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