Samsung Galaxy S21 5G (8GB + 128GB) review. Compare 197 technical specifications and user reviews to see how it ranks among smartphones and if it's worth buying.
Overall score
What it is: An overall evaluation of the smartphone's quality, based on technical analyses and user reviews.
When it matters: When you need a quick reference to identify the best smartphones on the market.
Score components:
90.0%
Technical Score
10.0%
User score
Technical Score
What it is: An assessment of the smartphone's technical performance, covering eight key areas: performance & hardware, software, camera, connectivity, display, battery, audio, and design.
When it matters: When you want to compare smartphones based on technical performance and available features.
Score components:
25.0%
Performance & Hardware
18.0%
Camera
15.0%
Display
15.0%
Battery
10.0%
Software
10.0%
Connectivity
4.0%
Audio
3.0%
Design
User score
What it is: A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the smartphone
When it matters: When you want to know how a smartphone handles daily tasks and how reliable it remains over time according to user feedback.
Score components:
70.0%
User reviews
30.0%
Popularity
Available: ranking among products currently available (including other versions of this product).
All: ranking among all products in the database.
#18 in Best 6-Inch Smartphones
#32 in Best Smartphones Under £250
#39 in Best Samsung Phones
#68 in Best Smartphones Under £300
#129 in Best Value Smartphones
#133 in Best Smartphones Under £400
#167 in Best Smartphones Under £500
#283 in Best Android Smartphones
#297 in Best NFC Smartphones
#307 in Best 5G Smartphones
#311 in Best AI Smartphones
#312 in Best Smartphones
#1052 in Best Battery Life Smartphones
What it is: An assessment of the smartphone's technical performance, covering eight key areas: performance & hardware, software, camera, connectivity, display, battery, audio, and design.
When it matters: When you want to compare smartphones based on technical performance and available features.
Score components:
25.0%
Performance & Hardware
18.0%
Camera
15.0%
Display
15.0%
Battery
10.0%
Software
10.0%
Connectivity
4.0%
Audio
3.0%
Design
What it is: A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the smartphone
When it matters: When you want to know how a smartphone handles daily tasks and how reliable it remains over time according to user feedback.
Score components:
70.0%
User reviews
30.0%
Popularity
What it is: An indicator that combines the smartphone's overall rating with its cost.
When it matters: When you are looking for a smartphone with a good balance between quality and price.
Score components:
60.0%
Overall score
40.0%
Price
Importance: MEDIUM
Importance: HIGH
Importance: HIGH
Good value: >12 GB
Importance: HIGH
Good value: >256 GB
Importance: MEDIUM
Good value: >3.2 GHz
Importance: MEDIUM
Importance: HIGH
Good value: >1500
Importance: MEDIUM
Good value: >4000
Importance: MEDIUM
Good value: 8+
Importance: MEDIUM
Importance: MEDIUM
Good value: >950 MHz
Importance: MEDIUM
Good value: >700
Importance: MEDIUM
Good value: >1000
Importance: MEDIUM
Good value: >2500
Importance: MEDIUM
Good value: >6000
Importance: MEDIUM
Good value: >8000
Importance: HIGH
Good value: >12000
Importance: MEDIUM
Good value: >5000
Importance: MEDIUM
Good value: >1800
Importance: MEDIUM
Good value: >3200 MHz
Importance: MEDIUM
Good value: 5
Importance: MEDIUM
Good value: > 50 GB/s
Importance: LOW
Good value: 4
Importance: MEDIUM
Good value: >16 GB
Importance: HIGH
Good value: <6 nm
Importance: MEDIUM
Good value: >9 W
Importance: MEDIUM
Importance: LOW
Good value: >8192 KB
Importance: LOW
Good value: >2048 KB
Importance: LOW
Good value: >512 KB
Importance: MEDIUM
Good value: >100000 million
Importance: LOW
Good value: 3.3
Importance: LOW
Good value: 3.2
Importance: LOW
Good value: 2.0/3.0
Importance: LOW
Importance: MEDIUM
Importance: LOW
Importance: HIGH
Importance: LOW
Importance: HIGH
Importance: LOW
Importance: LOW
Importance: LOW
Importance: LOW
Importance: LOW
Importance: MEDIUM
Importance: LOW
Importance: LOW
Importance: LOW
Importance: LOW
Importance: LOW
Importance: MEDIUM
Importance: MEDIUM
Importance: MEDIUM
Importance: MEDIUM
Importance: MEDIUM
Importance: LOW
Importance: LOW
Importance: MEDIUM
Importance: MEDIUM
Importance: MEDIUM
Importance: MEDIUM
Importance: LOW
Importance: LOW
Importance: LOW
Importance: LOW
Importance: LOW
Importance: LOW
Importance: LOW
Importance: LOW
Importance: MEDIUM
Importance: HIGH
Good value: >50 MP
Importance: HIGH
Importance: HIGH
Good value: >60
Importance: MEDIUM
Good value: ≥1.2 µm
Importance: HIGH
Good value: >2.5x
Importance: HIGH
Importance: LOW
Importance: LOW
Importance: LOW
Importance: LOW
Good value: ≥2
Importance: LOW
Importance: LOW
Importance: HIGH
Importance: HIGH
Good value: >16 MP
Importance: MEDIUM
Importance: LOW
Importance: LOW
Importance: LOW
Importance: MEDIUM
Importance: MEDIUM
Importance: LOW
Importance: LOW
Importance: LOW
Importance: MEDIUM
Importance: LOW
Importance: MEDIUM
Importance: MEDIUM
Importance: MEDIUM
Importance: LOW
Importance: LOW
Importance: LOW
Importance: LOW
Importance: MEDIUM
Importance: LOW
Importance: LOW
Importance: LOW
Importance: LOW
Importance: LOW
Importance: LOW
Importance: MEDIUM
Good value: >130
Importance: MEDIUM
Good value: >120
Importance: MEDIUM
Good value: ≥2
Importance: LOW
Importance: MEDIUM
Importance: HIGH
Importance: HIGH
Importance: MEDIUM
Importance: LOW
Good value: >5.2
Importance: MEDIUM
Importance: LOW
Importance: MEDIUM
Importance: LOW
Good value: 3.1/3.2
Importance: LOW
Importance: LOW
Importance: LOW
Good value: ≥2
Importance: LOW
Importance: MEDIUM
Importance: LOW
Importance: HIGH
Importance: LOW
Importance: LOW
Importance: LOW
Importance: LOW
Importance: LOW
Importance: LOW
Importance: LOW
Importance: LOW
Importance: LOW
Importance: LOW
Importance: LOW
Importance: MEDIUM
Good value: ≥6.6 inches
Importance: HIGH
Importance: HIGH
Good value: >400 ppi
Importance: HIGH
Importance: HIGH
Good value: ≥120 Hz
Importance: HIGH
Importance: MEDIUM
Good value: >300 Hz
Importance: MEDIUM
Good value: >800 nits
Importance: MEDIUM
Good value: >1300 nits
Importance: MEDIUM
Good value: >1000 nits
Importance: MEDIUM
Importance: MEDIUM
Importance: LOW
Importance: LOW
Importance: MEDIUM
Importance: LOW
Importance: LOW
Importance: HIGH
Importance: HIGH
Good value: >5000 mAh
Importance: HIGH
Good value: >60 W
Importance: MEDIUM
Importance: MEDIUM
Good value: <45 min
Importance: MEDIUM
Importance: LOW
Good value: >40 W
Importance: LOW
Importance: LOW
Good value: >10 W
Importance: LOW
Importance: HIGH
Importance: MEDIUM
Importance: MEDIUM
Good value: >800
Importance: LOW
Importance: LOW
Importance: MEDIUM
Importance: LOW
Importance: MEDIUM
Good value: ≥3
Importance: LOW
Importance: LOW
Importance: MEDIUM
Importance: LOW
Importance: MEDIUM
Importance: LOW
Importance: LOW
Good value: <162 mm
Importance: LOW
Good value: <75 mm
Importance: LOW
Good value: <8 mm
Importance: MEDIUM
Good value: <190 g
Importance: LOW
Good value: <98cm³
Importance: LOW
Importance: LOW
Importance: LOW
Importance: LOW
Importance: MEDIUM
Importance: LOW
Good value: ≥1.5 m
Importance: LOW
Importance: MEDIUM
Good value: >8
Importance: LOW
Importance: LOW
Importance: HIGH
Importance: MEDIUM
Importance: MEDIUM
Importance: LOW
Importance: MEDIUM
Good value: 5
Importance: MEDIUM
Importance: MEDIUM
Good value: ≥3
Importance: MEDIUM
Importance: HIGH
Good value: >256 GB
Importance: HIGH
Good value: >5000 mAh
Importance: MEDIUM
Good value: ≥6.6 inches
Importance: LOW
Importance: LOW
Importance: MEDIUM
Importance: MEDIUM
Importance: LOW
The TechRadar review describes the Samsung Galaxy S21 as a "value flagship" making compromises for a lower price, offering powerful performance and a versatile triple-lens camera despite not being the series' best model. Praised for its vibrant 120Hz display and improved fingerprint scanner, the phone includes new camera modes like Director’s View but lacks a microSD slot, a charger...Read more
HotHardware's review describes the Samsung Galaxy S21 5G as a high-value flagship phone offering a balance of premium features at a lower $699 price point. While its Snapdragon 888 platform provides top performance, a noted con is thermal throttling during heavy use; other drawbacks include a 1080p display (down from previous models) and "softer" battery life under strenuous...Read more
The Samsung Galaxy S21 5G, as reviewed by Moor Insights & Strategy, is described as a well-rounded flagship phone that successfully balances performance with a more accessible price point compared to earlier models. Key strengths include the integration of the powerful Snapdragon 888 chipset, a high-quality 6.2-inch 120Hz adaptive refresh rate display, a versatile triple-lens camera...Read more
Pocketnow's review describes the Samsung Galaxy S21 as a "real Fan Edition" balancing flagship power with hardware compromises for value, featuring a flat 6.2-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display with an adaptive 120Hz refresh rate despite a downgraded FHD+ resolution. The device, powered by the Snapdragon 888 or Exynos 2100, handles tasks well but can heat up, while its camera system...Read more
CNET describes the Samsung Galaxy S21 as a "no-brainer" upgrade due to its lower price point and refined design. While featuring a high-end Snapdragon 888 chip, a 120Hz AMOLED display, and enhanced camera software, it omits a microSD slot, charger, and headphones, and includes less RAM than its predecessor. The review notes that despite these trade-offs, the S21 successfully makes...Read more
The Samsung Galaxy S21 5G is a high-performing, durable smartphone with an Excellent-rated 6.2-inch AMOLED display and a fast Snapdragon 888 processor. Its camera system is highly rated for color accuracy and sharpness, featuring "Director’s View" for simultaneous, multi-lens recording. However, the device lacks premium features found in the Ultra model, such as S Pen support and...Read more
The DXOMARK review of the Samsung Galaxy S21 5G (Snapdragon) notes its balanced power management but limited battery endurance, typically providing 1.5 to 2 days of use. While offering excellent power efficiency during discharge and standby with minimal drain, it suffers from slow charging speeds and high consumption during intensive tasks like 5G streaming and gaming.
In his Forbes review, Patrick Moorhead describes the Samsung Galaxy S21 5G as a significant "step forward" that refines the flagship experience while lowering the entry price by roughly $200. The device features a practical, flat 6.2-inch FHD+ display, a sleek "Contour Cut" camera design, and a 120Hz adaptive refresh rate as key pros. Performance is driven by 5nm processors, and the...Read more
The IGN review characterizes the Samsung Galaxy S21 as a refined, more affordable "second Fan Edition" rather than a groundbreaking flagship. Pros include a compact design with a "contour-cut" camera housing, alongside a variable 48-120Hz display that maintains smooth visuals. Performance is described as perfectly snappy for daily use and gaming, with a 4,000mAh battery lasting a...Read more
The ITPro review highlights the Samsung Galaxy S21 5G as a robust, high-quality flagship featuring a 6.2-inch Dynamic AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate and a 64MP telephoto lens, offering a "submerging" user experience. Key pros include the versatile "Director’s View" camera feature and a durable, grippy design, although the matte plastic back feels less premium to some...Read more
The Samsung Galaxy S21 is described as a "small" 6.2-inch flagship featuring a comfortable, hand-friendly design, a durable plastic back, and a vibrant 120Hz AMOLED display. While the Snapdragon 888 processor delivers top-tier performance, a significant downside is its inconsistent battery life, lasting over 10 hours on Wi-Fi but draining faster on 5G, combined with the removal of...Read more
The T3 review highlights the Samsung Galaxy S21 5G as an accessible, well-rounded flagship that balances high-tier performance with a practical design, despite using a plastic "Glasstic" rear and lacking the premium feel of previous models. Key strengths include a vibrant 120Hz display, powerful processor, and versatile camera features like Director's View, making it a strong...Read more
The TechRadar review describes the Samsung Galaxy S21 as a "value flagship" making compromises for a lower price, offering powerful performance and a versatile triple-lens camera despite not being the series' best model. Praised for its vibrant 120Hz display and improved fingerprint scanner, the phone includes new camera modes like Director’s View but lacks a microSD slot, a charger...Read more
HotHardware's review describes the Samsung Galaxy S21 5G as a high-value flagship phone offering a balance of premium features at a lower $699 price point. While its Snapdragon 888 platform provides top performance, a noted con is thermal throttling during heavy use; other drawbacks include a 1080p display (down from previous models) and "softer" battery life under strenuous...Read more
The Bluewin review characterizes the Samsung Galaxy S21 series as an evolution rather than a revolution, highlighting a bold, durable design with a wraparound metal camera bump. Key pros include the vivid 120Hz adaptive display, the powerful Snapdragon 888 processor ensuring smooth performance, and new camera features like Director's View. Conversely, notable cons stem from...Read more
The Samsung Galaxy S21, reviewed by Phonandroid, prioritizes affordability and ergonomics over raw technical specs, featuring a compact design with a flat 6.2-inch display and a durable, if less premium, polycarbonate back. While performance is fluid due to the 120Hz display and advanced chipset, a significant downside is the reduction in screen resolution to 1080p, which may...Read more
The Labo Fnac test of the Samsung Galaxy S21 5G highlights a compact, ergonomic design featuring a vibrant 6.2-inch 120Hz display with high peak brightness. While the "Glasstic" back enhances durability, the reduction to 1080p resolution and the exclusion of a microSD slot or charger are notable downsides. Performance is strong, driven by the Exynos 2100 which handles demanding...Read more
The 01net review characterizes the Samsung Galaxy S21 as a high-end, compact 6.2-inch smartphone that offers excellent ergonomics, a lightweight, "Glasstic" design, and a distinct "Contour Cut" camera housing. Performance is driven by the efficient Exynos 2100 processor, delivering smooth, 120Hz AMOLED, full-HD+ display capabilities with significantly improved, software-enhanced,...Read more
The Bouygues Telecom review of the Samsung Galaxy S21 highlights a refined design with a 6.2-inch flat display, featuring durable Gorilla Glass Victus and a practical polycarbonate back, supported by a fast, improved ultrasonic fingerprint sensor. The device features a 120Hz adaptive AMOLED screen with excellent brightness and color accuracy, while the Exynos 2100 processor delivers...Read more
The Samsung Galaxy S21 features a 6.2-inch 120Hz AMOLED display and a durable, lighter polycarbonate back, offering a high-quality feel despite the shift from glass. While the screen boasts excellent brightness, it is limited to Full HD+ resolution, a reduction from previous, more expensive models. Performance is driven by the Exynos 2100 chipset, delivering a responsive experience...Read more
The Samsung Galaxy S21, as reviewed by Frandroid, is a well-balanced flagship featuring a, lightweight design with a "Contour Cut" camera housing and a durable polycarbonate back. The 6.2-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display is highly praised for its brightness and 120Hz adaptive refresh rate, though it is limited to a 1080p resolution. Powered by the Exynos 2100 in Europe, the device...Read more
The Le Bêta-Testeur review describes the Samsung Galaxy S21 as a refined, value-focused flagship featuring a distinct "contour-cut" design and a 120Hz adaptive display, balancing premium features with a, now plastic, build. While performance is top-tier with the Snapdragon 888 and the camera system offers versatile features like Director's View, the hardware is largely recycled from...Read more
The Le Monde Informatique review characterizes the Samsung Galaxy S21 as a device with "perfectly mastered compromises," balancing high-end features with a more aggressive price point. Key concessions include a transition to a polycarbonate back and a flat Full HD+ display, which, however, do not significantly hinder the daily experience. The smartphone is lauded for its compact,...Read more
The Samsung Galaxy S21 is a compact, high-end smartphone featuring a 6.2-inch 120Hz Dynamic AMOLED 2X display that is both highly calibrated and ergonomically designed. It boasts top-tier performance powered by the Exynos 2100 chip, offering a robust 12MP main camera and IP68 water resistance. However, the device is limited by its sub-par battery life, the lack of a charger in the...Read more
According to the NextPit review, the Samsung Galaxy S21 stands out as a compact, lightweight flagship featuring a premium-feeling polycarbonate design and the powerful Exynos 2100 chipset. The 6.2-inch 120Hz Dynamic AMOLED display offers a fluid experience, although the camera system represents only an incremental, rather than groundbreaking, improvement. Notable drawbacks include...Read more
The Samsung Galaxy S21, reviewed by Phonandroid, prioritizes affordability and ergonomics over raw technical specs, featuring a compact design with a flat 6.2-inch display and a durable, if less premium, polycarbonate back. While performance is fluid due to the 120Hz display and advanced chipset, a significant downside is the reduction in screen resolution to 1080p, which may...Read more
The Labo Fnac test of the Samsung Galaxy S21 5G highlights a compact, ergonomic design featuring a vibrant 6.2-inch 120Hz display with high peak brightness. While the "Glasstic" back enhances durability, the reduction to 1080p resolution and the exclusion of a microSD slot or charger are notable downsides. Performance is strong, driven by the Exynos 2100 which handles demanding...Read more
The Xataka review characterizes the Samsung Galaxy S21 series as a refined, more competitively priced evolution, featuring the Exynos 2100/Snapdragon 888 chip for improved thermal management and performance. Key advantages include the S21 Ultra's 120Hz WQHD+ display, S Pen support, and a more integrated camera design, though significant downsides include the removal of microSD...Read more
The Samsung Galaxy S21 5G is characterized as a balanced, high-performance compact flagship with a fresh, durable design featuring a unique "Phantom Purple" color and a polycarbonate back. It boasts a top-tier 120Hz Dynamic AMOLED 2X display, an improved, faster ultrasonic fingerprint sensor, and powerful, fluid performance for daily tasks. Despite its strengths, the device...Read more
In his review, Andrea Galeazzi defines the Samsung Galaxy S21 as a balanced, compact flagship featuring a 6.2-inch flat 120Hz AMOLED display and a plastic back that feels premium while keeping weight down to 169g. Performance is driven by the efficient Exynos 2100 processor, offering high-speed operation and significantly better thermal management than its predecessor, alongside...Read more
The Samsung Galaxy S21, a refined evolution of its predecessor, features a "Glasstic" matte finish and a "Contour Cut" camera module, balancing high-end specs with a more accessible price point. While the display resolution is lowered to FHD+, the 120Hz adaptive refresh rate and 1,300 nits peak brightness deliver a top-tier visual experience. Powered by the Exynos 2100, the device...Read more
The iGizmo.it review defines the Samsung Galaxy S21 5G as a compact, high-performance device featuring an efficient Exynos 2100 processor and a 6.2-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display with a 120Hz refresh rate. The camera system is lauded for its 8K video capability and refined One UI 3.1 software, while the ergonomic, lightweight, and matte finish design is considered a major pro....Read more
The Samsung Galaxy S21 5G is reviewed as a "complete but not perfect" device, prioritizing compact, 6.2-inch ergonomics and a vibrant 120Hz AMOLED display over top-tier specs. Powered by the Exynos 2100 in Europe, the phone offers snappy performance, improved thermal management, and a versatile triple-camera system featuring enhanced Night Mode and Director’s View for creators....Read more
The Samsung Galaxy S21, as reviewed by SmartWorld, is highlighted as a compact, ergonomic, and lightweight Android flagship, featuring a 6.2-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display with an adaptive 120Hz refresh rate. While praising its performance, the review notes a controversial shift to a polycarbonate (plastic) back and a reduction in screen resolution to FullHD+. The device features an...Read more
The Samsung Galaxy S21 5G is characterized as a balanced, high-performance compact flagship with a fresh, durable design featuring a unique "Phantom Purple" color and a polycarbonate back. It boasts a top-tier 120Hz Dynamic AMOLED 2X display, an improved, faster ultrasonic fingerprint sensor, and powerful, fluid performance for daily tasks. Despite its strengths, the device...Read more
In his review, Andrea Galeazzi defines the Samsung Galaxy S21 as a balanced, compact flagship featuring a 6.2-inch flat 120Hz AMOLED display and a plastic back that feels premium while keeping weight down to 169g. Performance is driven by the efficient Exynos 2100 processor, offering high-speed operation and significantly better thermal management than its predecessor, alongside...Read more
The Techzine review positions the Samsung Galaxy S21 as a refined, high-end smartphone offering a strong balance between premium features and a more accessible price point. Key design elements include a distinctive, waterproof "two-tone" frame and a durable plastic back panel. Performance is driven by the efficient Exynos 2100 processor, while the 6.2-inch 120Hz AMOLED display...Read more
Tweakers reviews of the Samsung Galaxy S21 5G highlight the device as a refined, compact flagship balancing high-end performance with a more accessible price point. Key pros include the fast Exynos 2100/Snapdragon 888 chipset and the vibrant 120Hz AMOLED display. However, the move to a polycarbonate back and the omission of a microSD card slot are considered drawbacks. The camera...Read more
The Android Planet review characterizes the Samsung Galaxy S21 as a "refined entry-level" flagship, balancing performance with strategic hardware choices. Key highlights include a vibrant 6.2-inch AMOLED display with an adaptive 120Hz refresh rate and the powerful Exynos 2100 chipset, which offers significant speed and thermal improvements. While the camera system is bolstered by...Read more
The GalaxyClub.nl review characterizes the Samsung Galaxy S21 as a strategic, competitively priced device featuring a refined 120Hz display, a highly improved, larger in-display fingerprint scanner, and the powerful Exynos 2100 processor. Key pros include its compact, ergonomic design, improved camera software, and a 120Hz display that effectively balances performance with power...Read more
The Techzine review positions the Samsung Galaxy S21 as a refined, high-end smartphone offering a strong balance between premium features and a more accessible price point. Key design elements include a distinctive, waterproof "two-tone" frame and a durable plastic back panel. Performance is driven by the efficient Exynos 2100 processor, while the 6.2-inch 120Hz AMOLED display...Read more
Tweakers reviews of the Samsung Galaxy S21 5G highlight the device as a refined, compact flagship balancing high-end performance with a more accessible price point. Key pros include the fast Exynos 2100/Snapdragon 888 chipset and the vibrant 120Hz AMOLED display. However, the move to a polycarbonate back and the omission of a microSD card slot are considered drawbacks. The camera...Read more
Compare
