Samsung Galaxy S21 Plus 5G (8GB + 128GB) Review | 197 Data compared

TechRadar reviewed the Samsung Galaxy S21 Plus as a powerful phone but an "awkward middle child," recommending the standard S21 or the S21 Ultra instead. Pros include a premium matte glass design, a 6.7-inch 120Hz AMOLED display, and strong performance and battery life, while cons include a reduced Full HD+ resolution, no microSD slot, the exclusion of a charger, and largely unchanged camera hardware from its predecessor.

SamMobile’s review describes the Samsung Galaxy S21+ as a refined "middle child" offering a premium, matte Gorilla Glass Victus back and a distinctive "Contour Cut" camera design. The device features a 6.7-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display with an adaptive 120Hz refresh rate, though a noted downgrade is the reduction to FHD+ resolution. Performance is handled by the efficient Exynos 2100/Snapdragon 888, and the shift to a flat screen is lauded for usability. Key pros include the striking design, smooth display, and improved, snappy performance. Conversely, cons feature the lower resolution, removal of the microSD slot, lack of in-box accessories, and mostly stagnant camera hardware compared to the S20+. Despite these, the 4,800mAh battery provides solid, if not exceptional, endurance. Ultimately, the S21+ is positioned as a well-rounded flagship for users prioritizing a large display and modern design without paying for the Ultra model. It is considered a strong, "money well spent" option for those looking to upgrade from older devices. For more details, visit SamMobile. SamMobile

The Samsung Galaxy S21 Plus acts as a premium "sweet spot" in the S21 lineup, featuring a 6.7-inch 120Hz AMOLED display and a redesigned "Contour Cut" camera housing. Key advantages include a durable metal-and-glass construction, a long-lasting 4,800mAh battery, and a significantly improved, faster in-display fingerprint sensor. Despite these strengths, the device is criticized for lacking innovation compared to the S20 Plus, removing the microSD slot and charger, and downgrading the screen to FHD+ resolution.

The DXOMARK review of the Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G (Exynos) indicates that the device, equipped with a 12 MP main sensor, 12 MP ultra-wide, and a 64 MP telephoto lens, provides a satisfying photography experience that mirrors the performance of the smaller standard S21 model. Strengths include accurate target exposure, neutral white balance, and an effective bokeh mode for portraits, alongside a wide dynamic range in video. However, the device shows high noise levels, a lack of fine detail in zoom shots, and, in some cases, dull colors in video. While a solid choice for general photography, the camera's noise-to-detail balance is less refined compared to top-tier competitors.

The Samsung Galaxy S21 Plus is positioned as a capable, large-screen device featuring a 6.7-inch 120Hz AMOLED display and a polished "contour cut" design, though it compromises with a lower 1080p resolution compared to previous models. While offering high-end performance via the Snapdragon 888 or Exynos 2100 chipset, it occupies an awkward middle ground between the standard S21 and the more advanced Ultra model. Key pros include the display quality and solid battery life, while cons focus on the high price point, lack of a microSD card slot, and absence of a charger in the box.

The Samsung Galaxy S21 Plus stands out as a balanced, ergonomic "middle child" in the 2021 lineup, featuring a premium matte glass back and a comfortable, lighter design compared to the S21 Ultra. Performance is driven by the Snapdragon 888 processor, supported by a fast, flat 1080p OLED screen and a reliable 4,800mAh battery, making it a top contender for daily use. Key cons include the removal of the microSD card slot, slower 25W charging, and a, camera system that relies on a hybrid rather than true optical telephoto zoom.

The Tom’s Guide review positions the Samsung Galaxy S21 Plus as a premium, large-screen device featuring a durable "contour cut" design, a bright 120Hz 6.7-inch AMOLED display, and strong performance from the Snapdragon 888 chipset. While the camera system is capable, a notable drawback is that the hardware lacks significant upgrades over its predecessor, alongside a reduced 1080p screen resolution and the removal of both a microSD card slot and charger in the box. Despite these cons, the phone offers good battery life, fast charging, and long-term software support, though its $999 launch price makes it a less compelling value compared to the base S21. For more details, visit Tom's Guide.

Consumer Reports rates the Samsung Galaxy S21 5G as an excellent overall performer with robust durability. Pros include top scores for performance and display, an excellent 6.2-inch flat Dynamic AMOLED display, a fast Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 processor, 8GB of RAM, and "Excellent" ratings for toughness and scratch resistance after strenuous testing. Cons include average battery life of around 30 hours, less than the previous model, and cost-saving measures such as a plastic back, removal of the microSD card slot, and exclusion of an in-box charging adapter. While the rear camera system is rated "Very Good", its still and video image quality was slightly outscored by the iPhone 12 Pro. For more details, visit Consumer Reports.

Digital Trends reviewed the Samsung Galaxy S21 Plus, highlighting its premium design, smooth 120Hz AMOLED display, and strong performance powered by the Snapdragon 888 or Exynos 2100 processor. A key advantage noted was the 4,800mAh battery providing significant usage time, though the phone was criticized for camera inconsistencies between lenses and zoom limitations. The review concluded the S21 Plus is a "good" but not "groundbreaking" device, positioned awkwardly between its siblings with cons including a slippery build, lack of a microSD slot, and a high initial price.

According to Android Authority, the Samsung Galaxy S21 Plus serves as a middle-ground device offering premium performance with some compromises. Its pros include a high-quality 6.7-inch AMOLED display with a 120Hz adaptive refresh rate, next-gen performance from its 5nm chipset, and a durable build with Gorilla Glass Victus. Cons noted are a downgraded FHD+ display resolution, removal of the microSD card slot, largely unchanged camera hardware from the S20 Plus, and the absence of a charger in the box and a headphone jack. The review concludes that while the S21 Plus is a capable device, it occupies an awkward position between the S21 Ultra and the standard S21, feeling like a modest update rather than a major leap.

According to a review, the Samsung Galaxy S21+ is presented as a "middle-child" flagship with a large 6.7-inch AMOLED display and a 120Hz refresh rate, offering excellent performance but with a lower resolution than previous models. While the camera provides vibrant images, its 3x hybrid zoom is noted as less capable than rivals or the S21 Ultra, and the phone lacks a headphone jack and microSD slot. The review highlights pros such as long battery life, 5G support, and refined software, concluding that while a "hard sell" at full price, it offers better value at discounted rates.