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

The Samsung Galaxy S21 Plus is described as a balanced high-end phone with a refined "Contour Cut" design and a flat 6.7-inch Dynamic AMOLED display featuring a 120Hz adaptive refresh rate. However, it controversially dropped the screen resolution to FHD+ compared to its predecessor. The device offers top-tier performance with Snapdragon 888 or Exynos 2100 chipsets and boasts exceptional all-day battery life from its 4,800mAh cell, but omits a microSD slot, headphone jack, and charging brick from the box. Its camera system provides a reliable 12MP main, 12MP ultra-wide, and 64MP telephoto setup with new software features like Director's View, although the upgrades are incremental and lack significant innovation over the previous generation.

The Android Police review describes the Samsung Galaxy S21+ as a balanced device with a high-quality design. It highlights the flat 6.7-inch OLED display, matte glass back, Snapdragon 888 processor, 4,800mAh battery, and a significantly improved ultrasonic fingerprint reader as major pros. However, the review notes several cons, including the absence of a true optical telephoto lens, lack of a microSD card slot, pre-installed ads and bloatware, and slow 25W wired charging.

The + 5G (Exynos) delivers a reliable, consistent photography experience with accurate target exposure, wide dynamic range, and neutral white balance across most conditions, notes DXOMARK. MP primary, MP ultra-wide, MP telephoto sensor, the device offers excellent, wide-field-of-view ultra-wide shots and fast, accurate autofocus. However, the camera struggles with noticeable image noise in most conditions and lower-than-expected detail preservation, particularly in low-light and long-range zoom, according to the review. For video, the device provides accurate, stable exposure and effective tracking, though it suffers from high noise levels and occasional desaturation in low-light, say DXOMARK. The analysis concludes the device is a solid, large-screen option, but not a significant imaging leap. DxOMark +2

The Samsung Galaxy S21 Plus features a refined design with Gorilla Glass Victus and a 6.7-inch, 120Hz AMOLED display that offers a "magnificent" visual experience. Key performance highlights include the capable Exynos 2100 chipset, 8GB of RAM, and a durable 4,800 mAh battery that can last up to two days with moderate use. The device delivers a "market-leading" camera system for portraits, macro shots, and 4K/60Hz video, supported by a fast and accurate ultrasonic fingerprint reader. However, the 30x "Space Zoom" is noted for lack of detail, and low-light performance is considered average compared to competitors. Significant drawbacks include the removal of the microSD card slot and the 3.5mm headphone jack, alongside the omission of a power adapter. Overall, while a high-quality device, it lacks groundbreaking innovation over its predecessor.

The NextPit review portrays the Samsung Galaxy S21+ as a refined "middle child" featuring a standout design with a unique camera bump and a 6.7-inch, 120Hz AMOLED display, though it suffers from a reduced FHD+ resolution. While the Exynos 2100 chipset offers fast daily performance, the review highlights significant throttling during gaming and a 4,800 mAh battery that struggles under heavy use. The camera system, featuring a 64MP telephoto lens with limited optical zoom, is considered iterative, and the omission of a charger, SD card slot, and S-Pen support limits its appeal.

The Samsung Galaxy S21 Plus serves as a 6.7-inch middle-ground flagship, featuring a premium design with Gorilla Glass Victus and a "contour-cut" camera housing, though it steps down to a 1080p display resolution. Powered by the Snapdragon 888, the device offers excellent, fast performance and a 4,800 mAh battery that provides solid all-day usage. While the 12MP triple-camera system performs well, it lacks the advanced zoom capabilities of the S21 Ultra. Key pros include a vibrant 120Hz adaptive display and superior design, while cons include the removal of the charger and microSD slot, lower resolution than its predecessor, and limited maximum zoom.

The Samsung Galaxy S21 lineup introduces a consistent design with a "contour cut" camera housing, though the standard S21 features a polycarbonate back. The S21 Ultra is the flagship with a 6.8-inch curved QHD+ display capable of a 120Hz refresh rate at full resolution and a 108MP main camera sensor. Pros include more affordable pricing, AMOLED displays, and the Snapdragon 888 chip, while cons involve the removal of the microSD card slot and included accessories, plus the standard S21's plastic back.

PetaPixel’s review of the Samsung Galaxy S21 and S21+ describes the devices as familiar, highlighting a refined "contour cut" design and a smooth 120Hz adaptive refresh rate display. While the cameras offer a more natural color balance and reduced skin smoothing, the, the review notes the 64MP telephoto lens is a hybrid, not a true optical zoom, with the 30x Space Zoom deemed largely unusable. Despite solid performance from the Snapdragon 888 processor, the S21 series features compromises like a plastic back on the base model, lower screen resolution than the S20, and the removal of the microSD card slot. The final verdict positions the phones as capable but uninspiring upgrades, noting that major camera advancements were reserved for the S21 Ultra.

The GadgetGuy review positions the Samsung Galaxy S21 and S21+ as a "sweet spot" option, offering premium features like an adaptive 120Hz flat display, a powerful Exynos 2100 processor with good thermal management, and a highly-rated camera system. Pros include solid build quality and excellent connectivity, while key cons are the removal of the micro-SD slot, wall charger, and headphones, making them feel like minor evolutions rather than significant upgrades. Samsung Galaxy S21 5G£399.00& more prices4.2(13.4k)Samsung Galaxy S21 Plus 5G£619.00& more prices4.2(6.6k)

Consumer Reports rated the Samsung Galaxy S21 5G as "Excellent" for overall performance, durability, and its 6.2-inch AMOLED display. Key pros include fast performance, high screen brightness, good outdoor readability, and strong resistance to tumbles, rain, and scratches. Cons include average battery life (30 hours compared to the S20's 37 hours), the exclusion of a wall charger for environmental reasons, and the absence of a microSD card slot and headphone jack. The triple-rear-camera system received a "Very Good" rating, though its overall image quality was slightly outranked by the iPhone 12 Pro in Consumer Reports' testing. For more details, visit Consumer Reports.

TechRadar describes the Samsung Galaxy S21 Plus as an "awkward middle child" offering a premium design, powerful performance, and solid battery life, but with specification downgrades compared to its predecessor. While it has a 6.7-inch 120Hz display, the resolution was downgraded, and key cons include the removal of the microSD card slot and the absence of a charger or headphones. The camera is largely unchanged from the S20 Plus, offering improvements primarily through software, and TechRadar found little reason to recommend the S21 Plus over the standard S21 unless a larger screen and better battery are essential.

The Samsung Galaxy S21+ is described as a "palatable" big-screen alternative with a 6.7-inch 120Hz display and a fast Exynos 2100 processor, offering strong performance and over 36 hours of battery life. Pros include a premium build, reliable ultrasonic fingerprint scanner, and refined One UI 3.1 software with four years of updates. However, cons include an unwieldy design, a camera system with only 2x optical zoom (inferior to the S21 Ultra), no headphone socket, no expandable storage, and the absence of a charger in the box. Ultimately, the review suggests it is a solid phone but overshadowed by the S21 Ultra unless heavily discounted. Samsung Galaxy S21+ S21Plus 5G 128GB/256GB SM-G996U Unlocked Smartphone. Samsung. Phantom Black. Mobile & Smart Phones.£179.994.2(6.6k)Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G£1,069.00& more prices4.3(10.8k)