Samsung Galaxy S21 Plus 5G (8GB + 256GB) 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
No reviews for this version.
Check reviews from other versions.
Available: ranking among products currently available (including other versions of this product).
All: ranking among all products in the database.
#26 in Best Samsung Phones
#191 in Best Large-Screen Smartphones
#192 in Best Android Smartphones
#207 in Best NFC Smartphones
#211 in Best 5G Smartphones
#214 in Best Smartphones
#214 in Best AI Smartphones
#1054 in Best Battery Life Smartphones
#1183 in Best Value 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
No reviews for this version.
Check reviews from other versions.
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: HIGH
Good value: >12000
Importance: LOW
Importance: MEDIUM
Good value: >800
Importance: MEDIUM
Importance: LOW
Importance: MEDIUM
Good value: >300 Hz
Importance: LOW
Importance: LOW
Good value: >40 W
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...Read more
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,...Read more
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...Read more
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...Read more
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...Read more
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...Read more
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,...Read more
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...Read more
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...Read more
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...Read more
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...Read more
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...Read more
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,...Read more
The watson.ch review characterizes the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra and S21+ as significant, high-quality updates featuring refined designs and aggressive pricing. The S21 Ultra is highlighted for its premium matte glass, enhanced 108MP camera, and superior 120Hz display, while the S21+ moves to a practical flat screen design. Key cons for both devices include the removal of chargers,...Read more
The Samsung Galaxy S21 Plus is positioned as a high-performance "middle child" in the series, featuring a flat 6.7-inch display with a 120Hz adaptive refresh rate. It is noted for its premium feel, particularly with the matte finish that resists fingerprints, according to the test. While performance is top-tier, the screen resolution is capped at Full HD+. Key performance aspects...Read more
The watson.ch review characterizes the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra and S21+ as significant, high-quality updates featuring refined designs and aggressive pricing. The S21 Ultra is highlighted for its premium matte glass, enhanced 108MP camera, and superior 120Hz display, while the S21+ moves to a practical flat screen design. Key cons for both devices include the removal of chargers,...Read more
The Samsung Galaxy S21 Plus is positioned as a high-performance "middle child" in the series, featuring a flat 6.7-inch display with a 120Hz adaptive refresh rate. It is noted for its premium feel, particularly with the matte finish that resists fingerprints, according to the test. While performance is top-tier, the screen resolution is capped at Full HD+. Key performance aspects...Read more
The Samsung Galaxy S21+ is a refined flagship featuring a high-quality 6.7-inch 120Hz flat display, a durable glass-metal design with a "Contour Cut" camera housing, and strong performance from the Exynos 2100 chipset. Key pros include an excellent, responsive screen, improved build quality, fast performance, and a long-term software update commitment. However, the device sacrifices...Read more
The 01net review characterizes the Samsung Galaxy S21+ as an excellent yet disappointing device, noting it feels less premium than the S20+ due to cost-cutting measures. Key strengths include a high-quality 120Hz AMOLED display, a stylish matte design, superior Exynos 2100 performance, and solid battery life. However, the, review highlights significant drawbacks, including a reduced...Read more
The Clubic review describes the Samsung Galaxy S21 as a refined, high-quality device that adopts a strategic, more affordable approach through cost-cutting measures like a plastic back and a 1080p flat display. Performance is lauded as a key strength, with the Exynos 2100 offering a smooth, fast experience combined with a high-quality 120Hz AMOLED screen. While the camera benefits...Read more
The Journal du Geek review characterizes the Samsung Galaxy S21 and S21+ as balanced, "flawless" flagships featuring a refined "Contour Cut" camera design, with the S21 featuring a durable "Glasstic" back and the S21+ using Gorilla Glass Victus. Performance is top-tier thanks to the Exynos 2100, paired with excellent 120Hz Dynamic AMOLED 2X displays, although the resolution is...Read more
The Samsung Galaxy S21, reviewed by Les Numériques, adopts a more compact design with a plastic back and the distinct "Contour Cut" camera housing. It features a high-quality 6.2-inch 120Hz AMOLED screen, though resolution is reduced to FHD+. Performance is boosted by the Exynos 2100, ensuring high fluidity, but the 4,000 mAh battery offers only average, sometimes limited,...Read more
The Samsung Galaxy S21+ is a refined flagship featuring a high-quality 6.7-inch 120Hz flat display, a durable glass-metal design with a "Contour Cut" camera housing, and strong performance from the Exynos 2100 chipset. Key pros include an excellent, responsive screen, improved build quality, fast performance, and a long-term software update commitment. However, the device sacrifices...Read more
The 01net review characterizes the Samsung Galaxy S21+ as an excellent yet disappointing device, noting it feels less premium than the S20+ due to cost-cutting measures. Key strengths include a high-quality 120Hz AMOLED display, a stylish matte design, superior Exynos 2100 performance, and solid battery life. However, the, review highlights significant drawbacks, including a reduced...Read more
The Samsung Galaxy S21+ features a distinct "Contour Cut" design, utilizing a matte Gorilla Glass Victus back for a premium feel. While its 6.7-inch display is praised for its 120Hz refresh rate and high brightness, the downgrade to FHD+ resolution and the omission of a microSD slot are notable cons. Performance is exceptional with the Exynos 2100, and the 4,800 mAh battery delivers...Read more
The Samsung Galaxy S21 Plus functions as a refined, balanced flagship featuring a durable matte Gorilla Glass Victus back and a unique Contour Cut camera design. It boasts a 6.7-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display with adaptive 120Hz, powerful Exynos 2100 or Snapdragon 888 performance, and a robust 4,800 mAh battery that easily lasts over a day. While praised for its design and screen,...Read more
In his review, Andrea Galeazzi describes the Samsung Galaxy S21 Plus as a well-built 'middle child' featuring a 6.7-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display with a 120Hz refresh rate and high brightness, though it is limited to a Full HD+ resolution. Pros include a premium glass and aluminum build, excellent display, and solid battery life, while significant cons include the absence of a...Read more
The Samsung Galaxy S21 5G is characterized as a "rational" flagship that balances a compact, ergonomic design with a durable polycarbonate back. Its 6.2-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display offers a 120Hz adaptive refresh rate, ensuring a smooth, vibrant experience despite the resolution drop. Performance is driven by the Exynos 2100/Snapdragon 888 chipsets, resulting in top-tier speed,...Read more
The Samsung Galaxy S21 Plus functions as a refined, balanced flagship featuring a durable matte Gorilla Glass Victus back and a unique Contour Cut camera design. It boasts a 6.7-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display with adaptive 120Hz, powerful Exynos 2100 or Snapdragon 888 performance, and a robust 4,800 mAh battery that easily lasts over a day. While praised for its design and screen,...Read more
In his review, Andrea Galeazzi describes the Samsung Galaxy S21 Plus as a well-built 'middle child' featuring a 6.7-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display with a 120Hz refresh rate and high brightness, though it is limited to a Full HD+ resolution. Pros include a premium glass and aluminum build, excellent display, and solid battery life, while significant cons include the absence of a...Read more
The Techzine.nl review characterizes the Samsung Galaxy S21 as a "refined" flagship that prioritizes usability over top-tier specs, featuring a 6.2-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display with a 120Hz refresh rate. While offering strong performance via the Exynos 2100 chipset, the device compromises with a plastic back and lower screen resolution compared to its predecessor. Pros include an...Read more
The Androidworld review describes the Samsung Galaxy S21 Plus as a premium "middle child" featuring a matte glass design, a 6.7-inch 120Hz AMOLED display, and strong performance, though with a downgrade to FHD+ resolution. The device boasts excellent battery life and an improved, larger ultrasonic fingerprint sensor, while the camera system offers great daily performance. Key...Read more
The Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G is positioned by Tweakers as a strong, all-round flagship that strikes a balance in the S21 lineup, featuring a premium glass-and-metal design. It boasts high-end performance via the Exynos 2100/Snapdragon 888, a fluid 120Hz AMOLED display, and reliable, all-day battery life. Key compromises to achieve its price point include a lower 1080p screen...Read more
The Samsung Galaxy S21 Plus is positioned as a balanced, large-screen flagship featuring a 6.7-inch 120Hz AMOLED display, a premium matte glass design, and high-end performance via the Snapdragon 888 or Exynos 2100 chipset. Key strengths include solid 4,800mAh battery life and a reliable in-display fingerprint sensor, offering a premium experience similar to the Ultra model....Read more
The Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G (256 GB) is recognized as a high-quality, large-screen smartphone featuring a 6.7-inch AMOLED 120Hz display, robust build quality with Gorilla Glass Victus, and IP68 water resistance. Performance is driven by top-tier processors (Snapdragon 888/Exynos 2100) and a versatile triple-camera system, though it lacks a microSD slot for storage expansion. While...Read more
The Techzine.nl review characterizes the Samsung Galaxy S21 as a "refined" flagship that prioritizes usability over top-tier specs, featuring a 6.2-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display with a 120Hz refresh rate. While offering strong performance via the Exynos 2100 chipset, the device compromises with a plastic back and lower screen resolution compared to its predecessor. Pros include an...Read more
The Androidworld review describes the Samsung Galaxy S21 Plus as a premium "middle child" featuring a matte glass design, a 6.7-inch 120Hz AMOLED display, and strong performance, though with a downgrade to FHD+ resolution. The device boasts excellent battery life and an improved, larger ultrasonic fingerprint sensor, while the camera system offers great daily performance. Key...Read more
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