The S21 is not the best of the best, but it’s worth the upgrade considering the price. Unlike what we are used to, the S21 predecessor’s S20 had a few more features that were dismissed from the new edition. On paper, this handset may sound strange, but upon trying it, you will find that it’s a solid cell phone that might even be a pleasure to use. But why does the new edition have lesser specs than its predecessor? samsung galaxy s21 ultra 5g product review There are two reasons behind this strategic move. Firstly, Samsung wanted to drop a cheaper handset for more fans to enjoy their Galaxy line. The second reason is that the company wanted to put more focus on the release of the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G. But, before judging the handset too harshly, let’s dive deeper into its specs to be able to give you a clear idea of what to expect.

Pros:

  • Superb dynamic 120 Hz display.
  • The Exynos variant provides a more powerful performance.
  • Seamless design that overhauls its predecessor.
  • Accurate and clear camera zoom.

Cons:

  • No charger slot.
  • No microSD support.
  • “Glasstic” rear design.
  • Some camera inconsistencies.
Read Also: Apple iPhone 12 Mini Product Review

Release Date and Price

The official release of the S21 was on the 29th of January 2021. The release price in the UK starts at £769. If you want to upgrade your handset to have higher specs in terms of storage and speed, there is a difference in price valued at £819. The release price is remarkably lower than its predecessor at launch, which is why Samsung had to trim some features down to be able to fit the handset in this price range. Some of the sacrifices made included a reduced display resolution and giving up on the microSD support. Instead, there is only support for either 2 sims cards or a sim card and a microSD. Considering the price difference, these sacrifices don’t seem too bad especially when you can make an upgrade and go for the S21 Ultra instead.

Design

  • A more premium look with a contour-cut camera design.
  • The rear design is made of "glasstic" with a matte finish.
  • Has a premium feel to it, but it doesn’t look as high-end as the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G.
The most noticeable changes Samsung made are in the S21 modernized design. The materials, colors, and overall look of the device have been overhauled to a more renovated seamless design. The device has a 6.2” Full HD screen with the iconic Samsung AMOLED display. The slightly smaller design offers relief for those with smaller hands who can’t keep up with how big handsets nowadays are. While it might not be as trim as the new iPhone mini, it still shouldn’t be a problem to easily use the handset. However, if you prefer bigger handsets, you can always resort to the larger version, the Samsung Galaxy S21 Plus, or the S21 Ultra. But still both these devices come at a higher price range than the S21. Design Flaw: The switch from an attractive curved screen to a completely flat screen might be considered a flaw for many people. However, the good news is that Samsung reverted to the screen that curves attractively in the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra.

Camera

  • The camera tech is considered the same as the S21’s predecessor.
  • Improved camera software and added new modes for Single Take and much more.
  • 10MP front camera. It doesn’t stun but it still works just fine.
samsung galaxy s21 camera specification There aren’t many perceptible changes between the S20 and the new S21. This year is more about the software and slimming down the camera module. The handset has the same triple-lens rear array that consists of a 12MP main camera, 12MP ultra-wide, and 64MP telephoto that is capable of a triple hybrid optical zoom. If you are upgrading from Galaxy S10, then you will definitely find a huge difference in camera performance, but if you are upgrading from the S20, then there aren’t many changes that you can put a finger on. However, if you need to go for something that is more high-end, there is the Samsung Galaxy S21 5G.

Specs and Performance

  • The handset uses the new snapdragon 888 but only in the US. In the UK, as well as everywhere else in the world, Exynos 2100 is used.
  • Exynos is a huge upgrade for Samsung’s chipset.
  • There are only two options, 128GB, and 256GB.
When compared, the Exynos chipset tended to lag behind other Qualcomm-powered handsets. Nowadays, on the other hand, the use of Exynos 2100 is considered a huge upgrade in terms of speed and performance. When tested on the Geekbech 5 platform, the S21 did a lot better with a score of 3367 compared to its predecessor’s score of only 2699. Regardless of the score, the handset performed a lot better when it comes to everyday usage. The S21 performed a lot better when it comes to gaming, handling multi-tasks, and having multiple apps open in split-view mode.

Battery Life

  • A powerful 4000mAh battery that lasts all day.
  • The 120 Hz might have a detrimental effect on the battery life.
  • A charger isn’t included in the handset box.
  • With the Exynos 2100 chipset, a huge improvement is promised compared to the S20.
With medium usage, you can rest assured that your phone’s battery life will last all day. Although the handset can be easily charged with a 25W fast charger and it’s compatible with Qi wireless charging, you still have to separately buy the charger. Reverse wireless charging is also supported which means that you can use your handset to charge other Qi-supported wireless headphones and other devices.

Cons:

There is a downgrade in the fast-charging tech from the S20, as the latter supports a 45W fast charger while the S21 only supports 25W fast chargers. If you want a smaller handset in the mid-range, then this is the perfect phone for your needs. It’s fast, powerful, and elegant. While it’s a step down from the S20 in some features, it still offers a better experience at a more suitable price for some. If you are looking for an upgrade from an old handset such as the S10, then the S21 is perfect for you.