Samsung Galaxy S21 5G Review: A Renewed Powerhouse
Introduction
The Samsung Galaxy S21 5G, US Version, 128GB in Phantom Gray, is an unlocked renewed smartphone that promises flagship-level performance at a more accessible price point. But who exactly is this device for? Whether you’re a casual user, a power user, or someone who loves capturing moments with a stellar camera, the Galaxy S21 5G aims to cater to a wide audience. Its key selling points include a powerful Snapdragon processor, a vibrant AMOLED display, and a versatile camera system. In today’s smartphone landscape, this model sits comfortably in the upper mid-range category, offering features that can rival even the latest flagships.
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🔹 Product Specifications
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Brand | SAMSUNG |
| Operating System | Android |
| RAM | 8 GB |
| CPU Model | Snapdragon |
| CPU Speed | 2.84 GHz |
| Storage Capacity | 128 GB |
| Screen Size | 6.2 Inches |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2400 |
| Model Name | Galaxy S21 |
| Wireless Carrier | Unlocked |
| Display | 6.2″ AMOLED, 120Hz, 1300 nits brightness |
| Camera | 64MP main, 12MP ultrawide |
| Connectivity | 5G, GSM, CDMA, Wi-Fi |
| Battery | 4000mAh |
Each specification is thoughtfully designed to enhance user experience. The 120Hz refresh rate, for instance, ensures smooth scrolling and an immersive viewing experience, crucial for gamers and media enthusiasts alike. When compared to industry standards, the Galaxy S21 5G holds its ground firmly, offering competitive specs that are often seen in higher-priced models.
🔑 Key Features
- Display: 6.2″ AMOLED with 120Hz refresh rate
- Camera: 64MP main camera with 12MP ultrawide
- Battery: 4000mAh for all-day power
- Connectivity: 5G support for fast internet speeds
- Design: Sleek Phantom Gray finish with durable build
📌 For more details on selecting the best smartphone, check out our buying guides.
Display & Design
The Galaxy S21 5G boasts a 6.2-inch AMOLED display with a resolution of 1080 x 2400 pixels. This high-resolution panel ensures crisp and vibrant visuals, making it perfect for binge-watching your favorite shows or playing games. The 120Hz refresh rate further enhances the experience, providing buttery-smooth transitions and reducing motion blur.
In terms of design, the Phantom Gray finish gives it a sophisticated look, while the aluminum frame and Gorilla Glass provide durability. The phone’s slim bezels and punch-hole camera design offer a modern aesthetic, comparable to other flagships like the iPhone 13. The under-display fingerprint sensor adds a layer of convenience, allowing quick and secure access.
⚡ Performance & Hardware
Processor (CPU & GPU) Performance
Under the hood, the Galaxy S21 5G is powered by the Snapdragon 888 chipset, a powerhouse known for its efficiency and speed. This chipset excels in handling demanding tasks, from gaming to multitasking. Whether you’re playing graphics-intensive games like Genshin Impact or running multiple apps, the S21 handles it all with ease. The Adreno 660 GPU further boosts gaming performance, ensuring high frame rates and smooth gameplay.
RAM & Storage
With 8GB of RAM, the Galaxy S21 5G offers seamless multitasking, allowing you to switch between apps without lag. The 128GB of internal storage provides ample space for apps, photos, and videos. However, the lack of expandable storage might be a downside for some users who prefer additional memory options.
Camera Performance
The camera setup on the Galaxy S21 5G is one of its standout features. The 64MP main camera captures stunning photos with great detail and vibrant colors. The 12MP ultrawide lens allows for creative shots, capturing more of the scene in a single frame. In low-light conditions, the camera performs admirably, thanks to its Night Mode and Optical Image Stabilization (OIS).
For video enthusiasts, the S21 supports 8K video recording, offering cinematic quality footage. The front camera, equipped with AI beautification, ensures you look your best in selfies and video calls.
📌 External Link Suggestion: Compare with professional photography sites like DXOMARK.
Battery Life & Charging
The 4000mAh battery provides enough juice to last through a full day of moderate use. With support for 25W fast charging, you can quickly top up the battery when needed. However, the absence of a charger in the box might be a consideration for some. The phone also supports wireless charging and reverse wireless charging, a feature often reserved for premium devices.
🎮 Gaming & Multimedia Performance
The Galaxy S21 5G excels in gaming, thanks to its powerful GPU and high refresh rate display. Games run smoothly with minimal frame drops, providing an immersive experience. The stereo speakers with Dolby Atmos support enhance audio quality, making it a great device for multimedia consumption. However, the lack of a headphone jack might disappoint audiophiles who prefer wired headphones.
📌 Benchmark Recommendation: Compare with AnTuTu, Geekbench, and 3DMark benchmarks.
Connectivity & Software
Supporting both mmWave and sub-6GHz 5G, the Galaxy S21 ensures fast and reliable internet connectivity. It also features WiFi 6 and Bluetooth 5.2, providing stable connections for various devices. Running on Android with Samsung’s One UI, the software experience is smooth and intuitive. Samsung promises regular updates, ensuring the device stays secure and up-to-date.
✅ Who is this Smartphone For?
- Casual Users: Offers a great all-round experience with a focus on display and camera.
- Gamers: Handles graphics-heavy games with ease.
- Photographers & Content Creators: Excellent camera performance for photos and videos.
- Business Users: Reliable performance and connectivity for work tasks.
- Long-Term Software Support Seekers: Regular updates ensure longevity.
✅ Standout Features & Considerations
Standout Features
✔️ Powerful Snapdragon 888 processor for top-tier performance
✔️ Stunning AMOLED display with 120Hz refresh rate
✔️ Versatile camera system with excellent low-light performance
Considerations
❌ No expandable storage option
❌ Lack of headphone jack
❌ Charger not included in the box
💰 Price & Value for Money
Priced competitively, the Galaxy S21 5G offers excellent value for money, especially for those seeking flagship features at a mid-range price. While it lacks some features like expandable storage, its performance, camera, and display make it a worthy contender. For those upgrading from older models, the improvements in speed and camera capabilities justify the investment.
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🏆 Final Verdict
The Samsung Galaxy S21 5G is a well-rounded smartphone that excels in performance, camera quality, and display. It’s ideal for users who want a high-performing device without breaking the bank. While it has a few downsides, such as the absence of expandable storage and a headphone jack, its overall package is compelling. At a price of $142.99, it offers great value, especially for those seeking a future-proof device.
👥 Customer Insights
Customers appreciate the phone’s build quality and camera performance. Many find it offers great value for money, though some have reported issues with battery life and occasional software glitches. Overall, the feedback is positive, with users praising its speed and display quality.
✅ Trustly Score Breakdown
- Performance: 4.7/5
- Build Quality: 4.5/5
- Features & Innovation: 4.2/5
- Customer Satisfaction: 4.0/5
- Value for Money: 4.3/5
👥 Customer Summary
Customers appreciate the phone’s quality and build. They find it has a great camera and is capable. Many find it good value for money and fast. However, some customers have issues with battery life, shutting down randomly, and unlocking the phone. There are differing opinions on functionality and scratch resistance of the screen.
🏆 Trustly Score: 4.3/5
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