Samsung Galaxy S21 5G

Diving Back In: My Take on the Samsung Galaxy S21 5G

I recently revisited the Samsung Galaxy S21 5G, a phone that, even a few years after its initial release, still holds a certain appeal. Having spent a good chunk of time putting it through its paces again, I wanted to share my thoughts on how it stacks up today and who might still find value in this particular piece of Samsung's mobile history. At its original launch price, it targeted the premium segment, and while you can find it for considerably less now, it’s worth exploring if it still delivers a worthwhile experience.

Market Context: A Look Back

Back in early 2021, the Galaxy S21 5G was Samsung's play for the flagship space, sitting alongside its larger siblings. The strategy was clear: offer top-tier performance and features in a more compact and, arguably, more pocketable form factor. Looking back, it was a smart move. Not everyone wants a massive phone, and the S21 5G offered a compelling alternative without sacrificing too much on the spec sheet. The price point, while premium then, positioned it as a serious contender against other flagship offerings. Now, as a more budget-friendly option on the used or refurbished market, its appeal shifts towards those seeking a solid Samsung experience without breaking the bank.

Design & Hardware: Familiar Refinement

Picking up the Galaxy S21 5G again, the first thing that struck me was how comfortable it still feels in hand. The dimensions are just right – not too large, not too small. At 169 grams, it's noticeably lightweight, which contributes to that comfortable feel. My test unit was the Phantom Violet, and I have to say, it's still a striking color. It has a subtle shimmer that gives it a touch of elegance. While the back panel is plastic, it doesn't feel cheap, and it certainly makes the phone more durable against accidental drops compared to an all-glass design. This is a practical consideration that shouldn't be overlooked.

Display: Still a Visual Treat

The 6.2-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display remains a standout feature. Even by today's standards, the colors are vibrant and punchy, making everything from browsing the web to watching videos a visually engaging experience. The 120Hz refresh rate is where the real magic lies. Scrolling is incredibly smooth, and animations are fluid, contributing to an overall premium feel. I spent some time revisiting some of my favorite YouTube channels and scrolling through social media, and the responsiveness and clarity were impressive. Gaming also felt great on this display – fast-paced action looked sharp and felt incredibly smooth. In everyday use, the brightness levels were more than adequate, even when using the phone outdoors on a sunny day.

Performance: Holding Its Own

Under the hood, my test unit was equipped with the Exynos 2100 processor, paired with 8GB of RAM. In my testing, this combination still holds its own for most tasks. I played a few graphically intensive games, and while it might not be pushing the absolute highest frame rates in the most demanding titles, the experience was smooth and enjoyable. Multitasking between apps was seamless, with no noticeable lag or slowdown. I also kept an eye on temperature management, and while the phone did get slightly warm during extended gaming sessions, it never became uncomfortably hot. One minor quirk I noticed was the occasional delay when initially launching very large apps, but this was infrequent.

Camera System: A Strong Performer

The camera system on the Galaxy S21 5G is where this phone truly shines, and my recent testing reaffirmed that. The triple-lens setup on the back – a 12MP main, a 12.2MP ultrawide, and a 64MP telephoto – offers a lot of versatility. I took it out for a few impromptu photo walks, and the results were consistently impressive. The main sensor captures images with excellent detail and vibrant, yet realistic, colors. The ultrawide lens is great for capturing expansive landscapes or fitting more into a group shot, although there’s a slight shift in color science compared to the main lens. The telephoto lens is useful for getting closer to the action, and the 3x hybrid zoom provides decent results. Video recording is also a strong point, with the ability to shoot up to 8K, although I found 4K at 60fps to be the sweet spot for most situations. The 10MP front-facing camera delivers crisp and clear selfies and performs well in various lighting conditions. Compared to newer flagships, it might lack some of the cutting-edge computational photography features, but for everyday photography, it remains a very capable system.

Battery & Charging: A Mixed Bag

Battery life is one area where the Galaxy S21 5G shows its age a bit. The 4000mAh battery is sufficient for a moderate day of use, but heavy users will likely need to top up at some point. In my testing, on days with a lot of screen time – browsing, social media, some gaming, and photography – I found myself needing to be mindful of battery levels by late afternoon. The 25W fast charging is reasonably quick, getting you from empty to a decent charge in a relatively short time. It also supports 15W wireless charging, which is convenient for overnight charging. However, the decision by Samsung to not include a charging brick in the box is still a point of contention. The reverse wireless charging is a nice addition, allowing you to charge your earbuds or other small devices wirelessly using the phone's battery.

Software: Mature and Feature-Rich

The Galaxy S21 5G launched with Android 11 and has since been updated to Android 14, with Samsung promising updates up to Android 15. Samsung's One UI is a mature and feature-rich interface. It’s intuitive to navigate, and there are plenty of customization options. I appreciate the additional features Samsung includes, such as DeX mode (for desktop-like experience) and the various camera modes. The update policy is commendable, ensuring that users have access to the latest features and security patches for a significant period.

Value Analysis: Still a Compelling Option?

The value proposition of the Galaxy S21 5G has shifted significantly since its release. As a new device at its original price, it was a flagship contender. Now, on the secondary market, it presents an interesting option for those looking for a capable smartphone at a more accessible price point. If you prioritize camera quality, a vibrant display, and solid performance, and you don't mind potentially average battery life, the S21 5G is definitely worth considering. It's a great phone for everyday users who appreciate a premium feel and a good set of features. However, if you demand exceptional battery life or need the absolute latest and greatest specs, you might want to explore newer alternatives. Compared to newer mid-range phones, the S21 5G still holds its own in terms of performance and camera capabilities.

Conclusion: A Solid Choice with Enduring Appeal

My time revisiting the Samsung Galaxy S21 5G has been a positive experience. It's a well-rounded smartphone that continues to impress in key areas like display quality and camera performance. While the battery life might not be class-leading, and the lack of an included charger is a minor inconvenience, the overall package remains compelling. If you’re looking for a reliable, capable smartphone with a premium feel at a more accessible price, the Samsung Galaxy S21 5G is still a solid choice, especially on the secondary market. It's a testament to Samsung's ability to create devices that stand the test of time.