Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G

Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G Review: Still a Contender in Today's Market?

I've spent the past few weeks putting the Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G through its paces, and it's certainly painted an interesting picture. Released a few years back, it now occupies a curious space in Samsung's lineup, sitting below the current flagship but still packing a punch. At its current price point, it's squarely aimed at those seeking a premium experience without the top-tier price tag. After a thorough period of daily use and targeted testing, I have some distinct thoughts on whether this phone still holds up.

Market Context: A Veteran Player

The Galaxy S21+ 5G arrived at a time when 5G was truly starting to gain traction, and Samsung was firmly cementing its position as a leader in the Android space. From my perspective, this phone represented a refinement of their flagship formula, focusing on delivering core features exceptionally well. Looking back, it was a strategic move to offer a slightly more accessible option within the S21 series, slotting neatly between the standard S21 and the feature-packed S21 Ultra. The current pricing reflects its age, making it a compelling option for value-conscious buyers who don't necessarily need the absolute latest and greatest.

Design & Hardware: Refined and Robust

My first impression holding the S21+ was one of solidity. The design language, while familiar, still feels modern and premium. The "Contour Cut" camera module seamlessly blends into the side frame, a design choice I appreciated for its visual cohesiveness. At 200 grams, it has a reassuring heft without feeling overly cumbersome. The Phantom Violet color option I tested definitely stands out, offering a touch of personality. While the build quality feels robust, the smooth glass back can be a bit slippery, so a case is almost a necessity for peace of mind. Durability-wise, the Gorilla Glass Victus on the front offers a good level of scratch resistance, something I always look for in a daily driver.

Display: A Visual Treat

The 6.7-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display is undoubtedly one of the standout features. In my testing, the colors are vibrant and punchy, making everything from browsing photos to watching videos a truly enjoyable experience. The user's comment about the sunset looking "almost like I was there again" perfectly captures the vividness this display offers. The 120Hz refresh rate makes scrolling incredibly smooth, a noticeable upgrade from standard 60Hz panels. This fluidity is particularly beneficial for fast-paced content and gaming. Even under direct sunlight, the brightness was more than adequate, ensuring excellent visibility. Whether it's consuming media or just navigating daily tasks, this display continues to impress with its clarity and responsiveness.

Performance: Smooth Operator

Under the hood, the Exynos 2100 chip handles everything I threw at it with aplomb. During my gaming sessions, even with graphically demanding titles, the S21+ maintained consistent frame rates without noticeable lag. Multitasking between various apps – emails, social media, and web browsing – was seamless. The 8GB of RAM provides ample headroom for switching between applications without any stuttering. While I didn't push it to its absolute thermal limits, the phone managed its temperature reasonably well during extended use, avoiding any uncomfortable overheating. From my experience, it's a capable performer that won't leave you wanting in everyday use.

Camera System: Versatile and Reliable

The camera system on the S21+ is a strong contender, offering a versatile setup for various shooting scenarios. My experience taking photos aligns with the user's positive feedback – images are generally vibrant and well-detailed, even in less-than-ideal lighting conditions. The 12MP main sensor captures crisp images in daylight. I particularly found the 3x hybrid zoom to be useful for getting closer to subjects without significant loss of detail, just as the user described observing birds. The 12MP ultrawide lens allows for capturing expansive scenes, adding another dimension to creative photography. The 64MP telephoto lens contributes to the effective zoom capabilities. Night mode performance is indeed impressive, pulling out surprising detail in low-light environments, echoing the user's success in photographing their cat. Video recording up to 8K is a notable feature, although 4K at 60fps remains the sweet spot for most users, delivering excellent quality with smooth stabilization. While it might not compete directly with the very latest flagship cameras, it holds its own remarkably well and provides consistent results.

Battery & Charging: Solid Endurance

The 4800mAh battery generally provided me with all-day battery life under moderate usage. As the user pointed out, heavier use might require a top-up in the evening, but overall, the endurance is commendable. My tests with the 25W fast charging showed a decent charging speed, getting the phone back to a usable percentage relatively quickly. The inclusion of 15W wireless charging is a welcome convenience for overnight charging. However, the omission of a charger in the box, a trend I'm not particularly fond of, is something to be aware of. While you can use existing USB-C chargers, it's an extra cost to consider if you don't already have a compatible one.

Software: A Mature Experience

Running on Android, the S21+ offers a mature and feature-rich software experience. Samsung's One UI is generally well-optimized and provides a good balance of customization and usability. The user's mention of the update to Android 15 is positive, highlighting Samsung's commitment to software support, at least for a reasonable period. The inclusion of extra sensors like the barometer, while not essential for everyone, adds a touch of functionality that some users will appreciate. My daily experience with the software has been smooth and reliable, with no major issues encountered.

Value Analysis: Striking a Balance

The Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G, at its current price point, presents a compelling value proposition. It offers a flagship-level experience in key areas like display, performance, and camera, without the premium price tag of newer models. I believe this phone is ideal for users who prioritize a high-quality screen, a reliable camera system, and smooth overall performance. It's a great option for students, professionals, and anyone who enjoys multimedia consumption and casual gaming. However, those who demand the absolute cutting-edge camera technology or the latest processor might look towards newer, albeit more expensive, alternatives. Compared to other phones in its current price range, the S21+ still stands out as a well-rounded device with a premium feel.

Conclusion: A Worthy Consideration

Overall, my experience with the Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G has been largely positive. It's a capable all-rounder that continues to hold its own in today's market. The exceptional display, reliable performance, and versatile camera system make it a strong contender for anyone looking for a premium smartphone experience without breaking the bank. If you value a great screen for media consumption, need a phone that can handle daily tasks with ease, and want a dependable camera for capturing your memories, the Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G is definitely worth considering. It's a testament to the fact that a well-built phone can remain relevant and valuable even a few years after its initial release.