Samsung Galaxy S21

The Phone Doctor's Guide

Brady Lawlor

Brady Lawlor
Published: April 9, 2024

samsung galaxy s21

Samsung Galaxy s21 at a glance

The Samsung Galaxy S21 is not just a phone; it’s a statement. Delving into the world of Samsung’s flagship series uncovers a blend of innovation, style, and cutting-edge technology. As we explore the Galaxy S21, from its eye-catching design to its advanced camera system, join us for a comprehensive guide on what this sophisticated device offers.

Looking for a your own Samsung Galaxy S21?

Overview of the Samsung Galaxy S21 Series

The Samsung Galaxy S21 series stood out as the distinguished flagship lineup from Samsung in 2021. This collection brought forward several models catering to various preferences, including the versatile Galaxy S21 with its compact 6.2-inch screen, and the high-end Galaxy S21 Ultra, boasting a larger 6.8-inch Edge QHD Dynamic AMOLED 2X display for a premium viewing experience. Not to be overlooked, the Galaxy S21+ and the later addition, the Galaxy S21 FE, also find their place within this series.

At the heart of the S21 series was the integration of Android 11 melded seamlessly with Samsung’s own OneUI 3.1. The combination promised and delivered a user-friendly experience that was both intuitive and efficient. Despite the cessation of production, following the entrance of successors like the Samsung Galaxy S22, select pieces from the S21 series may still be found with some third-party retailers, albeit in limited quantities.

Design and Display

The Samsung Galaxy S21 series stood out as the distinguished flagship lineup from Samsung in 2021. This collection brought forward several models catering to various preferences, including the versatile Galaxy S21 with its compact 6.2-inch screen, and the high-end Galaxy S21 Ultra, boasting a larger 6.8-inch Edge QHD Dynamic AMOLED 2X display for a premium viewing experience. Not to be overlooked, the Galaxy S21+ and the later addition, the Galaxy S21 FE, also find their place within this series.

At the heart of the S21 series was the integration of Android 11 melded seamlessly with Samsung’s own OneUI 3.1. The combination promised and delivered a user-friendly experience that was both intuitive and efficient. Despite the cessation of production, following the entrance of successors like the Samsung Galaxy S22, select pieces from the S21 series may still be found with some third-party retailers, albeit in limited quantities.

Sleek and Modern Design

With an eye on contemporary styling, Samsung has crafted the Galaxy S21 with a design language that speaks to the modern smartphone user. The device’s wraparound metal construction gives it a well-made, premium feel, while its flat display is bordered by minimal black bezels, enhancing its sophisticated look. The Full HD screen of the S21, coupled with its adaptive refresh rates that can shift between 48 to 120Hz, caters to both efficiency and fluidity in the display’s performance. Added to this, the screen’s resilience is fortified by Corning’s Gorilla Glass Victus, striking a balance between durability and elegance. Consumers looking for a graceful, high-quality, and resilient smartphone will find the Galaxy S21’s design compelling.

Impressive Screen Size Options

The Galaxy S21 lineup caters to variances in user preference with its impressive screen size options. Starting with the standard Galaxy S21 and its robust 6.2-inch Dynamic AMOLED display, to the Galaxy S21 Ultra offering an even more expansive 6.8-inch screen with both models boasting touch screen capabilities, the range meets a variety of needs. The Ultra variant steps it up with a screen-to-body ratio of about 89.8%, providing an even more immersive encounter. Comparatively, the Samsung Galaxy S22 offers a marginally smaller 6.1-inch display than its predecessor, yet still delivers on excellence. It is worth noting, especially for power users, that the Galaxy S21 Ultra houses the largest battery in the series, rated at 5,000mAh to sustain its commanding display.

Camera Capabilities

The Samsung Galaxy S21 series brings to the table a versatile and powerful camera system that assures users of high-quality imagery. The standard Galaxy S21 features a triple camera setup, which includes a 12MP wide-angle camera, a 12MP ultra-wide camera, and a notable 64MP telephoto lens. This array allows for capturing crisp, clear, and vibrant photos in a variety of scenarios, from expansive landscapes to detailed portraits.

Photography enthusiasts will appreciate the advanced 30x Space Zoom and the innovative Zoom Lock feature. Together, they enable capturing distant subjects with significant detail and steadiness. For capturing life’s everyday moments and selfies, the Galaxy S21 comes equipped with a front-facing 10MP camera, boasting a wide aperture of f/2.2, bringing versatility to both rear and front-end photography.

galaxy s21

Professional-grade cameras

Elevating mobile photography to professional heights, the Galaxy S21 Ultra’s camera setup excels with a 108MP main sensor, backed by laser auto-focus and support for a 1440p display resolution. The details in the photographs are heightened by this pairing, providing clarity and color accuracy that are outstanding across the entire zoom range.

Customers seeking pro-level results from their smartphone cameras will find the dual telephoto lenses—capable of 100x Super Resolution Zoom—particularly impressive. Although Samsung’s proprietary Space Zoom offers this incredible magnification, it is best utilized cautiously due to possible compromises in image quality at the highest zoom levels.

For selfie enthusiasts, the S21 Ultra’s front camera is a game-changer. The 40MP sensor, equipped with phase detection autofocus, is a step above, ensuring selfies are captured with sharp detail and rich texture.

Space Zoom with up to 100x magnification

The prowess of the Galaxy S21 Ultra’s Space Zoom, with up to 100x magnification, offers an unparalleled ability to capture far-off details that might otherwise go unnoticed. While it’s a feature that will dazzle many users, Samsung recommends using this capability judiciously to maintain the integrity of the image. Due to the nature of digital zoom, at extreme levels, images tend to lose clarity and detail.

Despite this, zoom performance on the S21 Ultra stands out from the crowd, with noticeable improvements, particularly when utilizing zoom levels between 3X and 7X. This range tends to provide the perfect balance of magnification and image quality, reflecting Samsung’s commitment to delivering a stellar photography experience.

Advanced camera setup and features

Samsung’s dedication to providing advanced camera functionality shines through in the Galaxy S21’s camera system. This model flaunts a 64MP high-resolution camera for brilliant images, alongside a versatile 12MP UltraWide camera, and a 10MP front-facing camera for captivating selfies.

The variety of features such as Vlogger View and Director’s View are testament to Samsung’s focus on innovation, offering creators more tools for video production. Vlogger View allows recording with both the front and back cameras simultaneously, while Director’s View lets users switch between different angles seamlessly.

Additionally, Single Take AI empowers users to capture a series of photos and videos with just one tap, generating a collection of formats including live photos, boomerangs, and videos, ensuring no moment is missed. The Galaxy S21’s camera is rounded off with a 30x Space Zoom and Zoom Lock, enhancing its capabilities to secure sharp images from a distance.

Across the board, the Galaxy S21 series stands out as a formidable flagship phone range, with a camera suite designed to meet the needs of all users, from casual hobbyists to professional content creators.

Performance and Battery Life

Elevating performance to new heights, the Samsung Galaxy S21 series marries power with sophistication. The S21 Ultra leads the pack with a formidable 6.8-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display that delivers vivid colors and deep blacks, alongside a 5,000mAh battery to keep you connected longer. Further reinforcing its status as a powerhouse, the Ultra is equipped with a primary 108MP camera sensor, perfect for those who demand excellence in both performance and photography.

The visual experience is taken to the next level with HDR10+ support and dynamic tone mapping, ensuring that on-screen content looks stunning with enhanced color and contrast. Together with Samsung’s proprietary 120Hz refresh rate technology at 1440p resolution, the S21 Ultra provides a fluid display that is a joy to use, whether scrolling through web pages or enjoying high-adrenaline gaming.

Powerful processor and ample internal storage

At the heart of the Galaxy S21 series is the lightning-quick Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 processor, which promises robust performance and efficient power management. Multitasking is a breeze with RAM options of up to 16GB, allowing users to switch between apps and tasks with zero lag.

With a base internal storage at 128GB and a higher tier 256GB available, the Galaxy S21 portfolio ensures that space is no constraint for storing your treasured memories, extensive playlists, and vital documents. Even refurbished models, like the S21 Plus 5G, come with 128GB of internal memory, proving that premium performance isn’t just for those buying new.

Long-lasting battery life and fast charging options

Battery life is where the Galaxy S21 series truly shines. The standard S21’s 4,000mAh battery offers generous power to get through a full day of use, while the S21 Ultra’s 5,000mAh unit goes even further, backed by fast wired and wireless charging capabilities. Imagine getting a 50% charge in just 30 minutes with the 25W Fast Charging feature — a convenient option for those often on the move. Real-world customer reviews highlight the endurance of these devices, with the S21 offering 15 hours for video playback and over 27 hours for phone calls, meaning you’re ready for whatever the day throws at you.

Battery capacity and efficiency

With batteries ranging from the S21’s 4,000mAh to the Ultra’s 5,000mAh, the Galaxy S21 Series balances energy storage and efficiency to ensure users don’t find themselves tethered to an outlet. Rapid rechargeability is a highlight here, with the S21 Plus and Ultra capable of utilizing 45-watt charging for a quick power recovery. It’s details like these that make the Galaxy S21 Series a formidable contender in the arena of flagship phones, where performance, longevity, and innovation are in perfect synergy.

Customer Reviews and Ratings

The Samsung Galaxy S21 has garnered substantial attention and praise from customers, as reflected in the ratings and feedback found on Amazon. A robust 90% of the 3630 reviewers would recommend the Galaxy S21, collectively rewarding the device a commendable 4.5 out of 5 stars. Customers have been particularly vocal about the phone’s standout features, with the novel Single Take AI capability being a noteworthy highlight. This feature enables users to capture a variety of images and videos, all within the span of 15 seconds, in a single take, thereby augmenting the overall user experience.

Consumer feedback has emphasized the superior quality of the Galaxy S21, focusing on aspects such as battery life, seamless ease of use, clear picture quality, and impressive cellular speeds. Such attributes resonate well with Samsung’s reputation for delivering high-quality mobile phones and align with the expectations set for a flagship device.

galaxy s21

Positive customer experiences and feedback

The customer experience with the Samsung Galaxy S21 appears to be predominantly positive based on reviews. Users rave about the camera’s image quality, often highlighting that it outperforms their prior smartphones in capturing high-resolution pictures. The user-friendly nature of the Galaxy S21 does not go unnoticed; customers approve of its straightforward setup and navigation, easing the transition for new and upgrading users alike.

The phone’s speed and efficiency have also been lauded, with customers citing the Galaxy S21’s quick CPU performance and absence of lag, which contribute to an overall seamless operation. The design aesthetic, reliable battery life, and appealing price point further round out the list of reasons that customers have expressed satisfaction with their Galaxy S21 purchase.

Negative customer reviews and concerns

Not every review glows with positivity, however. There are some concerns and issues that have been raised by a minority of customers. Instances of dissatisfaction arose with the included charging block and cable, which have been described as subpar and seemingly not optimized for fast charging. Technical gripes regarding the Galaxy S21’s performance – such as inconsistent fingerprint reader accuracy and compatibility issues with certain cellular networks – have also been noted.

Disappointment with the screen’s perceived size was a recurring theme in some reviews, with a few customers feeling it was smaller than expected. Furthermore, compatibility with non-brand screen protectors seems to pose a challenge, as they can interfere with the phone’s functionality. The software experience also divided customer opinions, particularly concerning the abundant settings and the necessity for US users to switch messaging apps to unlock RCS messaging capabilities.

Popular features and highlights

Despite some criticisms, there are popular features of the S21 that stand out and are frequently praised. One such feature is the 5G connectivity support across the Galaxy S21 models, with the S21 Ultra offering compatibility with the S-Pen – a unique selling point for users seeking additional functionality. Samsung’s environmental initiative to omit the charger has been seen as an eco-friendly move, aligning with the values of many consumers who are increasingly concerned with sustainability.

The Galaxy S21 is equipped with a versatile rear camera setup, boasting a trio of lenses (12MP Wide, 12MP Ultrawide, and 64MP telephoto), which cater to a broad range of photography needs. The battery life is impressive too, offering ample talk-time, video playback, and web browsing hours on a single charge. Finally, the phone ships with Android 11 and OneUI 3.1, delivering a fresh and user-centric interface that enhances the overall smartphone experience with intuitive features and customization options.

The Phone Doctor Says...

The Samsung Galaxy S21 series, launched in 2021, represents a pinnacle of smartphone innovation, combining sleek design, advanced technology, and versatile camera capabilities. The lineup includes various models like the compact Galaxy S21, the larger S21+, the premium S21 Ultra with its expansive display, and the later-introduced S21 FE. With Android 11 and OneUI 3.1, these models offer an intuitive user experience, while their diverse screen sizes and robust battery life cater to different user needs.

The S21 Ultra, with its 108MP main camera, stands out for professional-grade photography, supported by advanced zoom features and high-resolution sensors. The entire series is praised for its long battery life, impressive display quality, and innovative features like the advanced fingerprint sensor technology and Single Take AI for versatile photo capturing.

Despite the discontinuation of production following the release of the S22 series, the S21 models remain relevant for their performance and design. With positive customer feedback on their functionality and reliability, the S21 series has maintained its appeal in the market.

For those interested in experiencing the robust features of the Galaxy S21, Phone Doctor invites you to shop for a previously owned S21 model. Offering a blend of high-quality performance at a competitive price, the S21 remains a valuable choice for smartphone enthusiasts.

Phone Doctor

Abbotsford's Best Phone Repair

34220 Larch St. 

Abbotsford, BC V2S 2P8

(604) 217-5529

Phone Doctor Abbotsford is located just off of George Ferguson Way and is just 5 minutes away from ‘Seven Oaks Shopping Centre’!