Samsung Galaxy S21 / S21+
Announced January 14, 2021
PixelMeter The PixelMeter is our 1–100 aggregate of reviewer scores from trusted publications and creators. Weighted by source tier — not a raw average, and not PetaPixel’s own review.
Reviewer Consensus
Strong
The Samsung Galaxy S21 is a refined, compact flagship that balances capable performance and a high-quality display with a more accessible price point. While it makes several compromises compared to its predecessor and higher-end siblings, it remains a reliable, well-rounded smartphone for daily use.
Weighted from 33 reviewer scores
Pros
- Smooth 120Hz adaptive refresh rate display
- Fast, powerful Snapdragon 888 processor
- Versatile, capable triple-camera system
- Compact, ergonomic design with matte finish
- More affordable launch price
Cons
- Removal of microSD card slot for storage expansion
- Lack of an included charger in the box
- Polycarbonate plastic back panel
- Lower screen resolution compared to previous models
- Inconsistent battery life and tendency to run warm
- Launch price $799–$999.99 (USD)
- Main camera 12MP f/1.8 + 12MP Ultrawide + 64MP 1.1x Telephoto
- Video 8K 24p
- Display 6.2-inch / 6.7-inch LTPO AMOLED 120Hz
- Chipset Snapdragon 888 / Exynos 2100 8GB
What the Reviewers Say
All 33 expert reviews, weighted into the PixelMeter score.
Is this product missing a reputable review? Share a link to a review article or YouTube video for consideration.
- PetaPixel 7/10
The cameras don’t give you anything you can’t get on other Samsung phones, but the combination they each offer is still worth consideration.
-
I think Samsung checked the right set of boxes with the S21. [...] Overall, this is no doubt the best bang for the buck in the lineup.
- The Verge 8/10
If the Ultra is too big or too expensive for your needs, there’s nothing wrong with the regular Galaxy S21. Samsung has managed to cut the price without major sacrifices in either the experience or the features of this phone.
-
There are sacrifices yes, but this is still a great phone for a more enticing price. It has a lovely screen, a reliable camera and a slick new design that feels a little bit futuristic.
-
The Samsung Galaxy S21 5G isn’t the best value flagship specced Galaxy around; that would be the indomitable S20 FE — still one of the easiest phones to recommend months after launch. It is, however, a great looking phone with a killer screen, fresh specs, and a decent camera.
-
Otherwise, the Snapdragon 888 doesn't make a noticeable difference in performance, and the improved network features aren't available yet.
-
The Galaxy S21 isn’t the star of Samsung’s S series in 2021, like we’ve been used to for most of the past decade, but it’s a solid smartphone choice with an impressive camera, powerful internals and great battery life.
-
Samsung’s Galaxy S21 is a more refined, smarter and crucially cheaper new flagship phone.
-
Unsurprisingly, the Samsung Galaxy S21 / S21 is a good phone. It has a powerful processor, a lovely screen, capable cameras, and a long-lasting battery.
- CNET 8.8/10
The Galaxy S21 strikes a good balance of features and price which should make it appealing to a lot of people.
- Android Police 9/10
When you get right down to it, the Galaxy S21 is a great phone at a great price. [...] The Galaxy S21 earns weirdly high praise when I say: it does almost nothing wrong.
- PhoneArena 8.5/10
It’s snappy and fun to use, and its camera is pretty great as well.
-
Samsung is now offering a split Galaxy S line where to get everything and then some, you have to pay for the Ultra. The S21 and S21+ have real downgrades over that phone and when compared to the Galaxy S20 from last year.
-
The S21 and S21+, meanwhile, reuse last year's bits. [...] In the case of the small Galaxy S21 we have here, a final blow hurts the most - it's got a plastic back.
-
While not offering any notable AV upgrades over the S20, the Samsung Galaxy S21 shuffles the S series along nicely with camera enhancements, aesthetic improvements and some modest functionality boosts.
-
With great design, features, performance, battery life, and cameras, all at an affordable price tag, the Samsung Galaxy S21 deserves our Pocketnow Editor's Choice for the best bang for the buck smartphone in 2021 so far.
-
The decision to remove the microSD slot and bundled charger are the only blots on the landscape; otherwise, the Galaxy S21 represents another sublime flagship offering from Samsung.
-
Aside from a rejuvenated design and the obligatory spec bump, the Galaxy S21 does little to improve upon or surpass its predecessor (and in some areas steps backwards).
-
The Samsung Galaxy S21 is an excellent phone for its price. The device offers excellent performance, a great camera, and a new design that frankly looks awesome.
- IGN 7/10
With few upgrades over last year’s model, and minor ones at that, it feels more like a second Fan Edition than a truly new phone.
-
[T]he real story is in the missing elements that you'll only find if you upgrade to the plus or the ultra models, the likes of the UWB tech which allows you to use your phone as a wireless car key for supported models and a tasty bit of S Pen support [...]
-
The Galaxy S21 is a great new smartphone and a worthy standard model of Samsung’s flagship lineup. You get a tried and tested camera setup complete with software improvements, a big, bright screen, 5G connectivity and a nice new design.
- WhistleOut 75/100
Other than battery life, the Galaxy S21 is fairly easy to recommend. It has a lovely screen, a stylish design, a capable camera, and speedy performance.
-
Despite its cheaper price tag, this is just as good a smartphone as its more pricier siblings, the S21+ and S21 Ultra.
-
Should you buy the Galaxy S21? [T]he Galaxy S21 will suit you well.
-
Shutterbugs looking for a highly capable setup with tons of features in a smartphone camera will be well-served by Samsung's new Galaxy S21 line-up.
-
[T]he S21 just kind of fits me for my everyday life right now.
-
This is a really great phone, and I've thoroughly enjoyed my time with it so far.
-
All in all, the S21 is Samsung best flagship yet, with the S21+ and S21 Ultra even better. You just have to decide whether Samsung offers the features and benefits at the price you want to pay, given so many choices [...]
-
Between the speed, versatile camera setup, long battery life, and Samsung's huge amount of features, it's a great overall experience. Not for everyone, but for most people, you're going to enjoy this device.
-
For day-to-day use, the other trade-offs have not impacted my overall experience at all, an experience that has been really positive. This is a great phone with the new norm we're currently living in, offering a more affordable flagship is okay by me.
-
I think ultimately though, there are probably some other phones I would recommend buying, though.
-
For me personally, Samsung has removed far too many features that I value in a flagship device, and any device really, for me to consider keeping this device and using it long term.
