Samsung Galaxy S21+ review
The Samsung Galaxy S21+ is a solid device that offers impressive performance, a sleek design, and a robust camera system. However, it may not be the most significant upgrade for those who already own an earlier Samsung flagship. One of the notable features of the S21+ is its powerful processor, which provides seamless multitasking and smooth performance. The device's 6.7-inch Dynamic AMOLED display offers vibrant colors and a high refresh rate, making it a pleasure to watch videos or browse through web content. The camera system on the S21+ is also impressive, with a 12-megapixel primary sensor that takes excellent photos in various lighting conditions. The device's 64-megapixel telephoto lens allows for some digital zooming and cropping, which can be useful for capturing distant subjects. However, the S21+ may not offer as much value to users who already own an earlier Samsung flagship. While it has a few notable upgrades, such as improved battery life and a new design language, these features are not particularly groundbreaking. In terms of price, the Galaxy S21+ is positioned in the premium segment, with a starting price around £1000. While this may be worth considering for those who want the latest and greatest features, it's hard to justify upgrading from an earlier Samsung device without more significant upgrades. Overall, the Samsung Galaxy S21+ is a solid choice for users looking for a reliable and feature-rich smartphone. However, its value proposition may not be as strong for those already invested in the Samsung ecosystem.
Build Quality and Design
The Samsung Galaxy S21+ is a solidly constructed device that exudes a sense of premium quality. The phone's sleek and minimalist design is both functional and aesthetically pleasing, featuring a sturdy glass back panel and an aluminum frame. However, upon closer inspection, it becomes apparent that the build quality is not without its flaws. The glass on the back panel can be prone to scratches and fingerprints, which may detract from the overall visual appeal of the phone. Additionally, the lack of IP67 rating for water resistance is a notable omission, especially considering the device's premium price tag. While it's unlikely that you'll encounter any issues in everyday use, this omission does seem like an oversight. The phone's dimensions are comfortable to hold and use, with a sizeable 6.7-inch Dynamic AMOLED display taking center stage. The bezels are minimal, and the overall design is pleasing to the eye. However, some may find the lack of distinctiveness in the S21+'s design compared to its predecessor or other high-end offerings from Samsung's competitors. One area where the Galaxy S21+ excels is in terms of durability. The device withstood our testing without any signs of damage or wear and tear, despite being dropped several times during the review period. While this may not be a surprise given the phone's premium build quality, it's reassuring to know that Samsung has put some thought into making the S21+ more rugged. In conclusion, while the Samsung Galaxy S21+ boasts a solid build quality and design, there are some areas for improvement. The lack of water resistance and susceptibility to scratches may be deal-breakers for some users, but overall, the phone is well-crafted and pleasant to hold. If you're in the market for a high-end Android device, the S21+ is certainly worth considering, even if it doesn't quite live up to its full potential.
Battery Life
One aspect that failed to impress me during my time with the Samsung Galaxy S21+ was its battery life. While it's true that the phone packs a large 4500mAh battery, real-world performance fell short of expectations. In my daily usage, which includes moderate social media scrolling, email checking, and occasional gaming sessions, I found myself needing to top up the battery by lunchtime. This isn't ideal, especially considering the S21+ is a premium device that promises all-day power. I've tried various optimization techniques, such as limiting background app activity and adjusting screen brightness, but these measures only marginally improved battery life. The phone's power-hungry processor and vivid display seem to be major culprits here. While Samsung claims the S21+ can deliver up to 14 hours of internet use, my experience suggests this is an overly optimistic estimate. In reality, you're likely to get around 8-10 hours of moderate use before needing a recharge. This lackluster battery performance is particularly concerning given the phone's high price point. If Samsung wants to justify charging over $1,000 for its flagship device, it needs to deliver on the power promises made in marketing materials. Overall, I'd give the Samsung Galaxy S21+ 3 out of 5 stars when it comes to battery life. While it won't completely drain your day, you'll still need to top up regularly – a feature that's more commonly associated with budget devices than premium flagships.
Display
The Samsung Galaxy S21+ boasts an impressive display that sets it apart from its predecessors. The 6.7-inch Dynamic AMOLED screen offers vibrant colors and crisp details, making it perfect for watching movies or browsing through your favorite websites. One of the standout features of the display is its high refresh rate of up to 120Hz. This means that the screen can smoothly render motion, providing a seamless viewing experience. The result is a display that feels incredibly responsive and fluid, even when scrolling through complex web pages or playing demanding games. In terms of brightness, the S21+ display shines with a peak brightness of around 1,200 nits. This ensures that the screen remains easily readable even in bright sunlight, making it perfect for outdoor use. Additionally, the phone's screen is protected by Gorilla Glass Victus, providing an extra layer of protection against scratches and drops. The Galaxy S21+ also supports HDR10+ content, which means you can enjoy a wider range of colors and contrast levels on supported videos. This results in a more immersive viewing experience that draws you into the action. Overall, the display on the Samsung Galaxy S21+ is a significant upgrade over its predecessor. With its high refresh rate, impressive brightness, and support for HDR10+, this phone's screen is one of the best you can find on any smartphone today. Whether you're watching movies, playing games, or simply browsing through your favorite apps, the S21+'s display has got you covered.
Camera
The camera on the Samsung Galaxy S21+ is a mixed bag. On one hand, it delivers excellent results in various lighting conditions, with the 12-megapixel primary lens capturing crisp and detailed images. Low-light shots are particularly impressive, with bright and sharp image capture that's hard to beat. However, the camera system also has its limitations. The 64-megapixel telephoto lens may rely more on image cropping than actual optical zoom abilities, and while it can get a closer view of the action without compromising picture quality, things start to get grainy beyond the 10-time zoom mark. One of the standout features of the camera is the 12-megapixel primary lens. It's strong enough to capture everyday moments with ease, even in challenging conditions. The single take mode has also been updated with a couple of extra features, including a slow down and speed up option that's still not entirely sold on. The portrait mode and night mode are as handy as ever, delivering great results without much fuss. Pro mode is also available for tweaking individual settings and capturing in raw format. However, the real highlight of the camera system is its video chops. Recording 8K video at 24 frames per second with a video snap feature that allows you to effortlessly grab ultra-high-res photos when playing back in the gallery is a great addition. Shooting test footage in 4K resolution at 60 frames per second gives you great natural-looking home movies, and audio pickup is good. The director's view mode is also a useful feature, allowing you to swap between different lenses on the fly while giving you a preview of all of them at the same time. Vlogger's view allows you to shoot with the front camera simultaneously, making it easy to capture high-quality selfies or vlog-style footage. Overall, the camera on the Samsung Galaxy S21+ is a solid offering that delivers excellent results in various lighting conditions. While it may not be revolutionary, it's a reliable and capable camera system that's sure to please most users.
Price and Value
The Samsung Galaxy S21+ is a solid mid-range smartphone that offers impressive performance, cameras, and features. However, its price point raises some concerns about value for money. Priced around £899, the S21+ sits in a tricky spot between affordability and premium flagship territory. While it's not as expensive as the top-of-the-line Galaxy S21 Ultra, it still feels like an investment that may not deliver enough unique features to justify the cost. In comparison to its predecessor, the S20+, the S21+ offers some notable improvements, including a faster processor, improved cameras, and a sleek new design. However, these upgrades don't necessarily feel revolutionary or game-changing. The phone's performance is smooth, but it doesn't particularly stand out in any one area. Furthermore, the mid-range price point means that you'll need to spend even more to get the top-of-the-line features, such as the S21 Ultra's 100x space zoom camera. This feels like a bit of a bait-and-switch, as the S21+ is marketed as a premium device without quite delivering on its promise. Ultimately, whether or not the Samsung Galaxy S21+ is worth the investment depends on your individual needs and priorities. If you're looking for a reliable mid-range smartphone with some impressive features, then it's definitely worth considering. However, if you want the very best of the best from Samsung, you may need to look elsewhere – and be prepared to pay a premium for it. In short, while the S21+ is a solid device, its price point feels like a bit of a stretch. If you're not particularly invested in having the latest and greatest smartphone, there are probably better value options available from other manufacturers.
Performance
In my hands-on experience with the Samsung Galaxy S21+, I was thoroughly impressed by its performance. The device's 120Hz display and Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 processor work seamlessly together to deliver a smooth and lag-free experience. I've used the phone for an extended period, running multiple apps simultaneously, and it has consistently performed well without any noticeable slowdowns or stuttering. The phone's ability to multitask is impressive, with minimal memory usage even when running demanding applications like games and video editing software. The Adreno 660 GPU provides excellent graphics performance, making gaming on the S21+ a delightful experience. I've played several high-end games, including Fortnite and Call of Duty, without encountering any frame drops or lag. In addition to its impressive specs, the phone's software also plays a significant role in its overall performance. Samsung's One UI 3.1 provides an intuitive interface and efficient battery management, ensuring that the device stays powered for an extended period even with heavy usage. Overall, I'm thoroughly satisfied with the Samsung Galaxy S21+'s performance. It's a powerhouse of a phone that can handle demanding tasks with ease, making it an excellent choice for anyone looking for a premium smartphone experience.
Pros
1. The Samsung Galaxy S21+ has a strong 12-megapixel primary lens that can capture everyday moments with great quality, even in challenging conditions.
2. The camera app offers a range of features, including Single Take mode, Portrait mode, Night mode, and Pro mode, which work well as expected.
3. The phone's video chops are impressive, with the ability to record 8K video at 24fps and 4K video at 60fps or 30fps, making it ideal for capturing natural-looking home movies.
4. The front camera is reliable, capable of shooting up to 4K resolution video at 60fps, and performing well in low-light conditions.
5. The phone's design is sleek and premium, with a sturdy build that feels great in the hand.
6. Overall, the Samsung Galaxy S21+ is an enjoyable device to use, with a smooth interface and seamless performance.
Cons
1. The phone does not offer significant upgrades over earlier Samsung flagships, making it difficult to justify the cost for those who already own a recent model.
2. The camera's 64-megapixel telephoto lens relies on image cropping rather than actual optical zoom abilities, which may be limiting for some users.
3. The phone's battery life is average, and may not last a full day with heavy usage.
4. The price of the Samsung Galaxy S21+ is around £1000-£1500, which is quite steep considering what it offers compared to earlier flagships.
5. There are no exciting new features or innovations in this model, making it feel like more of the same rather than a significant upgrade.