Samsung Galaxy S21+ full review

The LOW-DOWN on the Galaxy S21+ (Exynos) - its top features, build and screen quality, battery life, performance, and camera image quality.

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[video timestamps/chapters]
0:00​ Intro
0:23​ Design and build, compared to S21
1:09​ 6.7’’ Dynamic AMOLED 2x display with 1080p resolution
2:11 Gorilla Glass Victus on the back, IP68, compared to S21
2:40​ 4800mAh battery endurance rating and charging speed test
3:34​ Fast and reliable under-display fingerprint reader
3:43​ Stereo speakers test, no headphone jack, storage options
4:10​ Battery life test (4,000mAh)
4:25​ Samsung One UI 3.1 over Android 11
5:15​ Exynos 2100 performance
6:02​ Triple camera specs
6:19​ Main camera daylight photos image quality (compared to Galaxy S20)
8:18​ Low-light photos image quality
9:07​ Selfies
9:30​ Video quality
10:41​ Conclusion

▶ Track Info: Born to Change, Turn it Up, and Halfway Heart by Johan Glossner

[kylequest]

No one mentions the S21+ offers Ultra Wideband support, while the regular S21 does not.
S21+ has a Larger screen, Bigger battery, UWB support, and comes in Phantom Black.
Now for only $100 more.

[EncerK]

A part of me wanted this phone after seeing and holding it in a store... the other part of me went with an S20 FE instead because I feel like I shouldn’t reward Samsung for taking so much away from the phone as opposed to previous generations. That would give them the wrong impression that that’s an acceptable business practice. So I bought the newest phone available that still had a charger and sd card slot.

[ajcombines]

I used to read reviews on GSMArena back then, it was rich in details of every aspect.. now most of the reviewers are interested in cameras only.. please consider doing some review on the DAC and amplifier then audio quality and bass too (when the earphones plugged in)

[vladasmeka]

I have the same model, but the graphite color. Got it 5 days ago and it's an Exynos model. Extremely happy with it. Got it for a great deal in Serbia and the price-drop is noticeable for the foest time in years when it comes to the S series. Can recommend it.

[mobster]

I always wait for gsm arena to review a phone before I get it!

[Calebski]

Just upgraded today from a Pixel 2 XL... Waited forever for Google to release an improved Pixel... Pixel 3 had the big chin at the top, Pixel 4 was bend gate, Pixel 5 was $700 for similar hardware... But WOW I have never immediately fell in love with a phone. Screw Google, I am not going back.

[huntingwolf]

GLass is NEVER tougher. Feels better, but breaks. Every light plastic phone I've ever had has been twice as tough as the glass models.

[chiefofdc]

Phone are going to be sold like cars. A basic stock model and charge for every accessory. They will probably start charging for phone colors

[mmorales]

I'm amazed how everyone talks about how great these new Samsung phones are yet ignore the fact they are losing useful features while still costing to much and having pesky ads in their native apps, that's just disgusting and it pains me as I used to call myself a "Samsung Knight".

[Theratron]

I have this phone. Went for the S21+ instead of the Ultra because I prefer a flat screen. Have had curved screens on the S8+, Note 9 and Note 10+ and I'm done with them. So that's a legit reason to get this one, right? ; )

[Hendrik]

Good review! Made my decision very easy!
But I feel like every review should have a "But can you take a nice photo of the moon" section 🤣🤣🤣
Thank You anyways haha

[angel_]

I got my S9 since December 2018 the 256 GB option and a 128 GB sd card and they are almost at maximum capacity. Samsung taking the sd card from their phones is a complete deterrent for me. Hope they bring it back

[kennethwhitt]

I got mine for 799 and it's amazing. Love the glass back. I do all cloud storage and have chargers all over my house. The build is super premium and I really appreciate that.

[ytpremium]

Watching on my S20 which is still phenomenal

[Iys]

The only issue stopping me from buying it is users reporting the phone grts hot even after a few weeks (well pass the time new device gets hot when adjusting to the user's usage). Would love to hear from people who are owning this.

[RickAqua]

What app was used to show the fps on the screen
Anyone knows it ??

[feedthesnake]

the middle model, "compromise" phone will always be difficult to recommend.

[suetg]

The lack of included perks with a phone that costs this much is disappointing. My last phone upgrade included : The phone, wall charger, wireless charger, ear buds (not wireless), VR head set for use with phone, and a $200 in store gift card which I used to purchase 2 years of insurance up front. This was a BestBuy offer 4 years ago. I will probably never see a deal like that again, but some type of perk should be included for any phone costing close to $1000 or more.

[imadatallah]

The glass back of the S21+ doesn't make it tougher. In fact, the opposite is correct. Glass can break but plastic only scratches.

[javafamily]

Yes, I can see the cat's fur. thanks