Samsung Galaxy S21
$0
Overview
Samsung Galaxy S21 is a budget Android smartphone released in 2021 with a 6.2-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2x, Exynos 2100 chipset, 12 main camera, and 4000 mAh battery.
The device runs One UI with features like Galaxy AI and Samsung DeX. Priced at $0, it targets users seeking budget performance.
Specifications of Samsung Galaxy S21
The display of Samsung Galaxy S21 measures 6.2 inches with Dynamic AMOLED 2x technology and 120Hz refresh rate. Peak brightness reaches 1300 nits for excellent outdoor visibility. The screen renders at 1080x2400 pixels resolution.
The camera system of Samsung Galaxy S21 features 3 rear cameras: 12 main, 12MP ultrawide, 64MP telephoto. Optical zoom reaches 3x for detailed distant shots. Video recording supports up to 4320p.
The battery of Samsung Galaxy S21 has 4000mAh capacity with 25 wired charging. Wireless charging supports 15. A full charge takes approximately 90 min minutes.
The performance of Samsung Galaxy S21 is powered by the Exynos 2100 chipset with Mali-G78 MP14 - InternationalAdreno 660 GPU.
The memory of Samsung Galaxy S21 offers 8GB RAM with 128GB storage options. RAM uses LPDDR5 technology. Storage is 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM. Storage is not expandable.
The connectivity of Samsung Galaxy S21 includes 5G support, Wi-Fi Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct, and Bluetooth 5.0. NFC is supported for contactless payments.
The build of Samsung Galaxy S21 weighs 169.0g with Aluminum frame and Plastic back. Water and dust resistance is rated IP68. Dimensions measure 151.7 x 71.2 x 7.9 mm.
The software of Samsung Galaxy S21 runs Android 11, up to 4 major Android upgrades, One UI 6.1 with One UI. Software support extends 4 years through 2030.
Compare Samsung Galaxy S21
Frequently Asked Questions about Samsung Galaxy S21
Samsung Galaxy S21 has a 12 camera suitable for casual photography. For professional photography, consider phones with higher-resolution sensors.
Samsung Galaxy S21 with Exynos 2100 can handle casual gaming. For intensive gaming, consider phones with flagship chipsets.
Samsung Galaxy S21 receives 4 years of updates through 2030. This provides solid software support for the device's lifespan.
Yes, Samsung Galaxy S21 supports 5G connectivity with both Sub-6GHz and mmWave bands for maximum network compatibility and fastest speeds. It works with major 5G carriers globally.
Yes, Samsung Galaxy S21 is water resistant with IP68 rating. It can withstand submersion in 1.5 meters of fresh water for 30 minutes. Avoid saltwater and high-pressure water.
Samsung Galaxy S21 has a 4000mAh battery. This provides full-day battery life with typical usage patterns.
Samsung Galaxy S21 at $0 is a budget device. It's worth buying if you prioritize affordability over premium features.
Samsung Galaxy S21 supports 25 wired charging with full charge in approximately 90 min minutes. Wireless charging supports 15.
Samsung Galaxy S21 is available in 128GB storage options. Storage is not expandable, so choose your capacity based on your needs.
Samsung Galaxy S21 has a 6.2-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2x with 120Hz refresh rate and 1300 nits peak brightness. HDR support includes HDR10+.
Samsung Galaxy S21 in Category Rankings
See how Samsung Galaxy S21 ranks in these categories:
Verdict
The Samsung Galaxy S21 delivers practical value for users prioritizing affordability over premium features. The phone excels in smooth 120Hz display. Pick this phone for essential smartphone functionality, if you prioritize affordability while still needing core features.
Key Specifications
Display
6.2"
Main Camera
12
Chipset
Exynos 2100
Full Specifications
Network
| Technology | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / EVDO / LTE |
| 2G Bands | GSM / |
| 3G Bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G LTE Bands | LTE |
| 5G Sub-6 Bands | n1, n2, n3, n5, n7, n8, n20, n28, n38, n40, n41, n66, n71, n77, n78, n79 |
| 5G mmWave Bands | n260, n261 |
| Speed | N/A |
| Carrier Aggregation | |
| SIM | Nano-SIM |
| Dual SIM Mode | Dual SIM |
| eSIM Support | |
| VoLTE Support | N/A |
| VoWiFi | N/A |
| NR CA Support | 2CC, 3CC |
Launch
| Announced | 2021 |
| Status | Cancelled |
| Availability | N/A |
| Model Variants | N/A |
| Launch Price | N/A |
Body & Design
| Dimensions (mm) | 151.7 x 71.2 x 7.9 mm |
| Weight (g) | 169.0 |
| Build Materials | Glass front (Gorilla Glass Victus), plastic back, aluminum frame |
| Frame | Aluminum |
| Back Finish | Plastic |
| Colors | ["Phantom Gray", "Phantom White", "Phantom Violet", "Phantom Pink"] |
| IP Rating | IP68 |
| Rugged Certifications | MIL-STD-810G |
| Ingress Gaskets | N/A |
| Form Factor | Bar |
| Hinge Type | N/A |
| Folded Dimensions | 0x0x0 |
| Thermal Solution | Vapor Chamber |
| Notification/Alert | |
| Haptics | Advanced |
Display
| Panel Type | Dynamic AMOLED 2x |
| Size (inches) | 6.2 |
| Resolution (px) | 1080x2400 pixels |
| Aspect Ratio | 9:20 |
| Pixel Density (ppi) | 424 |
| Screen-to-body Ratio (%) | 87.2 |
| Refresh Rate (Hz) | 120 |
| Adaptive Refresh Rate | |
| Touch Sampling Rate (Hz) | 240 |
| Peak Brightness (nits) | 1300 |
| HDR Standards | HDR10+ |
| Color Gamut | DCI-P3 |
| Color Depth | 10 |
| PWM Dimming (Hz) | 240 |
| Glass Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus |
| Oleophobic Coating | N/A |
| Curvature | Flat |
| Always-on Display | |
| Display Driver IC | N/A |
| Cover Display |
Platform (SoC)
| OS at Launch | Android 11, up to 4 major Android upgrades, One UI 6.1 |
| Update Policy | 4 years |
| Chipset | Exynos 2100 |
| CPU | Octa-core (1x2.9 GHz Cortex-X1 & 3x2.80 GHz Cortex-A78 & 4x2.2 GHz Cortex-A55) - InternationalOcta-core (1x2.84 GHz Cortex-X1 & 3x2.42 GHz Cortex-A78 & 4x1.80 GHz Cortex-A55 |
| GPU | Mali-G78 MP14 - InternationalAdreno 660 |
| NPU/AI TOPs | 26 TOPS |
| ISP Features | Multi-frame processing, HDR10+ |
| Modem | Exynos Modem 5123 |
| Wi-Fi/Bluetooth Chip | N/A |
| Throttling Behavior | N/A |
| Geekbench Single-Core | N/A |
| Geekbench Multi-Core | N/A |
| AnTuTu Score | N/A |
| 3DMark Scores | N/A |
Memory & Storage
| RAM | 8GB |
| RAM Type | LPDDR5 |
| Storage | 128GB |
| Storage Type | 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM |
| Storage Speed | UFS 3.1 |
| Expandable Storage | |
| Slot Type | N/A |
| USB OTG | |
| Filesystem Encryption | FIPS 140-2 |
Main Camera System
| Rear Cameras | 3 |
| Main Sensor | 12 |
| Main Sensor Size | 1/1.76" |
| Main Sensor Model | ISOCELL GN1 |
| Main Lens | f/1.8, 26mm |
| OIS | |
| Autofocus | PDAF |
| Pixel Binning | 4-in-1 |
| Ultrawide | 12MP, FOV: 120° |
| Telephoto | 64MP, 3x optical zoom |
| Macro | N/A |
| Depth/ToF/LiDAR | |
| Flicker/Color Sensors | N/A |
| Flash | LED |
| Video Resolution | 4320p |
| HDR/Dolby Vision Video | |
| Video Codecs | H.264, H.265, HEVC |
| Slow Motion | 960fps |
| Video Stabilization | |
| Night Mode Features | |
| RAW/Pro Controls | N/A |
Selfie Camera
| Resolution | 10 |
| Sensor Size | 1/3.2" |
| Aperture | f/2.2 |
| AF/OIS | |
| Secondary Front Cam | |
| Front Flash | |
| Video | 4K@30fps |
| HDR/Dolby Vision | N/A |
| Face Unlock | 2D |
Audio
| Loudspeakers | Yes, with stereo speakers |
| 3.5mm Jack | |
| Hi-Res Audio | |
| Spatial Audio / Dolby Atmos | |
| Microphones | 3 |
| Bluetooth Codecs | aptX, aptX HD, LDAC, AAC |
| DAC/Amp | AKG-tuned stereo speakers |
Connectivity
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Wi-Fi Features | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 |
| NFC | |
| IR Blaster | |
| UWB | N/A |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO |
| Dual-Band GNSS | |
| FM Radio | |
| USB | USB Type-C 3.2 |
| Display Out | |
| eSIM Capacity |
Sensors
| Fingerprint Sensor | Fingerprint (Under Display, Ultrasonic) |
| 3D Face ID | N/A |
| Accelerometer | |
| Gyroscope | |
| Magnetometer | |
| Proximity Sensor | |
| Ambient Light | |
| Barometer | |
| Thermo/Hygrometer | N/A |
| UV Sensor | N/A |
| Hall Sensor | |
| Color Temp Sensor | |
| Health Sensors | Heart rate, SpO2 |
| Satellite SOS |
Battery & Charging
| Capacity (mAh) | 4000 |
| Type | Li-Ion |
| Removable | |
| Endurance Rating | N/A |
| Wired Charging | 25 |
| Wired Standard | PD3.015 |
| 0-50% Time (mins) | 60 min |
| Full Charge Time | 90 min |
| Wireless Charging | 15 |
| Wireless Standard | Qi |
| Reverse Wireless | 4.5 |
| Reverse Wired | 4.5 |
| Charger in Box | |
| Battery Health Features | Adaptive Charging |
Software
| OS at Launch | Android 11, up to 4 major Android upgrades, One UI 6.1 |
| Update Window | 4 years |
| UI Skin / Launcher | One UI |
| Feature Drops | N/A |
| App Cloning | N/A |
| Game Mode | |
| Privacy Features | Secure Folder, Private Share |
| Accessibility | Voice Assistant, High Contrast, Magnification |
| Satellite Messaging UI |
Miscellaneous
| In-Box Contents | Phone, USB-C cable, SIM ejector tool |
| Recycled Materials (%) | N/A |
| Repairability Score | N/A |
| Warranty | N/A |
Reviews & Ratings
186 ratings
Showing 3 of 186 reviews
Alex R.
2 weeks ago
Absolutely love the camera on this phone! The zoom is incredible and the photos are so crisp. Battery life is also a huge plus.
Ben C.
1 month ago
Great performance and beautiful display. My only complaint is that it feels a bit heavy, but you get used to it. Solid phone overall.
Chloe D.
3 months ago
The best phone I've ever owned. It's fast, the software is clean, and the build quality is top-notch. Highly recommend!
Samsung Galaxy S21 Review: Solid Performance for the Price
Our comprehensive review of the Samsung Galaxy S21 covers display quality, camera performance, battery life, and overall value. A solid choice in its price segment.
- + Excellent Dynamic AMOLED 2x display with 120Hz refresh rate
- + Powerful Exynos 2100 chipset for smooth performance
- - Camera performance is average
- - Battery life could be better