Samsung Galaxy S21 5G
$160.1
Overview
Samsung Galaxy S21 5G is a budget Android smartphone released in 2021 with a 6.2-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X, 120Hz, HDR10+, 1300 nits (peak), Exynos 2100 chipset, 64 main camera, and 4000 mAh battery.
The device runs One UI with features like Galaxy AI and Samsung DeX. Priced at $160.1, it targets users seeking budget performance.
Specifications of Samsung Galaxy S21 5G
The display of Samsung Galaxy S21 5G measures 6.2 inches with Dynamic AMOLED 2X, 120Hz, HDR10+, 1300 nits (peak) 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 5G features 3 rear cameras: 64 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 5G has 4000mAh capacity with 25 wired charging. Wireless charging supports 15. A full charge takes approximately 85 min minutes.
The performance of Samsung Galaxy S21 5G is powered by the Exynos 2100 chipset with Mali-G78 MP14 - InternationalAdreno 660 - USA/China GPU. AnTuTu benchmark achieves 584055.
The memory of Samsung Galaxy S21 5G offers 8GB RAM with 128GB storage options. RAM uses LPDDR5 technology. Storage is 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM. Storage is not expandable.
The connectivity of Samsung Galaxy S21 5G includes 5G support, Wi-Fi Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6, and Bluetooth 5.0. NFC is supported for contactless payments.
The build of Samsung Galaxy S21 5G 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 (5.97 x 2.80 x 0.31 in).
The software of Samsung Galaxy S21 5G 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 5G
Frequently Asked Questions about Samsung Galaxy S21 5G
Yes, Samsung Galaxy S21 5G is good for photography with its 64 camera. It handles everyday photography well with solid detail and color accuracy.
Samsung Galaxy S21 5G with Exynos 2100 can handle casual gaming. For intensive gaming, consider phones with flagship chipsets.
Samsung Galaxy S21 5G receives 4 years of updates through 2030. This provides solid software support for the device's lifespan.
Yes, Samsung Galaxy S21 5G 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 5G 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 5G has a 4000mAh battery. This provides full-day battery life with typical usage patterns.
Samsung Galaxy S21 5G at $160.1 is a budget device. It's worth buying if you prioritize affordability over premium features.
Samsung Galaxy S21 5G supports 25 wired charging with full charge in approximately 85 min minutes. Wireless charging supports 15.
Samsung Galaxy S21 5G is available in 128GB storage options. Storage is not expandable, so choose your capacity based on your needs.
Samsung Galaxy S21 5G has a 6.2-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X, 120Hz, HDR10+, 1300 nits (peak) with 120Hz refresh rate and 1300 nits peak brightness. HDR support includes HDR10+.
Samsung Galaxy S21 5G in Category Rankings
See how Samsung Galaxy S21 5G ranks in these categories:
Verdict
The Samsung Galaxy S21 5G delivers practical value for users prioritizing affordability over premium features. The phone excels in versatile camera system, 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
64
Chipset
Exynos 2100
Full Specifications
Network
| Technology | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / EVDO / LTE / 5G |
| 2G Bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G Bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G LTE Bands | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 14, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 28, 30, 38, 39, 40, 41, 46, 48, 66, 71 - SM-G991U1 |
| 5G Sub-6 Bands | 2, 5, 25, 41, 66, 71, 260, 261 SA/NSA/Sub6/mmWave - SM-G991U1 |
| 5G mmWave Bands | 2, 5, 25, 41, 66, 71, 260, 261 SA/NSA/Sub6/mmWave - SM-G991U1 |
| Speed | N/A |
| Carrier Aggregation | 4x4 MIMO |
| SIM | Nano-SIM |
| Dual SIM Mode | Dual SIM |
| eSIM Support | |
| VoLTE Support | N/A |
| VoWiFi | N/A |
| NR CA Support | 2CC |
Launch
| Announced | 2021 |
| Status | Available. Released 2021, January 29 |
| Availability | N/A |
| Model Variants | N/A |
| Launch Price | $160.1 / £141.5 / C$274.67 |
Body & Design
| Dimensions (mm) | 151.7 x 71.2 x 7.9 mm (5.97 x 2.80 x 0.31 in) |
| 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 | Z-axis Linear |
Display
| Panel Type | Dynamic AMOLED 2X, 120Hz, HDR10+, 1300 nits (peak) |
| Size (inches) | 6.2 |
| Resolution (px) | 1080x2400 pixels |
| Aspect Ratio | 2:3 |
| Pixel Density (ppi) | 176 |
| 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 | Gorilla Glass Victus |
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) - USA/China |
| GPU | Mali-G78 MP14 - InternationalAdreno 660 - USA/China |
| NPU/AI TOPs | 26 TOPS |
| ISP Features | Multi-frame processing |
| Modem | Exynos 5123 |
| Wi-Fi/Bluetooth Chip | N/A |
| Throttling Behavior | N/A |
| Geekbench Single-Core | N/A |
| Geekbench Multi-Core | N/A |
| AnTuTu Score | 584055 |
| 3DMark Scores | N/A |
Memory & Storage
| RAM | 8GB |
| RAM Type | LPDDR5 |
| Storage | 128GB |
| Storage Type | 128GB 6GB RAM, 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 | 64 |
| Main Sensor Size | 1/1.72" |
| Main Sensor Model | ISOCELL HM3 |
| Main Lens | f/1.8, 26mm |
| OIS | |
| Autofocus | Dual Pixel 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 | N/A |
| Sensor Size | 1/3.2" |
| Aperture | f/2.2 |
| AF/OIS | N/A |
| Secondary Front Cam | |
| Front Flash | Screen flash |
| Video | 4K@30fps |
| HDR/Dolby Vision | N/A |
| Face Unlock | 2D |
Audio
| Loudspeakers | -26.4 LUFS (Good) |
| 3.5mm Jack | |
| Hi-Res Audio | |
| Spatial Audio / Dolby Atmos | |
| Microphones | 3 |
| Bluetooth Codecs | aptX, LDAC, AAC |
| DAC/Amp | AKG-tuned stereo speakers |
Connectivity
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6 |
| 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 | Under-display ultrasonic |
| 3D Face ID | N/A |
| Accelerometer | |
| Gyroscope | |
| Magnetometer | |
| Proximity Sensor | |
| Ambient Light | N/A |
| 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 4000 mAh |
| Removable | |
| Endurance Rating | N/A |
| Wired Charging | 25 |
| Wired Standard | PD3.015 |
| 0-50% Time (mins) | 30 min |
| Full Charge Time | 85 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 | App permission manager |
| Accessibility | Voice Assistant, Magnifier |
| Satellite Messaging UI |
Miscellaneous
| In-Box Contents | Phone, USB-C cable, SIM ejector |
| 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 5G Review: A Flagship Worth Considering
Our comprehensive review of the Samsung Galaxy S21 5G covers display quality, camera performance, battery life, and overall value. This flagship delivers on its promises.
- + Excellent Dynamic AMOLED 2X, 120Hz, HDR10+, 1300 nits (peak) display with 120Hz refresh rate
- + Powerful Exynos 2100 chipset for smooth performance
- - Battery life could be better
- - No expandable storage