Samsung Galaxy S21 128GB
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Samsung Galaxy S21 Phantom Grey (128GB) SM-G991BZADXNZ review
The Samsung Galaxy S21 packs plenty of power into its small stature and sets the stage for better 5G phone performance in the future.- Hand-friendly form factor
- Bright
- colorful screen
- Better Night photo mode than previous Samsung phones
- Supports future 5G network features
- 5G battery life is just on the edge of acceptable
- Future network features don't exist yet
Samsung Galaxy S21 Review
The Samsung Galaxy S21 packs plenty of power into its small stature and sets the stage for better 5G phone performance in the future. I like small phones and I cannot lie. The best-seller list can deny, but when a phone comes in with an itty-bitty screen and I hold it to my face, I'm in love. Samsung's smallest, most affordable Galaxy S21 ($799.99) sets the stage for 2021 phones with style and without breaking the bank, and it's future-proofed with 5G technology so advanced that the networks to support it don't exist yet. But I know small size and high quality isn't a broadly appealing combo—just look at the poor iPhone 12 mini sales—and until the inevitable discounts kick in and the new 5G networks are launched, its price feels too high for its capabilities. So the less expensive, slightly larger Galaxy S20 FE ($700 list, often heavily discounted) remains our Editors' Choice winner for Android phones right now.Slightly Unsure of Its Place The Galaxy S21's bigger siblings are the $1,000 Galaxy S21+ and the $1,200 Galaxy S21 Ultra. It's the successor to the S20, which originally listed for $1,000, and it lives in...- Hand-friendly form factor
- Bright, colorful screen
- Better Night photo mode than previous Samsung phones
- Supports future 5G network features
- 5G battery life is just on the edge of acceptable
- Future network features don't exist yet
Samsung Galaxy S21 Phantom Grey (128GB) SM-G991BZADXNZ review
Unsurprisingly, the S21 is a good phone. It has a powerful processor, a lovely screen, capable cameras and a long-lasting battery. It even has some useful software and a gorgeous new design in eye-catching colors. At $800, the S21 is more reasonably priced than its stablemates.
Samsung Galaxy S21 Phantom Grey (128GB) SM-G991BZADXNZ review
Rather than offer essentially the same top-tier phone at different sizes, Samsung has chosen to get aggressive on price this year. The Galaxy S21 starts at $799.99 for the smaller version with a 6.2-inch screen and $999.99 for the Plus version with a 6.7-inch display.- Fast processor
- Nice screen
- Good battery life
- Samsung bloatware
- Competition will undercut price
- No microSD storage expansion
Samsung Galaxy S21 5G (128GB, Grey) - Excellent review
The first of 2021’s phones, the Samsung Galaxy S21 is a nice phone with some decent features, but it’s not one that we’ve exactly fallen in love with. Samsung owners will be happy with what’s on offer, delivering a Galaxy that is clearly strong, and feels great, too.- Lovely design, Big screen that takes up much of the front, Great specs, Supports 5G regardless of model or variation, Water resistant
- Battery life is not good at all, Phone can get super hot, Camera can feel a little slow, Scene Optimiser camera can be far too saturated for our liking, Samsung has removed the microSD slot, a shame given it's been a part of most Samsung phone designs
Samsung Galaxy S21 Phantom Grey (128GB) SM-G991BZADXNZ review
I use my smartphones as work tools so I personally focus my attention on the high-end flagships. This year Samsung is making a competitive pitch to also consider the entry level flagship Galaxy S21 5G with a starting price $200 less than last years Galaxy S20.- Small size in a sea of large slabs
- Lovely design with matte finish back
- 5G support for all bands
- Highly capable rear cameras
- Competitive pricing
- High-end internal specifications
- No charger in the box
Samsung Galaxy S21 Phantom Grey (128GB) SM-G991BZADXNZ review
- More durable
- lightweight design
- improved image processing
- tons of premium features
- IP68 water resistance
- upgraded in-screen fingerprint sensor
- variable 120Hz refresh rate
- full 5G connectivity
- Samsung killed the microSD slot
- no headphone jack
- power brick doesn't come included
- battery life could be a bit better
Samsung Galaxy S21 review
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). That said, as ever this year's S21 has everything you'll likely want and need in a high-end 2021 smartphone, without pushing the boat out.- Improved battery life
- Superb performance
- Decent software
- Nice design
- Cameras are relatively unchanged
- Some downgrades from S20
- No charger may irk some
Samsung Galaxy S21 Phantom Grey (128GB) SM-G991BZADXNZ review
There's a lift in design for the Galaxy S21, resulting in a phone that looks fresh and exciting, and a great display, offering adaptive refresh rates. While there's plenty of power - and a flagship performance - the camera doesn't reach the highs that you get from the Galaxy S21 Ultra, leaving this...- Distinctive design
- Waterproofing
- Great display
- Smooth and powerful performance
- Decent battery life
- No microSD card slot
- Camera performance could be better
- Easily undercut by the S20 FE
Samsung Galaxy S21 review: A little bit of history repeating
There's a lift in design for the Galaxy S21, resulting in a phone that looks fresh and exciting, and a great display, offering adaptive refresh rates. While there's plenty of power - and a flagship performance - the camera doesn't reach the highs that you get from the Galaxy S21 Ultra, leaving this feeling like the lesser device. Sadly, sitting so close to the cheaper S20 FE, that might see some opting for the cheaper phone instead.- Distinctive design
- Waterproofing
- Great display
- Smooth and powerful performance
- Decent battery life
- No microSD card slot
- Camera performance could be better
- Easily undercut by the S20 FE