The Galaxy S21 isn’t the star of Samsung’s S series in 2021, like we’ve been used to for most of the past decade, but it’s a solid smartphone choice with an impressive camera, powerful internals and great battery life. If you want the best of the best, look to the Galaxy S21 Ultra; but if you want a handset that’s cheaper than the Galaxy S20 was at launch, with a whole load of premium features, the Galaxy S21 is a delight to use, and will do you proud.

Fantastic, versatile camera; Cheaper than the Galaxy S20; Powerful and capable phone;

No microSD support; Screen isn’t the best; No charger in the box

Samsung Galaxy S21 is the right choice for all the right reasons. What that means is the compromises Samsung has made with the Galaxy S21 seem big but they aren’t that big of a deal when it comes to the practical aspect of the smartphone.

Solid made, well designed

I found the phone near impossible to use. I looked up the manual on the net and it would not relate to my phone. After two weeks of trying to get icons- apps I went to the Samsung store and the man there set the phone on a different program and now it works really well. Why was the phone sold not on the correct settings so aposcetc could by found.

great camera

Phones have been status symbols for ages, even before iPhones were a thing. Who could forget the slider hotness of the Nokia N95 back in ‘06? Just us? OK. Samsung has come up with a phone that actually looks like a status symbol here. And while the Galaxy S21 has a slightly naff-sounding plastic back, this is arguably the best-looking of the entire S21 family. No ridiculous excess of cameras, and the smaller frame gives the funky camera array even greater prominence on the back. The Galaxy S21 is perhaps more a style icon than a tech one, as it is actually a downgrade from the Galaxy S20 in some respects. However, we love its rear camera array. There’s zero bloat, Samsung squeezes every last bit of photographic utility from each sensor and these cameras just try so hard to please your eyeballs with every frame they capture. Battery life may be a sticking point for some of you. It’s no big surprise from a slightly smaller phone, but if you want an Android that might last up to two days between charges, the Samsung Galaxy S21 isn’t it.

It’s as stylish as phones come; Great cameras; Pocket-friendly size;

Relatively short battery life; It back is plastic, not glass;

It’s as stylish as phones come; Great cameras; Pocket-friendly size;

Relatively short battery life; It back is plastic, not glass;

It’s as stylish as phones come; Great cameras; Pocket-friendly size;

Relatively short battery life; It back is plastic, not glass;

The Galaxy S21 is a superb compact flagship phone with a brilliant 120Hz refresh rate Super AMOLED display, a great rear camera array capable of 8K video and excellent overall performance. If you want the ultimate uber phone, the Galaxy S21 Ultra awaits.

Surprisingly beautiful faux metal finish; Excellent build quality; Stereo speakers; Powerful performance; Good cameras; Great battery life

No expandable storage; No charger or earbuds in the box; No 3.5mm audio jack

The Samsung Galaxy S21 is the phone we recommend if you’re looking for a high-end Samsung smartphone in 2021, offering significantly more value than the Galaxy S21+ and the Ultra.

Display, Design, Performance, Cameras

UI Design, Annoying ads, Battery isn’t great