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

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

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.

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

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...

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: It’s cheaper than last year, but is the Galaxy S21 worth the upgrade?

Intriguing design; Substantial performance uplift; Cameras continue to impress

No microSD expansion; Charger sold separately

The Samsung Galaxy S21 is a good phone that, above all, offers high processing performance and a reliable camera. There have been some compromises made in comparison to other top-notch phones, most notably the plastic materials and the lower screen resolution, while the battery hasn’t blown us away...

There are sacrifices yes, but this is still a great phone for a more enticing price. It has a lovely screen, a reliable camera and a slick new design that feels a little bit futuristic. The basics are here and they're all done excellently.

Much more affordable; Still a great screen (and it's flat); Snappy performance;

Lack of microSD and WQHD+ resolution make it feel like an S20 downgrade; Doesn't feel as good as previous S series phones; Minimal camera upgrades;

The S21 gives here and takes there, but ultimately strengthens the Galaxy reputation

Rich; smooth display; Solid battery life; Superb all-round camera

No microSD slot; earbuds or charger; Sony rival sounds better

“The Galaxy S21 makes a smart bet on value with a lower starting price, but in doing so feels stuck in 2020. A good phone, but not a particularly exciting one.”

Slick and colorful hardware; Excellent display; Improved fingerprint sensor; Lower price leads to great value

Plastic back on base S21; Not a 2021 flagship camera experience; Galaxy S21+ value disappointing at $1,000