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.

I like the ergonomics of the S21 and much prefer Google and Android email apps to that of the iPhone.

While I understand the reasons, the life cycle of firmware support for Android phones is shorter than I would prefer and not as good as the iPhone

“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

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;

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

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;

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;

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

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

The Samsung Galaxy S21 is one of the best value smartphones available for purchase today but may not be the upgrade some were hoping for.

Vibrant 120Hz AMOLED display; Refined and versatile cameras; Great hardware and software performance; Far more affordable

Little reason to upgrade over the Samsung Galaxy S20; No microSD card support; No supplied plug charger