Samsung Galaxy S21: A Comprehensive Review After Three Months
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Chapter 1: Introduction to the Galaxy S21
The Samsung Galaxy S21 has quickly become one of my favorite devices, following the Galaxy S8! I’ve been using this phone since its launch, and I must say, kudos to Samsung! While opinions on this device vary due to some feature reductions, trust me when I say it remains a fantastic gadget. Let's dive into my insights on the S21 after three months of usage!
Section 1.1: Design and Display
The design of the S21 is undeniably eye-catching. The camera cutout is a distinctive feature intended by Samsung, allowing anyone to immediately recognize it as a Galaxy S21. The matte finish on the plastic back feels premium—far from the cheap plastic of the past models like the S4 and S5. Personally, I might even prefer this over a glass back.
The S21 boasts a 6.2-inch Full HD display with a 120Hz adaptive refresh rate, featuring a flat screen—no curves here. Although the resolution is lower than some competitors, the display quality is impressive. The adaptive refresh rate adjusts between 48Hz and 120Hz, and I hardly notice the difference. Watching YouTube videos is quite enjoyable, making it one of the few phones I could use without a case (though I still choose to use one).
Section 1.2: Software Experience
Samsung’s software used to be criticized for being slow and cluttered. However, the improvements over the years are notable. The S21 runs on Android 11 with One UI 3.1, which has a cleaner and more responsive interface compared to previous versions. Samsung has streamlined many features and reduced bloatware, resulting in a smoother user experience.
Moreover, the company has made significant strides in providing software updates, promising three major updates and four years of security patches. This commitment means that users can expect to receive updates through Android 14, which is excellent for long-term users.
Samsung Galaxy S21 Plus 3 Months Later! - YouTube
In this video, we explore the Galaxy S21 Plus after three months, showcasing its performance and features.
Chapter 2: Camera Capabilities
Samsung has always excelled in camera technology, and the S21 is no exception. It features a triple-lens setup: a 12MP main camera, a 12MP ultra-wide lens, and a 64MP telephoto lens with 3x hybrid optical zoom. Although the hardware hasn’t changed much from the S20, the software enhancements make a noticeable difference.
The front-facing camera is a 10MP shooter, which, while not frequently used by me, delivers satisfactory results. When it comes to video, the S21 supports 8K at 24fps and 4K at 30/60fps, offering flexibility for content creators.
Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra: A Long Term User Review After 3 Months! - YouTube
This review discusses the long-term user experience with the Galaxy S21 Ultra, focusing on its camera performance.
Chapter 3: Battery Performance
One of the areas where I found the S21 lacking is battery life. Despite having a 4000mAh battery powered by the Snapdragon 888, I often find myself needing to recharge by the afternoon. Coming from a OnePlus 8T, my expectations were perhaps too high.
Though the S21 offers wireless and reverse wireless charging—features that can be handy—I still rely on wired charging for my heavy usage, which includes frequent YouTube streaming. For casual users, the battery life may suffice, but for someone like me who uses their phone extensively, it could be better.
Chapter 4: Pricing and Value
When Samsung released the S20, the base model came with a steep price of $999. Learning from that, they’ve priced the S21 at $799, which has received a much warmer reception. With frequent sales, you can often find the S21 for around $699 or even $599 with some luck.
Considering its excellent camera, display, and software, the S21 is a great value. If you didn’t rush to buy at launch, waiting for a sale was a wise decision, especially for those in the US who might find great carrier deals.
In conclusion, the S21 is a well-rounded device, despite some feature omissions compared to the S20. My experience with it has been positive, and I appreciate the refined hardware and software. While it may not be the most advanced model in the S21 series, it proves that you don’t need the highest-end option to enjoy a quality smartphone. Would I recommend the S21? Absolutely! It’s definitely worth considering for anyone looking for a solid device with an excellent camera.