The Samsung Galaxy S21 Plus 5G is a powerful addition to the Galaxy S21 lineup, bringing top-tier performance, an enhanced display, and an impressive camera system that appeals to users who want a premium experience without reaching the ultra-high price of the Galaxy S21 Ultra. Samsung has crafted this model with a balanced combination of flagship features, sleek aesthetics, and 5G connectivity, making it a go-to device for power users and tech enthusiasts alike. Here’s an in-depth look at what makes the Samsung Galaxy S21 Plus 5G stand out.
1. Refined Design and Build Quality
The Samsung Galaxy S21 Plus 5G boasts a sophisticated and modern design, with a durable metal frame and a sleek glass back. Samsung has crafted the device to have a minimalist yet elegant appearance, featuring slim bezels and a smooth rear panel that feels comfortable to hold. Available in Phantom Black, Phantom Silver, and Phantom Violet, the Galaxy S21 Plus 5G has options to suit diverse aesthetic preferences.
This model also comes with IP68 water and dust resistance, making it durable enough to handle daily adventures, accidental spills, and exposure to elements. Samsung has protected the device with Gorilla Glass Victus, the toughest glass in the Galaxy lineup, adding an extra layer of durability and scratch resistance.
2. Immersive 6.7-Inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X Display
One of the Galaxy S21 Plus 5G’s standout features is its 6.7-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display, offering a full HD+ resolution of 2400 x 1080 pixels. This screen delivers rich, vibrant colors and deep blacks, creating an immersive visual experience for users whether they’re watching videos, playing games, or scrolling through social media. The high brightness levels make it easy to view in direct sunlight, ensuring great visibility outdoors.
The display supports a 120Hz refresh rate, providing a smooth, responsive experience for scrolling, gaming, and multitasking. Samsung’s adaptive refresh rate technology also allows the device to adjust the refresh rate based on usage to save battery life. The Always-On Display feature adds convenience, displaying essential information like time, notifications, and battery percentage even when the phone is locked.
3. Powerhouse Performance with Exynos 2100 or Snapdragon 888
The Samsung Galaxy S21 Plus 5G is powered by the Exynos 2100 (in international versions) or the Snapdragon 888 (in U.S. versions), both of which are cutting-edge processors known for their powerful performance and efficiency. Paired with 8GB of RAM, the Galaxy S21 Plus 5G handles multitasking, high-end gaming, and demanding applications with ease.
This chipset also supports 5G connectivity, allowing users to access faster download and upload speeds where 5G networks are available. Storage options include 128GB and 256GB variants, but the device lacks a microSD slot, which may be a consideration for users needing extensive storage. However, cloud storage services can help offset this limitation, providing additional flexibility for media and app storage.
4. Triple-Camera System for Enhanced Photography
Samsung has equipped the Galaxy S21 Plus 5G with a versatile triple-camera setup, featuring a 12MP wide-angle lens, a 12MP ultra-wide-angle lens, and a 64MP telephoto lens with 3x hybrid optical zoom. This combination allows users to capture a variety of scenes with detail, clarity, and dynamic range.
The primary 12MP sensor is known for delivering high-quality images with vibrant colors and excellent low-light performance. Samsung’s Night Mode further enhances its ability to capture sharp images in dark settings. The ultra-wide lens offers a 120-degree field of view, perfect for capturing expansive landscapes or group photos.
The 64MP telephoto lens provides impressive zoom capabilities, with 3x hybrid optical zoom and up to 30x Space Zoom. Although 30x zoom may result in some loss of clarity, it still enables users to capture details that would otherwise be out of reach. Samsung has also integrated AI enhancements for features like Single Take, which captures a mix of photos and videos with one click, and Super Steady Mode for smooth video recording.
5. Impressive 10MP Front Camera
For selfie lovers, the Galaxy S21 Plus 5G features a 10MP front camera capable of capturing clear, high-resolution selfies with accurate colors and minimal noise. Samsung has included various AI-driven features, including beauty modes and portrait effects, allowing users to tweak settings like background blur and lighting for a more professional look.
The front camera also supports 4K video recording at 60fps, making it an ideal choice for vloggers and video callers. The camera’s AI software enhances details in real-time, ensuring users look their best on video calls or social media.
6. All-Day Battery Life with Fast Charging Options
The Galaxy S21 Plus 5G is powered by a 4,800mAh battery, which offers all-day battery life on a single charge. For regular users, this capacity is more than enough to last through the day, even with moderate use of power-intensive features like the 120Hz display and 5G connectivity. For heavy users, the battery may require a quick top-up toward the evening, but Samsung’s fast-charging technology makes this easy.
The Galaxy S21 Plus 5G supports 25W wired fast charging, 15W wireless charging, and 4.5W reverse wireless charging. This reverse charging feature allows users to share their power with compatible devices, such as Galaxy Buds or other Qi-enabled devices. However, Samsung no longer includes a charging brick in the box, so users may need to purchase one separately if they don’t already own a 25W charger.
7. Enhanced Connectivity with 5G and Wi-Fi 6
As its name implies, the Galaxy S21 Plus 5G is fully equipped to support 5G networks, providing users with future-ready connectivity for faster download speeds, smoother streaming, and low-latency online gaming. In addition to 5G, the device supports Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.0, and NFC, ensuring stable connections with compatible devices and seamless access to various networks.
Samsung has also included support for Samsung Pay, a mobile payment solution that supports both NFC and MST (Magnetic Secure Transmission), allowing users to make payments at compatible retailers with a simple tap of their phone. The Galaxy S21 Plus 5G also features Dual SIM support, which is beneficial for users who travel frequently or use multiple numbers.
8. One UI 3.1 and Samsung’s Software Ecosystem
The Galaxy S21 Plus 5G runs on Samsung’s One UI 3.1, based on Android 11, providing an intuitive and customizable user experience. One UI 3.1 offers a refined interface with features like customizable themes, enhanced notification management, and improved app organization.
Samsung has also optimized the software to work seamlessly with its ecosystem, allowing Galaxy S21 Plus users to enjoy features like Samsung DeX, which transforms the phone into a desktop-like interface when connected to a monitor. Additionally, the device supports Samsung’s ecosystem of wearable devices, such as the Galaxy Watch and Galaxy Buds, enabling users to sync notifications, health tracking, and media across their devices.
9. Robust Security Features with Samsung Knox
Samsung Knox, the company’s comprehensive security platform, is built into the Galaxy S21 Plus 5G to protect against malware and data breaches. Knox provides multi-layered security, safeguarding sensitive data at both the hardware and software levels. The device also offers an in-display fingerprint sensor and facial recognition for secure and convenient unlocking.
Samsung’s commitment to security extends to software updates as well. The Galaxy S21 Plus 5G is expected to receive several years of software and security updates, making it a reliable option for users who prioritize long-term security and data protection.
10. Pricing and Value Proposition
The Samsung Galaxy S21 Plus 5G is positioned as a premium option within the Galaxy S21 series, offering a blend of high-performance features, elegant design, and 5G capability. It’s priced below the Galaxy S21 Ultra but provides many similar features, making it an attractive option for users who want a flagship experience without the top-tier cost.
With its high-quality display, versatile camera system, and powerful processor, the Galaxy S21 Plus 5G offers excellent value for users who want premium specs and connectivity. It’s a device that performs well across all key areas—whether it’s photography, gaming, multitasking, or day-to-day productivity.
Conclusion: A Strong Contender in the Premium Segment
The Samsung Galaxy S21 Plus 5G is a powerful, feature-rich smartphone that caters to users who want a premium experience with reliable performance, beautiful design, and excellent connectivity. With its 6.7-inch AMOLED display, versatile camera setup, and robust battery life, the Galaxy S21 Plus 5G stands out as a flagship-worthy choice for modern smartphone users.
Overall, the Galaxy S21 Plus 5G is an impressive package that combines advanced technology and user-friendly features in a stylish design, living up to Samsung’s reputation for quality and innovation. Whether for productivity, media consumption, or photography, this device is well-suited to meet the demands of today’s tech-savvy consumers.