The Samsung Galaxy S21 is the smallest and least expensive of the three new Galaxy S21 models and should be the obvious choice for most users. The 6.2-inch device lacks a few features of the more expensive Galaxy S21 models, but that doesn’t change its high-end quality: The performance, display, and camera are great, and the price is even lower than that of the Galaxy S20.
Samsung has updated its Galaxy S20 flagship smartphone. The successor goes by the name of Galaxy S21, still serves the high-end segment, and is available in three variants, each aimed at slightly different target groups.
The Galaxy S21 series starts with our test candidate and all-rounder, the Galaxy S21. The smallest model of the Galaxy S21 lineup starts at 849 Euros (~$1,027) (MSRP); it’s 6.2 inches large, has 8 GB of RAM as well as 128 or 256 GB of internal storage, and takes pictures with a 64 MP triple camera.
The Galaxy S21 is followed by the Galaxy S21+ (starting at 1,049 Euros (~$1,269)), which should primarily appeal to gamers and series fans with its 6.7-inch display. The flagship of the Galaxy S21 range takes it one step further: The Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra starts at 1,249 Euros (~$1,510); it offers the largest display at 6.8 inches and also has the most versatile camera (108 MP) in addition to the strongest battery.
The Galaxy S21 shares the light, slim, and IP68-certified case as well as the 20:9 display aspect ratio with its predecessor, the Galaxy S20, which is also 6.2-inches large; therefore, it’s still well suited for smaller hands. However, the design has been completely revamped and makes the Galaxy S21 look more modern.
In contrast to the Galaxy S20, the almost bezel-less AMOLED display is no longer rounded at the corners and sides, but it’s flat all the way through like in the Galaxy S20 FE. In turn, two design elements haven’t changed: The ultrasonic fingerprint scanner is located underneath the display as before, and the selfie camera is once again centered at the upper edge of the screen.
The biggest differences compared to the predecessor are found on the back, where the camera setup immediately catches the eye. The metal frame that binds the display and back cover together also goes around the lens trio and lets it protrude a few millimeters from the case.
The back isn’t made of glass like in the Galaxy S20; instead, it’s only made of plastic – a glass back is only available starting with the Galaxy S21+. However, this isn’t a disadvantage because the plastic back cover also feels high-quality. Thanks to its subtle texture, it also offers fingers a slight resistance, which makes the Samsung device feel more secure in the hand than a smartphone that has an all-around glass shell.
Samsung offers the Galaxy S21 in four matte case colors. Our test device is sporting the “Phantom Gray” color. Other colors are “Phantom White”, “Phantom Pink”, and “Phantom Violet”.
