Samsung Galaxy S21 In LATE 2021! (Review)

TL;DR

The Samsung Galaxy S21 remains a solid device but faces stiff competition and shortcomings.

Transcript

so as most of you know the samsung galaxy s21 was a phone that came out earlier this year and to be honest i was a fan of it i don't think it's really held up extremely well throughout this year mostly because we've gotten a lot of changes from across the other ways i mean with pixels with iphones and even with some other iphones like iphone 12 and... Read More

Key Insights

• 🖤 The Galaxy S21 is perceived as a less innovative update compared to the S20, lacking standout features.
• 👤 Build quality has become a concern, with the adoption of plastic materials criticized by many users.
• 😥 Samsung's camera capabilities remain a strong selling point, often surpassing competitors even years after launch.
• 👶 Software updates continue to support the device, ensuring it receives newer Android features over time.
• 🧡 Despite setbacks, the S21's performance and speed are still commendable, outperforming many newer mid-range phones.
• 🖤 The lack of a microSD slot is a notable compromise for users seeking expandable storage.
• 💖 Comparisons with the Pixel 6 indicate the S21's display isn't as favorable, sparking debate around display technology in flagship phones.

Questions & Answers

Q: What were the major drawbacks of the Galaxy S21 compared to its predecessor?

One major drawback of the Galaxy S21 compared to the S20 was its build quality. The S21 features a plastic back, which many users found disappointing, especially since devices from competitors like Google and OnePlus were offering better materials. Moreover, the S21 didn't include significant advancements in display technology or overall design that could justify its launch as a new flagship device.

Q: How does the camera performance of the Galaxy S21 stack up against other recent competitors?

The camera performance of the Galaxy S21 is still among the best on the market, featuring a versatile triple camera setup capable of 8K video. Even though newer devices have entered the fray, many still struggle to match the photo and video quality produced by the S21’s camera. This strength is significant for users focused on photography and videography, although not all apps fully exploit these capabilities.

Q: What has been the reception of the software experience on the Galaxy S21?

The software experience on the Galaxy S21, powered by Samsung's One UI, has received mixed reviews. While some appreciate the updates and support for future Android versions, others find the UI somewhat clunky. Users note the device's performance remains strong, often competing well with leading rivals, but they hope for a more polished interface in the future.

Q: How does the battery life of the Galaxy S21 hold up in 2023?

The Galaxy S21 is equipped with a 4,000 mAh battery, which continues to perform well even into 2023. It offers features such as reverse wireless charging and standard wireless charging options, making it versatile for everyday use. Users generally report decent longevity, sufficient to power through a day’s activities without significant issues.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• The Galaxy S21, though still a capable phone, struggles against newer competitors and is perceived as a step down from its predecessor, the S20.

• Its camera quality remains top-tier, even as other brands catch up, but the build quality has notably declined with a plastic back and other design choices.

• While performance is commendable and software support continues, the overall impression is that the S21 lacks the groundbreaking upgrades fans expected.