Full Samsung S21 test

Samsung S21 technical data

The Samsung S21 has been on the market since January 29, 2021, along with the Samsung 21 Plus and Samsung S21 Ultra, one year before the release of the Samsung S21 FE on January 11, 2022.

Available in pink, light purple, white and black, the S21 is also a power monster. Here's the full specs:

Samsung S21 highlights

• Excellent performance ;

• Beautiful, correctly calibrated screen ;

• Elegant design ;

• Pleasant finish;

• Photo and video ;

• Waterproof for 30 minutes at a depth of 1.5 meters.

Samsung S21 weaknesses

• Night photos are rather disappointing;

• Autonomy could be better;

• No charging block.

If you'd like to find out more about the Samsung S21, the rest of this article goes into detail about its different features.

Samsung S21 design and ergonomics

Presented in a rather plain format, the Samsung S21 boasts a handsome 6.2" Oled screen. In terms of aesthetics, a rather imposing integrated photo unit extends from the right-hand side of the device. Although its thickness may unbalance the smartphone when laid flat without a shell, it's clear that Samsung has pulled out all the stops to offer an attractive high-end model.

The glass that usually covers the back of phones has been replaced here by a plastic compound that doesn't look out of place, and the edges are still made of aluminum. With dimensions of 151.7 x 71.2 x 7.9 mm and a weight of 169 grams, it's easy to handle. Unlike the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra with its curved edges, the S21 has a completely flat slab. With a front-facing camera housed in a discreet notch, the screen takes up the lion's share of the front. On the lower edge of the device, you'll find the USB-C port, a speaker grille and a slot specially designed for inserting 2 SIM cards. For this model, Samsung has chosen not to include a slot for a microSD, so the internal memory capacity cannot be modified. You'll find it in 128 or 256 GB.

A very good screen

Like the S21 Ultra's panel, this model's also boasts excellent qualities. Featuring a handsome 6.2" FHD+ screen, the S21 boasts a 120 Hz adaptive refresh rate and an almost infinite contrast ratio. The only downside is maximum brightness. While that of the S21 Ultra reaches 999 cd/m², that of the S21 doesn't exceed 862 cd/m². This does not prevent it from being ideal for daytime use.

Convincing performance for the Samsung Galaxy S21

Like the Galaxy S21 Ultra, the S21's processor is the Samsung Exynos 2100, making it one of the most powerful phones on the market today. Ideal for games, with a rating of up to 112, it also boasts optimal multitasking with a rating of 97, as well as perfect fluidity.

Samsung S21 photo and video

This is where the S21 differs from its big brother, the S21 Ultra. While the latter has a 108 MP main sensor, the S21 has a 12 MP sensor (f/1.8, 26 mm). Capable of X3 optical zoom, the telephoto lens is 64 MP with 29 mm optics on the S21, and 70 mm on the S21 Ultra. The ultra-wide-angle module, on the other hand, is the same on all three models in the range, with 12 MP. As a result, the camera delivers quality daytime photos. At night, on the other hand, although the photos manage to display a decent level of detail, the S21 lags a little behind the competition from other models in equivalent ranges. In any case, this model has an excellent camera that will satisfy even the most demanding of photographers.

Good battery, but could do better

With its 4000 mAh battery, the Samsung S21 differs somewhat from the Ultra model, which has a 5000 mAh battery. This inevitably reduces the device's autonomy, since it will last around 13 hours in 120 Hz mode, which is still rather disappointing. As far as charging is concerned, this model retains 25 watts of power. If you're interested in buying this smartphone, bear in mind that Samsung has decided to stop offering its phones with a charging unit, so you'll need to buy one if you don't already own one. Allow a good hour to fully recharge the device with a USB-C cable.

Who is the Samsung S21 designed for?

Although its battery life isn't quite as good as we'd have liked, the Samsung Galaxy S21 is still an excellent smartphone, particularly for users looking for an elegant device with good all-round performance and the ability to take great photos. The possibility of inserting two SIM cards means it can be used for both business and personal purposes.

Where to find the cheapest Samsung S21?

Offered new at a price of $799,99 in its 128 GB version and $899,99 in 256 GB storage, the Samsung Galaxy S21 model from the South Korean firm is not within the reach of all budgets. If you want to treat yourself to this concentrate of technology at a lower price, you can opt for a refurbished model. At Back Market, you'll find the smartphone model you want at a lower price for the same quality. Our experts take care of restoring products to their original condition, replacing the necessary parts to ensure your complete satisfaction when you receive them. And don't forget that if you want to change your smartphone, we'll buy your old one back from you, so you can save even more on your purchase. And best of all, you can buy your new smartphone in 4 instalments, free of charge!