Why Buy the Samsung Galaxy S21+?
The Samsung Galaxy S21+ strikes an impressive balance between premium features and practical usability. Its 6.7-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display delivers stunning visuals with a buttery-smooth 120Hz refresh rate, making everything from scrolling social media to gaming feel incredibly responsive. The screen’s 1300-nit peak brightness ensures perfect visibility even under harsh sunlight, while HDR10+ support brings movies and videos to life with rich, vibrant colors.
Photography enthusiasts will appreciate the versatile triple-camera system. The 64MP telephoto lens offers genuine optical zoom capabilities, a feature often reserved for more expensive flagships. Combined with the reliable 12MP main camera featuring optical image stabilization and a 120-degree ultrawide lens, this phone handles everything from macro shots to expansive landscape photography. The 8K video recording capability future-proofs your content creation, even if you’re not ready to use it today.
Build quality doesn’t disappoint either. Both the front and back feature Corning Gorilla Glass Victus—the toughest glass available at launch—wrapped in a premium aluminum frame. The IP68 rating means you can confidently use it near water or in dusty environments without worry. At just 7.8mm thick and weighing around 200 grams, it manages to feel substantial without becoming a burden in your pocket.
The 4800mAh battery comfortably powers through a full day of mixed use, with an impressive endurance rating of 114 hours. When you do need to charge, 25W wired charging gets you back up and running quickly, while 15W wireless charging and reverse wireless charging add convenient options for cable-free power management.
Key Considerations Before Buying the Samsung Galaxy S21+
Storage limitations deserve your attention. The Galaxy S21+ doesn’t include a microSD card slot, so you’re locked into either 128GB or 256GB of internal storage. If you shoot lots of 8K video or store extensive media libraries locally, the 256GB version becomes essential rather than optional. Cloud storage can help, but nothing beats having everything accessible offline.
The missing headphone jack might frustrate audio enthusiasts who prefer wired headphones. While the phone supports high-bitrate audio through its USB-C port or Bluetooth 5.0, you’ll need an adapter or wireless headphones. The stereo speakers sound excellent, but this design choice eliminates a classic feature many still value.
Battery charging speeds fall behind some competitors. The 25W wired charging is respectable but not groundbreaking when other manufacturers offer 65W or even faster solutions. Wireless charging maxes out at 15W, which is convenient but slow compared to wired alternatives. If you’re constantly rushing and need the fastest possible top-ups, this could feel limiting.
Regional chip differences exist between models. International versions use Samsung’s Exynos 2100, while USA and China models pack the Qualcomm Snapdragon 888. Performance differences are noticeable in demanding games and sustained workloads, with the Snapdragon variant generally delivering better thermal management and slightly superior graphics performance.
The phone launched with Android 11 but supports up to four major Android upgrades, meaning it will receive updates through Android 15. While that’s better than many alternatives, buyers in late 2024 or 2025 should consider how much software support remains versus newer models.
Who Should Consider the Samsung Galaxy S21+?
Content creators who value versatility will find this phone particularly appealing. The combination of 8K video recording, pro-grade camera features, and Samsung DeX support creates a mobile production studio. DeX functionality transforms the phone into a desktop-like experience when connected to a monitor, perfect for editing photos, managing projects, or handling productivity tasks on the go.
Power users who juggle multiple apps simultaneously benefit from the capable Exynos 2100 or Snapdragon 888 chipset paired with 8GB of RAM. The 120Hz display makes multitasking feel seamless, while Samsung’s One UI 6.1 brings refined software features that enhance productivity. The Ultra Wideband support enables precise location tracking and quick file sharing with compatible devices.
Photography enthusiasts seeking flagship camera quality without ultra-premium pricing land in the sweet spot. The telephoto lens delivers genuinely useful zoom without digital artifacts, while the Night mode captures impressive low-light shots. The combination of optical stabilization on both main and telephoto lenses reduces blur in challenging conditions.
Mobile gamers appreciate the high-refresh display and capable GPU, whether it’s the Mali-G78 MP14 or Adreno 660. The vapor chamber cooling helps maintain performance during extended sessions, though the Snapdragon variant handles thermal throttling slightly better.
Those invested in Samsung’s ecosystem gain seamless integration with Galaxy Buds, Galaxy Watches, and SmartThings devices. The reverse wireless charging proves handy for topping up earbuds or a smartwatch when you’re away from traditional chargers.
Alternatives to the Samsung Galaxy S21+
The standard Samsung Galaxy S21 offers many similar features in a more compact 6.2-inch package with a slightly smaller 4000mAh battery. It’s ideal if you prefer easier one-handed use while sacrificing some screen real estate and battery capacity.
Google Pixel 6 Pro delivers exceptional computational photography with a 50MP main sensor and Google’s industry-leading image processing. Its larger 5003mAh battery and longer software support—five years of security updates—appeal to those prioritizing longevity and camera quality over Samsung’s feature-rich approach.
OnePlus 9 Pro provides similar flagship performance with faster 65W wired charging and a partnership with Hasselblad for color science. Its 120Hz LTPO display adjusts refresh rates more efficiently, potentially extending battery life during less demanding tasks.
iPhone 13 Pro offers superior video recording capabilities, longer software support, and the A15 Bionic chip’s exceptional performance efficiency. Apple’s ecosystem integration runs deeper if you’re already using Macs, iPads, or other iOS devices, though you’ll sacrifice Android’s customization flexibility.
Xiaomi Mi 11 Ultra features a larger 5000mAh battery with blazing 67W wired and 67W wireless charging. Its 120Hz AMOLED display and Snapdragon 888 match the S21+’s power while adding a unique secondary rear display for selfie previews and notifications.
Samsung Galaxy S21+ Frequently Asked Questions
Does the Samsung Galaxy S21+ support expandable storage?
No, the Samsung Galaxy S21+ does not include a microSD card slot for expandable storage. Users must choose between the 128GB or 256GB internal storage options at purchase. The phone uses UFS 3.1 storage technology, which provides fast read and write speeds for apps and media files. Consider your storage needs carefully before purchasing, especially if you plan to shoot 8K video or store large media libraries.
What is the difference between the Exynos and Snapdragon versions of the Galaxy S21+?
The Samsung Galaxy S21+ comes with different chipsets depending on region. International models use the Exynos 2100 processor, while USA and China models feature the Qualcomm Snapdragon 888. Both are powerful 5nm chipsets, but the Snapdragon variant generally delivers slightly better gaming performance, superior thermal management during sustained workloads, and more efficient battery usage. The Exynos version uses a Mali-G78 MP14 GPU, while the Snapdragon uses an Adreno 660 GPU.
How long does the 4800mAh battery last on the Galaxy S21+?
The Samsung Galaxy S21+ achieves an endurance rating of 114 hours, indicating excellent battery life for typical usage patterns. This 4800mAh battery easily handles a full day of moderate to heavy use, including social media browsing, video streaming, photography, and gaming. Battery life varies based on screen brightness, refresh rate settings, network conditions, and usage patterns. The 120Hz display consumes more power than standard 60Hz, but Samsung’s adaptive refresh technology helps optimize battery consumption.
Is the Samsung Galaxy S21+ camera good for photography and video?
The Galaxy S21+ features a versatile triple-camera system excellent for both photography and videography. The 12MP main camera with optical image stabilization captures sharp, detailed photos in various lighting conditions. The 64MP telephoto lens provides 3x hybrid zoom with minimal quality loss, while the 12MP ultrawide lens captures expansive 120-degree shots. Video capabilities are impressive, supporting 8K recording at 24fps and 4K at 60fps with HDR10+ and gyro-based electronic stabilization. The 10MP front camera also records 4K video, making it suitable for vlogging and video calls.
Does the Galaxy S21+ have a headphone jack and what audio features does it offer?
The Samsung Galaxy S21+ does not include a 3.5mm headphone jack. Audio enthusiasts must use USB-C headphones, a USB-C to 3.5mm adapter, or wireless headphones via Bluetooth 5.0. The phone compensates with stereo speakers tuned by AKG that deliver impressive sound quality for a smartphone. It supports high-bitrate audio formats for audiophile-quality listening through compatible headphones. The stereo speaker setup provides clear, loud sound for media consumption, gaming, and speakerphone calls.