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Samsung Galaxy S21 by Samsung

★ 2.9 Note: This rating is generated by our website based on the
product's specifications, features, and release period. It is not a user or expert rating.
Starting from $799.00
Launch price for the base storage/RAM variant
Disclaimer: The price shown is the official launch price (MSRP) for the base storage/RAM configuration.
Higher storage/RAM variants cost more. Actual prices may also vary depending on your country, region, taxes, and retailer.

Samsung's 2021 base flagship with a 6.2-inch 120Hz display, a 64MP triple camera system, and a glasstic (plastic) back.

About Samsung Galaxy S21

The Galaxy S21 was Samsung's entry point into the 2021 flagship lineup, trading a glass back for a more affordable 'glasstic' (plastic) rear panel to hit a lower price point than its predecessor. It kept the 120Hz Dynamic AMOLED 2X display and the Snapdragon 888 (or Exynos 2100 outside the US), while dropping the microSD card slot and charger-in-box that earlier Galaxy phones included. It launched in four colors: Phantom Gray, Phantom White, Phantom Violet, and Phantom Pink.

Full Specifications

Processor
GPU
Adreno 660 / Mali-G78 MP14
Imported
Processor
Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 (US) / Exynos 2100 (global), 5nm
Operating System
Android 11, One UI 3.1
Display Size
6.2 inches
Display Resolution
1080 x 2400 pixels
Display Type
Dynamic AMOLED 2X, 120Hz
Refresh Rate
120Hz
Rear Camera
12MP wide (f/1.8) + 64MP telephoto (f/2.0, 3x hybrid zoom) + 12MP ultrawide (f/2.2)
Front Camera
10MP
RAM
8GB
Internal Storage
128GB / 256GB
Network
5G
Battery Capacity
4000 mAh
Protection
Gorilla Glass Victus (front), plastic (glasstic) back
Water Resistance
IP68
Charging
25W wired, 15W wireless
Colors
Phantom Gray, Phantom White, Phantom Violet, Phantom Pink

Known Issues & Fixes

Issue Solution / Fix
Some users found the plastic "glasstic" back scratched more easily than the glass backs on prior S-series models. No hardware fix; Samsung recommends a case for daily protection, which most users already used anyway.
A number of users reported random reboots or minor lag after early One UI 3.1 updates. Resolved for most users through subsequent One UI software patches.

Frequently Asked Questions

What colors does the Galaxy S21 come in?

It launched in four colors: Phantom Gray, Phantom White, Phantom Violet, and Phantom Pink.

Does the Galaxy S21 have a microSD card slot?

No, Samsung removed microSD support starting with this generation. Storage is fixed at 128GB or 256GB.

Is the S21 waterproof?

It has an IP68 rating for up to 1.5 meters of water for 30 minutes, though this is not the same as being fully waterproof for extended use.

Does the Galaxy S21 support the S Pen?

No, only the Galaxy S21 Ultra supports the S Pen in this generation; the base S21 and S21+ do not.

Does it come with a charger in the box?

No, Samsung stopped including a charging brick starting with the S21 series, in line with the rest of the industry at the time.

Does the S21 have a headphone jack?

No, there is no 3.5mm headphone jack. Audio is available via USB-C or Bluetooth.

Is 5G supported on the Galaxy S21?

Yes, though exact 5G band support depends on your region and whether you have the Snapdragon or Exynos version.