Samsung Galaxy S21 Review: Hands-On Impressions & Key Changes

First Impressions: Design and Unboxing Experience

Opening Samsung's compact purple box reveals the striking Phantom Purple S21. Immediately noticeable is the premium feel despite its plastic back—a surprise considering most flagships use glass. The 6.2-inch size delivers perfect one-handed usability, reminiscent of the Galaxy S10e. As Mary observed during unboxing: "It fits my hand perfectly... I miss this kind of size in smartphones."

Samsung follows Apple and Xiaomi in excluding chargers, but reduces the price accordingly. You get only:

USB-C to USB-C cable
SIM ejector tool (now larger and harder to lose)
Quick start guide

The camera module redesign stands out as a major improvement. Unlike previous protruding bumps, the contoured housing sits flush against the back panel. When placed on tables, it no longer wobbles aggressively—a practical win for daily use.

Technical Breakdown: Specs and Real-World Performance

Display and Hardware

The S21 features a 6.2" Dynamic AMOLED display with 120Hz refresh rate and Full HD+ resolution (1080x2400). Key changes from the S20 include:

Flat display instead of curved edges
Gorilla Glass Victus protection
No Quad HD option (only Full HD+)

Powered by the Exynos 2100 (5nm) chipset in global models (Snapdragon in US/China), our 8GB RAM/256GB storage unit handled multitasking smoothly. Benchmark tests like AnTuTu showed promising results, though long-term performance requires further testing.

Camera and Biometrics

Samsung's 77% larger fingerprint sensor is 50% faster based on our tests. The triple camera system includes:

12MP main (f/1.8)
12MP ultra-wide (f/2.2)
64MP telephoto (3x optical, 30x digital zoom)

Early photo samples show consistent color science with previous models. The hardware matches the S20 series, suggesting software optimizations drive this year's camera improvements.

Connectivity and Battery

Notable features:

5G support
IP68 water/dust resistance
4,000mAh battery with 25W wired/wireless charging
No microSD expansion—a first for S-series base models

Critical Assessment: Value and Considerations

Key Advantages

Ergonomic design suits small-hand users
120Hz display feels fluid at lower resolution
Camera redesign eliminates wobble
Pricing strategy: Starts at ₱49,990 (~$1,000), cheaper than S20 launch

Tradeoffs to Note

No charger in box (requires separate purchase)
Plastic back (though high-quality)
No expandable storage

The S21 shines as an entry-level flagship for those prioritizing compact size and core features over ultra-premium materials. As Mary noted: "It's Samsung's new entry-level flagship very fitting for 2021."

Final Verdict and User Guide

Who Should Buy?

Users upgrading from S10 or older devices
Those wanting flagship performance in compact form
Budget-conscious buyers (compared to S21 Ultra)

Action Checklist Before Purchasing

Calculate charger costs: Budget ₱1,000-₱2,000 for 25W USB-C PD charger
Choose storage: Opt for 256GB if shooting 4K/8K video
Test display: Verify if Full HD+ satisfies your visual needs

The S21 delivers meaningful refinements rather than revolutionary changes, making it ideal for practical users who value ergonomics and smart engineering over bleeding-edge specs.

"When considering compact flagships, what matters more to you: one-handed usability or maximum screen real estate? Share your priority below!"