Samsung Galaxy S21

ZDNet | Matthew Miller

After a couple of weeks with both the S21 and S21 Ultra, I preferred the smaller S21 when going out for a run or walk and when heading out to run errands. The bigger display of the S21 Ultra was more compelling for my aging eyes and the camera performance for situations needing higher zoom levels is better.

What Hi-Fi?

The S21 gives here and takes there, but ultimately strengthens the Galaxy reputation.

Expert Reviews | Nathan Spendelow

Not a huge amount has changed so if you grabbed a Galaxy S20 last year, then you might want to hold onto it for a little while longer. If, however, you're eager to start 2021 with a brand-new handset, either by replacing an out of date model or making the move from Apple to Android, then the Galaxy S21 is the smart choice

BGR | Christian de Looper

The Samsung Galaxy S21 is an excellent phone for its price...the Galaxy S21 offers a great experience.

NextPit | Benjamin Lucks

The Galaxy S21 is a nice, but not one without its flaws. If you're not completely blown away by the design and form factor, there aren't too many reasons to upgrade from its predecessor.

TheEffect.Net | John Reilly

The Samsung Galaxy S21 is all about two things. A lower price and a better processor that makes a phone – that's otherwise not very different from last year's model – a bit better in all departments. The price drop is obviously a good thing too.

NotebookCheck | Manuel Masiero

The Samsung Galaxy S21 offers excellent performance at a fair price. On the other hand, there are also only a few changes compared with its predecessor, the Galaxy S20.

Engadget | Cherlynn Low

Unsurprisingly, the S21 is a good phone. It has a powerful processor, a lovely screen, capable cameras and a long-lasting battery...more reasonably priced than its stablemates

phoneArena | Preslav Kateliev

Why go for the Galaxy S21 at all? Well, it definitely looks a lot more sophisticated than the S20 FE and has a much better camera. And it comes in a smaller package, if a compact phone is what you are exclusively after.

Neowin | João Carrasqueira

I have to conclude this review in the same way that I started it - by saying that Samsung has learned the right lessons with its phones this year. What stands out the most to me is the inspiration Samsung drew from the Galaxy S20 FE to make its flagship phone way easier to justify.

Forbes | David Phelan

For most users the S21 is going to be a powerful, fast and effective phone that's available in more colors and fits brilliantly in the hand.

T3 | Yasmine Crossland

Although not the most impressive phone from the S21 series, the Samsung Galaxy S21 5G will definitely appeal to the most people. This is a phone that combines a palatable price tag with higher-end specs like a 120Hz refresh rate and powerful CPU as well as an excellent camera - you'll get everything you could need in a smaller, cheaper package.

IT PRO | Sabina Weston

Although the battery life could have been lengthier - especially considering the price point - the Samsung Galaxy S21 5G is still one of the best phones we've seen so far this year.

Pickr | Leigh Stark

it's hard to see Samsung's S21 as anything more than a nice return, albeit one that still needs some work. Worth a look, but at the beginning of the year, it feels like we'll see something beat it shortly without fail.

Recombu | Peter Phelps

The Samsung Galaxy S21 is a good phone that, above all, offers high processing performance and a reliable camera.

Gadgets Now | Shaurya Shubham

Samsung Galaxy S21 is the right choice for all the right reasons. What that means is the compromises Samsung has made with the Galaxy S21 seem big but they aren't that big of a deal when it comes to the practical aspect of the smartphone.

GadgetMatch | GadgetMatch

While most people want the taller and more premium S21+ and S21 Ultra, the Galaxy S21 still looks and feels good despite the less fancy polycarbonate back. Other than the smaller display and battery, you still have the speedy Snapdragon 888 (or Exynos 2100) processors and great set of cameras.

Android Central | Hayato Huseman

The Galaxy S21 delivers the flagship Samsung experience in a phone that's much more pocketable (and affordable) than the top-end S21 Ultra. You'll lose out on the Ultra's major camera improvements, as well its S Pen support, but this is still a great phone at the right price.

Tom's Guide | Roland Moore-Colyer

Samsung's Galaxy S21 is a more refined, smarter and crucially cheaper new flagship phone.

Android Authority | C. Scott Brown

Samsung decided to make the Galaxy S21 the phone for the everyday person. Power users will think it's anemic, but the average smartphone buyer will find everything they need at a very reasonable cost. If you're looking for the Android phone that has it all, check out the Galaxy S21 Ultra. If you're looking for a phone that delivers the essentials without destroying your bank account, this is the Galaxy for you.

Mobile Syrup | Jonathan Lamont

If you're a fan of Samsung devices and you're upgrading from an older phone, such as an S10 series, you'll likely enjoy a lot of what the S21 offers. If you're rocking an S20, there's very little here that's different (and the few hardware pieces Samsung did change arguably make the S21 a downgrade for you).

pocketnow | Anton D. Nagy

If you're in the market for an affordable flagship without compromise, the Samsung Galaxy S21 is our best recommendation in this price bracket.

Trusted Reviews | Max Parker

There are sacrifices yes, but this is still a great phone for a more enticing price. It has a lovely screen, a reliable camera and a slick new design that feels a little bit futuristic. The basics are here and they're all done excellently.

TechRadar | James Peckham

If you want the best of the best, look to the Galaxy S21 Ultra; but if you want a handset that's cheaper than the Galaxy S20 was at launch, with a whole load of premium features, the Galaxy S21 is a delight to use, and will do you proud.

Stuff | Andrew Williams

Battery life may be a sticking point for some of you. It's no big surprise from a slightly smaller phone, but if you want an Android that might last up to two days between charges, the Samsung Galaxy S21 isn't it

Pocket-lint | Chris Hall

The result is that the Galaxy S21 - while being an attractive phone that's very capable and slick in daily use - is now clearly in a position that's lower than the S21 Ultra, which feels more enhanced in a number of ways. That might see buyers drawn to the older, cheaper, model instead.

The Verge | Dieter Bohn

if you're not interested in the latest, greatest, and biggest, and you don't mind the way Samsung handles Android, the Galaxy S21 is a fine choice.

Digital Trends | Andrew Martonik

The Galaxy S21 makes a smart bet on value with a lower starting price, but in doing so feels stuck in 2020. A good phone, but not a particularly exciting one.