The Samsung Galaxy S21 5G has emerged as one of the most sought-after smartphones in the market, offering a harmonious blend of cutting-edge technology and sophisticated design. With its impressive 5G connectivity, this flagship device is engineered to deliver lightning-fast internet speeds and seamless performance, making it an excellent choice for both casual users and tech enthusiasts alike.
Not only does the Samsung Galaxy S21 5G boast a stunning Dynamic AMOLED display and a powerful Exynos processor (or Snapdragon processor in some regions), but it also showcases an enhanced camera system that elevates mobile photography to new heights. In this article, we will delve into the full specifications of the Samsung Galaxy S21 5G, providing comprehensive insights to help potential buyers understand why this device stands out in a competitive landscape.
Full Specifications
Network
| Technology: | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / EVDO / LTE / 5G |
| 2G bands: | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| CDMA 800 / 1900 & TD-SCDMA | |
| 3G bands: | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 |
| CDMA2000 1xEV-DO | |
| 4G bands: | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 14, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 28, 30, 38, 39, 40, 41, 46, 48, 66, 71 – SM-G991U1 |
| 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 28, 32, 38, 39, 40, 41, 66 – SM-G991B | |
| 5G bands: | 2, 5, 25, 41, 66, 71, 260, 261 SA/NSA/Sub6/mmWave – SM-G991U1 |
| 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41, 66, 77, 78 SA/NSA/Sub6 – SM-G991B | |
| Speed: | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE (7CA) Cat20 2000/200 Mbps, 5G (5+ Gbps DL) |
Launch
| Announced: | 2021, January 14 |
| Status: | Available. Released 2021, January 29 |
Body
| Dimensions: | 151.7 x 71.2 x 7.9 mm (5.97 x 2.80 x 0.31 in) |
| Weight: | 169 g (Sub6), 171 g (mmWave) (5.96 oz) |
| Build: | Glass front (Gorilla Glass Victus), plastic back, aluminum frame |
| SIM: | Nano-SIM + eSIMNano-SIM + Nano-SIM + eSIM (max 2 at a time) |
| IP68 dust tight and water resistant (immersible up to 1.5m for 30 min) |
Display
| Type: | Dynamic AMOLED 2X, 120Hz, HDR10+, 1300 nits (peak) |
| Size: | 6.2 inches, 94.1 cm2 (~87.2% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Resolution: | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~421 ppi density) |
| Protection: | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus |
Platform
| OS: | Android 11, up to 4 major Android upgrades, One UI 6.1 |
| Chipset: | Exynos 2100 (5 nm) – InternationalQualcomm SM8350 Snapdragon 888 5G (5 nm) – USA/China |
| CPU: | Octa-core (1×2.9 GHz Cortex-X1 & 3×2.80 GHz Cortex-A78 & 4×2.2 GHz Cortex-A55) – InternationalOcta-core (1×2.84 GHz Cortex-X1 & 3×2.42 GHz Cortex-A78 & 4×1.80 GHz Cortex-A55) – USA/China |
| GPU: | Mali-G78 MP14 – InternationalAdreno 660 – USA/China |
Memory
| Card slot: | No |
| Internal: | 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM |
| UFS 3.1 |
Main Camera
| Triple: | 12 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), 1/1.76″, 1.8µm, dual pixel PDAF, OIS 64 MP, f/2.0, 29mm (telephoto), 1/1.72″, 0.8µm, PDAF, OIS, 1.1x optical zoom, 3x hybrid zoom 12 MP, f/2.2, 13mm, 120˚ (ultrawide), 1/2.55″ 1.4µm, Super Steady video |
| Features: | LED flash, auto-HDR, panorama |
| Video: | 8K@24fps, 4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60/120/240fps, HDR10+, stereo sound rec., gyro-EIS |
Selfie camera
| Single: | 10 MP, f/2.2, 26mm (wide), 1/3.24″, 1.22µm, dual pixel PDAF |
| Features: | HDR |
| Video: | 4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30fps |
Sound
| Loudspeaker: | Yes, with stereo speakers |
| 3.5mm jack: | No |
| 32-bit/384kHz audio Tuned by AKG |
Comms
| WLAN: | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Bluetooth: | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| Positioning: | GPS, GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO |
| NFC: | Yes |
| Radio: | FM radio (Snapdragon model only; market/operator dependent) |
| USB: | USB Type-C 3.2, OTG |
Features
| Sensors: | Fingerprint (under display, ultrasonic), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, barometer |
| Samsung DeX, Samsung Wireless DeX (desktop experience support) Circle to Search |
Battery
| Type: | Li-Ion 4000 mAh |
| Charging: | 25W wired, PD3.0 15W wireless (Qi) 4.5W reverse wireless |
Misc
| Colors: | Phantom Gray, Phantom White, Phantom Violet, Phantom Pink |
| Models: | SM-G991B, SM-G991B/DS, SM-G991U, SM-G991U1, SM-G991W, SM-G991N, SM-G9910, SM-G991Q, SCG09 |
| SAR: | 0.74 W/kg (head) 1.08 W/kg (body) |
| SAR EU: | 0.46 W/kg (head) 1.51 W/kg (body) |
| Price: | € 204.00 / $ 167.98 / £ 169.00 |
Our Tests
| Performance: | AnTuTu: 584055 (v8) GeekBench: 3238 (v5.1) GFXBench: 60fps (ES 3.1 onscreen) |
| Display: | 856 nits max brightness (measured) |
| Camera: | Photo / Video |
| Loudspeaker: | -26.4 LUFS (Good) |
| Battery (old): | Endurance rating 93h |
Key Features of the Samsung Galaxy S21 5G
The Samsung Galaxy S21 5G stands out in the competitive smartphone market with its impressive features. Boasting a stunning display, robust performance, and a versatile camera setup, it is designed for users who crave a premium mobile experience. Notable features include a Dynamic AMOLED 2X display that offers vibrant colors and high-resolution visuals, alongside rapid 5G connectivity that enhances internet speed and streaming capabilities.
Design and Build Quality
The design of the Galaxy S21 5G is both sleek and functional. Featuring a glass front and back along with an aluminum frame, the device not only looks premium but also feels sturdy in hand. Its unique contour cut camera design adds a modern touch while also providing a distinct look that sets it apart from its competitors. Moreover, the IP68 rating ensures that the phone is water and dust resistant, making it suitable for various environments and conditions.
Performance and Battery Life
Under the hood, the Galaxy S21 5G is powered by either the Exynos 2100 or the Qualcomm Snapdragon 888, depending on the region. This ensures optimal performance with enhanced speed and efficiency. It comes equipped with 8GB of RAM, which allows for smooth multitasking and swift app launches. Battery life is equally impressive, featuring a 4000mAh battery that can easily last a full day of regular use, accompanied by fast charging and wireless charging capabilities.
Processor and RAM Capabilities
The choice of processor plays a significant role in the overall performance of the Galaxy S21 5G. With the Exynos 2100 and Snapdragon 888, users experience notably improved graphics performance, making it suitable for gaming and multimedia activities. This powerhouse, combined with 8GB of RAM, ensures that apps run smoothly, and users can switch between multiple tasks without lag.
Camera Setup and Performance
The camera system on the Galaxy S21 5G is one of its most highlighted aspects. The rear camera setup includes a 12MP ultra-wide lens, a 12MP wide lens, and a 64MP telephoto lens. This combination allows for exceptional versatility when capturing photos and videos in various conditions.
Photography and Videography Features
Camera features such as Super Steady video and 8K video recording showcase the phone’s ability to capture high-quality content. Users can take advantage of the Director’s View feature, which lets them switch between different camera lenses while recording, providing flexibility in how moments are captured. Furthermore, software enhancements enable low-light photography to shine, ensuring that images remain sharp and vibrant, even in challenging lighting conditions.
Software and User Experience
Running on Samsung’s One UI interface, the Galaxy S21 5G offers an intuitive user experience. The interface is highly customizable, allowing users to tailor their home screens and app layouts to suit their preferences. Additionally, updates to the software enhance functionality and security, making the device not only user-friendly but also safe for everyday use.
Connectivity and 5G Capabilities
5G capabilities are at the forefront of the Galaxy S21 5G, enabling users to take full advantage of faster download speeds and reduced latency. This feature is particularly beneficial for streaming high-definition content and online gaming. The device also supports various other connectivity options, such as Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.0, and even NFC, allowing for seamless interactions with other devices and services.
Pricing and Availability
The pricing of the Samsung Galaxy S21 5G has been a topic of discussion among consumers. Positioned as a premium device, it typically commands a higher price point compared to mid-range smartphones. However, its extensive features justify the investment for many users seeking quality and performance.
Comparison with Other Leading Smartphones
In comparison with other leading smartphones within its range, such as the iPhone 12 and Google Pixel 5, the Galaxy S21 5G holds its ground with its superior camera capabilities and display technology. While each device has its unique strengths, the S21’s blend of features makes it a compelling option for anyone in the market for a flagship smartphone.
