Introduction
The Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G arrived as a refined member of Samsung’s 2021 flagship lineup, sitting between the smaller S21 and the top-tier Ultra. It aimed to balance premium performance with an accessible price point, all while delivering the design language and camera capabilities that Samsung fans expect. In this Revuvio review, we dive into how the S21+ performs in real-world scenarios—from everyday multitasking to photo sessions in tricky lighting—and whether its blend of features still holds up in a landscape crowded with 2024/2025 devices.
From a design perspective, the S21+ sticks to the familiar GaN-friendly silhouette: a glass front and back sandwiching a metal frame, with a generous 6.7-inch Dynamic AMOLED display. Performance hinges on the choice of processor—either the Snapdragon 888 in North America or the Exynos 2100 elsewhere—and the software experience that Samsung continues to polish with One UI. Battery endurance, camera versatility, and the confidence of IP68 water resistance all factor into the equation as you decide if the S21+ remains a wise purchase today. This article unpacks these facets with practical examples, real-world timing, and context that only time can provide.
Display and Design: A Continuity Act with Subtle Upgrades
The S21+’s design is a measured evolution rather than a radical remake. The device uses Gorilla Glass Victus for durability on the front and back, and a refined aluminum frame that feels premium in hand without tipping into fragility. It remains one of Samsung’s most comfortable large phones thanks to its balanced weight distribution and rounded edges. The 6.7-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X panel is central to the experience, delivering vivid colors, deep blacks, and a high level of overall clarity that’s immediately noticeable when you unlock the screen.
Display quality in everyday use
With a resolution of 1080 x 2400 and a 120 Hz refresh rate, the S21+ offers smooth scrolling and responsive touch input. In bright outdoor conditions, peak brightness can push well above 1000 nits, enabling legibility even in direct sun. The 120 Hz adaptive refresh rate helps conserve the battery by stepping down to lower refresh rates when you’re reading or viewing static content. HDR10+ support adds punch to HDR videos, making movies and clips feel more cinematic when you have the content to consume.
For most users, the display’s color accuracy is reliable straight out of the box. You’ll see a slight calibration shift in warm or cool modes depending on preference, but there’s room to tailor warmth, saturation, and contrast to suit personal taste. The punchy color reproduction pairs nicely with the built-in speakers for a convincing multimedia experience without external accessories.
Build, materials, and durability
Samsung continues to emphasize durability without adding bulk. The S21+ uses a glass sandwich design with an IP68 rating for water and dust resistance, which means real-world splashes, rain, and accidental drops aren’t a fatal flaw. While no phone is indestructible, the S21+’s construction inspires confidence for daily use and travel. The device’s six-month or longer usage often reveals that the glass finish remains relatively scratch-resistant with normal care, though cases remain a wise investment for long-term protection.
Performance and Software: Power Where It Counts
Under the hood, the S21+ is a study in regional variations that still converge on a single goal: fast, reliable performance. North American models typically ship with the Snapdragon 888, while many other markets receive the Exynos 2100. Both configurations offer a strong baseline for gaming, multitasking, and camera workflows, with ample RAM and storage options to cover most power users’ needs. Software is driven by Samsung’s One UI, which has matured into a user-friendly, feature-rich skin atop Android 12 and gradually updated to Android 13 in many regions as part of ongoing updates.
What you get with One UI 5 and beyond
One UI 5 brings a refreshed design language, improved privacy dashboards, smarter notifications, and more cohesive system-wide interactions. The UI emphasizes accessibility, customization, and efficiency, making everyday tasks—like messaging, quick settings, and app switching—feel more fluid. Google’s services integrate deeply, with Samsung’s own apps and utilities weaving in with system controls for a cohesive experience. Over time, the OS updates have expanded features around security, app permissions, and battery management, helping the S21+ stay relevant beyond its initial release window.
Performance in gaming and multitasking
In real-world usage, the S21+ handles gaming and multitasking with ease. The combination of a high-clock CPU, a capable GPU, and ample RAM ensures smooth app switching and a steady frame rate in popular titles. The device benefits from Samsung’s software optimizations that throttle background tasks to preserve battery life without sacrificing responsiveness. If you’re into mobile gaming, you’ll appreciate consistent performance, though the S21 Ultra may edge out the S21+ in some sustained-load scenarios due to its slightly more aggressive thermal design and memory configuration in certain markets.
Battery Life and Charging: A Strong All-Day Companion
Battery endurance is one of the S21+’s standout strengths in its class. With a 4800 mAh battery, the phone is engineered to carry you through a demanding day, even with 5G connectivity and the 120 Hz display enabled. In our tests and extended usage, you can expect a full day of moderate to heavy use, with a likelihood of reaching the next day under lighter activity. The S21+ supports 25W wired charging, 15W wireless charging, and 4.5W reverse wireless charging for accessories—allowing for flexible charging options when you’re on the move.
Real-world endurance
In mixed usage (social, browsing, video streaming, camera sessions, and a handful of gaming sessions), the S21+ comfortably lasts a full day. Battery life is helped by the adaptive refresh rate and intelligent power management in One UI. If you’re a heavy user who spends hours in 120 Hz mode and streams content over 5G, you’ll likely need to plug in by late evening. For most users, though, a single day of typical usage is a sensible expectation, with the option to reach a second day on lighter days.
Charging behavior is convenient, thanks to quick wired charging at 25W and wireless charging at 15W. The inclusion of reverse wireless charging is handy for topping off a wireless headset or another compatible device when you’re away from a wall charger. Battery optimization features further help stretch endurance, particularly when you enable programmatic brightness control and memory-conscious app management.
Camera System: Consistently Solid Across Conditions
The Samsung Galaxy S21+ pairs a versatile triple-camera array with a strong software suite designed to produce appealing results in a variety of settings. The main sensor is a 12 MP camera with pixel-binning, complemented by a 12 MP ultrawide and a 64 MP telephoto that enables meaningful zoom without sacrificing detail. The result is a well-rounded package that excels in bright light, handles mid-to-low light with capable performance, and delivers flexible shooting options for enthusiasts who like to crop and zoom post-capture.
Rear camera capabilities and typical results
In good lighting, the S21+ captures sharp, well-balanced images with pleasing color rendition and accurate white balance. The 64 MP telephoto offers a solid 3x optical zoom, which translates to crisp portraits and tight space shots without resorting to digital zoom. The ultrawide lens helps you capture expansive landscapes and creative indoor compositions with minimal distortion, while the primary sensor maintains strong detail and performance as you move through the day.
Low-light performance is helped by Samsung’s multi-frame processing and Night mode, which brightens shadows and preserves detail without excessive noise. In practice, you’ll get usable results in dim environments, with the camera adapting to preserve texture and natural color rather than leaning heavily on aggressive processing. Portrait mode remains user-friendly, with adjustable blur and edge detection that generally holds up well for social sharing.
Video capabilities and stabilization
The S21+ supports high-quality video capture, including 4K at 60fps and 1080p at higher frame rates. In stable scenarios, the footage tends to be smooth with reliable autofocus. When you move quickly or track subjects, the electronic stabilization helps keep frame jitter to a minimum, though some weight can be noticeable if you’re pushing for extreme dynamic movement. Color rendition in video remains balanced, though some users may wish for more aggressive contrast or dynamic range in challenging lighting conditions.
Front camera and video selfies
On the front, a 10 MP selfie shooter handles everyday video calls and social content with decent detail and natural skin tones. It’s capable of 4K video recording, which is a nice option for content creators who share front-facing footage. The autofocus and face-tracking assist in front-camera mode contribute to a polished final product, especially when you’re recording outdoors or indoors where lighting isn’t perfect.
Connectivity, Security, and Extra Features
Beyond the core performance and camera, the S21+ includes a robust set of features that make it a well-rounded daily driver. The device supports the latest 5G connectivity where available, and it comes with Bluetooth, NFC, and Wi‑Fi 6/6E support depending on the model and region. The in-display fingerprint sensor provides fast, reliable unlocks, and the speaker system delivers a surprising amount of presence for a phone of this size.
Biometrics and privacy
Biometrics—specifically the in-display fingerprint reader—deliver quick access with a reasonable balance of convenience and security. Samsung’s ongoing privacy features, including app permission controls and a dedicated privacy dashboard, give users a clear view of what apps do with their data. The OS-level protections and regular software updates contribute to a safer, more transparent mobile experience.
Ports, wireless charging, and accessories
The S21+ retains the standard USB-C port for charging and data transfer, aligning with most contemporary flagship devices. Wireless charging is convenient for cable-free setups, and the 15W wireless charging capability keeps the battery topped up quickly. The device does not include a microSD card slot, which means you’ll want to pick storage wisely at purchase if you anticipate needing more capacity for media-heavy use.
Software Updates and Longevity: Is the S21+ Still Worth It?
Launched in early 2021, the S21+ has received multiple software updates through the years. While it was originally shipped with Android 11 and One UI 3.x, it has seen software updates that bring newer features, security patches, and performance refinements. The question of longevity depends on your expectations: if you prioritize cutting-edge features and the absolute latest Android version, you might feel the device is trailing the latest flagships. If you value a stable, polished experience, strong cameras, and dependable daily performance, the S21+ remains a solid choice in 2025, particularly as prices have come down on many regional models.
Timelines aside, Samsung’s update strategy historically focuses on security updates for four years and major OS upgrades for three generations of devices. While the S21+ may not receive every newest feature at the same cadence as newer phones, it continues to benefit from a mature ecosystem and dependable software support, which is a compelling argument for current buyers who want value and reliability.
Pros and Cons: Quick Take
- Pros: Excellent display with 120 Hz smoothness; strong all-around camera performance; solid battery life; IP68 durability; reliable One UI experience; capable all-day performance; good value as of later years after launch.
- Cons: No microSD expandability; charging speed is solid but not the fastest by modern standards; some regions use different processors, which can affect modulus of performance; camera software can be tuned further for niche photography modes; battery technology is not the longest-lasting by today’s standards compared to newer flagships.
Who Should Buy the Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G Today?
If you want a large, premium handset that offers a balanced mix of a high-quality display, dependable camera performance, and strong battery life without stepping up to the Ultra’s higher price, the S21+ remains a compelling option. It’s especially appealing if you value the One UI software experience, a robust camera system that holds up well in everyday shooting, and the peace of mind that comes with IP68 durability and reliable 5G connectivity.
However, if you’re chasing the absolute latest camera innovations, the most aggressive display tech, or the longest possible software support window, you might prefer newer models. For those shopping on a budget, a used or refurbished S21+ can deliver a lot of value, given its still-competitive hardware, mature software ecosystem, and established after-sales support network.
Conclusion: A Solid Mid-Flagship That Stands the Test of Time
The Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G embodies a thoughtful balance between design elegance, display excellence, camera versatility, and enduring battery life. It’s not the newest device in Samsung’s lineup, but it remains a reliable, capable phone that can still handle today’s app load, streaming needs, and camera workflows with ease. If you’re seeking a flagship-like experience without the Ultra price tag, the S21+ delivers substantial value, backed by a mature software experience and a durable build that fits modern daily life. For fans of Samsung’s ecosystem, One UI’s refinements, and the company’s proven camera philosophy, the S21+ continues to earn a place in the conversation about long-term smartphone value.
FAQ
Q: Is the Galaxy S21+ still worth buying in 2025?
A: Yes, for many users who want a premium-feeling phone with a large display, solid camera performance, and reliable software, the S21+ remains a good value—especially if you find a favorable price. It may lack some newer camera tricks and the latest chipset optimizations, but its overall package is still strong for everyday tasks, media consumption, and photography in varied conditions.
Q: Does the S21+ support microSD expansion?
A: No. The S21+ relies on fixed internal storage without a dedicated microSD slot, so plan storage accordingly at purchase if you expect to store a lot of media locally.
Q: What about the camera performance in low light?
A: The triple-camera array provides solid low-light performance with effective Night mode and multi-frame processing. While it may not match the most modern flagships in every scenario, it remains one of the stronger camera experiences in its class, especially for social media and casual photography.
Q: Which processors are in the S21+?
A: The S21+ ships with the Snapdragon 888 in North America and the Exynos 2100 in many other regions. Both variants deliver strong performance for daily tasks and gaming, with minor differences in thermal behavior and optimization depending on software updates and regional tuning.
Q: Is there a newer S21 model with better features?
A: Samsung released iterative improvements in the S22 and S23 series later on, with enhancements to cameras, performance, and efficiency. If you’re evaluating value today, compare price, condition, and the specific features you value most, such as display performance, camera versatility, or software longevity.
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