The Samsung Galaxy S21 5G represents a significant advancement in the realm of smartphones, combining cutting-edge technology with sleek design. Launched in January 2021, this flagship device is equipped with state-of-the-art features that cater to the needs of both tech enthusiasts and casual users. With a stunning display, powerful camera capabilities, and 5G connectivity, the Galaxy S21 5G is poised to redefine user expectations for mobile devices.
As we delve into the full specifications of the Samsung Galaxy S21 5G, you will discover its impressive performance metrics, including the latest processor and battery life that ensure optimal usage throughout the day. This article aims to provide an in-depth overview of the features that make the Galaxy S21 5G a standout choice in the competitive smartphone market, ensuring you have all the vital information at your fingertips before making a purchasing decision.
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 |
The Samsung Galaxy S21 5G offers a multitude of features that cater to tech enthusiasts and casual users alike. Its sleek design, advanced camera system, and powerful performance make it a standout option in the smartphone market.
Key Features of the Samsung Galaxy S21 5G
Display and Design Highlights
The Samsung Galaxy S21 5G comes equipped with a striking 6.2-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display, boasting a resolution of 2400 x 1080 pixels. This technology not only delivers crisp images but also supports a refresh rate of up to 120Hz for smoother scrolling and enhanced gaming experiences. The visual quality is unmatched, with vibrant colors and deep blacks, thanks to its HDR10+ support.
In terms of design, the Galaxy S21 5G features an eye-catching contour cut camera design. The materials used in its construction include glass on the front and back, complemented by an aluminum frame. This combination provides a premium feel and ensures durability, making the device resistant to scratches and minor drops.
Camera Innovations in the Samsung Galaxy S21 5G
The camera system on the Galaxy S21 5G elevates mobile photography to new heights. It includes a triple-camera setup, highlighted by a 12MP ultra-wide lens, a 12MP wide lens, and a 64MP telephoto lens. These specifications allow users to capture stunning images with great detail, even in low-light conditions.
Noteworthy features include the 8K video recording capability, which allows users to shoot high-resolution videos that bring every moment to life. Additionally, the Space Zoom feature enables up to 30x zoom, making distant subjects closer without losing clarity. With innovations like Single Take mode, users can capture multiple shots with just one click, making it easier to get the perfect photo or video.
Performance and Battery Life Analysis
The Galaxy S21 5G is powered by Samsung’s own Exynos 2100 or Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 888, depending on the market. This ensures top-notch performance with fast processing speeds and improved power efficiency. Whether users are multitasking with demanding applications or gaming, the device handles everything smoothly.
Comparing Performance with Competitors
When benchmarked against competitors like the iPhone 12 and Google Pixel 5, the Galaxy S21 consistently demonstrates superior graphics performance and processing power, making it a formidable choice for power users. The 4000mAh battery provides an acceptable battery life that can easily last a full day under regular usage, complemented by features such as fast charging, wireless charging, and reverse wireless charging.
Software Experience: One UI 3.1 Overview
Running on Android 11 with Samsung’s One UI 3.1, the software experience is intuitive and user-friendly. One UI enhances the overall usability of Android with features such as improved dark mode, customizable home screen options, and enhanced privacy settings.
Key Software Features and Updates
One UI 3.1 also allows for advanced multitasking capabilities, including split screen and pop-up window features. Samsung promises regular software updates to keep the device secure and introduce new features over time, enhancing the user experience consistently.
Connectivity Options and 5G Capabilities
In today’s digital landscape, connectivity is crucial. The Galaxy S21 5G supports a wide array of connectivity options, including Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.0, and NFC. Its 5G capabilities allow users to enjoy faster download speeds and lower latency, enhancing overall browsing and streaming experiences.
Benefits of 5G for Users
Users can take full advantage of 5G networks to stream high-definition content seamlessly, engage in online gaming with minimal lag, and download large files much quicker than on 4G networks. This makes it an essential feature for content creators and consumers alike.
Pricing and Availability: What to Expect
The Galaxy S21 5G is competitively priced, with various storage options available. This affordability, combined with its superior features, makes it a compelling option among flagship smartphones. Availability varies by region, but the device has secured a strong launch presence, bolstered by Samsung’s extensive retail partnerships and online platforms.
In conclusion, the Samsung Galaxy S21 5G is a well-rounded smartphone that addresses the needs of diverse users, from tech enthusiasts to everyday consumers. With its stellar camera capabilities, powerful performance, and seamless software experience, it stands out as one of the top choices in the current smartphone market.
