Introduction
The Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G has arrived as the middle child in Samsung's latest flagship lineup, promising to strike an optimal balance between features and affordability. As tech enthusiasts, we're excited to dive into our first impressions of this device, exploring how it stands out in the competitive smartphone market of 2021.
Design and Build Quality: A Visual and Tactile Delight
Samsung has outdone itself with the design of the S21+ 5G. The Phantom Violet color variant, in particular, is a head-turner. The frosted glass-like finish catches the light in a way that gives the device a premium, almost ethereal quality. The contrast between the soft lavender hue of the body and the golden camera unit and frame creates a visually striking effect that's sure to draw admiring glances.
At 161.5mm tall and weighing 202 grams, the S21+ strikes a comfortable balance between screen real estate and manageability. It's noticeably more manageable than its Ultra sibling while still providing a substantial feel in hand. The use of Corning Gorilla Glass Victus on both the front and back panels speaks to Samsung's commitment to durability. This latest iteration of Gorilla Glass offers improved scratch resistance and drop protection compared to its predecessors.
The IP68 rating for dust and water resistance adds another layer of durability, allowing the device to withstand submersion in up to 1.5 meters of freshwater for up to 30 minutes. This level of protection has become standard for flagship devices, but it's reassuring to see Samsung maintaining this feature in the S21+ 5G.
Display Technology: A Visual Feast
The S21+ 5G boasts a 6.7-inch Dynamic AMOLED display that showcases Samsung's expertise in screen technology. While it doesn't reach the astronomical pixel density of the S21 Ultra, the Full HD+ resolution (2400 x 1080 pixels) still provides crisp, clear visuals that will satisfy most users.
One of the standout features is the adaptive refresh rate, which can dynamically adjust between 48Hz and 120Hz depending on the content being displayed. This technology, which Samsung calls Adaptive Motion Smoothness, ensures buttery-smooth scrolling and animations when needed while conserving battery life during more static content viewing.
The display's color reproduction is exemplary, covering 100% of the DCI-P3 color gamut. This wide color range, combined with HDR10+ support, results in vibrant, lifelike images whether you're browsing photos, watching videos, or playing games. The peak brightness of 1300 nits ensures excellent visibility even in bright outdoor conditions, a crucial feature for a device meant to be used on the go.
Camera System: Versatility Meets High Performance
The triple rear camera setup of the S21+ 5G may not be as extensive as the Ultra model, but it still packs a punch. The 12MP wide-angle main camera features Dual Pixel autofocus and optical image stabilization (OIS), promising sharp, steady shots even in challenging lighting conditions. The sensor size of 1/1.76" with 1.8μm pixels allows for improved light gathering capabilities compared to its predecessor.
The 12MP ultra-wide camera offers a 120-degree field of view, perfect for capturing expansive landscapes or group shots in tight spaces. The 64MP telephoto lens is particularly interesting, as it allows for high-resolution zoomed shots and 8K video recording. While the 30x digital zoom capability might not match the 100x "Space Zoom" of the Ultra, it still provides impressive reach for a smartphone camera.
On the video front, the ability to record 8K footage at 24fps puts the S21+ at the cutting edge of smartphone videography. While 8K content might not be mainstream yet, it future-proofs the device and allows for high-quality frame extraction and downscaling to 4K or 1080p.
Performance and Specifications: Power Meets Efficiency
At the heart of the S21+ 5G lies the Exynos 2100 processor (in regions outside North America). This 5nm chip represents a significant leap forward in terms of performance and efficiency compared to its 7nm predecessor. The CPU configuration of one Cortex-X1 core, three Cortex-A78 cores, and four Cortex-A55 cores allows for a balance of high-performance tasks and power efficiency.
The 8GB of LPDDR5 RAM ensures smooth multitasking and app switching. While some may lament the lack of a 12GB option, 8GB should be more than sufficient for the vast majority of users. The choice of 128GB or 256GB of UFS 3.1 storage provides ample space for apps, photos, and videos, although the lack of expandable storage might be a sticking point for some power users.
5G connectivity is a key feature of the S21+ 5G, supporting both sub-6GHz and mmWave networks where available. This ensures future-proofing as 5G networks continue to expand and evolve.
Battery Life and Charging: Endurance with a Catch
The 4800 mAh battery in the S21+ 5G represents a significant capacity that should easily power the device through a full day of moderate to heavy use. The adaptive refresh rate display and the efficient 5nm processor should contribute to improved battery life compared to previous generations.
Wireless charging support, including reverse wireless charging, adds convenience for users invested in the wireless ecosystem. However, the decision to limit fast charging to 25W (down from 45W in the S20+ 5G) and to not include a charger in the box has been controversial. While Samsung cites environmental concerns, it does mean an additional purchase for those who want to take advantage of the fastest charging speeds.
Software and Features: A Rich Ecosystem
One UI 3.1, based on Android 11, offers a refined and feature-rich user experience. Samsung's software has come a long way in recent years, striking a balance between functionality and ease of use. Features like Samsung DeX, which allows for a desktop-like experience when connected to an external display, showcase the versatility of the device.
The integration of Samsung Pay continues to be a standout feature, offering both NFC and MST technology for wide compatibility with payment terminals. The Bixby virtual assistant, while not as widely adopted as some competitors, continues to evolve and offers deep integration with Samsung's ecosystem of devices.
Conclusion: A Compelling Package with Minor Compromises
The Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G emerges as a strong contender in the 2021 smartphone landscape. It offers a premium design, excellent display technology, versatile camera capabilities, and powerful performance in a package that's more accessible than the top-tier S21 Ultra.
While some may bemoan the lack of expandable storage or the omission of a charger in the box, these decisions reflect broader industry trends towards sealed designs and reduced e-waste. The S21+ 5G's strengths in key areas like display quality, camera performance, and overall user experience make it a compelling option for those seeking a flagship experience without the Ultra's price tag.
As we continue to test and use the device, we'll be paying close attention to real-world battery life, camera performance across various scenarios, and how the Exynos 2100 holds up under sustained load. The S21+ 5G has made a strong first impression, and we're eager to see how it stands up to daily use in our full review.
