The Samsung Galaxy S21 5G is still a powerful and stylish smartphone in 2025, offering flagship-level performance, a stunning display, and an impressive camera setup.
Price
| Samsung Galaxy S21 (128GB + 8GB RAM) | ₦320,000 |
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| Samsung Galaxy S21 (256GB + 8GB RAM) | ₦350,000 |
General Information
Launch
| Released | January 29, 2021 |
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Body
| Dimensions | 151.7 x 71.2 x 7.9 mm |
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| Weight | 169 g (Sub6), 171 g (mmWave) |
| Build | Glass front (Gorilla Glass Victus), plastic back, aluminum frame |
| SIM | Nano-SIM and eSIM or Dual SIM (Nano-SIM and eSIM, dual stand-by) |
| IP Rating | IP68 dust/water resistant (up to 1.5m for 30 mins) |
Display
Screen
| Type | Dynamic AMOLED 2X, 120Hz, HDR10+, 1300 nits (peak) |
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| Size | 6.2 inches |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~421 ppi density) |
| Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus |
Hardware
Platform
| OS | Android 11, upgradable to Android 13, One UI 5.1 |
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Processor
| Chipset | Exynos 2100 (International) / Snapdragon 888 (USA/China) |
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| CPU | Octa-core (varied configurations based on region) |
| GPU | Mali-G78 MP14 (International) / Adreno 660 (USA/China) |
Memory
| Internal Storage | 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM (UFS 3.1) |
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Camera
Main Camera
| Configuration | 12 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), dual pixel PDAF, OIS 64 MP, f/2.0, 29mm (telephoto), 1.1x optical zoom, 3x hybrid zoom, OIS 12 MP, f/2.2, 120˚ (ultrawide), Super Steady video |
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| Features | LED flash, auto-HDR, panorama |
| Video | 8K@24fps, 4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60/120/240fps, HDR10+, gyro-EIS |
Selfie Camera
| Configuration | 10 MP, f/2.2, 26mm (wide), dual pixel PDAF |
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| Features | HDR |
| Video | 4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30fps |
Audio
| Speakers | Stereo speakers, no 3.5mm jack |
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| Audio | 32-bit/384kHz, Tuned by AKG |
Connectivity
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
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| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| GPS | GPS, GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO |
| NFC | Yes |
| Radio | FM radio (Snapdragon model only, market/operator dependent) |
| USB | USB Type-C 3.2, OTG |
Miscellaneous
| Sensors | Fingerprint (under display, ultrasonic), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, barometer |
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| Additional Features | Samsung DeX, Samsung Wireless DeX |
Customer Reviews
| Average Rating | 4.5 out of 5 (based on 92 reviews) |
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| Review by Adeola Bakare (January 30, 2025) | Rating: 5/5 Fantastic phone! The display is stunning with the 120Hz refresh rate, and the camera quality is top-tier. |
| Review by Chiamaka Obi (March 8, 2025) | Rating: 4/5 Great performance and sleek design. Battery life could be better, but overall a premium experience. |
Pros and Cons of Samsung Galaxy S21
Pros:
- Compact and Premium Design: Sleek, lightweight (169g), and comfortable to hold.
- Dynamic AMOLED 2X Display (120Hz): 6.2-inch Full HD+ screen with smooth scrolling and vibrant colors.
- Powerful Performance: Handles gaming, multitasking, and heavy apps with ease.
- Great Camera Setup: High-quality photos and 8K video recording.
- 5G Support: Future-proof for faster connectivity.
- IP68 Water and Dust Resistance: Can withstand submersion in water up to 1.5m for 30 minutes.
- Wireless Charging & Reverse Charging: Convenient for powering other devices.
Cons:
- No Charger in the Box: Samsung removed the power adapter, so you’ll need to buy one separately.
- Plastic Back: Feels less premium compared to glass.
- No Expandable Storage: No microSD slot, meaning you’re limited to internal storage (128GB or 256GB).
- Average Battery Life: 4000mAh battery may not last a full day for heavy users.
Frequently Asked Questions
Despite being a 2021 release, the Samsung S21 remains a great option in 2025. It offers a flagship experience at a lower price, making it a solid choice for those who want a premium phone without spending on newer models like the S22 or S23.
However, if you need better battery life, expandable storage, or a more premium design, you might want to consider the Samsung S21 Ultra or newer models.
It’s available in Phantom Gray, Phantom White, Phantom Violet, and Phantom Pink.
Yes, it supports 25W fast charging via USB-C, charging to about 50% in 30 minutes with a compatible charger (not included in the box). It also supports 15W wireless charging.
The 4000 mAh battery lasts about a day with moderate use (calls, browsing, video) or 10–12 hours with heavy use (gaming, 5G, 120Hz on).
Yes, it has an IP68 rating, meaning it can withstand submersion in up to 1.5 meters of fresh water for 30 minutes.
The S21 has a 6.2-inch display and 4000 mAh battery, while the S21 Plus has a 6.7-inch display, 4800 mAh battery, and a glass back (vs. plastic on the S21). The Plus also supports UWB (Ultra-Wideband) in some regions.
Yes, it supports both sub-6GHz and mmWave 5G (availability depends on region and carrier).
Yes, it has NFC for contactless payments. It supports dual SIM (one physical Nano-SIM + eSIM) in some regions, or a single SIM in others.
Yes, the rear camera records 8K video at 24fps, though 4K at 60fps offers better stabilization and versatility.
