The Enduring Legacy of the Samsung Galaxy S21: A Deep Dive
The Samsung Galaxy S21, launched in early 2021, arrived amidst a global landscape grappling with change. It represented not just a new iteration in Samsung’s flagship line, but also a strategic pivot, a refined vision for a world increasingly reliant on mobile technology. While newer models have since emerged, the S21’s impact and enduring relevance warrant a closer examination. This article delves into the intricacies of the S21, exploring its design, performance, camera capabilities, software, and overall significance.
The S21 marked a departure from its predecessors with a distinct “Contour Cut Camera” housing, seamlessly blending into the metal frame. This design choice, while initially polarizing, has aged gracefully, lending the device a unique and recognizable aesthetic.
Material Choices and Durability
The standard S21 employed a “Glasstic” back, a reinforced polycarbonate material that offered a premium feel while maintaining durability. This choice, while seemingly a downgrade from the glass backs of previous models, proved practical, reducing the risk of shattering and minimizing fingerprints. The S21+ and S21 Ultra, however, retained glass backs, appealing to users seeking a more traditional premium feel. All models boasted an IP68 rating, ensuring resistance to dust and water, a crucial feature for everyday use.
Display: Dynamic AMOLED 2X Brilliance
The S21 series featured Dynamic AMOLED 2X displays, renowned for their vibrant colors, deep blacks, and exceptional contrast. The standard S21 sported a 6.2-inch display, the S21+ a 6.7-inch display, and the S21 Ultra a 6.8-inch display. All models supported a 120Hz adaptive refresh rate, providing smooth scrolling and enhanced responsiveness. The S21 Ultra, in particular, stood out with its WQHD+ resolution and LTPO technology, enabling a wider range of refresh rate adjustments for improved power efficiency.
Ergonomics and Form Factor
The S21’s compact form factor, particularly the standard model, made it comfortable to hold and use with one hand. The rounded edges and well-balanced weight distribution contributed to a pleasant user experience. The S21+ and S21 Ultra, while larger, remained manageable, albeit requiring two hands for optimal use.
The S21 series was powered by either the Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 or the Exynos 2100 chipset, depending on the region. Both processors delivered flagship-level performance, handling demanding tasks and graphics-intensive games with ease.
Chipset Performance and Benchmarks
The Snapdragon 888 and Exynos 2100 were built on a 5nm process, offering significant improvements in performance and power efficiency compared to their predecessors. Benchmarks revealed substantial gains in CPU and GPU performance, translating to a smoother and more responsive user experience. The Exynos 2100, in particular, marked a significant improvement for Samsung’s in-house chipset, closing the performance gap with Qualcomm’s offerings.
Memory and Storage Configurations
The S21 series offered various memory and storage configurations, catering to different user needs. The standard S21 and S21+ were available with 8GB of RAM and 128GB or 256GB of storage. The S21 Ultra offered 12GB or 16GB of RAM and 128GB, 256GB, or 512GB of storage. It is important to note, that the S21 series does not have a micro SD card slot.
Gaming and Multitasking Capabilities
The powerful processors and ample RAM ensured smooth gaming performance, even with demanding titles. The 120Hz refresh rate further enhanced the gaming experience, providing fluid animations and responsive controls. Multitasking was also seamless, with the S21 series handling multiple apps and tasks without any noticeable lag.
The S21 series boasted a versatile camera system, catering to a wide range of photography needs. The S21 and S21+ featured a triple rear camera setup, while the S21 Ultra offered a quad rear camera system with enhanced zoom capabilities.
Camera Hardware and Specifications
The S21 and S21+ featured a 12MP main sensor, a 12MP ultra-wide sensor, and a 64MP telephoto sensor. The S21 Ultra, on the other hand, featured a 108MP main sensor, a 12MP ultra-wide sensor, and two 10MP telephoto sensors, one with 3x optical zoom and the other with 10x optical zoom.
Image Processing and Software Features
Samsung’s advanced image processing algorithms played a crucial role in delivering exceptional image quality. Features like Single Take, which captures multiple photos and videos with a single press of the shutter button, and Director’s View, which allows users to switch between different lenses while recording video, enhanced the creative possibilities.
Zoom Capabilities and Space Zoom
The S21 Ultra’s dual telephoto lenses enabled impressive zoom capabilities, with up to 100x Space Zoom. While the quality of images at extreme zoom levels was debatable, the 10x optical zoom provided excellent results.
Low-Light Performance and Night Mode
The S21 series excelled in low-light photography, thanks to its large sensors and advanced Night Mode. Night Mode captured multiple exposures and combined them to produce bright and detailed images, even in challenging lighting conditions.
Video Recording Capabilities
The S21 series supported 8K video recording at 24fps and 4K video recording at up to 60fps. Super Steady video stabilization ensured smooth and stable footage, even when shooting handheld.
The S21 series launched with One UI 3.1, based on Android 11. One UI is Samsung’s custom Android skin, known for its clean interface, intuitive navigation, and extensive customization options.
One UI Features and Customization
One UI offered a wide range of features, including customizable themes, edge panels for quick access to apps and contacts, and advanced multitasking capabilities. The software was also optimized for one-handed use, with interactive elements positioned within easy reach.
Software Updates and Support
Samsung has committed to providing four years of Android OS updates and five years of security updates for the S21 series, ensuring that the devices remain secure and up-to-date for an extended period. This long-term support is a major advantage for users who value longevity.
Integration with the Samsung Ecosystem
The S21 series seamlessly integrates with other Samsung devices and services, such as Galaxy Buds, Galaxy Watch, and SmartThings. This ecosystem integration enhances the user experience, providing a unified and connected environment.
S Pen Support (S21 Ultra)
The S21 Ultra was the first S series device to support the S Pen, previously exclusive to the Note series. This feature expanded the device’s functionality, enabling users to take notes, draw, and control the device with precision.
The S21 series featured large batteries, ensuring all-day battery life for most users. The standard S21 had a 4000mAh battery, the S21+ a 4800mAh battery, and the S21 Ultra a 5000mAh battery.
Battery Performance and Usage Patterns
Battery life varied depending on usage patterns, but all models generally provided sufficient power to last through a full day of moderate use. The adaptive refresh rate and optimized software contributed to improved power efficiency.
Charging Speeds and Wireless Charging
The S21 series supported 25W wired fast charging and 15W wireless charging. While the charging speeds were not the fastest in the market, they were adequate for most users. Wireless PowerShare allowed users to wirelessly charge other devices, such as Galaxy Buds or smartwatches.
The S21 series was 5G-enabled, supporting both sub-6GHz and mmWave 5G networks. This ensured fast download and upload speeds, as well as low latency, for a seamless online experience.
5G Performance and Availability
5G performance varied depending on network availability and coverage. However, users in areas with good 5G coverage experienced significantly faster speeds compared to 4G.
Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth Connectivity
The S21 Ultra supported Wi-Fi 6E, offering faster and more stable Wi-Fi connections. All models supported Bluetooth 5.2, providing improved range and data transfer speeds.
The Samsung Galaxy S21 series, despite the arrival of newer models, remains a compelling choice for users seeking a powerful and versatile smartphone. Its refined design, flagship-level performance, exceptional camera capabilities, and long-term software support contribute to its enduring legacy. The S21 series represents a significant milestone in Samsung’s smartphone evolution, showcasing the company’s commitment to innovation and user experience. While it may not be the newest flagship, it still stands as a testament to the brand’s ability to create well rounded and powerful devices.
