Samsung Galaxy S21

Key Highlights

When Samsung introduced its Galaxy S21 5G lineup, it followed a familiar strategy of offering a “good, better, best” trio—similar to the Galaxy S20 series—but this time, value was clearly at the forefront. Starting at $799 and topping out at $1,199 for the Galaxy S21 Ultra, Samsung sliced $200 off the previous generation’s prices, making its flagship range far more accessible. What’s even better, the base Galaxy S21 5G can often be found for as low as $699 on Amazon, offering excellent value for anyone eyeing a top-tier smartphone without the ultra-premium price tag. Among the three models, the standard Galaxy S21 stands out as the most balanced choice. It’s compact enough for comfortable one-handed use—especially compared to the massive phones dominating today’s market—yet still large enough to feel immersive. The design feels refreshed and modern, the camera performs reliably, and the vibrant AMOLED display remains one of the best in its class. While Samsung trimmed a few corners to keep costs down, the essentials are executed brilliantly. For seasoned reviewers, the improvements over the Galaxy S20 are easy to spot. Performance has been refined, the design feels bolder, and the overall user experience remains premium. Admittedly, the S21 doesn’t reinvent the wheel; it’s more of a thoughtful refinement than a revolution. Yet, this focus on balance and practicality makes it one of the most appealing flagships of 2021. After learning valuable lessons from devices like the Galaxy S20 FE, Samsung struck the right balance between affordability and flagship excellence. The Galaxy S21 proves that high-end performance and design don’t always need to come with a sky-high price tag—a refreshing step in the right direction for Samsung’s smartphone strategy.