Samsung Galaxy S21+ Features: A Deep Dive Analysis
The Samsung Galaxy S21+ remains a noteworthy contender in the smartphone market, even with newer models available. Understanding its key features and specifications helps consumers make informed decisions, whether they are considering purchasing a used model or simply want to compare it to current offerings. This article provides an in-depth look at the Samsung Galaxy S21+ features, covering everything from its display and performance to its camera capabilities and battery life.
We’ll explore the device’s strengths and weaknesses, providing a comprehensive overview for anyone interested in learning more about this popular smartphone. The Galaxy S21+ aimed to strike a balance between premium features and competitive pricing, making it a popular choice for many users. Let’s delve into the details to see how it holds up.
Display and Design
The Samsung Galaxy S21+ boasts a vibrant 6.7-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display. This screen technology ensures vivid colors, deep blacks, and excellent contrast, making it a joy to consume media, browse the web, and play games. The display also features a 120Hz refresh rate, which provides incredibly smooth scrolling and animations. This high refresh rate significantly enhances the user experience, making everything feel more responsive. The resolution is 1080 x 2400 pixels, offering a sharp and clear image with a pixel density of approximately 394 ppi.
From a design perspective, the S21+ features a sleek and modern aesthetic. The phone is constructed with a glass front (Gorilla Glass Victus) and a glass back (Gorilla Glass Victus), providing excellent durability. The frame is made of aluminum, adding to the premium feel. The “Contour Cut” camera housing seamlessly blends into the frame, creating a distinctive and visually appealing design element. The device is also IP68 dust/water resistant, meaning it can withstand immersion in up to 1.5 meters of fresh water for 30 minutes.
The physical dimensions of the phone are 161.5 x 75.6 x 7.8 mm, and it weighs around 200 grams. This makes it relatively comfortable to hold and use, although some users may find it a bit large for one-handed operation. Color options for the Galaxy S21+ include Phantom Black, Phantom Silver, Phantom Violet, Phantom Pink, Phantom Gold, and Phantom Red, giving consumers a variety of choices to match their personal style.
Performance and Hardware
Under the hood, the Samsung Galaxy S21+ is powered by either the Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 (in the US and China) or the Exynos 2100 (in other regions). Both chipsets are built on a 5nm process and offer exceptional performance. The Snapdragon 888 features an octa-core CPU with a Kryo 680 configuration, while the Exynos 2100 has an octa-core CPU with a tri-cluster design. Both processors are paired with the Adreno 660 (Snapdragon) or Mali-G78 MP14 (Exynos) GPU, ensuring smooth graphics performance for gaming and other demanding tasks.
The phone comes with 8GB of RAM, which is sufficient for multitasking and running multiple apps simultaneously. Storage options include 128GB or 256GB, but there is no microSD card slot for expansion. This means users need to choose their storage option carefully when purchasing the device. The S21+ also supports 5G connectivity, allowing for fast download and upload speeds where available. Other connectivity options include Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.0, and NFC.
The device also incorporates an under-display ultrasonic fingerprint sensor for secure and convenient unlocking. The sensor is generally fast and reliable, although some users may prefer the more traditional side-mounted fingerprint sensor. The phone also features stereo speakers tuned by AKG, providing excellent audio quality for music, videos, and gaming. The absence of a 3.5mm headphone jack is a notable omission, requiring users to rely on Bluetooth headphones or a USB-C adapter.
Camera Capabilities
The Samsung Galaxy S21+ features a versatile triple-lens camera system. The main camera is a 12MP wide-angle lens with an f/1.8 aperture and optical image stabilization (OIS). This lens captures detailed and vibrant photos in a variety of lighting conditions. The second lens is a 12MP ultrawide-angle lens with an f/2.2 aperture, allowing for expansive landscape shots and group photos. The third lens is a 64MP telephoto lens with an f/2.0 aperture and OIS, providing 3x hybrid optical zoom.
The camera system is capable of recording video at up to 8K resolution at 24fps, as well as 4K at 30/60fps. It also supports features like Super Steady video stabilization, HDR10+ recording, and various video modes. The front-facing camera is a 10MP lens with an f/2.2 aperture, which captures clear and detailed selfies. The camera app offers a wide range of features and modes, including Single Take, Pro Mode, Night Mode, and Portrait Mode.
In terms of image quality, the Galaxy S21+ delivers excellent results. Photos are generally sharp, with accurate colors and good dynamic range. The telephoto lens provides useful zoom capabilities, while the ultrawide lens allows for creative perspectives. Low-light performance is also impressive, thanks to the combination of OIS and software processing. The camera system is a significant upgrade over previous models, making it a compelling choice for photography enthusiasts. For users interested in comparing to older models, it’s worth checking out a feature review of the Samsung Galaxy S20, which offers a different camera experience.
Battery Life and Charging
The Samsung Galaxy S21+ is equipped with a 4,800mAh battery. This provides sufficient battery life for most users, typically lasting a full day with moderate usage. However, heavy users who frequently play games or stream videos may need to charge the device before the end of the day. The phone supports 25W fast charging, which can charge the battery from 0% to 50% in about 30 minutes. It also supports 15W wireless charging and reverse wireless charging, allowing users to charge other devices like wireless earbuds or smartwatches.
One notable omission is the lack of a charging brick in the box. This means users need to purchase a separate charger if they don’t already have one. While this may be seen as a cost-saving measure, it can be inconvenient for some consumers. The battery performance of the S21+ is generally good, but it’s not class-leading. Some competing devices offer larger batteries and faster charging speeds. To put things in perspective, it’s useful to consider the unveiling of the Samsung Note10 features, which also had its own approach to battery and charging capabilities.
Software and User Experience
The Samsung Galaxy S21+ runs on Android 11 with Samsung’s One UI 3.1 on top. One UI is a highly customizable and feature-rich interface that offers a smooth and intuitive user experience. It includes features like Edge Panels, Bixby Routines, and Always-On Display. Samsung also provides regular software updates, ensuring that the device stays up-to-date with the latest security patches and features. The software experience is generally polished and refined, with minimal bloatware. However, some users may find the sheer number of features and customization options overwhelming.
Samsung’s commitment to software support is a significant advantage. The company typically provides several years of software updates for its flagship devices, ensuring that they remain functional and secure for a long time. The One UI interface is also designed to be user-friendly, with large icons, clear text, and intuitive navigation. The S21+ also supports Samsung DeX, which allows users to connect the phone to a monitor and use it as a desktop computer. This can be a useful feature for productivity tasks.
Detailed Specifications Table
For a quick overview of the key specifications, refer to the table below:
Alternatives to the Samsung Galaxy S21+
While the Samsung Galaxy S21+ offers a compelling package, it’s important to consider alternative devices before making a purchase. Some notable alternatives include:
- Samsung Galaxy S21: A smaller and more affordable option with similar features.
- Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra: A more premium option with a larger display, more advanced camera system, and S Pen support.
- Apple iPhone 12 Pro: A competing flagship device with a different operating system and ecosystem.
- Google Pixel 5: A camera-focused device with a clean Android experience and excellent software support.
Each of these devices has its own strengths and weaknesses, so it’s important to compare them carefully to determine which one best meets your needs. For instance, those invested in the Apple ecosystem might prefer the iPhone 12 Pro, while those prioritizing camera performance might lean towards the Google Pixel 5. Considering older models like the Samsung Galaxy S10 can also offer valuable insights into how Samsung’s features have evolved over time.
Pros and Cons of the Samsung Galaxy S21+
To summarize, here’s a quick overview of the pros and cons of the Samsung Galaxy S21+:
- Pros:
- Vibrant 120Hz Dynamic AMOLED display
- Powerful performance
- Versatile camera system
- Long-term software support
- Sleek and durable design
- Cons:
- No microSD card slot
- No 3.5mm headphone jack
- No charger in the box
- Battery life could be better
- Potentially high price depending on the retailer
Ultimately, the Samsung Galaxy S21+ remains a solid choice for users seeking a premium smartphone experience. Its combination of a stunning display, powerful performance, and versatile camera system make it a compelling option. However, potential buyers should carefully consider its limitations, such as the lack of a microSD card slot and the absence of a charger in the box. Also, comparing it to other similarly specced phones like the caracteristiques Xiaomi Redmi Note 9 Pro might give a better overview of the market.
Viewport Resolution and Pixel Density: Key Considerations
Understanding the viewport resolution and pixel density is crucial for web developers and designers aiming to create responsive websites. The viewport resolution, which for the Samsung Galaxy S21+ is approximately 360 pixels in width and 800 pixels in height, dictates the breakpoints and media queries used in CSS. It’s the resolution that most designers and developers focus on.
The pixel density, on the other hand, affects the sharpness and clarity of images and text on the screen. The Samsung Galaxy S21+ has a pixel density of 3. This means that for every CSS pixel, there are three physical pixels on the screen. Developers can target devices with a specific pixel density using media queries, such as `@media only screen and (-webkit-min-device-pixel-ratio: 3)`. This ensures that high-resolution assets are served to devices with high pixel densities, resulting in a sharper and more visually appealing experience.
Tools that display only the manufacturer’s resolution (1080 x 2400 pixels for the S21+) can be misleading. Always focus on the viewport resolution for responsive design purposes. The Galaxy S21+ viewport and pixel density considerations are similar to those needed when developing for the Apple iPhone SE 2020, ensuring cross-platform compatibility and optimal viewing experiences.
Pricing and Availability
The Samsung Galaxy S21+ was initially launched at a price point that positioned it as a premium device. However, as newer models have been released, the price of the S21+ has gradually decreased, making it a more affordable option for consumers. The actual price may vary depending on the retailer, carrier, and any ongoing promotions or discounts. It’s always a good idea to compare prices from multiple sources before making a purchase.
The availability of the S21+ may also vary depending on the region. In some markets, the device may be readily available from major retailers and carriers. In other markets, it may be more difficult to find, especially if it’s an older model. Used and refurbished models are also available, often at a lower price point. However, it’s important to thoroughly inspect any used device before purchasing it to ensure that it’s in good condition.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Samsung Galaxy S21+ features a well-rounded package of high-end specifications and user-friendly design. Its vibrant display, powerful performance, and versatile camera system make it a compelling choice for smartphone users. While it has some limitations, such as the lack of a microSD card slot and the absence of a charger in the box, these are relatively minor drawbacks compared to its overall strengths. Whether you’re considering purchasing one or simply want to understand its capabilities, the Galaxy S21+ remains a significant player in the Android smartphone landscape. The comprehensive feature overview of the Samsung Galaxy S21 provides further context within Samsung’s broader product line.
