👍 Pros
- Vibrant, smooth 120Hz AMOLED display
- Solid build quality with Gorilla Glass Victus
- Reliable camera system with OIS
- Long-term software support (up to One UI 7)
- Still a decent performer for everyday tasks
👎 Cons
- No microSD card slot for expandable storage
- Charging speeds are quite slow by 2026 standards
- International Exynos variant had thermal/efficiency issues
- Low resolution display for its price tier at launch
- Battery life, while decent, isn't class-leading
Expert Review & Rating
Quick Overview
The Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G, launched in early 2021, slotted itself as the middle child in Samsung’s then-flagship lineup, aiming for a balance between premium features and a slightly more accessible price point than its Ultra sibling.
Performance & Daily Usage
Day-to-day operations on the S21+ 5G, even in 2026, remain surprisingly fluid. The Snapdragon 888 or Exynos 2100, depending on your region, still handles most apps and multitasking without significant hiccups. Swiping through One UI 7 feels responsive, benefiting from the 120Hz display. However, intensive gaming sessions or sustained heavy loads can reveal its age; thermal throttling on the Exynos variant was a known issue, and while software updates have mitigated it, it’s still not a cool-running beast by today’s standards. App launch times are no longer instantaneous compared to 2026 flagships, but for general social media, browsing, and casual gaming, it holds its own.
The Compromises
The biggest Achilles’ heel for the S21+ 5G has always been its charging speed. 25W wired charging feels glacial in 2026, where 100W+ solutions are becoming commonplace. No expandable storage via microSD card was a tough pill to swallow for many, limiting its long-term utility for content creators. While the display is beautiful, its 1080p resolution felt a little low for a phone in its class even at launch, especially when compared to its Ultra counterpart. The international Exynos variant also faced criticism for power efficiency and peak performance compared to the Snapdragon 888, creating an inconsistent global experience. Lastly, the ‘hybrid zoom’ on the telephoto lens, while capable, never quite matched the optical prowess of true periscope setups.
The Best Features
The display remains a standout. That 6.7-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X panel, with its vibrant colors, deep blacks, and buttery-smooth 120Hz refresh rate, still delivers an excellent visual experience. Whether you’re scrolling through feeds or watching video, it’s a joy to look at. The build quality is another highlight; Gorilla Glass Victus on both front and back, coupled with an aluminum frame, gives it a premium, durable feel that has aged gracefully. The camera system, particularly the main 12 MP wide sensor with OIS, consistently produces sharp, well-exposed photos in good lighting. The inclusion of OIS on the telephoto also aids in getting usable zoomed shots. Samsung’s commitment to software updates, delivering up to four major Android upgrades (reaching One UI 7), means this phone has received excellent longevity in terms of features and security, far exceeding many competitors from its era.
Is It Worth Buying?
As we stand in 2026, the Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G is undoubtedly an older device. Its current price point of around $180 makes it incredibly tempting for those on a tight budget. For basic smartphone needs – messaging, social media, light photography, and media consumption – it’s still a surprisingly capable device, especially with its continued software support. However, if you’re a power user, demand cutting-edge camera performance, or prioritize lightning-fast charging, newer mid-range phones or even slightly older flagships from 2024-2025 will offer a significantly better experience. This phone is best suited for someone seeking a reliable, well-built, and still aesthetically pleasing device at a bargain price, understanding its limitations in raw power and modern conveniences like charging speed.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
The 4800 mAh battery, while respectable for its time, will likely provide a full day of moderate use in 2026, but heavy users might find themselves reaching for the charger by late afternoon, especially given its relatively slow 25W charging speed.
Yes, while both chipsets have aged, the Exynos 2100 variant generally showed poorer sustained performance and thermal management in its prime. In 2026, this difference might be more pronounced under demanding tasks, making the Snapdragon 888 version the slightly more robust option for longevity.
For casual users, the S21+'s camera system still delivers good results, especially the main 12MP sensor in good lighting. However, it falls behind 2026 flagships in low-light performance, computational photography, and advanced video features. The 8K video recording is a nice spec, but often impractical due to file sizes and crop.