90
Michael Simon
PCWorld
“The Galaxy S21 cuts just enough to bring the price down without sacrificing what makes it a great phone.”
Critical Assessment
What Critics Praise
- Beautiful design with fantastic screen
- Great performance and battery life
- Subtle UI improvements make for an overall better experience
- Edge extends into camera array creating cohesive unibody look
- Made of reinforced polycarbonate to keep costs down while still feeling premium
- Affordable price
Points of Contention
- No micro‑SD card slot
- Plastic Back Feels Cheap
- Lack Advanced Zoom Features
Professional Reviews
5 reviews from 5 critics80
James Peckham
TechRadar
The Samsung Galaxy S21 delivers a compelling package with a versatile camera, powerful performance, and solid battery life at a more accessible price than its predecessor. While it lacks a microSD slot, has average screen quality for HDR, and excludes a charger, it remains a delightful choice for users seeking premium features without the flagship price.
80
Andrew Martonik
Digital Trends
“The Galaxy S21 makes a smart bet on value with a lower starting price, but in doing so feels stuck in 2020.”
80
Dieter Bohn
The Verge
“It helps that the S21 happens to be a very good midrange phone.”
70
Mark Knapp
IGN
“The Samsung Galaxy S21 can certainly perform, but some of its changes are value-based and don’t make it more exciting.”
