Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G review

Competition

Samsung's early Galaxy release this year means the bulk of Android makers don't have their 2021 offerings out yet. While the smaller S21 is more uniquely placed, for the Plus, it's a bit harder to make comparisons in this transitional period since we can't know how an upcoming Oppo Find X3 will perform, for example, plus its launch will lower the prices on the existing lineup. Same with the OnePlus 9/8 and Xiaomi Mi 11/10.

Still, we'll try to figure out where the Galaxy S21+ stands in this current state of the market - say, you absolutely must buy a flagship smartphone by the end of the week.

At a cool $1000/€1050/£950, the Plus is anything but cheap. Next to it, the OnePlus 8 Pro looks almost like a bargain at $800/€800/£700. Sure, it may have last year's chipset, but if you're faced with an Exynos 2100 Galaxy, it's not a massive leap over the OP's SD865. Believe it or not, the 8 Pro has a better display in a more premium-looking body. Neither has industry-leading camera performance, but both will take great shots, battery life is a little better on the Galaxy, and charging is quicker on the OP. With Samsung dropping the expandable storage, the two are a tie, too. We wouldn't get an OP8P today on account of the new generation being just around the corner, but it's certainly looking a better deal than the S21+ right now.

The Zenfone 7 Pro isn't as close to a replacement, and it's great value at €700 - not available globally, though. Its unique rotating camera remains a central selling point, bringing main-camera-grade selfies, vlogging capabilities and whatnot. It's plenty capable outside of the flipping mechanism, too - a large 90Hz OLED, one of the better implementations of the SD865+, solid battery life, and expandable storage. This would be tough to settle if they were the same price, but with the prospect of 30% savings, our money would be on the Zenfone. If you can get one where you reside, that is.

Normally more of an Ultra competitor, the Find X2 Pro's approaching expiry date makes it a viable alternative to the S21+, price-wise. It'll get you a periscope for more reach than the Galaxy's non-telephoto, but also a higher-res ultra-wide with AF - may be a better option for photography this one then. It's got a better display, too, same as the OnePlus 8 Pro's (don't quote us on this one). The Find can't match the Galaxy's battery life, but it does charge twice as fast, so there's that.

Seemingly the most obvious rival, however, and this is as up to date as it's going to be, is the iPhone 12 Pro. Priced identically in the US and a bit more expensive in Europe $1000/€1150/£1000, the 12 Pro is in a similar position - one down from the best in the lineup. The Galaxy wins for battery life; the iPhone is a bit more compact and is rated to survive deeper water dives. Insert all the usual ecosystem considerations here.

OnePlus 8 Pro • Asus Zenfone 7 Pro ZS671KS • Oppo Find X2 Pro • Apple iPhone 12 Pro

Verdict

But really, though - the Galaxy S21+ has so many rivals within the family that it doesn't need outside competition. The smaller S21 is 20% cheaper and is essentially the same phone (well, smaller, which can be a good thing), only not quite the marathon runner in terms of battery life.

Samsung Galaxy S21 5G • Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G • Samsung Galaxy S20+ 5G

The S21 Ultra is bigger and more expensive but comes with a state-of-the-art camera setup and display. And if you're dead set on the 6.7-inch diagonal, last year's S20+ is in most ways as good as the S21+ and better in a bunch of areas (higher-res display, MicroSD slot, cheaper and lighter).

So you've probably figured out where this is leading us. The Galaxy S21+ is a great all-round package and has the smartphone pillars well propped up. Ultimately, however, it lacks a standout selling point. In our opinion, if you want a Galaxy, there are no less than three that each build a stronger case for themselves than the S21+.

Pros

• Nice color options, standout design, IP68 rating.
• Bright AMOLED display with adaptive refresh rate handling.
• Class-leading battery life.
• Versatile triple camera setup (though essentially the same as last year's).
• Improved selfie camera performance.

Cons

• Scant retail package - no charger or headphones.
• Flat screen and thicker bezels lack a premium vibe, though some of you may find ergonomically nicer.
• 2021 chipsets aren't meaningfully more powerful than last year's.
• No generational advancements in the camera department - lack of AF on the ultra wide stands out in particular, since the S21 Ultra has that.