The smartphone market has seemingly hit a plateau in recent times as all gadgets are pretty able to all however essentially the most intensive duties, all of them have lovely shows and respectable to nice battery life. However they’ve additionally gotten pricier through the years.
At the moment, with round $400, which gadget do you have to go for? Nicely, you may get a brand new midrange gadget and be very pleased with it. Nevertheless, there’s a case to be made about older flagships that appear to get increasingly assist.
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The Samsung Galaxy S21+ and its sibling the Galaxy S21 and the Galaxy S21 Extremely emerged as a beacon of innovation and efficiency when launched in January 2021. Now, in 2023, with newer fashions hitting the market and technological developments pushing boundaries, the query arises: Is the Galaxy S21+ nonetheless price your consideration? On this complete exploration, we’ll delve into the important thing elements of the Galaxy S21+ and assess its relevance in right this moment’s extremely aggressive smartphone area
I’ve the Galaxy S21+ 5G Exynos model from the UAE. It’s the twin SIM model with 2 bodily SIMs and an eSIM. It at the moment runs on Android 13-based OneUI 5.1 and has 8GB of RAM and 128GB of inner storage.
Design and Show
The Galaxy S21+ was lauded for its modern design and fascinating show upon launch, and these attributes nonetheless maintain sturdy in 2023. The premium glass again and metallic body proceed to exude sophistication, whereas the 6.7-inch Dynamic AMOLED show stays a visible deal with. The 120Hz adaptive refresh price ensures fluid interactions, and the colourful colours and crisp decision make content material consumption a pleasure.
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Coming from the Galaxy S9+ with an eye-candy 1440p, I used to be at first dissatisfied that this panel is barely 1080p however actually, this can be a nice show and the 120Hz refresh price makes all of the distinction.
Whereas newer fashions could boast incremental enhancements in design aesthetics, the S21+ holds its personal, providing a timeless and premium really feel that doesn’t simply fade into obsolescence. If a cultured design and a formidable show are on the prime of your smartphone precedence listing, the Galaxy S21+ nonetheless competes admirably.
NOTE: These panels are susceptible to display burn in so don’t be like me, study the show keenly with a white background on the show and see how dangerous the problem is in your unit earlier than you splurge.
Efficiency and Energy
Beneath the hood, the Galaxy S21+ packs a punch with its Exynos or Snapdragon processor (relying on the area) and 8GB or 12GB of RAM. Even in 2023, this {hardware} configuration proves able to dealing with demanding duties, multitasking, and resource-intensive purposes. Whereas it could not match absolutely the slicing fringe of the most recent releases, the S21+ stays greater than competent for almost all of customers.
The 4800mAh battery, coupled with clever energy administration, nonetheless delivers a passable all-day battery life. Quick charging and wi-fi charging assist stay beneficial options, guaranteeing that the gadget stays related in a world the place comfort and effectivity are paramount.
Digicam System
The digital camera system on the Galaxy S21+ was a standout characteristic throughout its debut, and it continues to impress in 2023. The triple-camera setup, that includes a 12MP wide-angle lens, a 12MP ultra-wide-angle lens, and a 64MP telephoto lens, produces high-quality pictures in varied situations. The inclusion of options like Night time mode and 8K video recording provides to the gadget’s versatility.
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The Director’s View, launched with the S21 collection, nonetheless gives a novel and inventive strategy to capturing content material. It lets you have a feed from all of the cameras on the gadget all on the identical time, permitting you to change between them as and whenever you need.
This mode will be very helpful for vloggers. In my expertise, it sucks juice very very quick so bear that in thoughts as you discover.
The selfie and portrait modes, in my view, is the place the S21+ actually shines. The digital camera app and the enhancing suite included gives you with a lot flexibility and functionality even after taking the shot with options that assist you to change the diploma of background blur in publish.
Whereas newer fashions could convey incremental enhancements in digital camera know-how, the Galaxy S21+ stays a dependable selection for images fanatics who prioritize a stability between efficiency and affordability.
Software program and Person Interface
The Galaxy S21+ advantages from Samsung’s dedication to software program updates and runs on the most recent model of Android with the One UI 5 pores and skin with Android 14-based One UI 6 anticipated quickly.
This pores and skin is feature-rich and filled with customizations and useful options alike. Look out for an upcoming publish on One UI options.
Samsung has promised to offer four years of Android updates for all Galaxy flagships from 2019 and later, together with the Galaxy S21 Plus. Which means that the Galaxy S21 Plus will obtain Android updates till not less than 2025.
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In a market the place software program assist is an important consider figuring out a tool’s longevity, the Galaxy S21+ stands out as a tool that continues to obtain consideration and updates from the producer.
Connectivity and 5G
The Galaxy S21+ was one of many early adopters of 5G know-how, and in 2023, it stays a succesful contender when it comes to connectivity. I used to be ready to hook up with Safaricom 5G with no points in any respect and spectacular speeds.
As 5G networks proceed to develop globally, the S21+ ensures that customers keep on the forefront of high-speed cell knowledge. 4G and 3G can be supported and in Kenya, I didn’t have any sign points on Airtel Kenya or Safaricom.
Moreover, assist for Wi-Fi 6 provides to the gadget’s connectivity prowess, making it a future-ready selection. I don’t have a Wi-Fi 6 router so I couldn’t take a look at this, however I haven’t had WiFi points.
Samsung Dex
Now right here’s one thing I didn’t suppose I’d like as a lot as I did as a result of, for me, this has at all times been a gimmick. Samsung DeX is a software program and {hardware} mixture that lets you use your Samsung gadget as a desktop-like laptop.
You possibly can entry apps, information, and instruments on a monitor or a touchpad, however it’s not a full-fledged desktop alternative. Nevertheless, it’s extra succesful than you suppose. I not too long ago went on a digital detox weekend and left my PC behind. I needed to get some issues carried out on-line and out of curiosity I simply tried the Dex wi-fi characteristic.
With Chrome, I used to be capable of deal with all of the editorial duties I wanted to do with no fuss in any respect. That each one my cell apps are nonetheless accessible is simply the icing on an already scrumptious cake.
Conclusion
Within the fast-paced world of smartphones, the Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G has confirmed its resilience. Whereas it could not boast absolutely the newest and biggest options, its mixture of design, show, efficiency, digital camera capabilities, and software program assist positions it as a compelling possibility in 2023.
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For customers who prioritize a well-rounded gadget with a premium really feel and are conscious of their funds, the Galaxy S21+ is undoubtedly nonetheless price contemplating. As we look forward to the way forward for cell know-how, the Galaxy S21+ stands as a testomony to Samsung’s potential to create gadgets that stand up to the take a look at of time.