At Imfixed, we’ve seen the Samsung Galaxy S21 come through our doors for all sorts of reasons, from cracked screens to performance checks. So we’ve had plenty of hands-on experience with it, and here's what we think.
Design and Build
The Samsung Galaxy S21 is sleek, compact, and stylish. It’s the smallest in the S21 lineup, with a 6.2-inch Full HD+ AMOLED display that’s ideal for smaller hands. Instead of using full glass on the back like the S20, Samsung introduced a new "glasstic" rear, essentially a hybrid between plastic and glass. It’s got a premium matte finish that’s far less of a fingerprint magnet and is framed by clean metal edges.
One thing we really like is the bold new “Contour Cut Camera” design. Especially in the Phantom Violet colour, the camera housing blends beautifully into the frame. Speaking of colours, you can choose from Phantom Gray, White, Pink, or Violet.
You’ll find the SIM tray, USB-C port, and speaker grille along the bottom, with the power and volume buttons neatly placed on the right. Samsung ditched the Bixby button entirely, and the display is now flat rather than curved, which many of our customers find easier to protect and use.
Display Quality
Samsung made a surprising move with the S21 by opting for a Full HD+ screen rather than Quad HD, but for most users, the difference is hardly noticeable. It still boasts a 120Hz adaptive refresh rate, meaning it adjusts itself depending on how you’re using the phone, great for saving battery when you're just scrolling or reading.
We’ve noticed the in-screen fingerprint scanner is more responsive than ever, making unlocking quick and effortless. It’s one of the best scanners on the market today.
Looking to upgrade your phone or repair your current device? Visit Imfixed in Manchester for expert advice, affordable repairs, and the best refurbished smartphones.
Camera Capabilities
While the S21 has the same camera hardware as its predecessor, the software improvements are where it shines. The triple-lens setup includes a 12MP wide, 12MP ultra-wide, and a 64MP telephoto lens, giving you stunning photos with up to 3x hybrid optical zoom.
There’s a 10MP front camera, ideal for high-quality selfies and crystal-clear video calls. One feature we love, and so do vloggers, is Director’s View, letting you shoot with both front and rear cameras at once.
Video-wise, it’s a powerhouse. You can film in 8K at 24fps, 4K at 30 or 60fps, and Full HD at up to 240fps. Perfect for content creators or anyone who loves sharp, detailed footage.
Need a screen replacement after a camera drop? Let us sort it. Book your Samsung repair with us, we offer fast turnarounds and a 12-month warranty.
Performance and Specs
The Galaxy S21 is no slouch when it comes to performance. It runs either Snapdragon 888 or Exynos 2100, depending on your region. We’ve tested both, and they handle multitasking and gaming effortlessly. Paired with 8GB of RAM and either 128GB or 256GB of storage, it’s great for everyday and power users alike.
However, there’s no microSD card slot, so what you get is what you’ve got. That might be a let-down for those who store loads of files or media on their phones.
The S21 comes with Android 11 and Samsung’s One UI 3.0, offering smooth navigation and handy customisations. It’s fully 5G-ready, so you’re set for the fastest speeds as networks continue to expand across the UK.
Battery Life
With a 4000mAh battery, the Galaxy S21 will comfortably last a full day under typical use. But if you’re heavy on GPS, gaming or media streaming, it might run a little short.
It supports 25W fast charging, Qi wireless charging, and even reverse wireless charging to top up your earbuds in a pinch. But remember, there’s no charger in the box, so you’ll need to buy a USB-C charger separately. We’ve got chargers and accessories in stock at Imfixed if you need one.
Price and Availability
Released on 29 January 2021, the Samsung Galaxy S21 launched at a lower price than its predecessor. The 128GB version cost £769, while the 256GB variant was £819 at launch. You won’t find a 4G version, 5G is standard across the board.
If you're looking to save even more, consider buying a refurbished S21 from us. Our devices are quality-checked, warranty-protected, and cost far less than buying new. Check out our refurbished stock today.
Reasons to Choose the Samsung Galaxy S21
- You want a compact Android phone with powerful specs.
- You’re upgrading from an older device.
- You love taking great photos and videos.
Reasons You Might Look Elsewhere
- You need expandable storage for all your files.
- You want the absolute best Samsung has to offer, like the S21 Ultra.
At Imfixed, we don’t just review phones, we repair, restore, and resell them too. Whether your Galaxy S21 needs a screen repair, a battery replacement, or a diagnostic check, our Manchester-based team is here to help. Book online or walk in today.
Get in touch with Imfixed for expert Samsung repairs at prices you’ll love.
