Samsung Galaxy S21 Plus Review
One month earlier than previous years, Samsung Indonesia introduces its best weapon for the first half of 2021. In three variants, the Galaxy S21 series launches with a new design and enhanced features. Among the three, there is a middle variant, namely the Samsung Galaxy S21 Plus.
This sultan’s smartphone is here as an option for those who want the best Samsung flagship experience. With a large screen and abundant features for those with a budget of around Rp. 16 million. In Indonesia, the one available on pre-order at the lowest price is the Galaxy S21 Plus, considering that the standard variant is not yet available.
They had the opportunity to test this smartphone’s use for several hours, starting from opening the box, tinkering with some new features, and testing the camera’s capabilities briefly. Is there much difference when compared to the Galaxy S20 Plus, which was released one year ago?
Design
Samsung changed the appearance of this device, starting from the packaging box. Now it is simpler and thinner, half the size before. This is because the Galaxy S21 series removes the charger. After all, it is more environmentally friendly. The contents in the box are only smartphones, charger cable, SIM ejector, and manual.
The Samsung Galaxy S21 Plus, the Phantom Black color variant that I tried, looks and feels very premium in appearance. With the new camera design, the bumps seem to be integrated and don’t look thick. The black color is quite thick and thorough, down to the side body.
The Samsung Galaxy S21 Plus uses aluminum material on the frame and Gorilla Glass Victus on both the front and rear body. Not slippery, nor easy to imprint fingerprints. It’s quite thin at only 7.8mm, with weight still maintained at 200 grams. In my opinion, it looks much more premium than the previous generation. However, this is a matter of taste, yes.
Screen
The Samsung Galaxy S21 Plus screen is inferior to the S20 Plus in terms of specifications on paper. Both have 6.7-inch screen dimensions with 2X Dynamic AMOLED panels. The resolution is lowered to full HD + only. In my opinion, this is not a problem, considering that the 120Hz refresh rate also only runs at the same resolution on the S20 Plus.
Samsung increased the maximum brightness of its screen to 1300 nits, and indeed the screen of this smartphone can be apparent even in outdoor use. The saturation and contrast are excellent, typical of the AMOLED panels used by Samsung flagships in general. Unlike the S21 Ultra, the Galaxy S21 Plus does not support S Pen stylus input.
The four bezels are also made very thin and almost as thick, making this smartphone look more futuristic and not too big in hand. Well, what I really appreciate is the use of the second-generation fingerprint sensor from Qualcomm. With my generally sweaty fingers, the readings were much faster and more accurate. Significant even from the Note 20 Ultra.
Galaxy S21 Plus camera
Unlike the Galaxy S21 Ultra, which uses a new sensor in both the main and periscope sensors, the Galaxy S21 Plus still uses a triple rear camera sensor setup. Both the resolution and the diaphragm are identical. The main sensor is 12MP f / 1.8, ultra-wide-angle 12MP f / 2.2 and telephoto 64MP f / 2.0 3x hybrid zoom, (30x digital zoom). Only the main and telephoto sensors have OIS.
What is improved is the capture mode and its software features. Single Take mode, for example, now takes more photo frames every second, and you can set the duration of the capture from 5 – 15 seconds. When taking portrait mode, users can choose studio-style light effects, similar to those of the iPhone 12 series.
Video recording is also increasingly flexible and is suitable for content creators to professionals. Through Director’s View mode, the Galaxy S21 Plus can take video from the front and rear cameras at the same time while providing views of each of the three sensors on the back. Want to switch between sensors? Just tap. The front camera frame can also be moved and adjusted.
The option to use the microphone in Pro Video mode has also now increased in function. Not only choosing one, but users can also use two recording sources at once. This means that the recorded video can come from the Galaxy S21 Plus microphone, plus from the Galaxy Buds Pro that other people are using, for example.
Features
The Samsung Galaxy S21 Plus comes with Android 11 and is already using the latest One UI 3.1. It looks more neat and easy, especially for one-handed use. Also closer to stock Android, where the display initially gives the option to Google News by default.
Oh yes, for those who still use additional microSD cards in the previous series, you should be a little disappointed. Because the Galaxy S21 Plus only has a slot for two nano-SIM cards, aka without an additional memory slot. The choice is only two internal memory capacities; 128 & 256GB. The RAM capacity is still the same at 8GB. There is no 12 / 16GB option like the Ultra variant.
The stereo speakers’ quality is quite loud and detailed, at least when I try to play a song in a few minutes. And with a larger battery capacity, the Galaxy S21 Plus should have better battery life. Coupled with the efficient use of the Exynos 2100 processor through 5nm fabrication. Charging isn’t the fastest; 25W over cable & 15W wirelessly.
Samsung Galaxy S21 Plus Review from Samsung website.