The year 2021 was a banner year for Samsung. The South Korean tech giant unleashed a torrent of innovative smartphones, each vying for the title of “best.” From foldable marvels to camera-centric powerhouses and budget-friendly options, the choices were overwhelming. This article delves deep into the Samsung lineup of 2021 to determine which phone truly stood out as the best, considering factors like performance, camera capabilities, display quality, battery life, and overall value.
The Contenders: A Look at Samsung’s 2021 Flagships
Samsung’s 2021 flagship series was a collection of technological marvels, each designed to cater to specific user needs and preferences. The Galaxy S21 series, the Galaxy Z Fold3, and the Galaxy Z Flip3 were the primary contenders for the title of best Samsung phone of the year.
The Galaxy S21 Series: Power and Performance
The Galaxy S21 series, comprising the S21, S21+, and S21 Ultra, offered a range of options with varying screen sizes, camera capabilities, and battery capacities. The S21 was the most compact and affordable, while the S21 Ultra boasted the most advanced features, including a superior camera system and a larger, more vibrant display. All three models shared the same powerful processor, either the Snapdragon 888 or the Exynos 2100, depending on the region.
Galaxy S21: Compact and Capable
The Galaxy S21 was the entry point to Samsung’s 2021 flagship lineup. It featured a 6.2-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display with a 120Hz refresh rate, providing a smooth and responsive user experience. Its camera system included a 12MP main lens, a 12MP ultrawide lens, and a 64MP telephoto lens, capable of capturing detailed and vibrant photos and videos. While its battery life was adequate, it wasn’t the strongest point of the device. The S21 was a solid choice for users seeking a powerful and compact smartphone experience.
Galaxy S21+: The Balanced Option
The Galaxy S21+ offered a larger 6.7-inch display and a bigger battery compared to the S21. It shared the same camera system and processor as the S21, providing similar performance and image quality. The larger battery offered improved battery life, making it a better choice for users who require more screen time. The S21+ was a well-rounded device that balanced performance, features, and battery life.
Galaxy S21 Ultra: The Undisputed King?
The Galaxy S21 Ultra was the undisputed king of the S21 series. It featured a massive 6.8-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display with a 120Hz refresh rate and a peak brightness of 1500 nits, offering an unparalleled viewing experience. Its camera system was the most advanced of the series, featuring a 108MP main lens, a 12MP ultrawide lens, and two 10MP telephoto lenses with different focal lengths. This allowed for incredible zoom capabilities and detailed images in various lighting conditions. The S21 Ultra also supported S Pen compatibility, further enhancing its versatility. Its large battery provided excellent battery life, ensuring it could last through a full day of heavy use. The S21 Ultra was a no-compromise device that offered the best of everything.
The Foldable Revolution: Galaxy Z Fold3 and Z Flip3
Samsung continued to push the boundaries of smartphone innovation with the Galaxy Z Fold3 and Z Flip3. These foldable devices offered unique form factors and functionalities that set them apart from traditional smartphones.
Galaxy Z Fold3: A Tablet in Your Pocket
The Galaxy Z Fold3 was a revolutionary device that combined the functionality of a smartphone and a tablet. It featured a large 7.6-inch foldable Dynamic AMOLED 2X display with a 120Hz refresh rate, providing an immersive viewing experience. When folded, it transformed into a more compact smartphone with a 6.2-inch cover display. The Z Fold3 also supported S Pen input on its main display, making it a powerful tool for productivity and creativity. Its camera system was versatile and capable, featuring three 12MP lenses for main, ultrawide, and telephoto duties, plus a 4MP under-display camera on the main screen and a 10MP selfie camera on the cover display. The Z Fold3 was a groundbreaking device that offered a unique and powerful user experience.
Galaxy Z Flip3: Style and Substance
The Galaxy Z Flip3 was a stylish and compact foldable smartphone that offered a unique blend of form and function. It featured a 6.7-inch foldable Dynamic AMOLED 2X display with a 120Hz refresh rate, providing a smooth and vibrant viewing experience. When folded, it transformed into a highly pocketable device with a 1.9-inch cover display, which could be used to check notifications, control music, and even take selfies. Its camera system included two 12MP lenses for main and ultrawide photography, offering good image quality in various lighting conditions. The Z Flip3 was a fashionable and functional device that appealed to users who valued style and portability.
Performance and Specifications: A Head-to-Head Comparison
To determine the best Samsung phone of 2021, it’s crucial to compare their key specifications and performance metrics.
| Model | Display | Processor | RAM | Storage | Camera (Main) | Battery |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Galaxy S21 | 6.2″ Dynamic AMOLED 2X 120Hz | Snapdragon 888 / Exynos 2100 | 8GB | 128GB/256GB | 12MP + 12MP + 64MP | 4000mAh |
| Galaxy S21+ | 6.7″ Dynamic AMOLED 2X 120Hz | Snapdragon 888 / Exynos 2100 | 8GB | 128GB/256GB | 12MP + 12MP + 64MP | 4800mAh |
| Galaxy S21 Ultra | 6.8″ Dynamic AMOLED 2X 120Hz | Snapdragon 888 / Exynos 2100 | 12GB/16GB | 128GB/256GB/512GB | 108MP + 12MP + 10MP + 10MP | 5000mAh |
| Galaxy Z Fold3 | 7.6″ Foldable Dynamic AMOLED 2X 120Hz (Main), 6.2″ Dynamic AMOLED 2X 120Hz (Cover) | Snapdragon 888 | 12GB | 256GB/512GB | 12MP + 12MP + 12MP | 4400mAh |
| Galaxy Z Flip3 | 6.7″ Foldable Dynamic AMOLED 2X 120Hz, 1.9″ Super AMOLED (Cover) | Snapdragon 888 | 8GB | 128GB/256GB | 12MP + 12MP | 3300mAh |
Processor and Performance
All the flagship phones in Samsung’s 2021 lineup were powered by either the Snapdragon 888 or the Exynos 2100 processor, depending on the region. Both processors offered excellent performance, providing smooth and responsive user experiences. The Snapdragon 888 was generally considered to have a slight edge in terms of GPU performance, making it a better choice for gaming. However, both processors were more than capable of handling any task thrown at them.
Display Technology
Samsung is renowned for its display technology, and the 2021 lineup was no exception. All the flagship phones featured Dynamic AMOLED 2X displays with a 120Hz refresh rate, providing vibrant colors, deep blacks, and smooth animations. The S21 Ultra stood out with its higher peak brightness and S Pen support. The Z Fold3 offered a unique foldable display that transformed the phone into a tablet, while the Z Flip3 provided a stylish and compact foldable display.
Camera Capabilities
The camera systems varied significantly across the lineup. The S21 Ultra boasted the most advanced camera system, with a 108MP main lens and dual telephoto lenses. The S21 and S21+ shared the same camera system, while the Z Fold3 offered a versatile triple-lens setup. The Z Flip3 had a dual-lens camera system that was capable of capturing good-quality photos. The S21 Ultra was the clear winner in terms of camera performance, offering the best image quality, zoom capabilities, and low-light performance.
Battery Life
Battery life was another important factor to consider. The S21 Ultra had the largest battery capacity, followed by the S21+, Z Fold3, S21, and Z Flip3. The S21 Ultra and S21+ offered excellent battery life, easily lasting through a full day of heavy use. The Z Fold3 provided decent battery life, considering its large display. The S21 and Z Flip3 had shorter battery life, requiring more frequent charging.
The Verdict: Which Phone Takes the Crown?
Determining the “best” phone is subjective and depends on individual needs and priorities. However, considering all the factors, the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra emerges as the top contender for the best Samsung phone of 2021.
Here’s why:
- Unmatched Camera System: Its 108MP main sensor and dual telephoto lenses offered unparalleled versatility and image quality.
- Stunning Display: The 6.8-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display was vibrant, smooth, and bright, providing an exceptional viewing experience.
- Powerful Performance: The Snapdragon 888 or Exynos 2100 processor ensured smooth and responsive performance.
- Excellent Battery Life: Its large battery capacity provided all-day battery life.
- S Pen Support: S Pen compatibility added another layer of functionality and versatility.
While the Galaxy Z Fold3 and Z Flip3 offered unique foldable experiences, they came with compromises in terms of camera quality and battery life compared to the S21 Ultra. The S21 and S21+ were excellent phones, but they lacked the advanced features and capabilities of the S21 Ultra.
In conclusion, the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra stood out as the best Samsung phone of 2021, offering a complete package of features, performance, and innovation. It was a true flagship device that set the standard for other smartphones to follow.
Which Samsung phone was arguably the overall “best” in 2021?
The Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra is widely considered the best overall Samsung phone of 2021. It offered a comprehensive package of top-tier features, including a stunning display, a versatile and powerful camera system, excellent performance, and long-lasting battery life. Its combination of premium build quality and advanced technology made it a standout device in a competitive market.
While other Samsung phones had their own strengths, the S21 Ultra’s exceptional balance across all key areas placed it above the rest. It catered to a wide range of users, from photography enthusiasts to gamers, and provided a consistently excellent user experience. Its premium price point reflected its status as Samsung’s flagship offering and its superior capabilities.
What made the Galaxy S21 Ultra’s camera system so impressive?
The Galaxy S21 Ultra boasted a quad-camera system featuring a 108MP primary sensor, a 12MP ultrawide lens, and two 10MP telephoto lenses offering 3x and 10x optical zoom. This setup provided exceptional versatility, allowing users to capture stunning photos and videos in a variety of scenarios, from wide landscapes to detailed close-ups. The camera also excelled in low-light conditions, producing clear and vibrant images.
Furthermore, the S21 Ultra incorporated advanced software processing to enhance image quality and provide features like Space Zoom and Single Take. These features, combined with the high-resolution sensors, allowed users to capture unique and creative shots. The phone’s video capabilities were also top-notch, supporting 8K recording and offering various stabilization modes.
Was there a more budget-friendly Samsung phone that performed well in 2021?
Yes, the Samsung Galaxy A52s 5G was a highly regarded mid-range option in 2021. It offered a compelling combination of features at a more affordable price point compared to the flagship S series. This phone featured a smooth 120Hz display, a capable camera system, and 5G connectivity, making it a great value proposition for many consumers.
The A52s 5G provided a balanced performance suitable for everyday tasks and even some gaming. Its water resistance and respectable battery life further added to its appeal. While it didn’t match the premium features of the S21 series, it offered a very satisfactory experience for users seeking a reliable and feature-rich smartphone without breaking the bank.
How did the Galaxy Z Fold3 compare to other Samsung phones in 2021?
The Galaxy Z Fold3 was a unique offering, standing out due to its foldable design and large internal display. It catered to users who prioritized multitasking, productivity, and a tablet-like experience in a smartphone form factor. The phone’s enhanced durability and S Pen support further expanded its appeal.
However, the Z Fold3 came with a significantly higher price tag compared to other Samsung phones. Its niche appeal meant it wasn’t for everyone. While it offered impressive features and innovative technology, it wasn’t necessarily the “best” phone for the average user in terms of overall value or practicality.
What were the key differences between the Galaxy S21, S21+, and S21 Ultra?
The Galaxy S21, S21+, and S21 Ultra differed primarily in display size, camera capabilities, and battery capacity. The S21 had the smallest display and battery, while the S21+ offered a larger screen and battery. The S21 Ultra stood out with its superior camera system, including a 108MP primary sensor and dual telephoto lenses, along with a larger and brighter display.
Other notable differences included the S21 Ultra’s support for the S Pen (sold separately) and its use of premium materials in its construction. The S21 and S21+ were more compact and lightweight, making them easier to handle for some users. Price also varied significantly, with the S21 Ultra being the most expensive of the three.
Did Samsung release any notable features exclusive to certain phone models in 2021?
Yes, the S Pen support on the Galaxy S21 Ultra (sold separately) was a notable feature not available on the standard S21 or S21+. This allowed users to experience the benefits of a stylus on a non-Note device. The Z Fold3 also had specific features tied to its foldable form factor, such as Flex Mode which optimized app layouts for the partially folded screen.
Furthermore, certain camera features, like the 108MP sensor and dual telephoto lenses, were exclusive to the S21 Ultra. These hardware differences translated into significant advantages in image quality and zoom capabilities. Samsung strategically differentiated its models to cater to various user needs and price points.
How did software updates influence the “best” Samsung phone of 2021 debate?
Software updates played a crucial role in enhancing the performance and features of all Samsung phones in 2021. Regular updates brought improvements to camera processing, battery optimization, and overall system stability. These updates helped to refine the user experience and address any initial bugs or issues.
The commitment to providing timely software updates also influenced the perception of which phone was the “best.” Devices that received consistent and reliable updates were seen as more valuable in the long run, as they continued to improve and offer new features over time. This aspect of support contributed to the overall user satisfaction and the lasting appeal of specific Samsung models.