Samsung Galaxy S21 Unboxing and First Look - The Small One!!!
If you’ve watched my channel, you may wonder why I have an Android phone. Since I started the channel I’ve mostly used iPhones, but this isn’t my first Android rodeo (I’d go see an Android rodeo). I use whatever technology is best for me at the moment, whether Android or iOS, Mac or Windows. Right now my go-to phone is the iPhone because of the integration with my computer, Apple Watch and iPad, but nothing prevents me from going back to Android.
My Android phones since about 2011 to 2012: HTC Legend (bought in Malaysia while living in Vietnam), Nexus 5, Nexus 6, Moto G, Galaxy S6, Nexus 6P, Galaxy S7, Google Pixel XL, Moto, Pixel 2 XL, Galaxy S9 and Google Pixel 3. Then I went back to iPhone for the last couple of years.
Unboxing
Very simple packaging, a very slim box, and no power adapter (“they pulled an Apple”). Apple still wins on box thinness. Inside: the phone, a SIM tool, a charging cable and documentation. This is the standard S21, I believe a 6.2-inch screen, in black, probably 128 GB. It’s roughly the size of the iPhone 12 and 12 Pro but doesn’t have the squared edges; some people prefer the rounded edges, though I think the flat edges look better and give more grip.
The bottom has a speaker, SIM slot and microphones; the side has the volume rocker and power switch; a second speaker is in the earpiece. On the back are three cameras: wide, ultra wide and the “space zoom,” which I’m super excited to try.
Design
The back of the standard S21 (not the Plus or Ultra) is plastic, which keeps the cost down and looks pretty nice in a matte black finish (it gets fingerprinty, but most people will use a case). I prefer flat displays over curved: nothing is distorted at the edges, and a glass screen protector is easier. It has wireless charging and three cameras, and the camera bump is a design feature this year: it rolls into the side. After years of people disliking camera bumps (like the 2018 iPad Pro’s wart), Samsung leaned into it and I think did a great job.
Display and fingerprint sensor
I believe it’s a 1080p panel, which some people are upset about (they’d want at least 1440p), but it’s a high refresh rate panel, so, as on an iPad Pro, scrolling should look cleaner and crisper, with less delay when you touch or swipe. Right out of the box, it looks amazing: clear, with sharp text as I scroll.
The S21 has a larger under-display fingerprint sensor than last year’s phone. Setup asks you to scan the center of your fingertip and adjust, as with other sensors. Even with the display off, putting my finger on the sensor area wakes and unlocks it: it’s actually pretty fast, and if you learn where your thumb goes pulling it from your pocket, you can unlock it without seeing the lock screen. It’s my first in-display fingerprint sensor, and it’s pretty cool. (I believe you can also use face unlock.)
Camera
The camera app has ultra wide, wide and telephoto (3x) options, like the iPhone. You can pinch to zoom up to 30x “space zoom.” It’s pretty grainy at 30x, but it works, and a little viewfinder at the top right helps you see what you’re pointing at, since it can be hard to aim. I can’t test much sitting here, so I’ll use it over the next few days and share more.
Price and processor
It’s an expensive phone at $799, with the Snapdragon 888 and a big glass screen: you’ll want a case.
ESR cases
ESR sent me a couple of cases:
- Clear case (silicone): snaps right on and shows off the design (the purple, or whichever color), doesn’t hide the camera bump, with nice clicky buttons (not spongy) and a lip around the camera so it’s protected when set on a surface.
- Kickstand case: also protects the camera, with clicky buttons and a kickstand for watching media. There’s also a clear kickstand version if you want both.
There’s a link in the description with a 20% discount code for ESR cases at the time. What questions do you have, what do you want in the review, and what should I compare it against?
Links
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