Samsung Galaxy S21 5G in 2025 Surprised Me (OneUI 7 & Android 15)

Summary

In this long-term review of the Samsung Galaxy S21 5G in 2025, the device continues to impress with solid software support, a vibrant display, and a durable build. Despite being over four years old, it remains a reliable choice for users, offering consistent performance and monthly security updates. The camera setup, while not the latest, still produces great results for casual photography and content creation. However, the 4000mAh battery may not last as long as newer devices, making it less ideal for power users. Overall, the Galaxy S21 5G remains a solid option for those within the Samsung ecosystem.

Takeaways

• 😀 The Samsung Galaxy S21 5G, released in January 2021, remains a solid device in 2025 despite being over 4 years old.
• 😀 The phone runs Android 15 and One UI 7, receiving regular updates, including security patches, ensuring long-term usability.
• 😀 The display, a 6.2-inch dynamic AMOLED screen with a 120 Hz refresh rate, still offers vibrant colors and smooth performance, even compared to newer devices.
• 😀 The S21 5G has a compact, lightweight build with a plastic back, offering better durability than glass-backed devices.
• 😀 The camera setup, featuring a 12 MP main, 12 MP ultra-wide, and 64 MP telephoto lens, performs well in good lighting but struggles in low-light scenarios.
• 😀 The phone is capable of shooting up to 8K video, making it a versatile choice for content creation.
• 😀 Battery life with the 4,000 mAh battery is somewhat weaker in 2025, offering 4-7 hours of screen-on time, but still functional for everyday use.
• 😀 Despite the aging battery, the device remains an excellent option for users focused on social media management and casual photography.
• 😀 The compact size and rounded edges of the Galaxy S21 5G make it comfortable to hold and less slippery compared to bulkier, newer devices.
• 😀 While it’s still a solid performer in 2025, the Samsung Galaxy S21 5G is not recommended for users seeking top-tier performance, as newer devices offer better features and specs.

Q & A

How long has the Samsung Galaxy S21 5G been in use, and what is the reviewer's experience in 2025?

The Samsung Galaxy S21 5G was released in January 2021 and has been used for over 4 years. In 2025, the reviewer finds the device to still be solid and performs well, making it a relevant device even after 4 years of use.

What version of Android and One UI is the Samsung Galaxy S21 5G running in 2025?

The Samsung Galaxy S21 5G is running Android 15 and One UI 7 as of 2025. This software setup is consistent with more recent Samsung devices, and the phone receives regular updates and security patches.

Does the Samsung Galaxy S21 5G receive software updates and security patches?

Yes, the Samsung Galaxy S21 5G continues to receive monthly security patches and major software updates, ensuring it stays up-to-date with current devices in Samsung's lineup.

How does the display of the Samsung Galaxy S21 5G perform in 2025?

The 6.2-inch dynamic AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate still performs excellently in 2025. It offers vibrant, rich colors and smooth scrolling, making it ideal for content consumption, even compared to the latest models.

What makes the build quality of the Samsung Galaxy S21 5G stand out, especially in 2025?

Despite initial controversy over its plastic back, the Samsung Galaxy S21 5G has held up well in terms of durability. Its lightweight, compact design with rounded edges makes it comfortable to use, and the plastic back offers better resistance to cracks compared to glass-backed devices.

How does the camera system of the Samsung Galaxy S21 5G perform in 2025?

The triple-camera system (12MP main, 12MP ultra-wide, 64MP telephoto) still produces vibrant and detailed photos in good lighting, though it struggles in low-light situations. It also supports 8K video, making it a capable option for content creators.

Is the Samsung Galaxy S21 5G still suitable for content creation and social media management in 2025?

Yes, the Samsung Galaxy S21 5G remains an excellent tool for managing social media accounts and creating content. The reviewer continues to use it for platforms like YouTube, TikTok, and Instagram, thanks to its camera quality and smooth performance.

What is the battery performance like on the Samsung Galaxy S21 5G in 2025?

The 4,000mAh battery of the Samsung Galaxy S21 5G is no longer up to par with 2025 standards. While it still provides reasonable screen-on time (4-5 hours with adaptive refresh rate), it may not perform as well as newer devices, and older units may show battery degradation.

Would the reviewer recommend the Samsung Galaxy S21 5G in 2025?

While the reviewer wouldn't recommend the Samsung Galaxy S21 5G as the top choice in 2025 due to its age and competition from newer devices, it remains a solid option for users within Samsung's ecosystem or those looking for an affordable device.

What should potential buyers check when purchasing a used Samsung Galaxy S21 5G?

Buyers should check the battery health of a used Samsung Galaxy S21 5G, as the battery performance may have degraded over time. It's also important to run a test to ensure all other features and components are still working properly before making a purchase.