Samsung Galaxy S21 / S21+ / S21 Ultra

[Awesomesince86]

"This phone is just leaps and bounds so much more fun to use than an iPhone." How so?

I'm so tempted to switch to this, but largely everyone in my university uses an iPhone and it would be hard to switch. But I am thinking about using my Apple Watch as my iPhone and having a Galaxy/Pixel sharing a hotspot with my iPhone (I still have my old iPhone 8 that I could use as a tether to the Watch).

It wont be for everyone. At the end of the day, if you're entrenched in the Apple ecosystem, all of your friends are in the Apple ecosystem, and you're happy with the ecosystem then staying there will probably suit you better.

Personally, I just find what Samsung offers right now to be superior to what Apple does from a smartphone standpoint. IMO the S21 Ultra has a better screen, better feel in hand, more features, better unlock method (in the current masked world), feels smoother (120Hz), has more versatile cameras, has an OS that I enjoy more, support stylus use, uses a universal charging port, has mountable storage, has AOD, is better looking, and provides way more value for the cost (especially considering the pre-order bundles and trade in discounts). If Im being honest, the only things I prefer on the iPhone are the video quality (and its not closer than ever), app quality (I still think some apps are better on iOS), and integration with password managers (which iOS is excellent at and Android is pretty awful at).

But again, these are just my personal views as someone who owned an iPhone 12 Pro Max and currently uses a S21 Ultra.

 

[aggie99]

It wont be for everyone. At the end of the day, if you're entrenched in the Apple ecosystem, all of your friends are in the Apple ecosystem, and you're happy with the ecosystem then staying there will probably suit you better.

Personally, I just find what Samsung offers right now to be superior to what Apple does from a smartphone standpoint. IMO the S21 Ultra has a better screen, better feel in hand, more features, better unlock method (in the current masked world), feels smoother (120Hz), has more versatile cameras, has an OS that I enjoy more, support stylus use, uses a universal charging port, has mountable storage, has AOD, is better looking, and provides way more value for the cost (especially considering the pre-order bundles and trade in discounts). If Im being honest, the only things I prefer on the iPhone are the video quality (and its not closer than ever), app quality (I still think some apps are better on iOS), and integration with password managers (which iOS is excellent at and Android is pretty awful at).

But again, these are just my personal views as someone who owned an iPhone 12 Pro Max and currently uses a S21 Ultra.

Exactly this. And I'd even say the Note 20 Ultra is ahead of the 12 Pro Max. Honestly not much difference between S21 Ultra and the Note 20 Ultra. iMessage and video quality are the two main things that I prefer on the iPhone. And also, having 5 Apple TVs in my house, it's convenient having the iPhone and its compatibility with those, but I can just pick up my iPad when necessary. Only time I touch my 12 PM lately is playing COD Mobile. I like the flat screen better when gaming.

Debating on keeping the S21 Ultra though. I like it. Alot. But having the Note 20 Ultra, it honestly feels like the same phone with a bit better battery life and slightly better camera without a place to stick the S-Pen without this goofy looking case I'm using at the moment. Also, and really my only gripe with the device, is I cannot for the life of me get it to connect with Android Auto on my truck. My Z Fold 2, N20 Ultra, and heck, I'll even throw the iPhone 12 PM in for good measure, all connect without issue. As much as I use AA or CarPlay when using the iPhone, this will be a deal breaker if I cant get it figured out.

 

[5105973]

Despite my PWM issues I'm keeping my S21 Ultra. It doesn't seem to be as bad as my 12 Pro after using it all day yesterday. Also, I got the phone from T-Mobile and traded in my old S20 FE so if I return the phone I lose out something like $500 in T-Mobile credits. So I guess I'll see how it goes. It really is an amazing device. I've been using it along side my Pixel 5 for 2 days now and the Pixel 5 is getting harder and harder to pick up. The screen on the Ultra is just leaps and bounds better. I can't stop looking at it, it's mesmerizing. Yes, I know a bit dramatic but it's great.

I agree with @mjschabow though, the Ultra is just more fun than iPhones. I suppose for me it's all the customizing and optimizing you can do vs iPhone. You can really mess with the look and feel of the phone. I know this is true of all android phones but this one just does it best. Between the hardware and software (added stuff but not TOO much added, unlike older galaxies that had too much), it really is a joy to use.

This is before I even test out the Spen. I've never used an Spen but I'm picking up the silicon case with spen today so I think that will make the experience even more fun.

My only gripe so far is the same gripe I have with all curved screen phones: finding a good screen protector. I have a TPU one (made by LK from Amazon) arriving today that is a dry TPU install so we will see how that goes. If it doesn't work out I'll just go naked on the screen and keep my fingers crossed.

My screen protectors are also LK. I haven’t gotten to install one for my husband yet. He’s still happily setting it up. He seems pleased in a way he was not with last year’s Ultra. Let me know how the LK works out for you. If it doesn’t work out I may not bother on his.

The only reason I want to put one on is because I’ll be using the S Pen. I know the tip on the S pen is supposed to be safe on the display but still, I’d like to have a little layer of scratch protection there. I’m hoping that won’t dampen fps efficiency too much.

 

[animalx]

My observation about the S21 Ultra vs my 12 Pro Max is that in plain auto mode low light photos exaggerate available light to the point you no longer see the scene as your eye sees it. Like my husband and I took photos of our Christmas tree and some lighted decorations (yes we keep them up all winter) and the 12 Pro Max perfectly captured the scene but the Ultra blew out the lights a bit.

All the low light photos are very bright. That’s an advantage for some things but removes the charm of some scenes where the lighting is the subject as well.

When I get my own phone I’ll try to replicate this comparison and post the results.

My observation about the S21 Ultra vs my 12 Pro Max is that in plain auto mode low light photos exaggerate available light to the point you no longer see the scene as your eye sees it. Like my husband and I took photos of our Christmas tree and some lighted decorations (yes we keep them up all winter) and the 12 Pro Max perfectly captured the scene but the Ultra blew out the lights a bit.

All the low light photos are very bright. That’s an advantage for some things but removes the charm of some scenes where the lighting is the subject as well.

When I get my own phone I’ll try to replicate this comparison and post the results.

We tested zoom and in some cases I was able get photos of ornaments that were comparable using digital zoom on my iPhone. Or by magnifying and cropping. Low light auto photography is not the strong suit of the S21 Ultra camera from what I can see. But I look forward to seeing what the advanced modes can do.

You just need to turn off the scene optimizer. When you have that on, it brightens up dark shots. When you have it off, it leaves it as is.

 

[noobinator]

The silicone spen case is pretty large but not uncomfortable to hold. I'll probably use this much less than the clear case but it's nice to have and I'll have to learn what I can actually do with the spen (I've never had one).

 

[5105973]

You just need to turn off the scene optimizer. When you have that on, it brightens up dark shots. When you have it off, it leaves it as is.

Oh, yeah thanks! I think he did have that setting on. It’s going to be easier testing my own phone because there’s only so much I can check when I get my husband’s phone for a moment here and there.

Due to Samsung having manual Pro mode I am not too worried. I love that mode!

 

[5105973]

The silicone spen case is pretty large but not uncomfortable to hold. I'll probably use this much less than the clear case but it's nice to have and I'll have to learn what I can actually do with the spen (I've never had one).

That actually looks pretty good. I guess it may feel bulky to some people but at least it looks fine.

 

[noobinator]

That actually looks pretty good. I guess it may feel bulky to some people but at least it looks fine.

So I installed the LK screen protector. Took me two tries to get it on right but both times there's this line on the protector right in the middle that I can't unsee. I think it's just the design. Looks like I may have to go naked this time as far as screen protectors are concerned. I'll see if the line goes away over the next day or so otherwise this is going in the bin.

 

[Awesomesince86]

3:15 here, battery hasn't even learned usage yet and I'm sitting at 75% with medium usage and 2 hrs of SOT. Beast.

 

[5105973]

So I installed the LK screen protector. Took me two tries to get it on right but both times there's this line on the protector right in the middle that I can't unsee. I think it's just the design. Looks like I may have to go naked this time as far as screen protectors are concerned. I'll see if the line goes away over the next day or so otherwise this is going in the bin.

Bummer! Was the two tries for one protector or did you use up both in the twin pack?

If I end up using a Folio case when I carry this in my handbag I may leave it naked. I didn’t use to use screen protectors at all.

 

[noobinator]

Bummer! Was the two tries for one protector or did you use up both in the twin pack?

If I end up using a Folio case when I carry this in my handbag I may leave it naked. I didn’t use to use screen protectors at all.

It was a three pack. The first one I messed up bad. The 2nd one worked. The line is fading already after I used the squeegee thing on it a bit more. I'll see if this affects touch response or fingerprint reader the next 24 hours.

 

[Robbosan]

Not looking good.

• https://eu.community.samsung.com/t5/galaxy-s21-s21-s21-ultra/overheating-issue/td-p/2719668
• https://eu.community.samsung.com/t5...21-ultra-camera-overheating/m-p/2733433#M2564
• https://www.reddit.com/r/samsung/comments/l3y8ez

 

[keti2377]

It's been a few days since I received my S21 Ultra and man, is this thing amazing. The screen is stunning and I'm obsessed with the 120hz refresh rate. Everything seems so much faster using this phone.. Samsung's software has improved so much since the last time I've used it (TouchWiz days...) and honestly I kind of prefer OneUI to iOS. Since I got my 12 Pro Max, it's been stuttery when opening and closing apps, which didn't really bother me since it didn't happen all the time but still. I haven't experienced that with the S21 Ultra just yet, and using the phone is just so much more fun. I've been with Apple for a little over 3 years now, and the one thing that I've always missed with Android was the customization options. There's just so many things to do. I'm pretty much deep into Apple's ecosystem, however, I'm ready to sell my 12PM. I'm completely satisfied with this phone!

 

[Healer Flame]

Its probably the 5G , see how it goes on 4G

 

[jamezr]

So I have had the S21 Ultra since Wednesday. Gotta say I really like this phone. The FPS is super fast and accurate. Battery life has been spectacular. I have been getting around 8 hours SOT. I haven't had time to test the camera yet but so far it looks amazing as well.

This one is a keeper in my book.

 

[mjschabow]

So I have had the S21 Ultra since Wednesday. Gotta say I really like this phone. The FPS is super fast and accurate. Battery life has been spectacular. I have been getting around 8 hours SOT. I haven't had time to test the camera yet but so far it looks amazing as well.

This one is a keeper in my book.

They really nailed it for sure. Only complaint is the no SD card, but I can manage. Like you, I haven't had a ton of time with the camera yet.

 

[animalx]

I do a lot of talking, and moderate screen use. 9 hours of talk time and 2 and a half hours of screen, and got 18.25 hours on a charge. Not bad at all.

 

[Awesomesince86]

Not looking good.

• https://eu.community.samsung.com/t5/galaxy-s21-s21-s21-ultra/overheating-issue/td-p/2719668
• https://eu.community.samsung.com/t5...21-ultra-camera-overheating/m-p/2733433#M2564
• https://www.reddit.com/r/samsung/comments/l3y8ez

Take these back to the iPhone forums with you...

[Updated] Apple iPhone 12 series overheating issues: causes & fixes

There have been plenty of reports about overheating issues on the new iPhone 12 series. We dug deeper into the matter to provide some fixes.

piunikaweb.com

iPhone 12 Pro Overheating - Apple Community

discussions.apple.com

https://www.reddit.com/r/iphone/comments/jj4a48

 

[mi7chy]

Really pleasant and natural color science out of this phone. Makes me want to head out to Big Bear Lake to capture some footage.

Set to 4K to offset YouTube compression.

 

[yui4]

My only gripe so far is the same gripe I have with all curved screen phones: finding a good screen protector. I have a TPU one (made by LK from Amazon) arriving today that is a dry TPU install so we will see how that goes. If it doesn't work out I'll just go naked on the screen and keep my fingers crcrossed.

I've used those lk screen protectors on the note 10+, s20 ultra and note 20+ and they are really good. Apply easy and stay down.

 

[Serban55]

Not looking good.

• https://eu.community.samsung.com/t5/galaxy-s21-s21-s21-ultra/overheating-issue/td-p/2719668
• https://eu.community.samsung.com/t5...21-ultra-camera-overheating/m-p/2733433#M2564
• https://www.reddit.com/r/samsung/comments/l3y8ez

yes, the exynos is again, a lower SoC than QualC
after 10-12 min on phone .....the chip is getting not hot, but not just warm either
when using 4k video recording....its almost not pleasant ...i cant even think how it will go in the summer time where, here are 35-38C...
and its samsung community....so...if even those complain ....its a true fact....
I hope this will scale because i want to make Samsung to bring QC SoC all over the world...don't be silent and get used to this issues....lets make Samsung choose QC SoC ! They tried to do exynos on par with QC for years and years...
Its like apple with butterfly keys, that has reliability issues..they tried for years, but , people making a big deal, they forced Apple to change the keyboard

 

[kkh786]

Have been using the regular S21 from Thursday morning.. I can definitely feel the upgrade from the S20+!?

The software and hardware are a delight, camera seems much improved as well. I'm loving the smaller size!

Glad I went for it!

 

[geraldem]

Despite my PWM issues I'm keeping my S21 Ultra. It doesn't seem to be as bad as my 12 Pro after using it all day yesterday. Also, I got the phone from T-Mobile and traded in my old S20 FE so if I return the phone I lose out something like $500 in T-Mobile credits. So I guess I'll see how it goes. It really is an amazing device. I've been using it along side my Pixel 5 for 2 days now and the Pixel 5 is getting harder and harder to pick up. The screen on the Ultra is just leaps and bounds better. I can't stop looking at it, it's mesmerizing. Yes, I know a bit dramatic but it's great.

I agree with @mjschabow though, the Ultra is just more fun than iPhones. I suppose for me it's all the customizing and optimizing you can do vs iPhone. You can really mess with the look and feel of the phone. I know this is true of all android phones but this one just does it best. Between the hardware and software (added stuff but not TOO much added, unlike older galaxies that had too much), it really is a joy to use.

This is before I even test out the Spen. I've never used an Spen but I'm picking up the silicon case with spen today so I think that will make the experience even more fun.

My only gripe so far is the same gripe I have with all curved screen phones: finding a good screen protector. I have a TPU one (made by LK from Amazon) arriving today that is a dry TPU install so we will see how that goes. If it doesn't work out I'll just go naked on the screen and keep my fingers crossed.

Just got the LK TPU screen protector. very impressed...installation was super easy. Feels great and looks great. You should be happy with it. Good luck!

 

[The Game 161]

yes, the exynos is again, a lower SoC than QualC
after 10-12 min on phone .....the chip is getting not hot, but not just warm either
when using 4k video recording....its almost not pleasant ...i cant even think how it will go in the summer time where, here are 35-38C...
and its samsung community....so...if even those complain ....its a true fact....
I hope this will scale because i want to make Samsung to bring QC SoC all over the world...don't be silent and get used to this issues....lets make Samsung choose QC SoC ! They tried to do exynos on par with QC for years and years...
Its like apple with butterfly keys, that has reliability issues..they tried for years, but , people making a big deal, they forced Apple to change the keyboard

Frustrating to see the exynos issues still being a problem. I just hope AMD coming means these issues disappear. SD users don’t know how good they have it currently

 

[Tulani]

Have been using the regular S21 from Thursday morning.. I can definitely feel the upgrade from the S20+!?

The software and hardware are a delight, camera seems much improved as well. I'm loving the smaller size!

Glad I went for it!

how is the battery life on the S21?
i was leaning towards the plus because i tend to struggle with carrying about huge phones although the ultra has been very attractive

also does the "glastic" material show or bother you like some say?
i could consider the galaxy regular given your recommendations. white colour is eye-catching with the camera array