Samsung Galaxy S21 Review: Is It Still Worth Buying in 2025?
Samsung Galaxy S21 owners probably want to know if their phone still has what it takes in today’s market. Here’s the shocker: this four-year-old flagship still sees itself as an overachiever. Samsung Galaxy S21 Price is plummeting to around $146 on refurbished models . The Galaxy S21 offers high-end features at budget-friendly prices.
But the correct question isn’t whether it’s out-of-date; it’s whether it does the job you need it to in 2025. We’re going to dig in deep to see what makes this particular Galaxy S21 model tick and help you figure out if it’s worthy of a place in your pocket.
Is the Samsung Galaxy S21 Still Worth Buying in 2025?
The short answer? Absolutely yes – but with important caveats.
What Still Works Like a Dream
The Dynamic AMOLED Display on the Samsung Galaxy S21 impresses us even more. That 6.2-inch display and the faster 120Hz refresh rate are as smooth as any flagship of today. Colors can pop more vividly, and scrolling is still as buttery smooth as ever.
Only it turned out that build quality lasts, too. The aluminum frame and glass back combination is premium to the touch. Unlike budget phones, which creak and flex, this model of the Galaxy S21 feels like a solid flagship.
Daily performance is surprisingly acceptable. Powering the fun is a Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 processor, which makes short work of social media, messaging, and web browsing. There’s no lag when picking up the phone and swiping through screens as you would in typical phone activities.
Where Age Shows Its Face
You’ll see the limitations of camera resolution when shots are compared with newer Samsung phones. Its processing for night mode shots is a bit slower, and computational photography features are noticeably behind state-of-the-art standards like the ones on the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra.
Battery degradation hits hard after four years. Expect 15-20% capacity loss from the original 4000mAh battery. Heavy users might need midday charging sessions.
The Galaxy AI features that enhance Samsung’s newer phones are also absent in the Samsung Galaxy S21. Voice-to-text recognition and photo editing suggestions are less polished.
Samsung Galaxy S21 vs Today's Flagships: Can It Compete?
Head-to-Head Performance Battle
Comparing the Samsung Galaxy S21 against current flagships reveals interesting results. The Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 in newer phones outperforms the older Snapdragon platform, but real-world differences aren’t always dramatic.
Gaming Performance Reality Check
Mobile gaming reveals where the Samsung Galaxy S21 shows strain. PUBG Mobile runs smoothly on medium settings, but maxing out graphics causes thermal throttling. Call of Duty Mobile maintains steady frame rates until extended sessions heat things up.
The Ultra Wide Camera system still captures impressive shots. That 12MP sensor delivers sharp, wide-angle photos that rival many current mid-range phones. Video recording at 8K resolution remains a standout feature most competitors can’t match.
Cool Things Your Galaxy S21 Can Still Do
Hidden Productivity Gems
Director’s View turns your Samsung Galaxy S21 into a content creation powerhouse. Record with front and back cameras simultaneously – perfect for reaction videos or tutorials. Most users never discover this feature buried in camera settings.
Samsung DeX wireless capability transforms any TV into a desktop computer. Connect wirelessly and use your phone like a full Windows machine. Business presentations become effortless with this Galaxy for business feature.
Wireless PowerShare functionality lets your phone become a charging pad. Dead earbuds? Just flip them onto your phone’s back for emergency power. This reverse charging works with any Qi-compatible device.
Photography Tricks That Impress
Single Take mode captures multiple photo and video formats with one shutter press. The AI creates different styles, crops, and effects automatically. It’s like having a personal photographer editing your shots.
Dual Aperture technology in the main camera adjusts automatically for optimal light capture. Bright conditions use f/2.4, while low light switches to f/1.8. This hardware feature beats pure software solutions.
Pro Video mode offers manual controls that rival dedicated cameras. Adjust ISO, shutter speed, and focus manually. Professional videographers appreciate these granular controls missing from most phones.
Galaxy S21 Performance in 2025: Still Fast or Falling Behind?
Benchmark Reality
Samsung Galaxy S21 AnTuTu scores are at about 600,000 points. That’s a good tally when you consider that right now, mid-range phones tend to score between 400,000 and 500,000. Flagship phone from 2025 breaks the 1,000,000 point threshold, however, daily use rarely needs that kind of power.
App load times are not very different at all for regular apps. Instagram instantly, TikTok instantly, YouTube instantly. Even intensive apps like Photoshop Express open in 2-3 seconds.
Moderate multitasking is well processed in terms of the 8GB RAM, which manages memory. Running 10-15 apps at a time is a cake walk, however, heavy users who are trying to use 20+ apps at once can expect some refreshing.
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Where Performance Bottlenecks Appear
The largest performance difference is observed in AI processing. And photo enhancement, voice recognition, and smart suggestions are slower than I’ve experienced on phones with more recent chipsets. It’s just this 2021 mobile chipset tech in here doesn’t have its own AI cores that are present in the currently used processors.
Quick Optimization Tips
- Clear cache regularly: Storage management keeps things snappy
- Limit background apps: Battery and performance improve dramatically
- Use lighter app versions: Facebook Lite instead of full Facebook
- Restart weekly: Clears memory leaks and temporary files
Why Users Still Love Their Samsung Galaxy S21
The Perfect Size Sweet Spot
At 6.2 inches, the Samsung Galaxy S21 is just right not too big, not too small. One-handed typing is still comfortable, unlike finger gymnastics on Mega-sized Ultras.
The weight distribution feels even at 171 grams. Before you say some bullshit. Ultra-modern phones weighing 230+ grams will cause your hand fatigue after prolonged use. This S21 model is comfortable in the ear for hours and hours.
Design Elements That Age Gracefully
The camera bump integration still looks intentional and modern. Unlike phones with awkward camera islands, the Samsung Galaxy S21 maintains clean lines that don’t scream “old phone.”
Phantom colors remain timeless. Phantom Violet and Phantom Silver look sophisticated compared to flashy rainbow finishes trending in budget phones.
Ecosystem Integration Benefits
Samsung Business Account users appreciate seamless integration across Galaxy devices. Your Galaxy Watch, Buds, and tablet sync effortlessly with the Samsung Galaxy S21. Switching ecosystems means losing this convenient connectivity.
Long-term Samsung users know exactly where every setting lives. Muscle memory for gestures, button placement, and menu navigation saves time daily. Learning new interfaces feels unnecessarily frustrating.
Samsung Galaxy S21 Price Analysis: Deal or Dated?
Current Market Pricing Breakdown
Good condition refurbished Samsung Galaxy S21 units can be found starting at around $146. Average used market prices are $174 and $218 for 128GB and 256GB storage capacities. These are phenomenal prices for past flagship technology.
Trade-in programs from the carriers extend the discounts. T-Mobile and Verizon often do promos for trading in old phones for a $100-$200 credit toward any Samsung purchase.
Value Comparison Matrix
Against New Budget Phones ($200-400):
- Pixel 7a: Better computational photography vs premium build quality
- Galaxy A54: Same brand familiarity vs true flagship heritage
- Nothing Phone 2a: Unique transparent design vs proven reliability
- OnePlus Nord: Clean software experience vs Samsung features
Against Certified Refurbished Flagships:
- iPhone 13: iOS ecosystem integration vs Android flexibility
- Galaxy S22: One generation newer vs a significant price increase
- Pixel 7: Google’s photography magic vs Samsung’s feature richness
Smart Buying Considerations
Verify battery health before investing in used models. Anything below 80% that refuses to fully charge needs to be replaced posthaste. Screen burn-in is caused by the AMOLED screen; check carefully under white backgrounds.
Warranty details differ significantly between servicers. If you buy from an authorized refurbisher, you get a 90-day peace of mind, if you buy from a private seller, you get nothing. Factor the cost of replacement into the cost of owning.
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The Final Verdict on Samsung Galaxy S21 in 2025
Samsung Galaxy S21 buyers in 2025 will get a lot of phone for not much money, if the dream happens to match reality. This is a solid daily driver with excellent build quality and performance. Camera features will appease casual photographers, and flagship qualities, such as Wireless PowerShare, make life a little easier.
If top-notch photography is what matters most to you, skip this model. The Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra and even the latest flagships have vastly improved computational photography and Galaxy AI integration. And equally heavy mobile gamers ought to look at newer options with superior cooling mechanisms.
