Samsung Galaxy A21s review

The Samsung Galaxy A21s is an entry-level smartphone that covers all the basics. In this full review we cover its top features, build and screen quality, battery life, performance, and camera image quality.
▶ To learn more, read our detailed text review: www.gsmarena.com/samsung_gala...
▶ Check out the full phone specs:
www.gsmarena.com/samsung_gala...
▶ Track Info: ES_Four Leaf Clover (Instrumental Version) - Particle House
▶ If you want to know more about our host Ricky, check out his video episode in our Meet The Team series. • The GSMArena video tea...
[video timestamps/chapters]
0:00 Intro
0:35 Design and build
1:13 6.5" PLS LCD
1:38 Battery Life with 5000mAh battery & Charging Speed
2:04 Speaker test
2:21 Exynos 850 performance
2:50 Android 10 & One UI 2.0
3:23 Camera performance and samples
4:44 Low light camera performance and samples
5:15 Selfies
5:39 Video recording
6:03 Conclusion

[@rosajones2865]

Just me tryna find a phone for my mum lol

[@syazwansaini1529]

Same...

[@sorayaogura7493]

Literally same

[@rockymarciano4353]

Samee haha!

[@amyfirman4851]

Same but my grandma lmao

[@dirkdiggler6073]

😂 just about to go with her to pick one up. Making sure I don’t have to replace it in a couple years

[@greva2904]

‘Has us looking for alternatives in the price range.’ And then doesn’t bother telling you what those alternatives are.

[@usmanesaleem]

Exactly, like WTF! You just left us hanging 😐.

[@ivancureja2733]

samsung galaxy A21s

[@ivancureja2733]

slovensko rosprava

[@Ramzo16]

Poco x3

[@bt_on_a_beat]

No lies like what🤦‍♂️🤦‍♂️

[@nyashamuronzi617]

Commenting from the future lol I am still using this phone since November 2020 and it works very well

[@judithuwa4648]

Watching this review with my A21s😍

[@AtlegangMothwa]

Oml sameee

[@Kony305]

Im getting mine tommorow

[@axelkross5544]

Same but the quality of the screen is pretty low. That's the only downside of this phone imo

[@cordznkidzxx]

Im in 2 minds wether to get one today or not I have a Samsung s9 but its on its way out so need a new Samsung but a bit cheaper then what I have would u recommend?

[@judithuwa4648]

@@cordznkidzxx Its way cheaper than a S9 and good value for money if you ask me.. The battery life also is superb.

[@h_rg643]

Thanks for telling me about my phone. It really does work with games like Asphalt 9 but there is lag. The camera is great. It's the first phone I've had with quad-cams. Battery, for me, charges fast. Overall, the phones really great for its price.

[@jvsky1140]

Change the graphics to low or medium and you should be fine

[@whatever2206]

Hey can you tell me about selfie camera, is it good ?

[@user-rm4wf6vr2g]

How do you fix the "zoom to fill" so it doesnt crop out shit

[@sack_of_nuts]

Does the light on the screen go off when you making a call and place it near your ear? Mine is always on... does it have sensors?

[@katie1319]

My camera is bad

[@adingdingdiiing6740]

"Samsung knows how to make plastic look nice." Yup, they're doing it with the new Note 20.

[@corntall725]

They put a bit of hard work on their plastic frame...

[@astraldreamstarot14]

It's glastic.. Not a regular plastic

[@flazag9179]

For real?

[@adingdingdiiing6740]

@@flazag9179 yup. The Note 20 has a plastic back.

[@flazag9179]

@@adingdingdiiing6740 damn

[@amstorm8954]

this is extremly underrated at super price i loved to use it for watching movies when before covid travelled to work

[@SupertigerDev]

"there are better alternatives" doesnt tell us what. thanks

[@Xbot4Life]

Tell me about it.....

[@creepermasher]

Left a dislike because of this

[@Xbot4Life]

@@creepermasher I ended up buying a galaxy S9 plus. Older flagship phones are better than new low tier phones.

[@snapeinvader6208]

@@creepermasher They mentioned a better alternative; the Samsung A20

[@crownvictoria7787]

Any of Xioami phones

[@Chimeratech8]

Everyone else: Pixel 4a Review GSMArena: Galaxy A21s

[@nakedeye44]

I'll take this Galaxy to the 4a any time.

[@justsomepandawithinternet]

4a so small 🤮

[@KaizerFaith]

@@nakedeye44 lol...

[@AdiPutra-oe8eg]

Dude be patient!

[@apollian]

No interest with phones that use wireless headphones

[@JohnnyB43]

Nice review - very complete without being overly long. Great how you mention the price, the pros and cons and that you quickly mention other possible options in a similar price range. cheers! JB

[@brucejoseph8367]

It's not an entry level phone it's a good low cost phone that will do all the things most sensible people would need a phone to do.

[@Daniel-xd1ic]

I agree!

[@stucruise1]

like make a phone call....

[@chadreece4231]

exactly

[@emmanuelwolf6568]

Just bought this phone,can’t wait.new subscriber.

[@eleanordunne6562]

I went from Samsung s2 to Samsung Galaxy s5 active to my brand new Samsung Galaxy A21s

[@vladimircharous8945]

Good info and I love the outro!!!

[@lindagabela182]

Samsung ain't holding back with the mid-rangers this year 🔥

[@stuartzimmermann4180]

@pokeguy4 if you look on Samsung website theres a list that's going to get them

[@ezrapardede1921]

@pokeguy4 they will get 2 software update, but yea.. probably not all of them, safe to say A51 series and above will get them

[@geester]

@@ezrapardede1921 I think a31-a71 will get 2, phones between a01 -a21 maybe 1??. Samsung have been really good with security updates and aoftware updates as of late

[@ezrapardede1921]

@@geester make sense, although they did good recently with the updates, i wish they (all Android infact) make 3 years as a bare minimum when it comes to software updates and 4 year for higher end devices, don't need that 5 year that iPhone do because basically from what i see from my friend with their iPhone, while yes it still run some what smoothly, the battery just suffer too much it's already not worth keeping

[@rcrezwan]

The outro is funny & unique 🤣

[@justRedDevil]

What are the alternatives referenced at the end?

[@DalSingh]

I just ordered one of these as a Christmas present for my 10 year old kid. This video is reassuring.

[@judebrown2672]

Wife just got one. Its cool. Feels top quality. She'll enjoy it. Good luck.

[@servtheking5245]

I wouldnt get a smartphone for my 12yrs old. more like a dummy phone. Just make sure you know what he/she is doing. social media can mess up kids big time.

[@mugammadbenjamin2597]

10 year old? That's abit too young don't you think?

[@kimkatz2444]

You celebrate Christmas in September 😅

[@DalSingh]

@@kimkatz2444 nope, just get all the spending out of the way early😂

[@bettynda]

You did really good review, thank u

[@Brumby0]

Would be nice to know what the alternatives are.....

[@jacksonramphele7112]

I thought I could find them here

[@afeefrazick4952]

M21 and m31

[@fahimabidarnob1697]

I'd advice to get m21, it’s cost just a tiny bit more but has an awesome display

[@Brumby0]

@@fahimabidarnob1697 Thanks.

[@Brumby0]

@@afeefrazick4952 Thanks.

[@hector5785]

Everybody has a different financial situation and a new phone for this price range is just amazing! Good job samsung

[@avillagerplayingminecraft5833]

I needed a good cheap phone and the A21s was my pick. It had a bug where it would make the phone screen go in reverse, as if it was in a mirror but was patched. Still a great phone in 2021.

[@birchtree5884]

We all love Ricky

[@bunmifall2858]

Watching this on my A21s

[@sack_of_nuts]

Does the light on the screen go off when you making a call and place it near your ear? Mine is always on... does it have sensors?

[@nicholoswint9590]

@@sack_of_nuts Yeah that's the proximity sensor it turns off the screen to prevent your face from touching something on the screen when your making a call

[@theyscams9965]

@JK RobloxGaming how about the front camera?

[@charisk1891]

@@sack_of_nuts if it always happens and it hasnt been solved with a restart, i recommend asking a professional. usually this is a bug that rarely happens after a phone call, i solved mine with a restart and then it worked just fine.

[@eliasblanco3374]

Im planning to buy this because of the tempting price for its specs. Thanks for the review.

[@disco2842]

amazing review mate.

[@amerabdualla3578]

Im gonna get mine in a couple of days on delivery so excited

[@olivercloseoff2669]

Same I get mine tommorow

[@ink.stories]

I got mine today omggg

[@kanewilson903]

Ohh sickk so uh were U live again ?

[@cherilflores1275]

@@olivercloseoff2669 me oi to oo I will yiuiuo

[@hisokayami7816]

How is it

[@hadeedhumayun763]

They should also provide alternatives at the end

[@SemiSkimmedMilk123]

I’m getting mine tomorrow!!

[@winengkusasmito4366]

No EIS video recording test?

[@damjanjukic1171]

Cool phone...

[@subhasishdey1806]

Love your videos and your website when i cheque some new phone details

[@kay8163]

*check

[@subhasishdey1806]

@@kay8163 my mistake 🙏👍

[@shinakubari5061]

Honestly, just bought the phone because i needed something to make calls. Overall in the first hours of owning it, pretty great.

[@swxty4363]

yh i got it aswell the phones rlly good

[@olveracano93]

Got my mom one ...I'm surprised for all this phone offers for a good price ...good cameras good battery fingerprint face recognition and huge screen .. I would say it is better than some iPhones out there 🤫

[@Martianmight73]

Yeah no I have it and it kinda sucks. I want a pixel

[@olveracano93]

Its a nice phone for daily use.... obviously do not expect this phone to work or have the same speed and system as an expensive galaxy lol ..... but for the price I think its more than enough

[@nyderose7460]

at 2:11 he did put his pinky on the speaker and said it wasn’t loud enough, he blocked the sound lmao 😂😂😂😂😂

[@lucidwave2189]

lmao

[@Nblock00]

I got this phone yesterday and I wouldn't say its the loudest speaker, but not the worse either, its useable

[@Atapd]

What about screen recording

[@Nblock00]

@@Atapd it doesn't have it :(

[@JohnnySins___]

@@Nblock00 download mobizen bro i us it for screen recording plus on snapchat it doesnt say u screen recorded

[@Eli-zb2yj]

Can't wait for galaxy A0.00000001s

[@null-wn8ss]

That will never happen but

[@null-wn8ss]

Maybe possible.

[@hue6]

@@null-wn8ss it was a joke omg🥱

[@null-wn8ss]

@@hue6 I was spitting out the truth not taking it serious and I take it seriously when people put in so many emojis in replys.

[@hue6]

@@null-wn8ss great grammar bud, learn to take a joke, and use grammar🙃

[@x093l]

I got this phone 2 years ago and yeah it is sometimes laggy when I try to record a game and that's annoying but in a few months I'm gonna get a much better phone.

[@zavier2991]

This is amazing I have used it for 2 months now and it's really good. The camera is good especially for a cheap phone and if you get it on sale. The only let down to me is the screen but it's still an amazing gone, fast reliable and easy to use and lots of settings can be turned on to optimise its use, battery life is good and my phone charges actually quite fast

[@jessicaw.6961]

What exactly is 'wrong' with the screen?

[@blackpinkistherevolution12]

Same!i have the same phone and the charging is fassstyy

[@zavier2991]

@@jessicaw.6961 720p it's not really hd

@@jessicaw.6961 its low res and it looks awful

[@HeyitsHailey01]

I'm getting it for Christmas 2020 2021😁😎

[@caderbavahsiddicl6414]

Thank lots bro...

[@harveydarvey4585]

The M31s is going to be amazing I wish I could get it though I'm happy with my S10e

[@notagain2856]

Isn't M31s a big downgrade from S10e?

[@harveydarvey4585]

@@notagain2856 Yeah it would be though that big battery is pretty enticing.

[@sajjadhussain6720]

hey I can buy you m31s if you give me ur s10e

[@ezrapardede1921]

@@sajjadhussain6720 tf lol

[@Amor_fati.Memento_Mori]

@@sajjadhussain6720 😂

[@julietmitchell4049]

why is the main cam 48mp but the e.g. in vid shows 12 mp from main cam? really really confused.

[@tripwired_]

Great review Ricky, thank you; no nonsense, straight to the point and fact-based. Based on this video I'm purchasing this as an upgrade from a Moto G4 for a family member.

[@rosajones2865]

Such a coincidence, I’m also doing that for my mum

[@blessnakurian2438]

@@rosajones2865 me too

[@racer_100power]

I have this phone. In my opinion, it lacks nothing. Excellent battery life. And it has every technology you would expect in a modern phone. Excellent phone for it's price.

[@maimoonamoumita795]

Can I ask you some question? Please give me your real opinion. Can you play heavy games well? Games like PubG, among us clash of clans or the games which need 2GB ram. Also, can you make video using KineMaster with it?

[@racer_100power]

@@maimoonamoumita795 I don't know about the games because I don't play games on phones. Regarding the video, I love it. It shoots in 1080p. However, I don't use KineMaster. But my honest opinion is that the Galaxy A21s fits me perfectly.

[@maimoonamoumita795]

@@racer_100power So, it's okay if I make or edit any video on Galaxy A21s?

[@racer_100power]

@@maimoonamoumita795 For recording video, it is great. I have not edited any videos on it, so I don't know about that.

[@maimoonamoumita795]

@@racer_100power Thank you so much for opinions :)

[@devvvdzinez568]

I am watching from my a21s now! I got it after watching this review

[@x093l]

R u having fun w it?

[@Tyric01]

@@x093l probably not🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@x093l]

@@Tyric01 yo its been a year wtf and i got a new phone cuz the A21s was just lagging

[@j_busmaster4524]

Watching on my galaxy a21s it's great

[@kishkishzone8432]

Watching this off my samsung a21s i get it for my christmas

[@caithlin]

Same! Hope you have a cover for it, mine cracked already lmao 😬

[@akeelahbartley1866]

These phones r legends in Jamaica

[@joancalimbo3517]

Can you make an episode of smartphones which is good for blogging

[@rennohara376]

Love you're channel and viedeo interdution

[@sabrinawelsh8417]

Can you download all the new apps and online banking on it?

[@jadepadro3393]

Honest review. Everything you said is right.

[@jadepadro3393]

@@jo.3y not

[@outoftime788]

the back n screen scratch really easy. i freaked out

[@realzkgamer]

IM GOING TO BUY THIS PHONE TOMORROW

[@muqrimusa3]

no stores pre-ordering the pixel 4a in my country sadly

[@jbularan8547]

Samsung galaxy M31 review please!!

[@kefeshamedje9647]

I just got one and I love it.

[@borderblue3863]

Please keep in mine prople that the chip set and accesorise that come with the phone will vary by region for eg (hypothetical) europe has wired earphones that come with the phone while Australia has a clear case instead of the earphones.

[@wizzgamer]

One of the best selling androids of all time it's even in a lot of businesses as a buisness phone for staff.

[@aellusion9658]

"Samsung knows how to make plastic look nice" so truueee

[@pakirwan3075]

why cant i move apps to sd card yes i know how to do it but it wont allow me to move any ive installed AppMgr 3 and others and they all come back with the same result "ERROR" failed to find (com\android\.settings:id/*button.*,[change])

[@frostedcupcakes2670]

Just bought this yesterday for use as a prepaid phone to video chat with my wife while in BCT and AIT... my iPhone is locked to ATT 😒. Not knowing anything about Android it’s fine for what I need it for...hopefully

[@Thebossgarage]

Watching on my new phone taken today ...feeling goodd

[@hkmrsrg1367]

I was considering this and then I rethink my decision and decides to go with Samsung M21 instead. Cheaper but somehow, from all the reviews, better than A21s. Now all I have to do is wait till it arrives.

[@lisavidal9221]

Samsung has M series

[@waverider8651]

I got a moto e6 plus, its alright but I cracked it snd its laggy so gonna get this.

[@marcosmayen9550]

Whats the name of the racing game? Cool video

[@arighnasarkar7842]

What about it's signal strength and call quality ?

[@rawg6606]

Im here for the mustache

[@_ASSHOL3]

GAY

[@frieswilliams9199]

@@_ASSHOL3 it's a joke dimwit

[@Xistlike]

Check out 6:30 . What is the other better samsung phone model at the same price ? Thank you !

[@allier1867]

my budget is tight but i'm definitely getting this phone. thanks a lot

[@Ianmarley3004]

Just got it, excellent phone.

[@jolol4895]

Was the phone good

[@Ianmarley3004]

@@jolol4895 yeah it is. Nice battery length and size. No issues yet.

[@TheUK33]

@@Ianmarley3004 I thinking to buy this phone would you recommend?

[@Ianmarley3004]

@@TheUK33 Sure would. I Had the Galaxy J6 before the A21 which served me well but I dropped it. O2 recommended the A21, got it on contract with 10gb of data which was ideal @ £23 a month. Its bigger, brighter and easier to use; the 5 lens camera is excellent too. I love it, does everything I want at an affordable price.

[@AkmalCoway01129067656]

Watching on my samsung a21s..nice experience after xiaomi and asus..or maybe the android 10

[@msallure9046]

Hey do u find that your front camera is stays zoomed in on 3rd party apps like snapchat and whatsapp

[@AkmalCoway01129067656]

Sorry..i cant find the notification in youtube..haha..come back in 2023 still with samsung a21s 😅

[@AkmalCoway01129067656]

I seldom use video chat..i not notice that

[@wesker1079]

Yeah it's alright for the price. Reminds me of the S8 Plus...

[@yasserhy]

You kept mentioning "better alternatives" .. what are they?

[@giannistheswagy1476]

I'm using this as my main phone

[@tobibradley4654]

Ok

[@justpanicc]

Me to

[@George-dt1qd]

I’ve just ordered one. How are you finding it?

[@George-dt1qd]

Bailey Britton how is it?

[@Anteater23]

Is it slow?

[@bazilshakeel5965]

op sir g

[@tinaabedin6988]

Im trying to figure out if I should get a Samsung Galaxy A21S or

[@ink.stories]

I got it its worth

[@JoshB333]

My mum just upgraded to one and I’m so proud 🤙🏻

[@lessavage7554]

Are they good fone getting one 2morro just want to know

[@efcdk92]

Whats the best budget (similar price range) phone atm?

[@spirit_mermaid9434]

I's say the M21 and M31 , they've better display and battery life and other stuff (not professional but based on experience )

[@thepassionatetwo8266]

i just hope someone blesses me with this

[@redeememima793]

I am using Samsung Galaxy a21s but my camera mode is blur when taking photo to scan paper as well as i couldn't scan WhatsApp web also the camera is so blur how can i change it pls reply

[@thatgamingmonke1381]

Does it have always on display?

[@yoongisreal1399]

Guys it's great my friends sister has it!!

[@summerhill5784]

Which game it is in this video.?

[@youngboyfancaden2261]

What ones better would you guys say iphone 8plus or a 21s? Please respond soon

[@albiariza]

What game was he playing in the video?

[@RandyBandit34]

Can you use smartthings app on a21s?

[@alanpachecoosuna3277]

Does this smartphone receive OS updates?

[@abitofeverything2254]

Hi what would you recommend for use with a 4k drone in this price range

[@soniabalares7414]

Just bought unit last dec 23,2020. Less than a month some names listed in my messenger were erased last night. No one played w my cel the whole night. What could be the reason. Secondly if i look at my fb the arrow which would turn to original takes few seconds. I have to bring the unit to service center. Im disappointed.

[@getrektboy]

Does this phone have proximity sensor? Mine wont turn off during call

[@moueez5287]

A21s is my fav phone

[@BLXeno]

We lucky I got that phone in my birthday

[@stunnabby13]

Was there screen color issues or lags?

[@ozamosantuwe]

The mustache will kill ne🥴

[@Horrordelic]

Samsung have a better one in same price range, what model is that ? Nice review btw :)

[@cassbruh2746]

He said a20

[@sagarkajla3280]

M21

[@cassbruh2746]

@@sagarkajla3280 no. He said a20. Thats the one with the super amoled screen

[@TheOlyaana]

Would this be better than a Samsung s6? My moms phone is very old and I want to get her this

[@niceteawizzy2050]

Review Samsung Galaxy m31s

[@EastAngliaUK]

my dads getting this for free on his 3 network I have the S10+

[@qtmika2391]

Please post vid in 18/9 aspects ratio

[@ZOMBIEKING02]

Is this phone bigger or the same size as the Samsung A20e? Just wondering because i don't really like the overly sized samsung phones, Anyone with answer? i would really appreciate it

[@PulasthiKeragala]

It's about the same. Right now pretty much all phone's are big and the only compact ones that aren't low range ones are the iPhone SE and the Sony Xperia 5 ii

[@Manuqtix.Manuqtix]

Ok what are some of the competitors?