Samsung Galaxy M21 2021 Complete Specs Pricing Pros & Cons

Display

The Samsung Galaxy M21 2021 offers a striking 6.4-inch Super AMOLED display known for its vivid color reproduction and deep contrasts. The screen boasts a resolution of 1080 x 2340 pixels, providing crisp and clear visuals ideal for multimedia consumption, web browsing, and gaming. With a peak brightness of 420 nits, the display ensures good visibility even under direct sunlight. The screen-to-body ratio stands at an impressive 84.2%, giving users an immersive viewing experience with minimal bezels.

Design and Build

In terms of design, the Galaxy M21 2021 features a sleek and modern aesthetic. It measures 159 x 75.1 x 9 mm and weighs approximately 192 grams, making it comfortable to hold and use with one hand. The device is constructed with a glass front, a durable plastic back, and a sturdy plastic frame, balancing elegance with practicality. The phone supports Dual SIM functionality with Nano-SIM slots and dual stand-by mode, offering flexibility for users managing multiple plans.

Performance

Under the hood, the Samsung Galaxy M21 2021 is powered by the Exynos 9611 chipset, built on a 10nm process. Its Octa-core processor is split into four Cortex-A73 cores clocked at 2.3 GHz for high-performance tasks and four Cortex-A53 cores clocked at 1.7 GHz for energy-efficient operations. The Mali-G72 MP3 GPU handles graphics-intensive tasks smoothly, making the device suitable for gaming and multitasking. The smartphone is available in two memory configurations: 64GB of internal storage paired with 4GB of RAM, and 128GB of storage with 6GB of RAM, both expandable via a dedicated microSDXC slot.

Software

The Galaxy M21 2021 runs on Android 11, overlaid with Samsung's One UI 3.1 Core. This combination provides a user-friendly interface with a variety of features aimed at improving user experience. The software comes with privacy enhancements, improved app permissions, and more control over notifications. Additionally, One UI offers a seamless one-handed mode, customizable home screen options, and a system-wide dark mode for better battery efficiency.

Camera Performance

The camera setup on the Galaxy M21 2021 is one of its key highlights. The rear triple-camera configuration includes a 48 MP main sensor with an f/2.0 aperture for stunning wide-angle shots. An 8 MP ultra-wide camera with a 123-degree field of view allows capturing vast landscapes and group photos effortlessly. Accompanying these is a 5 MP depth sensor, enhancing portrait shots with natural-looking background blur. This camera setup supports features like LED flash, panorama, and HDR, and is capable of recording 4K videos at 30fps and slow-motion videos at 240fps with gyro-EIS stabilization. On the front, a 20 MP selfie camera with an f/2.2 aperture captures detailed self-portraits and supports 1080p video recording.

Battery and Charging

Samsung equips the Galaxy M21 2021 with a massive 6000 mAh battery, ensuring extensive usage on a single charge. This large battery life is ideal for heavy users who consume media and apps throughout the day. Despite its large capacity, the device supports 15W wired charging, allowing for a reasonable charge time, although faster charging capabilities might have been appreciated by power users.

Connectivity and Other Features

The device offers a comprehensive set of connectivity options, including Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac for fast internet access, Bluetooth 5.0 for seamless wireless connectivity, and USB Type-C 2.0 port for charging and data transfer. It includes GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, and BDS for precise location tracking, and an FM radio with RDS for entertainment. Notably, NFC support is available, though limited to market/region dependencies, allowing for contactless payments where applicable. An array of sensors such as a rear-mounted fingerprint sensor, accelerometer, gyro, proximity, and compass enhance the overall functionality and user interaction with the device.

Network and Communication

The Galaxy M21 2021 supports multiple network technologies, including GSM, HSPA, and LTE, providing reliable connectivity options for users. Its compatibility with various 4G bands allows it to function optimally across different regions, making it an excellent choice for travelers and users in diverse network environments. The phone delivers consistent call quality and data speeds thanks to these efficient network technologies.

Market Availability and Pricing

Announced in July 2021 and released shortly thereafter, the Samsung Galaxy M21 2021 is available globally with model variations like the SM-M215G and SM-M215G/DS to cater to different regional specifications. It is offered in two attractive color options: Charcoal Black and Arctic Blue. Despite its comprehensive features and specifications, the phone has an accessible price point, approximately 130 EUR, attracting budget-conscious consumers who seek performance and reliability without breaking the bank.

Conclusion

The Samsung Galaxy M21 2021 edition holds its ground as a well-rounded smartphone, combining a vibrant display, solid performance, capable camera setup, and a robust battery. While it competes in the crowded mid-range segment, it stands out with its Super AMOLED screen, large battery capacity, and thoughtful design. For users seeking balance between cost and functionality, the Galaxy M21 2021 proves to be a compelling choice.