The Samsung Galaxy A21 is a budget-friendly smartphone that offers a balanced mix of features for everyday users. While it may not compete with flagship devices in terms of raw power or cutting-edge technology, it delivers a reliable experience for those who prioritize affordability without sacrificing too much functionality. From its sleek design to its capable camera setup, the Galaxy A21 is a solid choice for casual users and those looking for a secondary device.

Design and Build Quality

The Samsung Galaxy A21 sports a modern design with a glossy plastic back that mimics the look of glass, giving it a more premium feel than its price tag suggests. The device is comfortable to hold, thanks to its curved edges and lightweight construction. The rear-mounted fingerprint sensor is conveniently placed and responsive, though it may take some getting used to for those accustomed to side or front-mounted sensors. The 6.5-inch display dominates the front, with a small punch-hole cutout for the front camera, minimizing bezels and maximizing screen real estate.

Display

The Galaxy A21 features a 6.5-inch HD+ TFT LCD with a resolution of 720 x 1600 pixels. While it may not be the sharpest or most vibrant panel on the market, it gets the job done for everyday tasks like browsing, streaming, and social media. Colors are decent, though they lack the depth and saturation of an AMOLED display. The brightness is adequate for indoor use but can struggle under direct sunlight. Still, for a budget device, the display is more than acceptable.

Performance and Software

Under the hood, the Galaxy A21 is powered by the MediaTek Helio P35 chipset paired with 3GB of RAM. This configuration handles basic tasks smoothly, such as web browsing, messaging, and light multitasking. However, more demanding apps and games may experience occasional lag or longer load times. The device runs on Samsung’s One UI 2.0, based on Android 10, which offers a clean and user-friendly interface. While it may not be the latest version of Android, the software is optimized well enough to provide a stable experience.

Camera Performance

The Galaxy A21 boasts a quad-camera setup on the rear, consisting of a 16MP primary sensor, an 8MP ultra-wide lens, a 2MP macro camera, and a 2MP depth sensor. The primary camera captures decent photos in good lighting, with accurate colors and reasonable detail. The ultra-wide lens is a nice addition for capturing larger scenes, though it suffers from some distortion at the edges. The macro and depth sensors feel more like filler than essential features, as their performance is underwhelming. The 13MP front-facing camera delivers satisfactory selfies, though low-light performance is mediocre across all lenses.

Battery Life

One of the standout features of the Galaxy A21 is its 4,000mAh battery, which easily lasts a full day of moderate use. Even with heavier usage, the device manages to stay alive until bedtime, making it a reliable companion for those who dislike frequent charging. Unfortunately, the included 15W fast charger is slower than what some competitors offer, but it’s still a welcome feature at this price point.

Storage and Expandability

The phone comes with 32GB of internal storage, which may feel limiting for users who store a lot of media or apps. Thankfully, there’s a microSD card slot that supports expansion up to 512GB, providing plenty of room for additional files. This flexibility is a significant advantage for budget-conscious buyers who need extra storage without upgrading to a more expensive model.

Connectivity and Audio

The Galaxy A21 covers all the basics in terms of connectivity, including 4G LTE, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 5.0, and a 3.5mm headphone jack. Call quality is clear, and the single bottom-firing speaker delivers adequate sound for videos and calls, though it lacks depth and volume compared to dual-speaker setups. The headphone jack is a nice touch for those who still prefer wired audio devices.

Final Verdict

The Samsung Galaxy A21 is a competent budget smartphone that delivers essential features without breaking the bank. While it has its limitations—such as a mediocre processor and underwhelming low-light camera performance—it excels in areas like battery life and expandable storage. If you’re looking for an affordable device that handles everyday tasks well, the Galaxy A21 is worth considering. However, if you need more power or a better display, you may want to explore slightly higher-end options.

Key Specifications:

Display: 6.5-inch HD+ TFT LCD (720 x 1600 pixels)

Processor: MediaTek Helio P35

RAM: 3GB

Storage: 32GB (expandable up to 512GB via microSD)

Rear Cameras: 16MP primary, 8MP ultra-wide, 2MP macro, 2MP depth

Front Camera: 13MP

Battery: 4,000mAh with 15W fast charging

Operating System: Android 10 with One UI 2.0

Connectivity: 4G LTE, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 5.0, 3.5mm headphone jack

Dimensions: 164.2 x 75.8 x 8.9 mm

Weight: 192 grams