S21 S21+ S21 Ultra hands-on reviews

[Ragnarianrok]

Re: S21/+/Ultra hands-on reviews

Another review?

EDIT: Doesn't seem like a full on review, but a pretty thorough hands-on. Mostly positive in terms of software, the finger printer scanner, and camera.

 

[Guyinbox]

Re: S21/+/Ultra hands-on reviews

Yeah, I agree. Pixel photos tend to come out better from what I've seen, too. It's one of the greatest (maybe the greatest?) strength of the Pixel.

Coming from a Pixel 4 XL and the Pixel 3 before that, it was definitely something I appreciated. However, it was beginning to feel like that one feature was keeping me hostage and locked to Pixel devices. This is why I'm hoping the S21 is finally the right time to jump ship. If they can finally get their still-photography on par, then I'll happily trade in my Pixel for the better design, features, and general hardware prowess of Samsung. Plus, video-taking appears so much better on non-Pixel devices. Honestly, the Pixel's bare-bone camera experience is starting to age for me.

One UI is the other factor. I'm really impressed with what I've seen in its development and progress toward a cleaner and more sensible skin. Some of the little extra features are also appealing. Coupled with the timely security updates that have consistently been coming from Samsung, I'm optimistic the experience will be just as good overall.

We shall see in a couple of weeks! Fingers crossed.

One ui to me is still annoying. They've finally put the Google feed on the left home screen instead of the garbage Samsung page, but lots of little elements (stupid horizontal scrolling app drawer lol) that frustrate me are still there. As long as i can set Google apps as default instead of their Samsung counterpart I should be able to deal with it.
I'm switching purely for the hardware. I want a bigger screen and better battery life. As long as the software doesn't get in the way too much, I'll keep the ultra.

 

[Ragnarianrok]

Re: S21/+/Ultra hands-on reviews

One ui to me is still annoying. They've finally put the Google feed on the left home screen instead of the garbage Samsung page, but lots of little elements (stupid horizontal scrolling app drawer lol) that frustrate me are still there. As long as i can set Google apps as default instead of their Samsung counterpart I should be able to deal with it.
I'm switching purely for the hardware. I want a bigger screen and better battery life. As long as the software doesn't get in the way too much, I'll keep the ultra.

Haha, I'm with you. There will def be some tweaking and changes to default apps during my set up with the device. And a whole lot of disabling + uninstalling where I can. I'm likely going to throw on Nova Launcher to make it even closer to stock. I'm hoping once it's all set up nicely, I'll feel right at home with the software.

While there are some software features I am looking forward to, I agree, it's mostly the hardware attracting me, too. I really wish Google would approach hardware a little more seriously. I'm happy for them to focus on software, but I wish they didn't do just the bare minimum on hardware.

I predict the Pixel will still do a couple of things better than the S21+ (likely still photography and of course major OS updates), but I'm hoping the overall experience of Samsung's improved software + way better hardware will make up for it.

If the Pixel 5 was a more compelling and competitive device, this would be a different story...

Good luck to you -- looking forward to your Ultra impressions!

 

[TheDonJ77]

Re: S21/+/Ultra hands-on reviews

Yeah, I agree. Pixel photos tend to come out better from what I've seen, too. It's one of the greatest (maybe the greatest?) strength of the Pixel.

Coming from a Pixel 4 XL and the Pixel 3 before that, it was definitely something I appreciated. However, it was beginning to feel like that one feature was keeping me hostage and locked to Pixel devices. This is why I'm hoping the S21 is finally the right time to jump ship. If they can finally get their still-photography on par, then I'll happily trade in my Pixel for the better design, features, and general hardware prowess of Samsung. Plus, video-taking appears so much better on non-Pixel devices. Honestly, the Pixel's bare-bone camera experience is starting to age for me.

One UI is the other factor. I'm really impressed with what I've seen in its development and progress toward a cleaner and more sensible skin. Some of the little extra features are also appealing. Coupled with the timely security updates that have consistently been coming from Samsung, I'm optimistic the experience will be just as good overall.

We shall see in a couple of weeks! Fingers crossed.

Bro, I couldn't have said it better myself. I feel like I have been missing out on other phones and features due to being so one sighted with the still photography of the pixel. IMO besides the updates and simplicity, the camera is really the main reason I stick with the line but I'm ready to try something new. Really looking forward to putting the SG21U through the ringer with tests.

 

[TheDonJ77]

Re: S21/+/Ultra hands-on reviews

Haha, I'm with you. There will def be some tweaking and changes to default apps during my set up with the device. And a whole lot of disabling + uninstalling where I can. I'm likely going to throw on Nova Launcher to make it even closer to stock. I'm hoping once it's all set up nicely, I'll feel right at home with the software.

While there are some software features I am looking forward to, I agree, it's mostly the hardware attracting me, too. I really wish Google would approach hardware a little more seriously. I'm happy for them to focus on software, but I wish they didn't do just the bare minimum on hardware.

I predict the Pixel will still do a couple of things better than the S21+ (likely still photography and of course major OS updates), but I'm hoping the overall experience of Samsung's improved software + way better hardware will make up for it.

If the Pixel 5 was a more compelling and competitive device, this would be a different story...

Good luck to you -- looking forward to your Ultra impressions!

Had the P5 and sent it back due to the size, simply too small. Really disappointed in Google that there was no P5XL this year. While there have been rumors and grumbling of a Pixel 5 Pro, I'm taking that with a grain of salt. While the camera is Google's main selling point for the line, I felt this was the time to try something new.

 

[ironass]

Re: S21/+/Ultra hands-on reviews

Had the P5 and sent it back due to the size, simply too small. Really disappointed in Google that there was no P5XL this year. While there have been rumors and grumbling of a Pixel 5 Pro, I'm taking that with a grain of salt. While the camera is Google's main selling point for the line, I felt this was the time to try something new.

I have spent 10 months on the 6.9" Galaxy S21 Ultra and after this a 6" Pixel 5 feels like a Hobbit phone and therefore, I am going for the 6.8" Galaxy S21 Ultra.

 

[Ragnarianrok]

Re: S21/+/Ultra hands-on reviews

Had the P5 and sent it back due to the size, simply too small. Really disappointed in Google that there was no P5XL this year. While there have been rumors and grumbling of a Pixel 5 Pro, I'm taking that with a grain of salt. While the camera is Google's main selling point for the line, I felt this was the time to try something new.

Yeah, the Pixel 5 did nothing to entice me to upgrade, and I upgrade every year.

Honestly, Google has put out barely acceptable hardware in almost every generation. The Pixel 3 had too little RAM and suffered from it both from a functionality standpoint and a PR standpoint. Then the Pixel 4 had too small a battery, once again, suffering bad press/news in its early days of release. While they finally got the core hardware right in the Pixel 5, it was a weird year where they didn't offer an XL version and seemed to have taken a step back by doing away with its excellent face unlock (and speakers as well).

I just wish Google would commit to hardware a little more. They could use help in specs, design, quality, and consistency.

Alas, we shall see if the S21 is the right time to finally depart from the Pixel line...!

 

[Ragnarianrok]

Re: S21/+/Ultra hands-on reviews

Read somewhere that the embargo lifts tomorrow, the 21st. Anybody else hear the same?

Overall, most of the early impressions have been positive, namely in software, design, finger print scanner, and camera.

I'm cautiously optimistic.

 

[jlangner]

Re: S21/+/Ultra hands-on reviews

One ui to me is still annoying. They've finally put the Google feed on the left home screen instead of the garbage Samsung page, but lots of little elements (stupid horizontal scrolling app drawer lol) that frustrate me are still there. As long as i can set Google apps as default instead of their Samsung counterpart I should be able to deal with it.
I'm switching purely for the hardware. I want a bigger screen and better battery life. As long as the software doesn't get in the way too much, I'll keep the ultra.

Samsung is using less and less of its own apps as default. More google and microsoft. I think google messages is default now, even onedrive is replacing samsung cloud. On my note only samsung app I use is galaxy wear and store otherwise use google calendar, google dialer, google photos, google contacts, etc. No biggie

 

[Ragnarianrok]

Re: S21/+/Ultra hands-on reviews

It's moves like this that make me optimistic that the S21 is finally the right time to join Samsung.

The first updates for the Galaxy S21 and Galaxy Buds Pro bring several improvements
https://www.androidcentral.com/first-updates-galaxy-s21-and-galaxy-buds-pro-bring-new-improvements

Along with the January security patch, the update comes with the following enhancements:

The Performance of the camera has been improved.
Wi-Fi connectivity and stability have been improved.
The performance of Fingerprint recognition has been improved.
Overall stability of functions has improved.

 

[Guyinbox]

Re: S21/+/Ultra hands-on reviews

Samsung is using less and less of its own apps as default. More google and microsoft. I think google messages is default now, even onedrive is replacing samsung cloud. On my note only samsung app I use is galaxy wear and store otherwise use google calendar, google dialer, google photos, google contacts, etc. No biggie

Yea I'm hoping i can also lansdale launcher on it and set it up just like the pixel.
In the US apparently Samsung messages is still the default. I have a watch active 2 and tab s7 plus also, and it would definitely be nice if they started using Google messages on all of their devices for synced messaging.
Since you used the Google dialer, does that include the voicemail tab with automatic transcription like on the pixels?

 

[Ragnarianrok]

Re: S21/+/Ultra hands-on reviews

(stupid horizontal scrolling app drawer lol)

I bet this is to emulate iOS' app pages.

Agree, shouldn't be part of One UI. Ah well.

 

[TheDonJ77]

Re: S21/+/Ultra hands-on reviews

I have spent 10 months on the 6.9" Galaxy S21 Ultra and after this a 6" Pixel 5 feels like a Hobbit phone and therefore, I am going for the 6.8" Galaxy S21 Ultra.

@hobbit phone

 

[stackberry369]

Re: S21/+/Ultra hands-on reviews

It's moves like this that make me optimistic that the S21 is finally the right time to join Samsung.

The first updates for the Galaxy S21 and Galaxy Buds Pro bring several improvements
https://www.androidcentral.com/first-updates-galaxy-s21-and-galaxy-buds-pro-bring-new-improvements

Along with the January security patch, the update comes with the following enhancements:

The Performance of the camera has been improved.
Wi-Fi connectivity and stability have been improved.
The performance of Fingerprint recognition has been improved.
Overall stability of functions has improved.

How do you update the Buds?

 

[burwil]

Re: S21/+/Ultra hands-on reviews

Bemusing Reality with YT review......

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wFoSMSEWkaY&ab_channel=ASBYT

He mentions the softening of portrait images which I hoped Samsung would finally address.

 

[Ragnarianrok]

Re: S21/+/Ultra hands-on reviews

Bemusing Reality with YT review......

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wFoSMSEWkaY&ab_channel=ASBYT

He mentions the softening of portrait images which I hoped Samsung would finally address.

I wish he showed some samples...

 

[Ragnarianrok]

Re: S21/+/Ultra hands-on reviews

MKBHD S21 Ultra review is up:

 

[Ragnarianrok]

Re: S21/+/Ultra hands-on reviews

Verge review:

 

[Ragnarianrok]

Re: S21/+/Ultra hands-on reviews

Camera comparison between iPhone Pro Max and S21 Ultra:

I mean, I think they're effectively both equally good, but I give the S21 the edge due to the better blacks.

All in all, it looks like Samsung's camera is, at the very least, up to par with Apple and Google's still photography.

Feeling like this is a good year to leave the Pixel...

 

[Ragnarianrok]

Re: S21/+/Ultra hands-on reviews

Okay, a few reviews have mentioned ads.

Is this something we can disable or not? What's the full story here? Starting to feel a little concerned about them...

I mean, if they're only in Samsung apps, I don't plan to use Samsung apps where I can replace them with Google apps, but if they're going to just pop up in my notification panel once in a while, that could get annoying fast. If it's once in a super rare while, fine, but if it's even remotely frequent enough, that'll give me serious pause.

Can't believe Samsung thinks this is okay to do...