Samsung's 2020 Budget King Revisited

Launched in mid-2020, the Samsung Galaxy A21 offered a compelling package of a large display, versatile quad-camera system, and long-lasting battery life, making it a strong contender in the budget smartphone segment.

Introduction: Samsung's Accessible All-Rounder

The Samsung Galaxy A21 was designed to deliver core smartphone experiences without breaking the bank. As part of Samsung's popular A-series, it brought features often reserved for more expensive phones, like a multi-lens camera and a modern bezel-less design, to an affordable audience.

Design & Display

With a plastic frame and back paired with a glass front, the A21 strikes a balance between durability and a premium feel. It features a 6.5-inch IPS LCD display with a 720x1600 pixel HD+ resolution. The 20:9 aspect ratio is great for watching videos, and the screen's hole-punch cutout for the selfie camera minimizes bezels for an immersive view.

Performance & Hardware

Powering the Galaxy A21 is the MediaTek Helio P35 chipset built on a 12nm process, coupled with 3GB of RAM and 32GB of internal storage (eMMC 5.1). This hardware is sufficient for everyday tasks like social media, web browsing, and light gaming. Storage is expandable via a dedicated microSDXC slot, a key feature for a budget device.

Camera

Quad-Camera Array

The rear camera system is a highlight, featuring four lenses:

• 16MP Main sensor: With an f/1.8 aperture for detailed shots in good light.
• 8MP Ultra-wide sensor: Expands the frame to capture more of the scene.
• 2MP Macro sensor: Allows for close-up shots of small subjects.
• 2MP Depth sensor: Assists in creating portraits with a blurred background effect.

Video recording tops out at 1080p at 30fps. On the front, a 13MP selfie camera handles video calls and selfies.

Battery & Charging

The phone is equipped with a sizable 4000mAh battery, which easily provides a full day of use on a single charge. It supports 15W wired charging for getting powered up quickly.

Software & Features

The Galaxy A21 launched with Android 10 overlaid with Samsung's One UI 2.0. This software offers a clean, user-friendly experience with features like Dark Mode and Digital Wellbeing. A rear-mounted physical fingerprint sensor provides secure unlocking.

Pros & Cons

• Pros:
  • Large, modern display with minimal bezels
  • Versatile quad-camera setup for a budget phone
  • Excellent all-day battery life
  • Expandable storage support
  • User-friendly One UI software
• Cons:
  • HD+ resolution can seem low on a 6.5-inch screen
  • Performance is basic and not for heavy gaming
  • Launched on an older Android version (10)

Tags: Samsung, Galaxy A21, budget phone, Android, camera, specs, review

A deep dive into the Samsung Galaxy A21, a 2020 budget smartphone with a versatile quad-camera and a massive battery.