The smartphone market has seemingly hit a plateau in recent years as all devices are fairly capable of all but the most intensive tasks, they all have beautiful displays and decent to great battery life. But they’ve also gotten pricier over the years.
Today, with around $400, which device should you go for? Well, you could get a new midrange device and be very happy with it. However, there’s a case to be made about older flagships that seem to get more and more support.
Related:
- Death of the flagship smartphone is coming
- Here’s why Galaxy S21 Users Need to Upgrade to the Galaxy S23 Series
The Samsung Galaxy S21+ and its sibling the Galaxy S21 and the Galaxy S21 Ultra emerged as a beacon of innovation and performance when released in January 2021 . Now, in 2023, with newer models hitting the market and technological advancements pushing boundaries, the question arises: Is the Galaxy S21+ still worth your consideration? In this comprehensive exploration, we’ll delve into the key aspects of the Galaxy S21+ and assess its relevance in today’s highly competitive smartphone arena
I have the Galaxy S21+ 5G Exynos version from the UAE. It is the dual SIM version with 2 physical SIMs and an eSIM. It currently runs on Android 13-based OneUI 5.1 and has 8GB of RAM and 128GB of internal storage.
Related:
- Samsung Announces The Galaxy S21 FE: Here’s What We Know
- Samsung Galaxy S21 vs Galaxy S22: What Are the Key Differences
Design and Display
The Galaxy S21+ was lauded for its sleek design and captivating display upon release, and these attributes still hold strong in 2023. The premium glass back and metal frame continue to exude sophistication, while the 6.7-inch Dynamic AMOLED display remains a visual treat. The 120Hz adaptive refresh rate ensures fluid interactions, and the vibrant colors and crisp resolution make content consumption a pleasure.
Coming from the Galaxy S9+ with an eye-candy 1440p, I was at first disappointed that this panel is only 1080p but honestly, this is a great display and the 120Hz refresh rate makes all the difference.
While newer models may boast incremental improvements in design aesthetics, the S21+ holds its own, offering a timeless and premium feel that doesn’t easily fade into obsolescence. If a polished design and an impressive display are at the top of your smartphone priority list, the Galaxy S21+ still competes admirably.
NOTE: These panels are prone to screen burn in so don’t be like me, examine the display keenly with a white background on the display and see how bad the issue is on your unit before you splurge.
Performance and Power
Under the hood, the Galaxy S21+ packs a punch with its Exynos or Snapdragon processor (depending on the region) and 8GB or 12GB of RAM. Even in 2023, this hardware configuration proves capable of handling demanding tasks, multitasking, and resource-intensive applications. While it may not match the absolute cutting edge of the latest releases, the S21+ remains more than competent for the majority of users.
The 4800mAh battery, coupled with intelligent power management, still delivers a satisfactory all-day battery life. Fast charging and wireless charging support remain valuable features, ensuring that the device stays relevant in a world where convenience and efficiency are paramount.
Camera System
The camera system on the Galaxy S21+ was a standout feature during its debut, and it continues to impress in 2023. The triple-camera setup, featuring a 12MP wide-angle lens, a 12MP ultra-wide-angle lens, and a 64MP telephoto lens, produces high-quality images in various conditions. The inclusion of features like Night mode and 8K video recording adds to the device’s versatility.
The Director’s View, introduced with the S21 series, still provides a unique and creative approach to capturing content. It allows you to have a feed from all the cameras on the device all at the same time, allowing you to switch between them as and when you want.
This mode can be very useful for vloggers. In my experience, it sucks juice very very fast so bear that in mind as you explore.
The selfie and portrait modes, in my opinion, is where the S21+ really shines. The camera app and the editing suite included provides you with so much flexibility and capability even after taking the shot with features that help you change the degree of background blur in post.
While newer models may bring incremental improvements in camera technology, the Galaxy S21+ remains a reliable choice for photography enthusiasts who prioritize a balance between performance and affordability.
Software and User Interface
The Galaxy S21+ benefits from Samsung’s commitment to software updates and runs on the latest version of Android with the One UI 5 skin with Android 14-based One UI 6 expected soon.
This skin is feature-rich and packed with customizations and helpful features alike. Look out for an upcoming post on One UI features.
Samsung has promised to provide four years of Android updates for all Galaxy flagships from 2019 and later, including the Galaxy S21 Plus. This means that the Galaxy S21 Plus will receive Android updates until at least 2025.
Related:
- Samsung Galaxy S21 vs Galaxy S22: What Are the Key Differences
- Samsung Galaxy S22 vs S22+ vs S22 Ultra: Here Are the Key Differences
In a market where software support is a crucial factor in determining a device’s longevity, the Galaxy S21+ stands out as a device that continues to receive attention and updates from the manufacturer.
Connectivity and 5G
The Galaxy S21+ was one of the early adopters of 5G technology, and in 2023, it remains a capable contender in terms of connectivity. I was able to connect to Safaricom 5G with no issues at all and impressive speeds.
As 5G networks continue to expand globally, the S21+ ensures that users stay at the forefront of high-speed mobile data. 4G and 3G is also supported and in Kenya, I didn’t have any signal issues on Airtel Kenya or Safaricom.
Additionally, support for Wi-Fi 6 adds to the device’s connectivity prowess, making it a future-ready choice. I don’t have a Wi-Fi 6 router so I couldn’t test this, but I haven’t had WiFi issues.
- Buy Samsung Galaxy S21 5G (128GB, 8GB) – Amazon
- Buy Samsung Galaxy S21 Plus 5G (256GB, 8GB) – Amazon
Samsung Dex
Now here’s something I didn’t think I’d like as much as I did because, for me, this has always been a gimmick. Samsung DeX is a software and hardware combination that allows you to use your Samsung device as a desktop-like computer.
You can access apps, files, and tools on a monitor or a touchpad, but it is not a full-fledged desktop replacement. However, it is more capable than you think. I recently went on a digital detox weekend and left my PC behind. I had to get some things done online and out of curiosity I just tried the Dex wireless feature.
With Chrome, I was able to handle all the editorial tasks I needed to do with no fuss at all. That all my mobile apps are still available is just the icing on an already delicious cake.
Conclusion
In the fast-paced world of smartphones, the Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G has proven its resilience. While it may not boast the absolute latest and greatest features, its combination of design, display, performance, camera capabilities, and software support positions it as a compelling option in 2023.
For users who prioritize a well-rounded device with a premium feel and are mindful of their budget, the Galaxy S21+ is undoubtedly still worth considering. As we look ahead to the future of mobile technology, the Galaxy S21+ stands as a testament to Samsung’s ability to create devices that withstand the test of time.
I’m a tech enthusiast and digital explorer based in Kenya passionate about Android, Linux, and the world of custom ROMs. I love tinkering with devices to craft personalized, optimized experiences. When I’m not deep in code or tweaking gadgets, you’ll find me immersed in science fiction, philosophy, or writing about the ever-evolving tech landscape from an African perspective.
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Talkio Mobile , Uganda’s newest telecommunications service provider, is excited to announce a groundbreaking partnership with Banana Life Investments, a leading chain of mobile phone and retail shops. This strategic alliance aims to bring Talkio’s innovative telecom services closer to Ugandans.
This collaboration will leverage Banana Life Investments’ extensive retail network of 26 stores strategically located across Uganda in major malls, towns, and cities to provide customers with unparalleled convenience. Through this partnership, Talkio Mobile will offer its full suite of services, including SIM cards, airtime, and exclusive product offerings at any Banana Life Investment location.
This partnership is more than a business initiative—it’s a shared commitment to transforming lives. By integrating Talkio Mobile’s forward-thinking services & nationwide reach with Banana Life Investments’ retail footprint, the two brands are setting a new standard for customer convenience and inclusivity.
READ ALSO: 5 Things You Need to Know About Talkio Mobile: New Telecom Company in Uganda
“This partnership aligns perfectly with our mission of connecting Ugandans to innovative and transformative telecom solutions,” said Vianne Allan Ahura, CEO of Talkio Mobile. “By leveraging Banana Life Investments’ trusted presence and nationwide footprint, we are not only expanding our agent network but also bringing our services closer to the communities we serve. This collaboration ensures that our online customers can now enjoy a seamless offline experience right at their doorstep. Together, we are empowering Ugandans with the tools they need to stay connected, grow their businesses, and unlock new opportunities.”
Solomon Ssemuyaba, the assistant general manager at Banana Life Investments, echoed this sentiment: “We are proud to join hands with Talkio Mobile to deliver innovative, customer-centric solutions. This partnership represents our shared vision of fostering a connected future for Uganda. Together, we are redefining what convenience and accessibility mean for our customers.”
The partnership goes beyond retail distribution, introducing joint initiatives aimed at value addition and personalized service. Customers can expect seamless access to:
- SIM Card Sales : Available at all Banana Life Investments locations.
- Talkio phone number bookings : Book your preferred Talkio number at any Banana Life Investments location.
- Airtime Services : Recharge easily through in-store purchases.
- Customer Support : Friendly and knowledgeable staff trained to assist with Talkio Mobile products and services.
Additionally, the two companies plan to launch promotional campaigns and expand services to even more locations, ensuring no Ugandan is left behind in the digital transformation.
Solomon Obwot is a tech writer based in Kampala, Uganda, with extensive experience in the local tech startup ecosystem. He covers the latest news and analysis on consumer tech, writes in-depth smartphone reviews, and conducts insightful interviews with industry experts. Solomon is also a passionate podcaster, sharing his knowledge and engaging in discussions about Africa’s rapidly growing tech landscape. Send emails to [email protected]
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The Mobile World Congress (MWC) Barcelona , the world’s largest exhibition for the mobile industry, has just concluded. This annual event gathers leading technology brands to unveil groundbreaking mobile, AI, and digital solutions innovations. At MWC 2025, TECNO showcased a range of AI-driven products, reinforcing its commitment to cutting-edge technology.
The key launches included:
- CAMON 40 Series – AI-powered smartphones with One-Tap FlashSnap and advanced mobile imaging features.
- MEGABOOK S14 – The world’s lightest 14-inch OLED laptop, featuring AI-enhanced multitasking and Snapdragon® X Elite.
- MEGABOOK T14 Air & K15S – Lightweight ultrabooks with AI capabilities and extended battery life.
- TECNO AI Glasses Series – Smart eyewear integrating AI imaging, translation, and AR display.
Jan Stryjak, Associate Director at Counterpoint Research, shared, “In the past year, we have observed significant advancements in the field of AI. AI will continue to drive transformative changes in our daily lives. In this critical period for the economic development of emerging markets, TECNO’s AI technologies are unlocking potential for diverse needs.”
“The application of AI technologies is crucial and urgent in emerging markets. We’re committed to bridging the digital gap between emerging and mature markets,” said TECNO CMO, Laury Bai. “TECNO is taking a practical approach to make AI more accessible, ensuring users in emerging markets can access AI and cutting-edge technologies.”
Laury Bai, TECNO CMO
Driven by its commitment, TECNO has forged a robust partnership with MediaTek, establishing a joint AI laboratory dedicated to accelerating advancements in AI. At the event, James Chen, Vice President of Product and Technology Marketing at MediaTek, emphasized, “The synergistic R&D efforts between TECNO and MediaTek are set to democratize AI technology. Our collaboration powers a seamless, interconnected AI experience, bringing users a future of truly connected intelligence.”
James Chen, Vice President, Product and Technology Marketing at MediaTek
CAMON 40 Series Powered by AI One-Tap FlashSnap Revolutionizes Smartphone Snapshot Photography
TECNO’s Global Product Launch Officer, Olivier Mas, officially unveiled TECNO’s next-generation AI-driven products. Attendees at TECNO’s launch event witnessed the highly anticipated debut of TECNO’s new CAMON 40 Series, a device that embodies TECNO’s legacy of excellence in mobile imaging. Featuring One-Tap FlashSnap Mode and TECNO AI, the series sets a new benchmark in smartphone photography, delivering exceptional snapshot capabilities and AI-enhanced user experiences.
Olivier Mas, TECNO Global Product Launch Officer
The CAMON 40 Series exemplifies a commitment to innovation that transcends hardware and software, extending into strategic partnerships that deliver cutting-edge AI solutions to emerging markets. Matt Waldbusser, Managing Director of Global Solutions and Consumer AI at Google Cloud, remarked, “Our collaboration with TECNO on the CAMON 40 Series is a standout example. Leveraging Google Cloud’s capabilities, we’ve introduced groundbreaking features such as Ask Ella, AI Image Generator, AI Writing, and AI Translate. I am particularly impressed by the industry-leading and competitive edge of some of these innovations. For instance, TECNO’s AI supports text translation in 136 languages, voice translation in 44 languages, and photo translation in 51 languages. We are excited to further strengthen our partnership with TECNO, unlocking limitless potential to bring advanced yet practical AI capabilities to emerging markets in a convenient and secure manner.”
Matt Waldbusser, Managing Director of Global Solutions and Consumer AI at Google Cloud
The CAMON 40 Series’ innovative One-Tap FlashSnap leverages AI to enhance imaging capabilities, revolutionizing mobile photography. AI optimizes camera startup and continuous shooting for instant captures, while AI-powered multi-frame processing intelligently reduces noise and enhances details, delivering sharper, more refined images. Additionally, the BestMoment algorithm analyzes motion patterns, automatically selecting the optimal frames for precise, high-quality shots in dynamic scenarios, ensuring users an unparalleled mobile imaging experience.
TECNO CAMON 40 Demonstrates the Cutting-Edge FlashSnap Capability
To delve deeper into the imaging prowess of the CAMON 40 Series, TECNO invited Frédéric Guichard, CEO of DXOMARK, to share the image performance of CAMON 40 Pro. Frédéric highlighted, “The CAMON 40 Pro 5G has demonstrated exceptional imaging and performance capabilities in our rigorous evaluations. We’ve been particularly impressed with photo performance being the best for devices under 600$, and the 1st eligible device to our Smart Choice Label.”
Onsite photo of Frédéric Guichard, CEO of DXOMARK
Beyond its advanced rapid-capture functionality, the integration of TECNO AI further enhances the device’s capabilities. Intelligent imaging, a 360° AI Call Assistant, and productivity tools elevate creativity and efficiency. Powered by MediaTek’s latest chipsets, the series ensures smooth performance, fast processing, and extended battery life. With a sleek, durable, and water-resistant design, it seamlessly blends style with practicality for modern users.
MEGABOOK S14, the World’s Lightest 14-inch OLED Laptop, Inspires Creators and Game Lovers
The MEGABOOK S14 is TECNO’s first OLED laptop and the industry’s lightest 14-inch OLED laptop, featuring a 2.8K OLED display and incredibly weighing only 899g (31.7oz). The laptop is equipped with the outstanding power of the Snapdragon® X Elite compute platform, the flagship chipset for AI PCs from Qualcomm Technologies, and integrates TECNO’s world’s first self-developed edge-side large-scale AI model, to achieve AI-enhanced multitasking.
World’s Lightest 14-inch Laptop MEGABOOK S14
Specifically designed for next-gen AI productivity, TECNO AI enhances the Ella AI Assistant, AI-powered PPT generation, AI-driven image search, smart albums, and offline meeting transcription with multilingual support. The External Graphics Dock, equipped with a powerful NVIDIA graphic card, delivers scalable, high-performance capabilities for design, gaming, and content creation. The laptop’s 2.8K OLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate ensures exceptional visuals, while DTS:X Ultra dual 2W speakers, Wi-Fi 6E, fingerprint login, and PC Manager optimize connectivity and user experience.
TECNO’s strategic partnership with Qualcomm Technologies was a highlight of the TECNO AI Ecosystem Product Launch event, demonstrating a shared vision for the future of AI PCs. Kedar Kondap, SVP & GM of Compute and Gaming at Qualcomm, took the stage to discuss the integration of Qualcomm’s cutting-edge PC chipset into the new MEGABOOK S14 laptop, underscoring TECNO’s commitment to delivering high-performance computing solutions.
Kedar Kondap, SVP & GM of Compute and Gaming at Qualcomm
In addition, TECNO also introduced several standout new products. The featherlight 999g (35.2oz) ultrabook MEGABOOK T14 Air, features high-speed storage and LPDDR5 memory, while the ultra-thin, all-metal MEGABOOK K15S, equipped with a powerful 70Wh battery and supported by a 65W PD GaN charger, offers a smarter and more long-lasting user experience. Both devices are empowered by TECNO AI with advanced AI capabilities such as AI Album and AI Voice Assistant, making them perfect companions for all aspects of life.
The Next Game-Changing Tech Innovation: See the World with the TECNO AI Glasses Series
TECNO’s new AI Glasses Series also took center stage with the introduction of TECNO AI Glasses Pro and TECNO AI Glasses, reimagining eyewear with cutting-edge imaging, intelligent interactions, and a sleek aesthetic. The TECNO AI Glasses feature an aviator design, while the Pro model showcases a browline style, both embodying timeless elegance and modern fashion.
TECNO AI Glasses Redefine the Way People See the Future
Equipped with a 50MP high-definition camera, the series integrates an OV50D sensor, a 100° ultra-wide-angle custom lens, and an AI ISP imaging chip, forming a mobile-grade imaging system. This system lets users capture stunning, high-resolution photos with advanced AI noise reduction and HDR capabilities. With real-time translation supporting over 100 languages, TECNO AI’s Ella empowers accurate translation even for less common languages, as well as voice control, AI-powered object recognition, and intelligent information summaries for ultimate convenience.
Additionally, the AI Glasses Pro features a MicroLED display with 7th-gen resin waveguide technology, offering a 30° field of view, over 1,500 nits of brightness AR display, and a lightweight, ultra-thin design. The AR display allows users to effortlessly enjoy features like translation display, navigation, information prompts, and teleprompting.
Equipped with a 250mAh battery, these glasses offer over 11 hours of music playback and 8 hours of mixed use with just 30 minutes of charging. An advanced ultra-linear speaker, bass enhancement, and spatial sound deliver an immersive audio experience, while Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.4 ensure seamless connectivity.
With these innovative launches, TECNO is setting new standards in mobile imaging and AI-enhanced technology, shaping a more connected and empowered future for consumers in emerging markets. Once again, TECNO has showcased its cutting-edge innovation on the global stage at MWC. With the brand essence of “Stop at Nothing”, TECNO’s relentless pursuit of innovation is making AI-powered technology more accessible, allowing consumers to experience the future ahead of time.
Solomon Obwot is a tech writer based in Kampala, Uganda, with extensive experience in the local tech startup ecosystem. He covers the latest news and analysis on consumer tech, writes in-depth smartphone reviews, and conducts insightful interviews with industry experts. Solomon is also a passionate podcaster, sharing his knowledge and engaging in discussions about Africa’s rapidly growing tech landscape. Send emails to [email protected]
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