The Samsung Galaxy S21 5G As New pairs premium flagship hardware with a much friendlier price than it launched at. You’re getting a compact 6.2-inch handset with a top-tier AMOLED display, powerful Exynos 2100 processor and a very capable triple rear camera system.
Because this is an As New, manufacturer-refurbished phone, it’s been restored using genuine Samsung parts, fully tested and comes with a 12‑month warranty. Battery health is guaranteed at a minimum of 80%, so it should comfortably get through a day of typical use.
With a 4.9 out of 5 rating from owners, this is clearly a well-liked phone. For anyone who wants a flagship Samsung experience without paying current top-of-the-range prices, it’s a compelling option.
This Galaxy S21 5G is ideal if you want a compact, premium-feeling Android phone that still slips easily into a pocket or small bag. The 6.2-inch Infinity-O display keeps the overall footprint manageable, while the slim 0.8cm depth and Gorilla Glass Victus make it feel both modern and solid.
It suits mid-range to premium buyers who care about a great screen and strong cameras more than they do about having the absolute latest model. If you like streaming, social media and mobile gaming, the 120Hz Dynamic AMOLED 2X panel and 8GB of RAM will make everything feel smooth and responsive.
Content creators, Instagram fans and anyone who takes a lot of photos will appreciate the 64MP telephoto lens, 3x optical zoom, 30x Space Zoom and 8K video with the ability to grab high-resolution stills. The 10MP front camera with 4K video is also well suited to selfies and video calls.
If you’re on a very tight budget or need huge storage with a microSD card, this may not be the best fit. But for most people wanting a high-spec everyday phone that feels high-end yet costs far less than a brand-new flagship, it hits a sweet spot.
The 6.2-inch Infinity-O Dynamic AMOLED 2X screen is a real highlight. With Full HD+ resolution, HDR10+ support, a 2,000,000:1 contrast ratio and a 120Hz refresh rate, it looks crisp, punchy and silky smooth when you’re scrolling or gaming.
The camera system is very versatile for this price point. You get three rear lenses (wide, ultra-wide and 64MP telephoto) with 3x optical zoom and up to 30x Space Zoom, plus strong stabilisation and HDR for both photos and video. 8K video recording and 4K@60fps on the front camera are excellent for keen shooters.
Performance is strong thanks to the Exynos 2100 octa-core processor and 8GB of RAM, so multitasking, games and demanding apps should run comfortably. 5G support means you’re ready for the fastest mobile data speeds where coverage is available.
The build quality is solid, with Gorilla Glass Victus and an IP68 rating for dust and water resistance (up to 1.5 metres for 30 minutes). Wireless charging, fast charging, Wireless PowerShare and Samsung DeX compatibility add a lot of convenience and flexibility.
Being an As New device, it has been refurbished by Samsung using genuine parts, comes in mint condition and is backed by a 12‑month warranty, giving extra peace of mind over a typical used phone.
There’s no microSD card slot, so you’re locked to the built-in 128GB of storage. Heavy photo, video or game users may need to manage space more actively or lean on cloud storage.
The box doesn’t include a mains adaptor or headphones, just a USB‑C cable. If you don’t already have a compatible charger or earphones, that’s an extra cost and a mild annoyance out of the box.
Battery capacity at 4000mAh is decent rather than huge by modern standards, and with a 120Hz display and 5G use, very heavy users may find they need to top up before the end of a long day.
As an older flagship, software support will not last as long as Samsung’s newest models. It ships with Android 11 and One UI 3.1, and although updates will have moved it on, buyers planning to keep their phone for many years should factor in that it’s not the latest generation.
Day to day, the Galaxy S21 5G feels fast and responsive. The combination of the Exynos 2100 processor, 8GB RAM and 120Hz display makes everything from swiping through home screens to switching between apps feel instant, and animations look very fluid.
The 6.2-inch screen strikes a comfortable balance between usability and portability. It’s large enough for watching Netflix, browsing and editing photos, yet the relatively narrow 7.1cm width means many people will still find it usable one-handed. The Infinity-O design maximises screen space without chunky bezels.
Cameras are easy to point and shoot, with useful modes like Single Take and Super Steady helping you capture shareable photos and video without fiddling with settings. Face detection and stabilisation on both front and rear cameras help keep people sharp and footage smooth, which is great for quick snaps and clips.
Wireless charging, reverse wireless charging and USB‑C fast charging mean topping up the 4000mAh battery is straightforward, and the IP68 rating provides reassurance when using it in the rain or near the sink. Unlocking with face recognition or PIN is simple, and Samsung Knox security adds an extra layer of protection behind the scenes.
Without a bundled charger or headphones, the initial unboxing is a little bare, but setup is otherwise simple, especially if you’re already in the Samsung or Android ecosystem.
At its core, the Galaxy S21 5G is still a powerful flagship-class phone. The Exynos 2100 octa‑core chip and up to 2.9GHz clock speed keep performance brisk, while 8GB of RAM helps with multitasking and demanding apps. It’s well equipped for gaming, video editing and heavier workloads.
The display technology is standout: a 6.2-inch Infinity-O Dynamic AMOLED 2X panel with 1080 x 2400 resolution, HDR10+ support, 421ppi pixel density and a 120Hz refresh rate. Together, these specs deliver deep blacks, vivid colours and smooth motion, making it excellent for streaming, browsing and social feeds.
The triple rear camera array offers strong versatility. A 12MP main lens, 12MP ultra-wide and 64MP telephoto work together to cover everyday shots, landscapes and zoomed-in detail. Features like 3x hybrid optical zoom, 30x Space Zoom, Bright Night mode, HDR and robust image stabilisation help in tricky lighting and when shooting handheld. 8K@24fps on the rear and 4K@60fps on the front, plus 8K Video Snap, are impressive tools for content creators.
On the connectivity and smart features side, the S21 5G ticks almost every box: 5G, Wi‑Fi, Bluetooth 5, NFC for contactless payments via Samsung Pay, screen mirroring, wireless projecting and VR readiness. Samsung DeX support means you can connect to a monitor or TV for a more desktop‑like experience, which is handy for productivity.
Battery and charging are solid, with a 4000mAh lithium-ion cell, fast charging, wireless charging and Reverse Wireless Charging (Wireless PowerShare) for topping up accessories like earbuds. IP68 water resistance, Gorilla Glass Victus and an aluminium frame round out a robust and premium-feeling hardware package.
As an As New device, the Galaxy S21 5G offers far better value than it did at launch while still delivering a flagship-level experience. You’re getting a high-end screen, versatile cameras, 5G connectivity and premium build quality at a price more in line with the upper mid-range.
The strong 4.9/5 user rating suggests buyers feel they’re getting their money’s worth, particularly when you factor in the 12‑month warranty and Samsung-refurbished status. It sits as an attractive option for anyone who wants quality hardware without paying brand‑new flagship prices.
You do have to accept some compromises for the saving, such as fixed 128GB storage and the absence of a charger and headphones in the box. But for most people, the combination of performance, features and refurb-backed reassurance makes it a very strong value proposition.
If absolute latest‑gen software longevity or huge on-board storage are top priorities, a newer model or higher capacity variant might justify the extra spend. For everyone else, this strikes an excellent balance between cost and capability.
The Samsung Galaxy S21 5G As New is a smart way to get a premium Samsung experience without paying top-tier flagship prices. Its superb 120Hz AMOLED display, powerful processor and versatile triple camera system make it feel anything but dated, and 5G support keeps it current for fast data on the move.
There are trade-offs: no microSD slot, a modest (though adequate) 4000mAh battery, and a stripped-back box with no charger or earphones. Software support won’t match the lifespan of Samsung’s very latest models either. But the As New refurbishment, 12‑month warranty and excellent user reviews go a long way to offset those concerns.
If you want a compact, well-made Android phone with strong cameras, a brilliant display and modern conveniences like wireless charging and Samsung DeX, this Galaxy S21 5G As New is an easy model to recommend. Heavy media hoarders or those wanting the absolute newest tech may look higher up the range, but for most users it offers a very satisfying blend of performance, polish and price.
