Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G UK Review 2025 – Premium Phone at Budget Price?
Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G UK Review 2025 – Premium Phone at Budget Price?

Quick Summary – Is the Samsung Galaxy S21+ Still Worth It in 2025?
Overview
The Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G remains a strong refurbished flagship smartphone in 2025. It delivers premium performance, a high-quality AMOLED display, excellent cameras, and full 5G support at a much lower price than newer flagship phones.
Who should consider it?
- Budget flagship buyers
- Students
- Mobile gamers
- UK refurbished phone buyers
At Low Price Phones, it is considered one of the best-value flagship alternatives.
Introduction – Why the Galaxy S21+ Still Matters in 2025
Market relevance
The Galaxy S21+ still holds strong value in the UK refurbished smartphone market due to its flagship-level hardware.
Why users still buy it
- Premium performance at low cost
- Strong camera system
- 5G connectivity
- AMOLED flagship display
Design & Build Quality
Premium flagship design
- Glass front and back
- Aluminium frame
- IP68 water resistance
- Contour-cut camera design
Real-world experience
| Feature | Experience |
|---|---|
| Design | Premium feel |
| Grip | Comfortable but large |
| Durability | Strong |
Display Performance
AMOLED quality
- 6.7-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X
- 120Hz refresh rate
- HDR10+ support
- Full HD+ resolution
Why it still stands out
- Smooth scrolling
- Deep blacks
- Bright outdoor visibility
- Excellent media experience
Performance & Speed
Flagship-level power
The S21+ still performs strongly in 2025 thanks to its flagship chipset (Snapdragon/Exynos variant depending on region).
Snapdragon vs Exynos
- Snapdragon → better gaming and efficiency
- Exynos → slightly weaker battery performance
Daily usage
- Fast app opening
- Smooth multitasking
- No lag in normal use
Performance table
| Task | Performance |
|---|---|
| Daily use | Excellent |
| Gaming | Very strong |
| Multitasking | Smooth |
Gaming Performance
Real-world gaming
- PUBG Mobile → High settings stable
- Call of Duty Mobile → Smooth FPS
- Asphalt 9 → No lag
Stability
- Slight heating under long sessions
- Stable performance overall
Camera System
Triple camera setup
- 12MP main camera
- 12MP ultra-wide
- 64MP telephoto zoom
Strengths
- Sharp daylight photography
- Strong zoom capability
- Natural colors
Weaknesses
- Average low-light performance
- No latest AI camera enhancements
Battery Life
Usage breakdown
| Usage | Battery Life |
|---|---|
| Light use | 1 full day+ |
| Moderate use | Full day |
| Heavy use | 6–8 hours |
Charging
- Fast wired charging
- Wireless charging support
Software Experience
One UI experience
- Smooth interface
- Clean design
- Strong customization
Limitations
- Limited future updates
- Older Android version
Price in the UK (2025)
Refurbished pricing
| Condition | Price |
|---|---|
| Refurbished | £220 – £350 |
| Used | £180 – £280 |
Connectivity & 5G Performance
- Full 5G support
- WiFi 6 support
- Strong UK network compatibility
- Stable signal performance
Deep Competitor Comparison
Samsung Galaxy S21+ vs S22
| Feature | S21+ | S22 |
|---|---|---|
| Battery | Better | Smaller |
| Performance | Strong | Slightly improved |
| Value | Higher | Expensive |
Samsung Galaxy S21+ vs S23
| Feature | S21+ | S23 |
|---|---|---|
| Performance | Strong | Faster |
| Camera | Good | AI improved |
| Price | Affordable | Expensive |
Samsung Galaxy S21+ vs A54
| Feature | S21+ | A54 |
|---|---|---|
| Build | Premium | Mid-range |
| Performance | Strong | Moderate |
| Camera | Better | Good |
Samsung Galaxy S21+ vs iPhone 13
| Feature | S21+ | iPhone 13 |
|---|---|---|
| Display | 120Hz AMOLED | 60Hz OLED |
| Customization | High | Limited |
| Performance | Strong | Very strong |
| Price | Cheaper | Expensive |
Who Should Buy Samsung Galaxy S21+
Ideal users
- Budget flagship buyers
- Gamers
- Camera users
- UK 5G users
Not recommended for
- Users needing latest updates
- Ultra-light users
- Entry-level buyers
Should You Buy or Skip in 2025?
Buy if you want
- Flagship performance at low price
- Premium AMOLED display
- Strong gaming experience
Skip if you want
- Latest Android updates
- Maximum battery efficiency
- Latest AI camera features
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Flagship performance
- Excellent AMOLED display
- Strong camera system
- 5G support
- Premium build quality
Cons
- Older software updates
- Battery not class-leading
- Slight heating in heavy gaming
Final Verdict
The Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G is still one of the best-value refurbished flagship smartphones in 2025.
It delivers premium performance, excellent display quality, strong cameras, and 5G support at a much lower price.
For UK buyers through Low Price Phones, it remains a top-tier budget flagship choice.
FAQs
Is Samsung Galaxy S21+ still good in 2025?
Yes, it still performs like a flagship and is great for daily use and gaming.
Does S21+ support 5G?
Yes, it fully supports 5G networks in the UK.
Is S21+ better than A54?
Yes, it is stronger in performance and build quality.
How long does battery last?
It lasts a full day with normal usage.
Is Samsung S21+ worth buying in UK 2025?
Yes, it is one of the best refurbished flagship deals available.