Pixel 5, iPhone 12, and more

2021 has barely started, but Samsung has already launched the Galaxy S21 series. This makes it the earliest launch for a Samsung flagship. The new phones have big batteries, loads of power, and impressive screens, which make for intriguing suggestions.

Are you in the market for an upgrade but want to know what else is out there? This is where we come in when we look at the best alternatives for the Samsung Galaxy S21.

The best Samsung Galaxy S21 alternatives

1. Xiaomi Mi 11

Samsung isn’t technically the first manufacturer to launch a Snapdragon 888 smartphone, as the Xiaomi Mi 11 was launched in China in late December. The phone can actually be bought, but currently only in the home market.

The Mi 11 offers the high-end internals mentioned above, but Xiaomi has also focused on delivering a great display this time around. For the first time since the Mi Note Pro 2015, the new phone has a 120 Hz OLED screen and QHD + resolution. Those who value a smooth and high-quality screen experience should keep this in mind.

See also: Xiaomi Buying Guide – Everything You Need To Know

Xiaomi’s phone also has some other useful features, including a 4,600 mAh battery, wired charging at 55 W, and wireless charging at 50 W. There is no zoom-focused camera on the back, but the 108-megapixel main shooter, the 13-megapixel ultra-wide snapper and the 5-megapixel telephoto macro lens should deliver solid results anyway. Oddly enough, the phone also offers heart rate detection via the built-in fingerprint sensor.

Again, Xiaomi’s phone is currently only officially available in China, but we expect a global launch in the coming weeks.

2. Samsung Galaxy S20 FE

For the Galaxy S21, when you spend ~ $ 100 extra on the Galaxy S20 FE, you get a more powerful processor, more basic RAM, and 8K recording. However, last year’s cheaper flagship has some advantages over the S21, such as: B. microSD support and a significantly larger battery.

Our verdict: Samsung Galaxy S20 FE review – a good cell phone for thrifty fans

Otherwise, the Galaxy S20 FE in 2021 is still a stacked device with an Exynos 990 or Snapdragon 865 processor, a 120 Hz FHD + OLED screen, and a flexible triple rear camera setup. Samsung is also promising three generations of Android version updates for a variety of phones, including the Galaxy S20 FE, so you don’t have to worry about software updates.

It’s also worth noting that the device is currently listed for $ 600 on Amazon, making it $ 200 cheaper than the Galaxy S21.

3. Apple iPhone 12 series

Similar to Samsung, Apple has an iPhone 12 device at various prices. In addition to the super-fast A14 Bionic chipset, you get comparable OLED screens, 5G, wireless charging, and water resistance. The iPhone 12 Mini starts at $ 699 and goes all the way to the iPhone 12 Pro Max for $ 1,099.

Our verdict: Apple iPhone 12 Mini review | Apple iPhone 12 review | Apple iPhone 12 Pro review

The iPhone 12 Mini is $ 100 cheaper than the base Galaxy S21 but offers one a lot of smaller battery, no telephoto lens and only 64 GB of memory in the base model. In other words, it definitely seems like you’re getting more bang for your buck with the S21. Those who want a lot more bells and whistles from an iPhone should take a look at the iPhone 12 Pro or Pro Max, which offers features like a triple camera setup (or quad if you include the 3D depth camera), larger batteries, and 128 GB of basic storage.

It’s also worth noting that the iPhone 12 family lacks high refresh rate screens, fingerprint scanners (important during the pandemic), or the Galaxy line’s 8K recording options. But it hasn’t stopped many people from buying these phones because iOS is so clever and they have access to the Apple ecosystem.

4. Samsung Galaxy Note 20 Ultra

The Note 20 Ultra is still very expensive, but it’s worth keeping an eye on this 2020 flagship if you find a lot. The previous Ultra device from Samsung offers an Exynos 990 or Snapdragon 865 Plus chipset, a QHD + 120 Hz OLED screen and the usual Samsung flagship extras (protection class IP68, wireless charging, Dex support). It also includes a microSD card slot which is not guaranteed on the S21 series.

Our verdict: Samsung Galaxy Note 20 Ultra review – the bar is no longer being set

In contrast to the Galaxy S21 Ultra, the Note 20 Ultra still has a dedicated slot for the S Pen (as opposed to using a case). So, if you value the S Pen experience above all, this phone should be your consider. If you choose this Sode Ultra, you are missing out on the latest and greatest flagship silicon, a 5,000 mAh battery and two zoom-focused rear cameras. Even so, it’s still one of the best alternatives for the Galaxy S21.

5. Google Pixel 5

Google is taking a different approach with its latest Pixel phone and is foregoing flagship silicon in favor of an upper middle class processor. If gaming performance is extremely important to you, you’re always better off with the S21. Compared to the basic S21, however, it lacks a few other functions, e.g. B. a third rear view camera and a refresh rate of 120 Hz.

Our verdict: Google Pixel 5 review

That said, the Pixel 5 package has features like a 90Hz OLED screen, IP68 water / dust resistance, dual rearview camera (with an ultra-wide snapper), wireless charging, and a 4,080mAh battery. The pixel phones from Google are also characterized by image quality, standard Android and a longstanding commitment to software updates. Samsung is also jumping on the latter promise with its flagships.

6. OnePlus 8 Pro

The OnePlus 9 might be on the horizon, but the OnePlus 8 Pro is still a pretty good alternative for the Galaxy S21 in 2021. There’s a strong argument that it’s also the brand’s first full-blown premium flagship. This is thanks to the device, which for the first time offers IP68 water / dust resistance and wireless charging. However, with a QHD + 120Hz OLED screen, it also enters premium territory, much like Samsung’s high-end flagships.

See also: OnePlus 8 Pro revisited – the good and bad six months later

OnePlus’ Pro model also bucked the company trend of delivering good, but not great, camera quality due to the use of Sony’s IMX689 48MP sensor for the main camera and a 48MP ultra-wide camera. But we could definitely do without the tricky color filter camera.

At the time of writing, the OnePlus 8 Pro is available for purchase on the OnePlus Store for $ 799. That’s the same price as the base Galaxy S21, which offers newer flagship silicon and 8K shots. The Pro version still offers you a suitable telephoto camera, a larger battery, faster wireless charging and a QHD + display.

That’s it for our rundown of the best Galaxy S21 alternatives! Are there other phones that match the bill? Then leave a comment below.