Robert Triggs / Android Authority
Samsung launched its Galaxy S21 series in the earliest days of 2021, and they were some of the best flagships around for a while. You’ll find the powerful Snapdragon 888 chipset on all three phones, along with Samsung’s brilliant displays. Even though the Galaxy S21 series is among Samsung’s best, it isn’t a match for everyone. Here are some of the best Galaxy S21 alternatives to try instead.
More: Our favorite phones of 2021
The best Samsung Galaxy S21 alternatives
1. Samsung Galaxy S21 FE
Eric Zeman / Android Authority
Those looking for the closest Samsung Galaxy S21 alternative can’t find anything better than the Samsung Galaxy S21 FE. It’s newer, so you get a bit more value in terms of future upgrades. Additionally, Samsung has kept the best features from the Samsung Galaxy S21 series, while leaving behind what matters less. The result is a device offering most of the performance and features, but at a reduced price.
The Samsung Galaxy S21 FE keeps the powerful Snapdragon 888 processor, along with up to 8GB of RAM. Other specs include as much as 256GB of storage, a 6.4-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X with a 120Hz refresh rate, a 4,500mAh battery, and a capable triple-camera setup.
Related: Samsung Galaxy S21 FE review
Are there any downsides? Of course! Otherwise, the phone wouldn’t be any cheaper. The most significant changes are that the camera has been downgraded, and the build quality isn’t nearly as premium.
2. Samsung Galaxy S22 series
Eric Zeman / Android Authority
The Samsung Galaxy S21 series was great, but Samsung has released its latest and greatest flagship series, and these are obviously some of the best Samsung Galaxy S21 alternatives. The Samsung Galaxy S22 series grabs a winning formula and improves upon it.
The Samsung Galaxy S22 is the smallest of the bunch, featuring a 6.1-inch Full HD+ screen with a Dynamic AMOLED 2X panel and a 120Hz refresh rate. The Samsung Galaxy S22 Plus comes with the same technology, but the screen size is increased to 6.6 inches.
The Galaxy S22 Ultra sports a larger 6.8-inch display, which you can take more advantage of considering the phone comes with an S Pen. This essentially makes it a Galaxy Note replacement. Of course, this is also the most capable phone of the bunch, featuring the most cameras, largest battery, and overall better specs.
3. Xiaomi Mi 11
Eric Zeman / Android Authority
Samsung isn’t technically the first manufacturer to launch a Snapdragon 888 smartphone, as the Xiaomi Mi 11 launched in China at the end of December 2020.
The Mi 11 packs the aforementioned high-end internals, but Xiaomi has also focused on delivering a great display this time. The new phone packs a 120Hz OLED screen and QHD+ resolution for the first time since 2015’s Mi Note Pro. Those who value a smooth, high-quality screen experience should keep an eye on this.
See also: Xiaomi Mi 11 review
Xiaomi’s phone also packs several other neat features, including a 4,600mAh battery, 55W wired charging, and 50W wireless top-ups. You’re not getting a zoom-focused camera on the back, but the 108MP primary shooter, 13MP ultrawide snapper, and 5MP telephoto macro lens should deliver solid results anyway. Oddly enough, the phone also offers heart-rate detection via the in-display fingerprint sensor.
If you want a newer device from Xiaomi, the company has also released the Xiaomi 12. The only reason we’re not recommending that one instead is because the Xiaomi 12 is much harder to find outside of China.
4. Apple iPhone 13 series
Dhruv Bhutani / Android Authority
The iPhone 13 Mini offers a much smaller battery, no telephoto lens, and 128GB storage in the base model. In other words, it seems like you’re getting more bang for your buck with the S21. Those wanting plenty more bells and whistles from an iPhone should look at the iPhone 13 Pro or Pro Max, packing features like a triple camera setup (or quad if you include the 3D depth camera), bigger batteries, and up to 1TB of onboard storage.
It’s also worth noting that only the iPhone 13 Pro and Pro Max offer 120Hz refresh rates, and there’s still no fingerprint reader to be had. But it hasn’t stopped many people from buying these phones due to the slick nature of iOS and access to Apple’s ecosystem.
5. Google Pixel 6 series
Robert Triggs / Android Authority
After a year in the midrange realm, Google is back to flagships for the Pixel 6 series. Not only do they pack the biggest batteries and displays of any Pixel series, but Google has finally upgraded the camera specs in a big way. Perhaps most importantly, the Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro pack the first Google Tensor chip with a promise of five years of security patches.
Our verdict: Google Pixel 6 review | Google Pixel 6 Pro review
If you go for the vanilla Pixel 6, you’ll be treated to a 6.4-inch Full HD+ display with a central 8MP punch hole camera. The premium Pixel 6 Pro kicks that to 6.7-inches with a WQHD resolution and a 120Hz refresh rate. As for the rear cameras, both models pack 50MP primary lenses with 12MP ultrawide options. The Pixel 6 Pro adds a 48MP telephoto lens to the mix for added flexibility.
Unlike previous Pixels, you can choose how much storage you need. The Pixel 6 comes with either 128 or 256GB, and the Pixel 6 Pro adds a 512GB option to the mix. You’ll get 8GB of RAM on the vanilla model or 12GB on the Pro, as well.
6. OnePlus 9 Pro
Dhruv Bhutani / Android Authority
It may be among the most expensive devices on this list, but the OnePlus 9 Pro makes a pretty good Galaxy S21 alternative. OnePlus has moved fully past the flagship killer phase and into the killer flagship market with its impressive spec sheet. The device offers IP68 water and dust resistance and faster wireless charging than the OnePlus 8 Pro could touch. But it also roots further into premium territory with a QHD+ 120Hz OLED screen, much like high-end Samsung flagships.
See also: OnePlus 9, OnePlus 9 Pro, and OnePlus 9R buyer’s guide
OnePlus’s Pro model also moved to bring Hasselblad into the picture for an all-new camera array. 48MP and 50MP shooters cap it off with depth and telephoto lenses offering their support. You’ll get a Snapdragon 888 SoC as well, just as you would expect from a 2021 flagship.
There’s a much better alternative coming from OnePlus now: the OnePlus 10 Pro. This phone isn’t available outside of China, which is why we didn’t replace the OnePlus 9 Pro with it. It’s worth a look if you can get your hands on it, though.
That’s it for our rundown of the best Galaxy S21 alternatives! Are you looking for something different? Maybe consider looking at our list of the best high-end Android phones. Or, if you feel like saving money, we also have a list of our favorite budget phones.
