SAMSUNG GALAXY A21S 3GB / 32GB | SM-A217F/DSN

Pros

• Long battery life (initially): The battery life is frequently praised, lasting a full day or more for many users, even with intensive use. Reports include 3 full days of battery life, and two days even with hotspot and Bluetooth enabled. Many users report very long battery life, even after years of use (although this degrades over time, see Cons). A 5000 mAh battery is mentioned. The battery is described as a "krachtpatser" (powerhouse) and "super". Multiple users report the battery lasts for two days. Several users report battery life lasting a week. Users consistently describe the battery life as excellent and long-lasting. One user describes the battery life as optimal.
• Large and clear screen: The screen is consistently praised for its size and clarity. Reviewers describe the screen as "good", "clear", "large", providing a "sharp" image, and as a source of pleasure. The display is described as beautiful and easy to view. The large screen is well-suited for watching Netflix and playing games. The screen provides a clear overview. It is described as "haarscherp" (razor-sharp), "mooi groot" (beautiful and large), clear and bright, and "overzichtelijk" (clear). The screen size is described as ideal. The screen is easy to read even in sunlight. The screen is described as large and pleasant to use. The screen is described as a "grand ecran" (large screen). The screen is described as beautiful and huge.
• Good value for money: Reviewers repeatedly highlight the phone''s affordability relative to its performance and features. Described as "good quality for the price", a "good deal", and a "best choice" for its price. Multiple users consider it excellent value. The phone is described as having a "scherpe prijs" (sharp price) and as "enorm goed voor een lage prijs" (extremely good for a low price). Price-quality is described as "geweldig" (great). The phone offers a lot of good specifications for a good price. The phone offers excellent value for money. Users consistently praise the phone''s affordability and excellent quality. The price-quality ratio is described as fantastic. Lots of memory for a good price is mentioned.
• User-friendly interface: The phone''s interface is considered intuitive and easy to use by users of all technical skill levels, including older users (75+, 66+, and 65+). Data transfer from older Samsung phones is described as easy. The menu is simple and easy to navigate. The phone is described as easy to use and convenient, "gebruiksvriendelijk" (user-friendly), "erg vrouwvriendelijk" (very woman-friendly), easy to use and intuitive, easy to use even for beginners, "makkelijk in gebruik" (easy to use), and "super facile" (super easy). The interface is described as "overzichtelijk" (clear). The phone is easy to set up and customize to personal preferences. The phone is described as simple to operate. The phone is described as "très facile à utiliser" (very easy to use). The phone is described as easy to use, and data transfer is easy.
• Good camera (for its price): The camera''s performance is generally considered adequate, especially considering the price point. Users report taking "very nice and sharp" photos and making beautiful pictures, including macro photos. However, some users report dull color quality and others note difficulties with photos and videos in low-light conditions or concerts. The camera is described as brilliant and perfect for capturing moments. Some users describe the camera as having a sharp and clear image quality. The camera is praised for taking "zalige foto''s" (great photos) and "haarscherpe foto''s" (razor-sharp photos). Users report taking beautiful, clear, and sharp photos, both during the day and at night. One user reports that the camera is one of the most important aspects of the phone. The camera is described as producing good quality pictures and having "supere goede kwaliteit" (super good quality). Users can zoom in far on their photos. The camera quality is described as much better than previous models. The camera is described as having four objectives for impeccable photos. However, the camera''s performance is significantly negatively impacted by low-light conditions. The camera quality is poor in low light and results in blurry images. The camera produces completely white images when the flash is used in low-light conditions. One user states that the camera is much better than that of an iPhone 12. Users describe the camera quality as "superbes photos qualité" (superb photo quality). The camera makes beautiful and detailed photos.
• Fast performance (initially): Several reviews mention speed and responsiveness, described as "fast" and "quick," but this is noted to decline over time (see Cons). The phone is described as fast and responsive. Charging is described as fast by one user. Games run smoothly without lag. The phone''s speed in searching and loading is described as incredible. The phone is described as very fast. The phone is described as "super snel" (super fast).
• Sufficient storage: 64GB and 128GB versions of internal storage are mentioned; many users find the storage sufficient. Expandable storage is possible via microSD card. However, some users find the storage insufficient. Many users report sufficient storage for their needs. The phone is described as having "veel geheugen" (lots of memory) and offering enough storage space for various uses. The memory is described as "TOP". However, applications only save to internal memory and cannot be moved to the microSD card. Users describe the storage as "grote opslag" (large storage). The internal memory is described as ample.
• Durable: Several users report the phone''s durability, withstanding drops and even water exposure without damage. The screen is described as strong and resistant even without a screen protector. The phone is described as resistant to damage from drops. The phone''s material is described as resembling glass more than plastic. The phone is described as "sterk" (strong). One user reported the phone surviving 10 drops onto a hard surface.
• Dual SIM capability: This feature is appreciated by some users. Used by some users without problems for personal and business use.
• Headphone jack: The presence of a 3.5mm headphone jack is implied as a positive feature by several users.
• Easy to hold: The phone is described as comfortable to hold and of a good size. However, some users find the size to be too large. It fits easily in a pocket or breast pocket. The phone is described as "ligt lekker in de hand" (fits comfortably in the hand), "handig" (handy), and "super maniable". The phone is described as "lekker groot" (nice and big) and fitting comfortably in the hand.
• Fingerprint and facial recognition: These features are frequently mentioned as convenient and efficient unlocking methods. Fingerprint recognition is described as always working well. The fingerprint scanner location is described as ideal. Facial and fingerprint recognition are described as always working. Bluetooth works well, along with fingerprint and facial recognition.

Cons

• Slow performance (over time): A significant decrease in speed and responsiveness after extended use is a common complaint. Lag, unresponsiveness, and freezing are frequently reported. Constant buffering on apps and WiFi disconnection are mentioned by one user. The phone is described as frequently freezing and needing restarts. It is also described as slow and lagging. The phone is described as sometimes reacting slowly while typing. One user reports that the phone''s on/off button is difficult to press and that the screen turns off quickly, requiring reactivation of all functions. The phone is reported to be slower than more expensive models. The phone becomes slow after extended use. The phone becomes slower when an SD card is inserted.
• Short battery life (after extended use): While initial battery life is excellent, several users report a significant decline in battery performance over time. Unexpected shutdowns and slow charging are also mentioned. Slow charging is a specific complaint, with one user noting it takes over two hours to fully charge. The battery life diminishes over time.
• Insufficient storage (for some): Some users find the available storage inadequate for their needs, particularly after installing numerous applications. Apps only save to internal memory. Some users report insufficient internal storage. One user notes that apps only save to internal memory. Apps cannot be saved to the microSD card.
• Lack of NFC: The absence of NFC is a significant drawback for users wishing to utilize contactless payment methods. SmartThings is inaccessible.
• Poor sound quality: Some users report issues with sound quality, including low volume, difficulty being heard during calls, and speaker malfunctions. The speaker could be louder. One user reports screen flickering during calls. The sound quality is described as being inferior to that of more expensive phones. Users report micro cuts in the microphone and speakers during calls. Calls sometimes cut off completely. SMS messages are sometimes shown as unsent, even though they were. The phone does not always send SMS.
• Touch screen issues: Several users report issues with the touchscreen, including poor responsiveness, oversensitivity, and intermittent malfunctions. The touchscreen is described as poor and slow. One user reports poor responsiveness or non-responsiveness at the top edges of the screen, particularly around the front camera. The touchscreen doesn''t work well at the edges when the phone is lying on a table.
• Low screen brightness/color saturation: Some users report issues with screen brightness and color saturation. Colors are described as dull or faded by some users. The screen is described as slightly dull.
• Slow start-up: The phone''s start-up time is reported to be slow by some users. The power button is described as difficult to press.
• Camera issues: Beyond the issues with photos in low-light conditions, some users report generally poor camera quality. The camera is described as fuzzy when zoomed in. Photos are often blurry and take a long time to take. The front camera does not always produce good images depending on lighting conditions. Back camera quality is not great when zoomed in. Some users report disappointment with photo quality, although this is considered acceptable given the phone''s price.
• 5G incompatibility: The phone''s lack of 5G connectivity is a disappointment for some users.
• Inconvenient power button location: One user reports the power button''s placement to be inconvenient.
• Difficulty typing: The large size of the phone causes typing difficulties for some users.
• Compatibility issues: Compatibility problems with certain Samsung smartwatches and data transfer issues with older Android phones (except older Samsungs) are mentioned. Contact transfer issues are noted.
• Incorrect system settings: One user reports incorrect system settings showing a different model number.
• Fragile screen: A cracked screen after three weeks despite using a screen protector and case is reported. The screen is reported to be easily scratched.
• Keyboard issues: The keyboard layout is reported to be incorrect for the Dutch language. An extra Enter key press is needed after entering a PIN.
• Frequent shutdowns: Unexpected shutdowns and the need for frequent restarts are reported.
• Missing features: The lack of Bixby and a dedicated music app are mentioned as drawbacks by some users. MirrorLink is missing. Messenger chat shortcuts are not on the home screen. The phone lacks slow-motion video capabilities. Power share function is missing.
• Slow charging: The charging speed is noted as slower than other phones.
• Wifi connectivity issues: One user reports constantly losing wifi connection. Three users report poor connectivity with wifi and mobile networks. One user reports weak GSM reception.
• App storage limitations: One user notes that apps only save to internal memory.
• Fingerprint scanner failure: One user reports that the fingerprint scanner stopped working after a year.
• Face recognition issues: Face recognition is reported to be unreliable.
• Screenshot difficulties: The screenshot function is described as difficult to use.
• Missing charger and earphone port: One user reports the phone arrived without a charger and earphone port.
• Missing bottom button: One user mentions the absence of a bottom button as inconvenient. The back is slippery, making the phone prone to dropping and screen cracking.
• Poor call quality: Poor call quality is reported by multiple users. The phone sometimes does not send SMS messages, and ringtone settings are limited.
• SD card limitations: Users report inability to move apps to the SD card. The phone is described as slow when an SD card is added.

Comments

Many users have reported using the phone for extended periods (over four years in some cases), highlighting its longevity despite the performance degradation over time. The age of the phone seems to be a primary factor influencing the negative reviews about speed and battery life. The ease of use for older users is frequently mentioned. A wide range of opinions is represented, with some users extremely satisfied and others significantly disappointed. The phone''s overall features are commonly praised as comprehensive. The discrepancy between initial high performance and later slowdowns is a recurring theme. Several users comment on the positive aspects of the phone despite the cons mentioned. Issues with Bluetooth connectivity and account logins are also noted. The phone is described as a good all-around phone for everyday use. Many users express strong satisfaction with the phone, describing it as "amazing", "wonderful", "godley", a "best choice", a great everyday phone, and a "masterpiece". Users frequently mention ease of use. The phone''s large size is both praised and criticized. Some users note that the phone is a significant improvement over their previous Samsung phone. The phone is described as a perfect everyday phone, a "top telefoon" (top phone), "geweldige telefoon" (great phone), and "fantastische telefoon" (fantastic phone). Many users express high satisfaction with the phone and its features. Several users mention that they plan to continue using the phone for a long time. One user notes the phone''s usefulness for managing diabetes via the Freestyle Libre 2 app. The phone is described as easy to use and reliable. Some users describe the phone as easy to use, even at 70 years old. The phone is described as not disappointing, meeting expectations and as a good upgrade from previous phones. Two users purchased two phones each. Many users highlight the phone''s ease of use and excellent price-to-quality ratio. The phone is praised for its functionality, speed, and ease of use. Users describe the phone as "super", "top", and "excellent". One user bought the phone upon release and considers it excellent value for money. Another user highlights the large screen and powerful battery as key features. One user notes that while the phone is large, it is easy to get used to. Multiple users purchased multiple phones of the same model, highlighting its value and satisfaction among users.