Samsung equips the S21 and S21+ with the same cameras. The measured values are very similar. Only the 2x measurement showed clear differences at 200 lux: Our S21+ sample did not like to focus cleanly at 200 lux even in several test runs. This costs points, but is probably a problem of our sample. We can recommend the Samsung S21 / S21 + as one of the best photo smartphones currently available. In bright light, it impresses with the high resolution of the 64MP sensor. When it gets darker, the main camera degrades, but remains very good. Switching to the 12 MP resolution is then advisable in dark environments. The same 64MP sensor is also used by the S21/ S21 + when zooming, as its resolution reserves are sufficient for image details corresponding to a 2x and 3x zoom. It can convince as a normal lens (2x zoom to approx. 50 mm KB), but it weakens as a 3x zoom. The super wide-angle camera is good.

Wide angle (main camera) – 1.8/5.4 mm (full-frame equivalent: 25

mm), 12-MP sensor, JPEG with 12 MP

and 2/5.9 mm (full-frame equivalent: 25 mm), 64 MP sensor,

JPEG with 64 MP

Samsung installs two wide-angle cameras in each of the S21 and S21+. The first one works with 12 million pixels, those are comparatively large and more light-sensitive. In addition, both models have another wide-angle camera with 64 million pixels with smaller cells. With both smartphones the photographer can thus switch between high resolution based on small pixels or 12MP images based on large pixels. The high resolution is only available in a special shooting mode.

In good light, the high-resolution pictures have the edge: Thanks to finer sensor resolution, they also capture more details. Moreover, the signal processing tunes the photos more gently compared to the 12MP files. The 64MP module copes well with complicated structures and can also reproduce details with low contrasts well.

As the light fades, the 64MP JPEGs visibly degrade and lose quality faster than the 12MP shots. Some fine structures are lost - not least as a result of noise reduction. Artifacts and noise become visible. The 12MP solutions, on the other hand, keep their image quality level relatively stable for a long time. We therefore recommend switching to 12MP images at the latest in twilight. However, the aggressive signal processing is once again noticeable, which sometimes makes the structures in 12MP shots look strongly unnatural.

Normal focal length – 2/5.9 mm (full-frame equivalent: 50 mm),

64 MP sensor, JPEG with 12 MP

The 2x zoom in the S21 and S21+ is based on the second main camera with 64 megapixels, since its resolution reserves are easily enough for a picture section corresponding to a 2x zoom. The result is 12MP JPEGs downscaled from 16 or perhaps 20 megapixels, which are convincing over most light levels. Sure, the image quality is lower than with the wide-angle, whether with 12MP or the maximum resolution, after all only the smaller sensor area in the center captures the image data. But for a normal focal length, the result is very decent. Even in low light, the pictures are slightly noisy but still acceptable. At night, however, it can't keep up - too many details are broken. 

Tele lens – 2/5.9 mm (full-frame equivalent: 70 mm),

64 MP sensor, JPEG with 12 MP

The S21/S21+ also offers a triple zoom based on the 64MP sensor with the 2/5.9 mm lens. Since the angle of view of the 64MP camera is slightly narrower than the angle of view of the 12MP camera, the corresponding image section on the 64MP sensor should natively deliver just under 12 megapixels. In any case, the JPEG has 12 MP but is less convincing than the 2x solution. In good light, the result is still okay, even though the pictures are clearly inferior to the telephoto camera of the S21 Ultra in terms of quality. When the light fades, the image quality visibly decreases. We then advise staying with the 2x zoom.

Super wide angle – 2.2/2 mm (full-frame equivalent: 13 mm),

12 MP sensor, JPEG with 12 MP

The super wide-angle with the 12MP sensor and the 2.2/2 mm (13 mm KB) optics is a common feature of all three S21 models. It performs equally well in the lab. In high light, the super wide-angle module delivers a good image with only the overly aggressive image tuning being a nuisance. When the light decreases, the fine detail initially decreases moderately and the noise increases. The signal processing still provides sharp edges and the resolution also stays at a good level. At night, we no longer recommend the super wide-angle for photography, as its performance then visibly degrades.  

SAMPLE PHOTOS

Wide angle (main camera) – 1.8/5.4 mm LENs (12 MP JPEGs)

Normal focal length – 2/5.9 mm lens (12 MP JPEGs)

Tele lens – 2/5.9 mm LENS (12 MP JPEGs)

Super wide angle – 2.2/2 mm lenS (12 MP JPEGs)