Samsung Galaxy S21 Phantom Gray 128GB

The refurbished Samsung Galaxy S21 is a budget-friendly flagship with a top-tier camera and 120Hz display. It's a great deal for under $200, but battery life and software updates are its main drawbacks. If you prioritize camera and display over battery, this is the phone for you.

The Snapdragon 888 is a few generations old now, but it's still no slouch. In our database, the S21 lands in the 67th percentile for performance, which is solid for daily use. Apps open quickly, scrolling is smooth thanks to the 120Hz display, and even demanding games run fine at medium to high settings. You won't get the raw power of a Snapdragon 8 Gen 3, but for most people, this is more than enough.

Battery life is the weak spot. The 4000mAh cell is on the smaller side, and with the 120Hz screen, you'll likely need to charge by evening if you're a heavy user. Charging is 25W wired, which is slower than many newer phones, but it's fine. Wireless charging at 15W is a nice bonus. In our tests, the battery scores in the 73rd percentile, which is about average. Not terrible, but not a marathon runner either.

Compared to the Google Pixel 10 Pro, the S21 is a much older phone, but it costs a fraction of the price. The Pixel has a better camera and longer software support, but you're paying flagship money for that. The Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra and Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max are in a completely different league on performance and camera, but they cost many times more. The Motorola Razr Ultra 2025 is a foldable with a different appeal entirely, and the OnePlus 15 is a strong modern flagship, but none of them can be had for under $200. If you want a flagship experience without the flagship price, the S21 is still the sweet spot.

At $150 to $189, this is a fantastic deal. You're getting a phone that originally cost $800, and it still outperforms many new budget phones in camera and display quality. The Pixel 9 Pro XL is way more expensive, and even the Moto G series can't match the S21's camera. If you're okay with the battery and lack of updates, this is one of the best values in the used market.

If you're hunting for a budget phone that still feels flagship, the refurbished Samsung Galaxy S21 is hard to ignore. This unlocked 128GB model is going for around $150 to $189, which is a steal for what you get: a 6.2-inch Dynamic AMOLED 120Hz display, Snapdragon 888 processor, 8GB RAM, and a triple camera setup that punches way above its price. It's a 2021 flagship, but it still holds up surprisingly well in 2025.

The S21 is compact by today's standards, which is a plus if you're tired of giant slabs. It's IP68 water-resistant, has wireless charging, and even reverse wireless charging. The camera system includes a 64MP telephoto with 30x space zoom, a 12MP ultrawide, and a 12MP main sensor. For photography, it scores in the 93rd percentile, which is one of the best we've seen for any phone in this price range.

We're looking at the SM-G991U, the US unlocked version, in Phantom Gray. It's rated EXCELLENT 9/10 by the retailer, meaning it should have minimal wear. If you're on a budget but want flagship features without the flagship price, this is a serious contender.

If you're a heavy user who needs all-day battery life, the S21's 4000mAh battery might not cut it. Also, if you want the latest Android updates or expandable storage, this isn't the phone for you. Consider a newer budget phone like the Moto G Power or a Pixel 7a if those matter more.

Should you buy the Samsung Galaxy S21 in 2025? If you're on a tight budget and want a phone that takes amazing photos, has a gorgeous display, and feels premium, yes. It's a great choice for photography enthusiasts who don't want to spend $1,000. But if you need all-day battery life or the latest Android updates, you might want to look elsewhere. For the price, it's hard to beat.