Power, battery and charging on the S21, S21+ and S21 Ultra

[SachikoT]

We’ve been noticing a lot of conversation in our Community about power, battery and charging on the S21 family devices, so wanted to consolidate a quick guide for you to help you with your questions!

What data/power cable comes with the S21, S21+ or S21 Ultra?

You’ll get a USB-C to USB-C cable in the box with your S21, S21+ or S21 Ultra that you can use for wired data transfer or to power your phone with a Samsung power adapter (sold separately).

What power adapter (power brick/travel adapter/charger block) should be used with the S21, S21+ or S21 Ultra?  

We recommend that you use a 25W USB-C Samsung Power Adapter (that block that goes into the mains) with your S21 device. This will allow you to benefit from Super-Fast charging with your phone to keep you going. You can use a compatible Samsung charger from a previous device, or can buy the adapter separately (as you know, it does not come in the box).

Do the S21, S21+ or S21 Ultra support wireless charging?

You can use Qi wireless charging to power your device with a wireless charger (sold separately) or can turn your new phone into a wireless charging pad to charge other compatible devices by using the Wireless Powershare feature.

Helpful power, battery and charging specifications

	Galaxy S21	Galaxy S21+	Galaxy S21 Ultra
Battery capacity	4,000 mAh	4,800mAh	5,000mAh
Data/power cable (included in the box)	USB-C to USB-C cable
Power adapter (sold separately)	USB-C power adapter
Wireless Charging	Yes, using Qi wireless charging standard
Wireless PowerShare	Yes
Wired Charging Speed	Super-Fast Charging with Samsung charger that supports this (25W USB-C)
Compatible Samsung power adaptor (sold separately)	Up to 25W

Will my 45W charger work with the S21 devices? 

A Samsung 45W USB-C power charger will charge the S21 super fast using up to 25W. To achieve super-fast charging speeds it must be connected usb-c to usb-c. 

The charger defines the maximum amount of power that it can draw but the device will define how much is actually drawn to the device. 

Is there a 45W charger available for the S21 series?

With the enhancements to our charging technology, we no longer see the benefit of 45W chargers and are able to deliver super-fast charging with 25W chargers.

Do you have more power, battery or charging questions, please post in the below! 

[Joeeye]

Yes any charger with a USB-C will charge it, however you need the samsung pd chargers 25W to charge at its best speed. To connect to PC you can either use Samsung Dex or in Windows, the your phone app via link to Windows. You can also connect it to the PC via USB-C like most phones.

[Andyw2100]

Thanks. The only choices I have are automatic and manual. If I select manual there is only one Verizon network to select.

I found the following that applies to the S20, but apparently things are different on the S21, as I do not have the options shown below. I have opened support tickets with both Verizon and Samsung.

--

Samsung Galaxy S20+ 5G / Galaxy S20 Ultra 5G - Network Mode Settings

1. From a Home screen, swipe up or down from the center of the display to access the apps screen.
    These instructions only apply to Standard mode and the default Home screen layout.
2. Navigate: Settings   > Connections > Mobile networks.
3. Tap Network mode.
4. Select the appropriate setting:
   • GLOBAL: This is the preferred setting for most locations and should only be changed if experiencing service issues.
   • LTE / CDMA: This setting should only be selected if experiencing service issues in locations that offer multiple network types and only LTE/CDMA is needed.
   • LTE / GSM / UMTS: This setting should only be selected if experiencing service issues in locations that offer multiple network types and only LTE/GSM/UMTS is needed.
     
     

[Joeeye]

I see US model is different from the UK model since US use CDMA. Its the same for both S20 and S21 in the UK as you can see in my pic for the S21 Ultra.

[zzcool]

i get 5 hours of screen on time if even that, it is so bad that it reminds me of the old days of smartphones, i guess i got too spoiled by my mate 10 pro and it's 8 hours screen on time, i do use max brightness though so it may vary from person to person

[yagga]

my dual wireless pad is not working with the plug and cable I brought it with I purchased it in August 2020 it is just flashing orange

[WA_81]

Yes, the battery is so bad. I bought all the proper equipment and change it properly and my brand new phone is like a 4-year-old phone. I have requested help in making a refund. Currently looking at Google phones as I hate Apple so much but at this point, I would try them out. The worst part for me is I traded in my S10 for the new S21 and forgot to pack snacks with it for its long trip to refurbished world. Best phone I ever had and a huge mistake I made returning it. I'm Sorry!! Forgive me, please! Do over...I want a do-over. Samsung told me they couldn't get me my phone back. I tried

[Albabarn]

since day 1 I've experienced poor battery life, it's not improved in any meaningful way and now even the phone is recognising there's something wrong...

[Albabarn]

Update on this from the social team, I've been offered courier repair or doorstep which is a (no pun intended) step in the right direction.
unfortunately there's a question around data security, my only option is to factory reset my phone. the issue is that I lose access to my authentication apps (which are set up from phone to phone be sharing a qr code) and more importantly my online banking. without my "old phone" to authenticate the new login I'll need to find a cash machine to help get a code which is a bit risky given the apocalypse and all that.
a shame that as with buying a phone from a carrier, it's the customer that is inconvenienced due to faulty kit supplied 😔

[Ajs3]

I've had such bad battery life I can't even begin to explain. Draining 30% overnight for 6hrs for instance. Barely getting 3-4hrs of SOT.  Returned by first phone, 2nd one is actually worse.  Installed the AUB9 update today but so far absolutely no change - lost 12% in 2hrs with 20min SOT.  I am so done with Samsung.  And they want to call this a "flagship" phone? Yeah right.

[Edgie70]

I actually think that Samsung have some of the worst battery life for a flagship model , I see they still use the Exynos chip in the S21 !! My wife's A71 uses the Snapdragon chip and battery is way better !!! What phone are you thinking of looking at , the OnePlus 8t looks good !