Galaxy S21 5G vs Galaxy S24+

The Samsung Galaxy S21 5G, released in January 2021, and the Samsung Galaxy S24 Plus, launched in January 2024, represent different generations within Samsung's flagship smartphone lineup. While both devices offer a premium Android experience, the Galaxy S24 Plus introduces significant advancements in display technology, processing power, and software longevity, reflecting three years of technological evolution. Both operate on the Android platform, but with varying levels of ongoing software support.

The longevity of a smartphone is influenced by its release timeline, software support, and physical durability. The Galaxy S21 5G and Galaxy S24 Plus offer different prospects in these areas.

• Software Support: The Galaxy S21 5G, released in January 2021, received its final major Android operating system update, Android 15 (One UI 7.0), in May 2025, with software support ceasing in February 2026. In contrast, the Galaxy S24 Plus, launched in January 2024, is promised seven years of major Android OS updates and security updates, extending its support until 2031. This makes the S24 Plus a more suitable option for users prioritizing extended software longevity.
• Repairability: The Galaxy S21 5G has a repairability score of around 7.5 out of 10, with modular components and relatively easy disassembly, though the battery can be challenging to remove due to strong adhesive. The Galaxy S24 Plus generally scores higher, around 8.0 to 9.0 out of 10, featuring easily removable back plates and battery pull tabs, which simplifies battery replacement. However, screen replacement can be difficult on both models.
• Expected Lifespan: Given its newer release and significantly longer software support commitment, the Galaxy S24 Plus is designed for a considerably longer practical lifespan, offering more years of up-to-date features and security. The Galaxy S21 5G, having reached its end-of-life for major software updates, will continue to function but without the latest Android versions or ongoing security patches.

Performance is a key differentiator between these two devices, largely due to the generational gap in their internal components and battery technology.

• Processing Capabilities: The Galaxy S21 5G, powered by its 2021-era processor, handles everyday applications and multitasking smoothly. Users reported it to be fast and responsive for general use and gaming at the time of its release. The Galaxy S24 Plus, featuring a much newer generation processor, delivers top-tier performance, ensuring demanding applications and intensive multitasking run with greater fluidity and efficiency. This translates to quicker app loading times and a more responsive overall user experience.
• Battery Behavior: The Galaxy S21 5G is equipped with a 4000 mAh battery, which users generally found sufficient for a full day of moderate use, though heavy usage might necessitate a midday charge. The Galaxy S24 Plus features a larger 4900 mAh battery, and user reports indicate excellent battery life, often extending to two days of use on a single charge for many users. This improvement is a notable advantage for users who prioritize extended usage without frequent recharging.
• Storage and Multitasking: The Galaxy S21 5G typically comes with 8GB of RAM and storage options of 128GB or 256GB, without expandable storage. The Galaxy S24 Plus offers 12GB of RAM and storage options of 256GB or 512GB, also without expandable storage. The increased RAM in the S24 Plus provides more headroom for seamless multitasking and keeping more applications active in the background without performance degradation.

The visual experience on both devices is delivered through high-quality displays, but the newer Galaxy S24 Plus incorporates several enhancements.

• Display Technology and Resolution: Both phones feature Dynamic AMOLED 2X displays, known for deep blacks and vibrant colors. The Galaxy S21 5G has a 6.2-inch screen with a 1080 x 2400 pixel (FHD+) resolution. The Galaxy S24 Plus offers a larger 6.7-inch display with a higher 1440 x 3120 pixel (QHD+) resolution, providing a sharper and more detailed viewing experience.
• Brightness and Refresh Rate: The Galaxy S21 5G features an adaptive 120Hz refresh rate, contributing to smooth scrolling and responsiveness. The Galaxy S24 Plus elevates this with an adaptive refresh rate that can dynamically adjust from 1Hz to 120Hz, optimizing both smoothness and power efficiency. Furthermore, the S24 Plus boasts a significantly higher peak brightness of 2600 nits, compared to the S21 5G's good but lower brightness, making the S24 Plus display more easily viewable in bright outdoor conditions.
• Viewing Experience: The larger, higher-resolution, and brighter screen of the Galaxy S24 Plus provides a more immersive and detailed viewing experience, particularly beneficial for media consumption and detailed work. The S21 5G still offers a quality display, but the S24 Plus represents a notable upgrade in clarity and outdoor visibility.

Both the Galaxy S21 5G and Galaxy S24 Plus feature versatile camera systems, with the newer model benefiting from advancements in sensor technology and image processing.

• Rear Camera System: The Galaxy S21 5G includes a triple-camera setup with a 12MP ultra-wide, a 12MP wide-angle, and a 64MP telephoto lens offering 3x optical zoom. The Galaxy S24 Plus also features a triple-camera system, comprising a 50MP wide-angle, a 12MP ultra-wide, and a 10MP telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom. While the S24 Plus has a higher megapixel count for its main sensor, both offer capable hardware for diverse photographic scenarios.
• Photography Performance: The S21 5G was praised for its good overall photography performance, including improved focus and subject tracking, and a Director's View mode for video. However, some users noted that its cameras might not be as sharp as those on newer devices. The S24 Plus, while retaining similar telephoto and ultra-wide hardware to its immediate predecessor, benefits from enhanced image processing and AI-powered features, leading to improved image quality and more natural results, especially with zoom.
• Video and Audio: Both devices are capable of high-quality video recording. The S21 5G offered 8K video recording. The S24 Plus also supports 8K video recording and includes AI-powered editing capabilities. For audio, both provide a good media consumption experience through their speakers, and microphone quality for calls and recording is generally clear.