Galaxy S21+ 5G vs Galaxy S23

The Samsung Galaxy S21 Plus 5G, released in January 2021, and the Samsung Galaxy S23, launched in February 2023, are both premium Android smartphones from Samsung's flagship S series. While they share a similar design philosophy and run on the Android operating system with Samsung's One UI, the Galaxy S23 introduces advancements in processing power, camera capabilities, and display brightness. These two models cater to users seeking a high-performance device, with the S23 offering a more recent technological foundation.

When considering the longevity of these devices, several factors come into play, including their release timelines, software support, and physical durability.

• Release Timeline: The Galaxy S21 Plus 5G was released in January 2021, making it an older model compared to the Galaxy S23, which launched in February 2023. This two-year difference impacts their remaining software support window.
• Software Longevity: The Galaxy S21 Plus 5G launched with Android 11 and is expected to receive major OS updates up to Android 15, along with security updates for five years from its release. The Galaxy S23, starting with Android 13, is promised four major OS updates (up to Android 17) and five years of security updates, extending its support until at least 2028.
• Physical Durability: Both devices feature an IP68 rating for dust and water resistance, indicating protection against immersion in up to 1.5 meters of fresh water for 30 minutes. The Galaxy S21 Plus 5G uses Corning Gorilla Glass Victus for its front and back, while the Galaxy S23 upgrades to Gorilla Glass Victus 2, offering enhanced drop and scratch resistance.

The performance of a smartphone is largely determined by its internal components, affecting everything from app responsiveness to gaming and multitasking efficiency.

• Processing Power: The Galaxy S21 Plus 5G is powered by a capable processor from its generation, providing smooth performance for everyday tasks and most demanding applications. The Galaxy S23 features a newer, more optimized processor designed specifically for Galaxy devices, which translates to improved speed and efficiency across all operations, including more intensive gaming and complex computations.
• Storage and Multitasking: Both models offer 8GB of RAM, which is sufficient for effective multitasking. Storage options for the S21 Plus 5G include 128GB and 256GB. The Galaxy S23 also starts with 128GB and 256GB, with some regions offering 512GB. Notably, the 256GB and 512GB variants of the Galaxy S23 utilize a newer, faster storage technology (UFS 4.0) compared to the 128GB variant (UFS 3.1) and the S21 Plus 5G, which can result in quicker app loading and data transfer speeds.
• Battery Behavior: The Galaxy S21 Plus 5G is equipped with a 4800 mAh battery, generally providing a full day of use for many users. The Galaxy S23 has a smaller 3900 mAh battery, but due to its more power-efficient processor and display technology, users often report comparable or even improved battery endurance for typical daily usage.

The display is a primary interface for smartphones, and both the Galaxy S21 Plus 5G and Galaxy S23 offer high-quality viewing experiences.

• Display Technology and Size: Both devices feature a Dynamic AMOLED 2X display, known for vibrant colors and deep blacks. The Galaxy S21 Plus 5G has a larger 6.7-inch screen, offering more expansive viewing area. The Galaxy S23 features a more compact 6.1-inch display, which can be preferred for one-handed use.
• Resolution and Brightness: Both phones offer a Full HD+ resolution (1080x2400 for S21 Plus, 1080x2340 for S23), providing sharp and clear visuals. The Galaxy S23 boasts a higher peak brightness of up to 1750 nits, compared to the S21 Plus 5G's 1300 nits, making the S23's screen more visible in bright outdoor conditions.
• Refresh Rate: Both models feature an adaptive 120Hz refresh rate, ensuring smooth scrolling and fluid animations. This technology dynamically adjusts the refresh rate based on content, balancing smoothness with power efficiency.

Both the Galaxy S21 Plus 5G and Galaxy S23 are equipped with versatile camera systems designed to capture high-quality photos and videos.

• Rear Camera System: The Galaxy S21 Plus 5G features a triple camera setup with a 12MP wide, 64MP telephoto (with 3x hybrid zoom), and 12MP ultrawide lens. The Galaxy S23 also has a triple camera system, upgrading to a 50MP wide, 10MP telephoto (with 3x optical zoom), and 12MP ultrawide lens. The S23's larger main sensor and optical zoom on the telephoto lens generally lead to more detailed images, especially in challenging lighting conditions and when zooming.
• Low-Light and Video Performance: The Galaxy S23 shows improvements in low-light photography, capturing more detail and better color accuracy due to its newer sensor and enhanced image processing. Both phones are capable of 8K video recording, but the Galaxy S23 can record at 30 frames per second (fps) compared to the S21 Plus 5G's 24fps, offering smoother high-resolution video.
• Front Camera and Audio: The S21 Plus 5G has a 10MP front camera, while the S23 upgrades to a 12MP front camera, providing slightly more detail for selfies and video calls. Both devices offer stereo speakers for an immersive audio experience during media consumption.