Galaxy S21+ 5G vs Galaxy S23 Ultra

The longevity of a smartphone is influenced by its release timeline, software support, and physical durability.

• Release Timeline: The Galaxy S21 Plus 5G was released in January 2021, making it an older device compared to the Galaxy S23 Ultra, which launched in February 2023. This two-year difference directly impacts their remaining software support.
• OS Support: The Galaxy S21 Plus 5G is eligible for four years of Android updates from its release, meaning it will receive updates through Android 15. In contrast, the Galaxy S23 Ultra is promised four generations of OS upgrades, extending its support through Android 17, and five years of security patches. This provides the S23 Ultra with a significantly longer period of official software updates.
• Durability: Both devices feature an IP68 rating for dust and water resistance, offering protection against immersion in up to 1.5 meters of water for 30 minutes. The S23 Ultra incorporates Gorilla Glass Victus 2 for its front and back, while the S21 Plus 5G uses Gorilla Glass Victus. The S23 Ultra also features an Armor Aluminum frame, advertised for tougher drop and scratch resistance.

Performance differences between these two models are primarily driven by their respective internal components and optimizations.

• Processing Power: The Galaxy S23 Ultra features a more advanced and efficient processor, which translates to smoother operation for demanding applications and multitasking. Users will experience faster app loading times and more fluid transitions compared to the S21 Plus 5G. The S21 Plus 5G, while still capable, uses an older generation processor that handles everyday tasks well but may show limitations with intensive gaming or heavy-duty creative work over time.
• Battery Behavior: The Galaxy S23 Ultra is equipped with a 5000 mAh battery, while the S21 Plus 5G has a 4800 mAh battery. User reports indicate that the S23 Ultra offers significantly improved battery life, often lasting up to two days with moderate use, thanks to its larger capacity and more power-efficient processor. The S21 Plus 5G generally provides a full day of use for most users, but heavy usage may require more frequent charging.
• Storage and RAM: The S21 Plus 5G typically comes with 8GB of RAM and storage options of 128GB or 256GB. The S23 Ultra offers 8GB or 12GB of RAM, with storage options extending up to 1TB, providing more headroom for demanding applications and extensive media storage.

The visual experience on both devices is delivered through high-quality displays, though with distinct characteristics.

• Display Technology and Size: Both phones feature Dynamic AMOLED 2X displays with a 120Hz adaptive refresh rate, providing smooth scrolling and responsive visuals. The Galaxy S21 Plus 5G has a 6.7-inch display, while the Galaxy S23 Ultra offers a slightly larger 6.8-inch screen.
• Resolution and Clarity: The S21 Plus 5G features a Full HD+ resolution (2400 x 1080 pixels) with a pixel density of 394 ppi. The S23 Ultra boasts a higher Quad HD+ resolution (3088 x 1440 pixels) with a pixel density of 500 ppi, resulting in a noticeably sharper and more detailed image, particularly for fine text and high-resolution content.
• Brightness: The S23 Ultra can achieve higher peak brightness levels, reaching up to 1750 nits, which enhances visibility in bright outdoor conditions and improves HDR content viewing. The S21 Plus 5G also offers good brightness, with a peak of 1300 nits, suitable for most environments.

Camera capabilities are a significant point of divergence, with the S23 Ultra introducing substantial upgrades.

• Main Camera System: The Galaxy S21 Plus 5G features a triple-camera setup with a 12MP main wide-angle lens, a 12MP ultra-wide lens, and a 64MP telephoto lens with 3x hybrid zoom. The Galaxy S23 Ultra significantly upgrades this with a quad-camera system, including a 200MP main wide-angle sensor, a 12MP ultra-wide lens, and two 10MP telephoto lenses offering 3x and 10x optical zoom, respectively.
• Photography Performance: The S23 Ultra's 200MP sensor allows for exceptional detail capture, especially in well-lit conditions, and its advanced processing improves low-light performance, often referred to as 'Nightography'. Users report vibrant colors and impressive dynamic range from the S21 Plus 5G, though its low-light performance is not as advanced as the S23 Ultra. The S23 Ultra also offers up to 100x digital 'Space Zoom'.
• Video Recording: Both devices are capable of recording up to 8K video at 24fps. The S23 Ultra offers more advanced video features and stabilization, making it a strong choice for content creators. The S21 Plus 5G also provides good video quality with stabilization, suitable for general use and vlogging.

Beyond core specifications, several practical elements contribute to the overall user experience.

• Connectivity: Both devices support 5G connectivity, Wi-Fi 6, and Bluetooth, ensuring fast wireless communication. The S23 Ultra may support newer Wi-Fi standards like Wi-Fi 6E and a more recent Bluetooth version (5.3 vs 5.0 on S21 Plus 5G), offering potentially faster and more stable connections.
• Ports and Sensors: Neither phone includes a traditional 3.5mm headphone jack. Both utilize a USB-C port for charging and data transfer. They both feature in-display fingerprint sensors for secure unlocking, with the S21 Plus 5G's sensor being noted as larger and fairly accurate. The S23 Ultra also integrates the S Pen stylus, offering enhanced productivity and creative input, a feature absent on the S21 Plus 5G.
• Physical Characteristics: The S21 Plus 5G measures 161.5 x 75.6 x 7.8 mm and weighs 200g. The S23 Ultra is slightly larger and heavier at 163.4 x 78.1 x 8.9 mm and 233g, partly due to its larger screen and integrated S Pen. The S23 Ultra's design features flatter edges compared to its predecessor, which some users find improves grip.