Galaxy S21+ 5G vs Galaxy S23+

The Samsung Galaxy S21 Plus 5G, released in January 2021, and the Samsung Galaxy S23 Plus, launched in February 2023, are both premium smartphones from Samsung's flagship 'Plus' series. While they share a similar design philosophy and operate on the Android platform, the S23 Plus introduces advancements in processing power, camera capabilities, and display technology, reflecting two generations of development.

When considering the long-term usability of these devices, their release timelines and software support policies are key factors. The Galaxy S21 Plus 5G, having been released earlier, has reached the end of its major software update cycle, while the S23 Plus offers a longer period of guaranteed updates.

• Release Timeline and Age: The Galaxy S21 Plus 5G was released in January 2021, making it an older device compared to the Galaxy S23 Plus, which launched in February 2023.
• OS Support Duration: The Galaxy S21 Plus 5G received four major Android OS updates, concluding with Android 15 (One UI 7.0) in May 2025, and its security updates ended around February 2026. In contrast, the Galaxy S23 Plus launched with Android 13 and is guaranteed to receive four major Android OS updates, extending to Android 17, along with five years of security updates, ensuring support until at least 2028.
• Expected Practical Lifespan: Users prioritizing the latest software features and security patches will find the Galaxy S23 Plus offers a significantly longer period of official support, contributing to a more extended practical lifespan. Both devices feature an IP68 rating for dust and water resistance, indicating a similar level of physical durability against environmental elements.

The performance of these two devices shows a notable progression, particularly in how they handle demanding applications and daily tasks, influenced by their respective internal components and battery optimizations.

• Processor Capabilities: The Galaxy S23 Plus features a more advanced current-generation processor, which translates to smoother operation and enhanced efficiency compared to the S21 Plus 5G's earlier generation processor. This results in faster app loading times and more fluid multitasking.
• Battery Behavior: The Galaxy S23 Plus, with its 4700 mAh battery and more efficient processor, generally offers extended battery life, with many users reporting it can comfortably last through two days of normal use. The Galaxy S21 Plus 5G, equipped with a 4800 mAh battery, also provides good battery life, often lasting a full day of heavy use, though some users have noted less reliable performance over time.
• Storage and Responsiveness: Both models offer 8GB of RAM and non-expandable internal storage options of 128GB or 256GB, with the S23 Plus also offering a 512GB option. The newer device's optimized hardware and software contribute to a more consistently responsive user experience across various applications and system navigation.

Both smartphones feature large, vibrant displays, but the newer model incorporates refinements that enhance the viewing experience, particularly in terms of brightness and adaptive refresh rate capabilities.

• Display Technology and Clarity: Both the Galaxy S21 Plus 5G and the Galaxy S23 Plus utilize Dynamic AMOLED 2X display technology, providing deep blacks and vibrant colors. Both offer a Full HD+ resolution (2400 x 1080 pixels for S21 Plus, 2340 x 1080 pixels for S23 Plus), ensuring clear visuals for everyday viewing.
• Brightness and Refresh Rate: The Galaxy S23 Plus features a higher peak brightness of 1750 nits, making it more visible in bright outdoor conditions compared to the S21 Plus 5G's 1300 nits peak brightness. While both support an adaptive refresh rate of up to 120Hz for smooth scrolling, the S23 Plus can dynamically adjust its refresh rate down to 48Hz for improved power efficiency, whereas the S21 Plus 5G's adaptive range is less extensive.
• Screen Protection: The Galaxy S23 Plus benefits from Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2 for enhanced durability, an upgrade from the Gorilla Glass Victus found on the S21 Plus 5G.

The camera systems on both devices are designed to capture high-quality images and videos, with the S23 Plus introducing advancements in sensor technology and image processing that refine overall output.

• Rear Camera System: The Galaxy S21 Plus 5G features a triple camera setup with a 12MP main, 64MP telephoto (3x hybrid zoom), and 12MP ultrawide lens. The Galaxy S23 Plus upgrades this with a 50MP main sensor, a 10MP telephoto lens offering 3x optical zoom, and a 12MP ultrawide lens. The S23 Plus's larger main sensor and improved image processing contribute to better detail and color accuracy, especially in challenging lighting conditions.
• Photography Performance: Both phones deliver vibrant and detailed images in good lighting. The S23 Plus shows improvements in low-light photography and zoom capabilities, with better detail retention at higher zoom levels compared to its predecessor. The S21 Plus 5G's camera was noted for its vibrant colors and good dynamic range, appealing to a broad user base.
• Video Recording and Front Camera: Both devices are capable of recording video up to 8K resolution, with the S23 Plus supporting 8K at 30fps and the S21 Plus 5G at 24fps. The S23 Plus also features an upgraded 12MP front camera, compared to the S21 Plus 5G's 10MP front camera, offering improved selfie quality.