1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 5G | Samsung Galaxy S24+ | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Launch Date | 2021-01-29 | 2024-01-24 | S24+ is significantly newer, likely with longer software support |
| Dimensions | 151.7 x 71.2 x 7.9 mm | 158.5 x 75.9 x 7.7 mm | S24+ is larger and slightly thinner, might feel less pocketable for some |
| Weight | 169g | 196g | S21 5G is lighter, potentially more comfortable for prolonged use |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.2" | 6.7" | S24+ offers a more immersive viewing experience |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2400 | 1440 x 3120 | S24+ has sharper images, text, and more detail |
| Pixel Density | 421 ppi | 513 ppi | S24+ display appears significantly sharper |
| Technology | AMOLED | Not specified | S21 5G provides deeper blacks, better contrast, more vibrant colors. S24+ has an unknown display type. This is a significant disadvantage for the S24+ as it's assumed to be AMOLED but is not specified. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both offer smooth scrolling and animations |
| Brightness | 1300 nits | 2600 nits | S24+ is much easier to see in direct sunlight |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Exynos 2100 (5nm) | Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 (4nm) | S24+ has a significantly more powerful and efficient chipset, offering better performance for all tasks |
| AnTuTu Score | 749,100 | 1,639,695 | S24+ is considerably faster, smoother app loading, better gaming performance |
| GPU | Mali-G78 MP14 | Adreno 750 | S24+ has a much more capable GPU, better performance in graphic intensive tasks |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 4000mAh | 4900mAh | S24+ should last significantly longer on a single charge |
| Charging | 25W Fast Charging | 45W Fast Charging | S24+ charges significantly faster, less time plugged into a wall |
| Features | Reverse, Wireless 15W | Bypass, Reverse, Wireless 15W | S24+ has Bypass Charging which helps with the longevity of the battery while playing games |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 12MP, f/1.8, 1/1.76" | 50MP, f/1.8, 1/1.57" | S24+ captures more detail and performs better in low light, with larger sensor |
| Telephoto/Portrait Camera | 64MP, f/2.0, 1/1.72" | Not Available | S21 5G has a dedicated Telephoto lens for better zoom |
| Selfie Camera | 10MP, f/2.2, 1/3.2" | 12MP, f/2.2 | S24+ selfie camera has more resolution for slightly more detailed images |
| Telephoto Lens | Not Available | 10MP, f/2.4, 1/3.9" | S24+ has a dedicated Telephoto lens for better zoom |
| Wide Angle Lens | Not Available | 12.2MP, f/2.2, 1/2.55" | S24+ can take ultra-wide photos |
| Wide Angle/Macro Camera | 12.2MP, f/2.2, 1/2.55" | Not Available | S21 5G has a dedicated ultra-wide lens with macro capability |
| Video | Up to 8K @24fps | Up to 8K @30fps | Both offer top-tier video quality, minor difference in framerate |
| DxoMark Mobile | 111 | Not Available | S21 5G is rated for a mobile camera score. S24+ rating is not available. |
| DxoMark Selfie | 132 | Not Available | S21 5G is rated for a selfie camera score. S24+ rating is not available. |
| Features | 4K/8K, OIS, Digital Zoom, RAW, Night Mode | Night Mode 2.0, 4K/8K, OIS, Digital Zoom, RAW | S24+ has enhanced night mode |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 (up to 15) | Android 14 (up to 21) | S24+ will have longer software support and newer features |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | Wi-Fi 6 | Wi-Fi 6E, Wi-Fi MiMO | S24+ offers faster speeds and less crowded bandwidth |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.3, LDAC | S24+ has newer Bluetooth for better connectivity and higher quality audio. S24+ supports LDAC |
| GPS | L1+L5, E1+E5a | L1+L5, L1, E1+E5a, QZSS | S24+ has wider satellite support for better accuracy |
| SIM | Dual Nano SIM | Dual Nano/eSIM | S24+ offers eSIM flexibility |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128/256 GB | 256/512 GB | S24+ has more options for storage |
| RAM | 8 GB | 12 GB | S24+ can handle more apps running in the background, better gaming performance |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone allows for storage expansion via SD cards |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers | Stereo Speakers | S21 5G has Dolby Atmos for better audio spatialization |
| Security | |||
| Features | Fingerprint Sensor | Fingerprint Sensor | Both use basic fingerprint sensors. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Protection | Gorilla Glass Victus | Gorilla Glass Victus 2 | S24+ has the newer generation of screen protection. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Comprehensive | Comprehensive | Both have identical sensor suites |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy S21 5G Advantages:
- Lighter and More Compact: Easier to handle and pocketable, making it suitable for users who prefer a smaller form factor.
- AMOLED Display: Provides vibrant colors and deep blacks
- Telephoto and Macro Cameras: Offers slightly more versatility in zoom and macro photography.
- Dolby Atmos: Provides a slightly better audio experience
Samsung Galaxy S24+ Advantages:
- Significantly Faster Performance: The Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 provides a major boost in speed and efficiency
- Larger, Sharper Display: The 6.7" display with higher resolution is great for multimedia consumption
- Brighter Screen: Much better outdoor visibility.
- Longer Battery Life & Faster Charging: Larger capacity and faster charging speeds reduce downtime
- Newer Software and Support: The S24+ will receive software updates for several years longer than the S21
- Better Connectivity: Supports Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.3 for faster speeds and better range
- eSIM Support: Offers flexible switching between carriers.
- More RAM and Storage: More capable at multitasking and storing large files.
Significant Trade-offs:
- S21 5G: Sacrifices processing power, display quality, and battery performance for a more compact body and a slightly superior audio experience.
- S24+: Larger, heavier, and more expensive. Lacks some of the camera features found in the S21 (Telephoto/Macro lens), and its display technology is not confirmed.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy S21 5G Ideal User:
- Budget-conscious: Those looking for a used or discounted premium phone with a smaller footprint.
- Casual users: People who prioritize portability and basic functionality.
- Users who prefer a smaller phone: Those who find larger phones unwieldy.
- Users who prefer a more versatile camera: Users who enjoy Macro photography and slightly more optical zoom options
Use Cases:
- Everyday browsing, social media, and calls.
- Basic mobile gaming.
- Users who want great photos in most conditions.
Samsung Galaxy S24+ Ideal User:
- Performance-focused users: Gamers, content creators, and multitaskers.
- Users who consume lots of media: Enjoy watching videos or playing visually intensive games.
- Users who prefer a larger display: People who want the maximum screen real estate.
- Users who need a good battery life: People who want all day performance.
- Users who need good connectivity: Users that often need the fastest possible connection.
Use Cases:
- High-end mobile gaming.
- Video editing and content creation.
- Extensive media consumption.
- Professional-grade photography.
- Business users who want the latest features and faster connectivity.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- How important is performance and longevity? (S24+ is superior for future-proofing)
- What size and weight do you prefer? (S21 5G is smaller and lighter, S24+ is larger and heavier)
- How important is the display? (S24+ is superior but there is not a confirmation of it being AMOLED or not.)
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Budget-Conscious Casual User: The S21 5G is a decent option that is much more affordable than the S24+, offering good performance and an AMOLED screen.
- Scenario 2: Performance User/Gamer: The S24+ is the clear choice for its vastly superior processing power, graphics capabilities, RAM, and battery life.
- Scenario 3: User with a strong preference for versatility in Camera Lenses: The S21 5G has more versatility in camera lenses, such as Telephoto/Portrait and Wide Angle/Macro.
My Choice
If I were to choose, I would choose the Samsung Galaxy S24+. The performance boost from the newer Snapdragon chipset and the improvements to the display quality (especially the brightness) make it a significantly more capable device. While the lack of confirmation of display technology is concerning, it's extremely unlikely that Samsung wouldn't use AMOLED on such a device.
The longer software support is also a crucial factor for me as someone who likes to keep my phone for multiple years. While the S21 5G has some appeal due to its more compact size, the performance and future-proofing offered by the S24+ are too significant to ignore. The S24+ is simply better in almost every way, making it the better investment for the long term despite the higher cost.
