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 | 161.5 x 75.6 x 7.8 mm | 147 x 70.6 x 7.6 mm | S24 is more compact and easier to handle, S21+ is larger overall, potentially more immersive for media consumption. |
| Weight | 200g | 167g | S24 is noticeably lighter, making it more comfortable for extended use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.7" | 6.2" | S21+ offers a larger display for more immersive viewing, S24 is more pocketable. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2340 | Very similar sharpness, negligible real-world difference. |
| PPI | 394 | 416 | S24 has slightly sharper text and images due to higher pixel density. |
| Technology | AMOLED | (Missing) | S21+ offers vibrant colors and deep blacks. S24 display tech is not specified. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both provide smooth scrolling and animations. |
| Brightness | 1300 nits | 2600 nits | S24 is much brighter, vastly improving outdoor visibility in sunny conditions. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Exynos 2100 (5 nm) | Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 (4 nm) | S24's chipset is much newer and more powerful, offering significantly faster performance. |
| AnTuTu Score | 749,100 | 1,639,695 | S24 offers vastly superior performance for gaming and demanding apps. |
| GPU | Mali-G78 MP14 | Adreno 750 | S24's GPU offers superior graphics performance for gaming and intensive tasks. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 4800mAh | 4000mAh | S21+ likely offers better battery life due to larger capacity. |
| Charging | 25W Fast Charging | 25W Fast Charging | Both offer similar fast charging capabilities. |
| Battery Features | Wireless Charging 15W, Reverse Wireless Charging 4.5W, Reverse Charging, No Charge In-Box | Bypass Charging, Reverse Charging | S21+ has wireless charging and reverse wireless charging; S24 has bypass charging which allows powering the phone without battery charging. |
| Camera | |||
| Standard | 12MP, f/1.8, 1/1.76" | 50MP, f/1.8, 1/1.57" | S24 captures more detail with much higher resolution and larger sensor. |
| Telephoto + Portrait | 64MP, f/2.0, 1/1.72" | None | S21+ has a dedicated telephoto for zoom and portrait shots. |
| Selfie | 10MP, f/2.2, 1/3.2" | 12MP, f/2.2 | S24 captures slightly more detailed selfies due to higher resolution. |
| Telephoto Lens | None | 10MP, f/2.4, 1/3.9" | S24 has dedicated telephoto lens for zoom capabilities. |
| Wide Angle Lens | None | 12.2MP, f/2.2, 1/2.55" | S24 has a dedicated wide-angle lens for landscape shots. |
| Wide Angle + Macro | 12.2MP, f/2.2, 1/2.55" | None | S21+ features a wide angle with macro for close-up photography. |
| Video | Up to 8K@60fps | Up to 8K@30fps | Both capture high-resolution video with similar features. S21+ offers 8K@60fps, while the S24 offers more framerate options at 4K/1080p. |
| DXOMark | 111 (Mobile) | (Not Tested) | S21+ has an evaluated camera score, S24 has not been evaluated |
| Camera Features | 4K/8K Video, OIS, Night Mode, RAW | 4K/8K Video, OIS, Night Mode 2.0, RAW | S24 features upgraded "Night Mode 2.0". S21+ has manual focus and continuous autofocus capabilities. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 (upgradable to 15) | Android 14 (upgradable to 21) | S24 has newer OS and longer software support, potentially with more features. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6 | Wi-Fi 6E | S24 has Wi-Fi 6E, offering faster speeds and lower latency with compatible routers. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 LE | 5.3 LE | S24 has a newer Bluetooth version, likely with improved stability and efficiency. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo | S24 supports more satellite systems for potentially better location accuracy. |
| SIM | Dual SIM (Nano SIM/eSIM) | Dual SIM (Nano SIM/eSIM) | Both offer dual SIM capabilities, the S24 has greater eSIM support. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128GB/256GB | 128GB/256GB/512GB | S24 offers more storage options. |
| RAM | 8GB | 8GB/12GB | S24 offers an option for more RAM, which is important for heavy multitasking. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone supports expandable storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio | Stereo Speakers | S21+ has features for richer and higher quality audio. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Fingerprint Sensor | Fingerprint Sensor | Both have similar biometric security. |
| Build | |||
| Protection | Gorilla Glass Victus | Gorilla Glass Victus 2 | S24 has a newer generation of Gorilla Glass for better drop protection. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Barometer, Proximity | Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Barometer, Proximity | S21+ includes additional biometric sensors and has a comprehensive sensor suite. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G Advantages:
- Larger Display: Offers a more immersive viewing experience for media consumption.
- Larger Battery: Likely provides longer battery life.
- Telephoto + Portrait Camera: Offers a dedicated lens for optical zoom and portrait photography.
- Wider Angle + Macro Camera: Offers better macro photography capabilities.
- Dolby Atmos and Hi-Res Audio: Provides richer and higher quality audio output.
- Wireless Charging: Includes both wireless charging and reverse wireless charging features.
- Comprehensive Sensors Suite: Includes a biometric Fingerprint sensor for advanced features and gaming.
Practical Implications: The S21+ excels in multimedia consumption due to its larger display, and photography with its variety of camera lenses. It may be ideal for users who value these features and have consistent access to charging.
Samsung Galaxy S24 Advantages:
- Significantly More Powerful Processor: Delivers much faster performance, smoother multitasking, and improved gaming.
- Lighter and More Compact Design: Easier to handle and more comfortable for extended use.
- Higher Display Brightness: Offers vastly superior visibility in bright outdoor conditions.
- More Modern Software: Comes with a newer Android version and longer software support.
- Upgraded Camera Sensors: Higher resolution sensor on the main camera for more detail, new telephoto and wide angle lenses for greater versatility.
- Faster Wi-Fi: Supports Wi-Fi 6E for faster speeds and reduced latency.
- Newer Bluetooth Version: Offers stability and efficiency with Bluetooth 5.3.
- More Storage Options: Available with up to 512GB of storage for users with large media libraries.
- Bypass Charging: Allows for powering the phone without charging the battery, which is useful for gaming.
- More RAM Option: Offers a 12GB RAM option for heavy multitasking.
Practical Implications: The S24 excels in performance, portability, and outdoor usability, making it ideal for users who prioritize speed, responsiveness, and a more modern user experience.
Trade-offs:
- S21+ trades performance and portability for a larger display, slightly better battery and dedicated telephoto and macro cameras.
- S24 trades a larger display and bigger battery for a significantly more powerful processor, better camera with newer sensors and better portability. It also loses wireless charging capabilities.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Ideal User for Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G:
- Media Enthusiasts: Users who prioritize a large display for movies, videos, and gaming.
- Photography Fans: Users who appreciate a variety of camera lenses and prefer dedicated telephoto, and macro cameras.
- Users Seeking Battery Life: Users who want the best possible battery performance.
- Users who value premium audio experience: Users who value the best possible audio experience via wired and wireless means.
Use Cases:
- Watching movies and TV shows on the go.
- Taking photos in diverse scenarios, utilizing different lenses.
- Extended periods of use away from power outlets.
- Listening to music with enhanced quality.
Ideal User for Samsung Galaxy S24:
- Power Users: Users who demand the fastest performance and smoothest multitasking.
- Outdoor Enthusiasts: Users who need excellent screen visibility in bright sunlight.
- Gamers: Users who need the most powerful mobile graphics performance.
- Users with a need for modern features: Users who want the latest OS, features and software support.
- On-the-go users: Users who need a smaller, lighter phone that is easy to carry.
Use Cases:
- Playing graphics-intensive mobile games.
- Working on demanding apps while on the move.
- Taking photos and videos that require more detail.
- Using the phone for navigation and outdoor activities.
- Users with large media libraries or who plan on storing large volumes of photos or videos.
Price-to-Value: The S24 is a more modern device with better overall performance and newer features, which will be reflected in the price. The S21+ can be more affordable but may offer a better price-to-performance ratio for specific users who prioritize camera versatility or a larger display.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- Do you prioritize performance and portability, or a larger display and battery life?
- Do you often use your phone outdoors or in direct sunlight?
- Do you need a dedicated telephoto lens and macro lens for photography?
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Gaming and Heavy Multitasking
- Recommendation: Samsung Galaxy S24. Its superior chipset and GPU make it the clear winner.
- Scenario 2: Outdoor Use and Photography
- Recommendation: Leaning towards Samsung Galaxy S24 for its much brighter display and better camera capabilities with a larger sensor. The S21+ can be chosen if a telephoto and macro lens are required, as well as superior audio.
- Scenario 3: Media Consumption and Battery Life
- Recommendation: Samsung Galaxy S21+. The larger screen and higher battery capacity make it ideal for consuming multimedia content.
- Scenario 4: Price Sensitivity and General Use
- Recommendation: If the price difference is significant, and the user's needs are not specifically performance-based, the S21+ can be a good option. If budget isn't an issue, the S24 is the clear choice for a more modern experience.
My Choice and Why
I would choose the Samsung Galaxy S24. My reasons are:
- Future-Proofing: The S24's newer chipset, software, and connectivity (Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.3) make it a better long-term investment. It will perform better and receive software updates for a longer period.
- Performance: The significantly improved performance of the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipset is crucial for my use cases, which include multitasking, gaming, and using demanding apps.
- Display Brightness: The much brighter screen on the S24 is essential for outdoor visibility, which is important for my lifestyle.
- Camera Improvements: While the S21+ has a versatile camera system, the S24's improved sensors, including better resolution and telephoto and wide-angle lenses, are more appealing for my needs.
While the S21+ has a larger display and battery, the S24 offers a better balance of performance, portability, and modern features that align with my needs and priorities. The slight tradeoff in screen size and battery is acceptable for the benefits provided by the S24. The loss of wireless charging is a small inconvenience. I value responsiveness and long-term usability over the specific camera features offered by the S21+, as well as premium audio output.
