Galaxy S21 5G Vs Galaxy S24+

The Samsung Galaxy S21 5G, released in January 2021, and the Samsung Galaxy S24 Plus, launched in January 2024, represent different generations within Samsung's flagship smartphone lineup. While both devices offer a premium Android experience, the S24 Plus introduces significant advancements in display technology, processing power, and long-term software support. Both operate on the Android platform, but the newer model benefits from a more extended update commitment.

When considering the practical lifespan of these devices, their release timelines and software support policies are key differentiators.

• Release and Support: The Galaxy S21 5G, released in early 2021, has received several major Android operating system updates, typically aligning with Samsung's policy of around four years of OS upgrades and five years of security updates for its older flagships. This means its official software support period is nearing its end. In contrast, the Galaxy S24 Plus, launched in early 2024, comes with an extended commitment of seven years of OS updates and seven years of security updates, projecting support until 2031.
• Repairability: The Galaxy S21 5G generally scores well for repairability, with some assessments giving it around 7.5 to 7.75 out of 10, noting that its back panel is relatively easy to remove. However, its battery can be challenging to replace due to strong adhesive. The Galaxy S24 Plus shows improved repairability, often scoring 8.0 to 9.0 out of 10, partly due to the inclusion of pull tabs for easier battery removal and less adhesive in its construction.
• Practical Lifespan: Users prioritizing the longest possible software longevity and access to the latest features will find the Galaxy S24 Plus offers a significantly extended practical lifespan due to its seven-year update policy. For those considering a quality-assured refurbished option, both devices can offer continued utility, but the S24 Plus will remain current for a longer duration.

The performance capabilities of the Galaxy S21 5G and Galaxy S24 Plus reflect the advancements in mobile technology over their respective release cycles.

• Processing Power: The Galaxy S21 5G, with its contemporary processor at the time of its release, handles everyday applications and multitasking smoothly. The Galaxy S24 Plus features a significantly more advanced processor, enabling it to manage demanding applications, complex games, and intensive multitasking with greater efficiency and responsiveness.
• Multitasking and Storage: The Galaxy S21 5G typically comes with 8GB of RAM, which is sufficient for most daily tasks. The Galaxy S24 Plus elevates this with 12GB of RAM, providing more headroom for keeping numerous applications open simultaneously and enhancing overall system fluidity. Both devices offer 128GB or 256GB internal storage options, with the S24 Plus also offering a 512GB variant, but neither supports expandable storage via microSD cards.
• Battery Behavior: The Galaxy S21 5G is equipped with a 4000 mAh battery, providing a full day of moderate use for many users. The Galaxy S24 Plus features a larger 4900 mAh battery, and combined with its more efficient components, users often report impressive battery life, frequently lasting through a full day of heavy usage.

The visual experience on both devices is delivered through Samsung's Dynamic AMOLED 2X technology, though with notable differences in specifications.

• Display Technology and Resolution: Both phones feature Dynamic AMOLED 2X displays, known for vibrant colors and deep blacks. The Galaxy S21 5G offers a 6.2-inch display with Full HD+ resolution (2400 x 1080 pixels). The Galaxy S24 Plus provides a larger 6.7-inch display with a sharper Quad HD+ resolution (3120 x 1440 pixels), resulting in greater clarity and detail.
• Brightness and Refresh Rate: The S21 5G features an adaptive refresh rate ranging from 48Hz to 120Hz, providing smooth scrolling and responsiveness. The S24 Plus enhances this with a more dynamic 1Hz to 120Hz adaptive refresh rate, which can contribute to both smoother visuals and improved power efficiency. The S24 Plus also boasts a significantly higher peak brightness of 2600 nits, making it more legible in bright outdoor conditions compared to the S21 5G.
• Durability: Both displays are protected by Corning Gorilla Glass Victus, offering a good level of scratch and drop resistance.

The camera systems on the Galaxy S21 5G and Galaxy S24 Plus offer versatile photography and videography capabilities, with the newer model benefiting from computational photography advancements.

• Rear Camera System: The Galaxy S21 5G features a triple camera setup with a 12MP main sensor, a 12MP ultrawide sensor, and a 64MP telephoto lens offering 3x hybrid optical zoom. It was praised for its improved focus and subject tracking, and its ability to record 8K video. The Galaxy S24 Plus also has a triple camera system, comprising a 50MP main sensor, a 12MP ultrawide, and a 10MP telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom. While the hardware is similar to its immediate predecessor, the S24 Plus benefits from enhanced image processing and AI-powered features for photo editing.
• Photography Performance: The S21 5G delivers excellent photos in good lighting and capable low-light performance for its generation. The S24 Plus generally produces natural-looking images with good detail in daylight. Some users have noted that while the S24 Plus cameras are good, they may not always surpass competitors in specific scenarios, and some have reported changes in camera quality after software updates.
• Video and Front Camera: Both devices offer strong video recording capabilities, including 8K video on the S21 5G. The S21 5G has a 10MP front camera, while the S24 Plus features a 12MP front camera, both capable of capturing detailed selfies and supporting video calls.