Galaxy S21+ 5G Vs Galaxy Z Flip5

The Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G, released in January 2021, is a traditional smartphone offering a robust and familiar experience. In contrast, the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip5, launched in August 2023, introduces a foldable clamshell design with a larger external screen, fundamentally changing its form factor and interaction. Both devices run on the Android operating system, with distinct approaches to design and user interaction.

When considering the longevity of these devices, the release timeline and ongoing software support are key differentiators.

• Release Timeline and Software Support: The Galaxy S21+ 5G, released in early 2021, launched with Android 11 and is upgradable to Android 14. Samsung typically provides three major OS upgrades for its S series flagships, implying its official OS update cycle is nearing its end. The Galaxy Z Flip5, from August 2023, benefits from Samsung's updated policy, receiving four years of Android OS updates and five years of security updates.
• Practical Lifespan and Durability: The S21+ 5G features an IP68 rating for dust and water resistance and is built with Gorilla Glass Victus on both its front and back, providing strong protection against environmental elements and drops. The Z Flip5 offers an IPX8 water resistance rating, meaning it can withstand submersion in water, but it does not have an official dust resistance rating due to its folding design. Its new hinge mechanism allows it to fold flat, enhancing its overall design.
• Extended Relevance: Users prioritizing the absolute longest software support and access to future Android versions will find the Z Flip5 more future-proof due to its later release and extended update commitment. Both devices, however, are quality-assured options for those considering refurbished products.

The performance capabilities of these two Galaxy devices are influenced by their respective processors and battery optimizations.

• Processor Capabilities: The Galaxy S21+ 5G is powered by either the Exynos 2100 or Snapdragon 888 processor (depending on the region), both 5nm chipsets that provide smooth operation for everyday tasks and demanding applications. The Galaxy Z Flip5 features the more recent Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 for Galaxy, a 4nm chipset specifically optimized for Samsung devices, offering enhanced speed and power efficiency for demanding apps and multitasking.
• Storage and Multitasking: Both models offer 8GB of RAM and internal storage options of 128GB or 256GB, with the Z Flip5 also available in 512GB. Neither device supports expandable storage via a microSD card slot. The Z Flip5's newer processor contributes to snappier overall system responsiveness.
• Battery Behavior: The Galaxy S21+ 5G includes a 4800mAh battery, generally offering good endurance with users reporting over 6 hours of screen-on time and lasting 12-13 hours on a single charge with moderate use. The Galaxy Z Flip5 has a smaller 3700mAh battery, but its more efficient processor and dynamic refresh rate contribute to decent autonomy, often lasting just over a day of typical use.

The display experience is a significant point of comparison, especially given the Z Flip5's unique foldable design.

• Main Display Technology and Clarity: Both devices feature a 6.7-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X main display, providing vibrant colors, deep blacks, and excellent contrast. The S21+ 5G has a resolution of 1080 x 2400 pixels, while the Z Flip5 offers a slightly higher 1080 x 2640 pixels on its main screen.
• Refresh Rate and Brightness: Both screens support an adaptive 120Hz refresh rate, ensuring smooth scrolling and responsive interactions. The Galaxy Z Flip5 has a higher peak brightness of 1750 nits, compared to the S21+ 5G's 1300 nits, offering better visibility in bright outdoor conditions.
• Unique Cover Screen: The Galaxy Z Flip5 stands out with its 3.4-inch Super AMOLED cover screen, offering a significantly more functional and interactive experience than its predecessors. This larger external display allows for widgets, notifications, and even using the main cameras for high-quality selfies without unfolding the device.

Photography capabilities vary between the traditional triple-camera setup of the S21+ 5G and the dual-camera system of the Z Flip5, augmented by its unique form factor.

• Rear Camera Systems: The Galaxy S21+ 5G features a versatile triple camera system: a 12MP main sensor, a 64MP telephoto lens with 1.1x optical zoom and 3x hybrid zoom, and a 12MP ultrawide lens. It delivers good daylight photos with accurate exposure and vibrant colors, with decent low-light performance. The Galaxy Z Flip5 has a dual rear camera setup, comprising a 12MP main sensor with optical image stabilization and a 12MP ultrawide lens. Its main camera performs well in good lighting, producing detailed images with vivid colors.
• Zoom and Low-Light Performance: The S21+ 5G's 64MP telephoto lens allows for reasonable hybrid zoom up to 3x, offering more flexibility for distant subjects. While the Z Flip5 lacks a dedicated telephoto lens, its main camera performs admirably in everyday scenarios. Low-light photography on both is generally good, though the Z Flip5 may see a quality drop in very dim indoor conditions compared to its daylight performance.
• Selfie and Video Capabilities: Both phones have a 10MP front-facing camera. However, the Z Flip5's large cover screen allows users to take high-quality selfies using its superior main rear cameras, providing a distinct advantage for self-portraits and content creation. Both can record video up to 4K at 60fps, with the S21+ 5G also supporting 8K video recording at 24fps.