Galaxy S10+ • Unlocked vs Galaxy S21 5G • Unlocked

The Samsung Galaxy S10 Plus, released in March 2019, and the Samsung Galaxy S21 5G, launched in January 2021, represent different generations within Samsung's flagship smartphone lineup. While both devices offer a premium Android experience, the Galaxy S21 5G introduces advancements in connectivity, display technology, and camera capabilities, reflecting its newer release. Both operate on the Android platform, with the S21 5G benefiting from a longer software support window due to its more recent debut.

The practical lifespan of a smartphone is significantly influenced by its release date and subsequent software support.

• Release Timeline: The Galaxy S10 Plus, released in March 2019, is an older device compared to the Galaxy S21 5G, which launched in January 2021. This difference in release year directly impacts their remaining support cycles.
• Software Longevity: The Galaxy S10 Plus received its last major Android operating system update with Android 11 (One UI). In contrast, the Galaxy S21 5G, benefiting from Samsung's extended update policy, has received updates up to Android 15 (One UI 7) as of April 2025, marking its final major OS upgrade. This means the S21 5G offers a significantly longer period of access to the latest Android features and security patches.
• Repairability: The Galaxy S21 5G generally exhibits a reasonable repairability score, with some sources indicating scores around 7.5 to 7.75 out of 10, noting its modular components and ease of disassembly for certain parts. However, the battery can be challenging to remove due to strong adhesive. The Galaxy S10 Plus, being an older model, typically presents a more complex repair process due to its construction and component availability.

Performance in both devices is driven by their respective internal components, influencing how smoothly applications run and how efficiently tasks are handled.

• Processing Power: The Galaxy S21 5G features a more advanced processor, enabling it to handle demanding applications, complex multitasking, and graphics-intensive games with greater efficiency and responsiveness. The Galaxy S10 Plus, while still capable for everyday use, may show more hesitation with newer, resource-heavy applications.
• Multitasking and Storage: Both devices offer ample RAM for smooth multitasking, with the S10 Plus having configurations up to 12GB and the S21 5G typically featuring 8GB. The Galaxy S10 Plus provides expandable storage via a microSD card slot, offering flexibility for users who require extensive local storage. The Galaxy S21 5G does not include a microSD card slot, relying solely on its internal storage options of 128GB or 256GB.
• Battery Behavior: The Galaxy S10 Plus is equipped with a 4100 mAh battery, while the Galaxy S21 5G has a 4000 mAh battery. Despite the slightly smaller capacity, the S21 5G's more efficient processor and adaptive refresh rate display can contribute to optimized power consumption, though real-world battery life can vary significantly based on usage patterns.

The visual experience on both smartphones is delivered through high-quality displays, though with notable differences in technology and features.

• Display Technology and Resolution: The Galaxy S10 Plus features a 6.4-inch Dynamic AMOLED display with a Quad HD+ resolution of 1440 x 3040 pixels, offering a very sharp and detailed image. The Galaxy S21 5G has a slightly smaller 6.2-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display with a Full HD+ resolution of 1080 x 2400 pixels. While the S10 Plus has a higher pixel density, the S21 5G's display is still clear and vibrant for most viewing scenarios.
• Refresh Rate and Smoothness: A key differentiator is the refresh rate. The Galaxy S10 Plus features a standard 60Hz refresh rate. The Galaxy S21 5G, however, boasts an adaptive 120Hz refresh rate, which provides noticeably smoother scrolling and a more fluid visual experience, especially during gaming or navigating user interfaces.
• Brightness and Protection: Both displays offer excellent brightness for outdoor visibility. The Galaxy S10 Plus is protected by Corning Gorilla Glass 6. The Galaxy S21 5G features the newer Gorilla Glass Victus, offering enhanced durability against drops and scratches.

Both devices offer versatile camera systems designed to capture a wide range of photos and videos, with the newer model introducing enhancements.

• Rear Camera System: The Galaxy S10 Plus features a triple rear camera setup with a 12MP wide-angle lens, a 12MP telephoto lens with 2x optical zoom, and a 16MP ultrawide lens. The Galaxy S21 5G also has a triple rear camera system, comprising a 12MP wide-angle lens, a 64MP telephoto lens offering 3x hybrid optical zoom, and a 12MP ultrawide lens. The S21 5G's higher resolution telephoto sensor allows for more detailed zoomed shots.
• Photography Features: Both phones perform well in everyday lighting conditions. The Galaxy S21 5G benefits from improved software processing, which can lead to better low-light performance and more refined image quality in various scenarios. The S10 Plus includes a dual front camera with a dedicated depth sensor, while the S21 5G features a single 10MP front camera.
• Video Recording: The Galaxy S10 Plus supports 4K video recording at 60 frames per second. The Galaxy S21 5G elevates video capabilities by offering 8K video recording at 24 frames per second, alongside enhanced 4K recording options, providing more detail and flexibility for video content creators.