Galaxy S20+ • Unlocked vs Galaxy S21+ 5G • Unlocked

The Samsung Galaxy S20 Plus and the Samsung Galaxy S21 Plus 5G are two flagship smartphones from consecutive generations, released in March 2020 and January 2021, respectively. While both devices offer a premium Android experience, the S21 Plus 5G introduces an updated processor and refined design, whereas the S20 Plus features a higher-resolution display and expandable storage. Both run on the Android operating system, with the S21 Plus 5G launching with a newer version.

When considering the longevity of these devices, several factors come into play, including their release timelines, software support, and physical durability.

• Release Timeline: The Galaxy S20 Plus was released in March 2020, making it nearly a year older than the Galaxy S21 Plus 5G, which launched in January 2021. This difference in release date directly impacts the duration of software updates each device is expected to receive. [1, 2, 11, 14, 15, 17, 20, 21, 27, 28, 29]
• Software Longevity: The Galaxy S21 Plus 5G is anticipated to receive software updates for approximately one year longer than the S20 Plus, offering extended access to the latest Android features and security patches. [23, 31, 32]
• Repairability: The Galaxy S20 Plus received a repairability score of 3 out of 10 from iFixit, indicating challenges in repair due to factors like glued-down components and a fragile glass rear cover. [8, 13, 36] While a specific score for the S21 Plus 5G isn't readily available, Samsung has generally shown improvements in repair-friendliness in subsequent years. [38]

The performance of a smartphone is crucial for daily tasks, from launching applications to demanding gaming sessions. Both devices offer robust performance for their respective generations.

• Processor Capabilities: The Galaxy S21 Plus 5G features a newer generation processor, which translates to a noticeable improvement in overall speed and efficiency. Users can expect approximately a 20% boost in CPU performance and a 35% increase in graphics processing compared to the S20 Plus, leading to smoother app loading and more fluid multitasking. [12, 18, 22]
• Multitasking and Storage: The S20 Plus was available with up to 12GB of RAM, while the S21 Plus 5G typically comes with 8GB of RAM. [2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 17, 18, 20, 21, 27, 28, 36] However, the S21 Plus 5G's more efficient processor helps manage multitasking effectively. The S20 Plus also offers expandable storage via a microSD card slot, a feature absent in the S21 Plus 5G, which relies solely on its internal storage options of 128GB or 256GB. [1, 4, 6, 9, 10, 14, 18, 27, 28, 29, 31, 32]
• Battery Behavior: The Galaxy S21 Plus 5G houses a 4800 mAh battery, a slight increase over the S20 Plus's 4500 mAh capacity. [3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 9, 10, 14, 17, 18, 20, 27, 34, 36] Combined with its adaptive refresh rate display and more power-efficient processor, the S21 Plus 5G generally offers improved battery endurance for typical use cases. [22, 25, 31, 32, 34]

The visual experience is a key aspect of any smartphone, and both the Galaxy S20 Plus and S21 Plus 5G feature impressive displays.

• Display Technology and Resolution: Both devices utilize Dynamic AMOLED displays, known for their deep blacks and vibrant colors. The S20 Plus boasts a higher resolution of 3200x1440 pixels, resulting in a sharper image, while the S21 Plus 5G features a 2400x1080 pixel resolution. [1, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 9, 10, 16, 17, 18, 25, 31]
• Refresh Rate and Smoothness: Both phones offer a 120Hz refresh rate for smooth scrolling and responsive interactions. However, the S21 Plus 5G introduces an adaptive refresh rate, allowing the display to dynamically adjust between 48Hz and 120Hz based on content, which contributes to better power efficiency. [1, 4, 9, 10, 16, 17, 25, 31, 32]
• Brightness and Viewing Experience: Both displays offer high brightness levels, ensuring good visibility even in bright outdoor conditions. The S20 Plus features a curved screen, while the S21 Plus 5G has a flat display, which some users may find easier for screen protector application. [18, 25, 30, 33]

Both the Galaxy S20 Plus and S21 Plus 5G are equipped with versatile camera systems designed to capture a wide range of photos and videos.

• Camera System Capabilities: Both phones feature a triple-camera setup on the rear, typically consisting of a 12MP wide-angle lens, a 64MP telephoto lens, and a 12MP ultra-wide lens. [4, 9, 10, 12, 18, 27, 30, 37] The S20 Plus includes a Time-of-Flight (ToF) sensor for enhanced depth sensing, which is absent in the S21 Plus 5G. [18, 25, 30]
• Photography Performance: While the hardware specifications are largely similar, the S21 Plus 5G benefits from software enhancements and a more powerful image signal processor, leading to improvements in areas like low-light photography, zoom stabilization, and overall image processing. [18, 30, 37]
• Video Recording and Audio: Both devices are capable of recording high-resolution video. The S21 Plus 5G offers improved video stabilization and new features like Director's View. Both provide clear microphone quality for calls and recordings, and offer a good media consumption experience through their stereo speakers. [30]