Galaxy S21 5G • Unlocked vs Galaxy S24 • Locked T-Mobile

The Samsung Galaxy S21 5G, released in January 2021, and the Samsung Galaxy S24, launched in January 2024, represent different generations within Samsung's flagship smartphone series. Both devices operate on the Android platform, offering a familiar user experience, but the S24 introduces substantial advancements in processing power, display technology, and camera capabilities. A key differentiator lies in the S24's integration of advanced AI features and a significantly extended software support timeline.

When considering the longevity of these devices, their release timelines and software support policies are primary factors. The Galaxy S21 5G, launched in early 2021, typically received four major Android operating system updates, with security updates extending for an additional year or two. This means its major OS support likely concluded around 2025. In contrast, the Galaxy S24, released in early 2024, comes with a commitment of seven years of major OS and security updates, extending its software lifespan significantly further, potentially until 2031.

• Software Updates: The Galaxy S24 offers a substantially longer period of software support, ensuring access to new features and security patches for an extended duration compared to the Galaxy S21 5G.
• Build Materials: The Galaxy S21 5G features a glass front (Gorilla Glass Victus) and an aluminum frame, paired with a plastic back. The Galaxy S24 upgrades to Gorilla Glass Victus 2 for both the front and back, along with an aluminum frame, potentially offering enhanced scratch and drop resistance.
• Water and Dust Resistance: Both models carry an IP68 rating, indicating a similar level of protection against dust and water immersion.

Performance is a key area where the three-year gap between these models becomes evident. The Galaxy S24 benefits from a newer generation processor, offering a noticeable boost in speed and efficiency for various tasks.

• Processing Power: The Galaxy S24 features a more advanced processor, which translates to smoother app loading, more fluid multitasking, and enhanced performance in demanding applications and games. The Galaxy S21 5G, while capable for everyday use, may show its age with more intensive tasks.
• Battery Behavior: Both devices are equipped with a 4000 mAh battery. However, the Galaxy S24's more efficient processor and adaptive display technology contribute to optimized power consumption, often resulting in better real-world battery endurance for heavy users.
• Storage and RAM: Both models typically offer 8GB of RAM, which is sufficient for smooth multitasking. Storage options for both generally start at 128GB, with the S24 also offering a 512GB option.

The display experience on both devices is vibrant, but the newer Galaxy S24 incorporates advancements that enhance visual quality and efficiency.

• Display Technology and Brightness: Both phones feature a 6.2-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display with a resolution of 1080 x 2400 pixels for the S21 5G and 1080 x 2340 pixels for the S24, providing clear and colorful visuals. However, the Galaxy S24 boasts a significantly higher peak brightness of 2600 nits, compared to the S21 5G's 1300 nits, making the S24's screen much more visible in bright outdoor conditions.
• Refresh Rate: The Galaxy S21 5G offers a 120Hz refresh rate, providing smooth scrolling and responsiveness. The Galaxy S24 enhances this with an adaptive refresh rate that can scale from 1Hz to 120Hz, optimizing power consumption while maintaining fluidity.
• Viewing Experience: Both displays offer rich colors and deep blacks characteristic of AMOLED panels. The S24's adaptive refresh rate and higher peak brightness contribute to a more refined and comfortable viewing experience across various lighting conditions.

The camera systems on both the Galaxy S21 5G and Galaxy S24 are capable, but the S24 benefits from hardware refinements and advanced image processing.

• Rear Camera System: The Galaxy S21 5G features a triple camera setup with a 12MP main sensor, a 64MP telephoto lens with 3x hybrid optical zoom, and a 12MP ultrawide lens. The Galaxy S24 also has a triple camera system, upgrading to a 50MP main sensor, a 10MP telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom, and a 12MP ultrawide lens. The S24's larger main sensor and dedicated optical zoom on the telephoto lens generally lead to improved detail and clarity, especially in varied lighting.
• Photography Performance: The Galaxy S24 offers enhanced low-light photography and improved image processing, resulting in more detailed and color-accurate photos. The S24 also integrates AI-powered photo editing features, allowing for more advanced post-capture adjustments.
• Video Recording and Audio: Both devices support high-resolution video recording. The S24 benefits from newer processing capabilities that can enhance video stability and overall quality. Both phones provide clear audio output through stereo speakers for media consumption.