Galaxy S21 5G • Unlocked vs Galaxy S24+ • Unlocked

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 series. While both devices operate on the Android platform, the S24 Plus introduces significant advancements in display technology, processing power, and long-term software support, reflecting three years of technological evolution.

The practical lifespan of a smartphone is heavily influenced by its release date and the manufacturer's commitment to software updates. These two devices offer distinct timelines for ongoing support.

• Software Support: The Galaxy S21 5G, released in 2021, was part of Samsung's policy offering four generations of Android OS updates and five years of security updates. It has already received Android 14 (One UI 6) and is expected to receive Android 15 (One UI 7) in May 2025, with security updates continuing until 2026. [35] In contrast, the Galaxy S24 Plus, launched in 2024, comes with an industry-leading commitment of seven years of major Android OS updates and seven years of security patches, extending its software longevity until 2031. [11, 32]
• Age and Durability: The S21 5G features a Gorilla Glass Victus front and a plastic back, with an aluminum frame and IP68 water and dust resistance. The S24 Plus upgrades to Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2 on both the front and back, coupled with an Armor Aluminum 2 frame, enhancing its resistance to drops and scratches while maintaining IP68 certification. [1, 19, 32]
• Expected Lifespan: Users prioritizing the longest possible software and security support will find the Galaxy S24 Plus a more future-proof option. The S21 5G, while still receiving updates, is nearing the end of its guaranteed support cycle.

Performance differences between these two models are notable, primarily due to the generational gap in their internal components, impacting how they handle demanding applications and multitasking.

• Processing Power: The Galaxy S21 5G is equipped with a processor that handles everyday tasks, navigation, and most applications smoothly. [9] The Galaxy S24 Plus features a significantly newer and more powerful processor, providing faster app loading times, smoother multitasking, and enhanced capabilities for graphically intensive games and advanced AI features. [11, 32]
• Memory and Storage: The S21 5G typically comes with 8GB of RAM and offers storage options of 128GB or 256GB. [9, 21, 36] The S24 Plus elevates this with 12GB of RAM, allowing for more applications to run concurrently without slowdowns, and offers storage configurations of 256GB or 512GB. [1, 11, 18, 32] Neither device supports expandable storage via a microSD card. [31, 35]
• Battery Behavior: The S21 5G houses a 4000 mAh battery, generally providing sufficient power for a full day of moderate use. [31, 42] The S24 Plus includes a larger 4900 mAh battery, which, combined with a more power-efficient processor and adaptive display technology, contributes to extended usage times, often lasting beyond a single day for many users. [1, 8, 37]

The display is a primary interaction point, and both devices offer high-quality viewing experiences, though the newer model brings advancements in clarity, brightness, and efficiency.

• Display Technology and Size: The Galaxy S21 5G features a 6.2-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display with a Full HD+ resolution (1080 x 2400 pixels). [6, 12] The Galaxy S24 Plus boasts a larger 6.7-inch Dynamic LTPO AMOLED 2X display with a sharper Quad HD+ resolution (3120 x 1440 pixels). [1, 4, 11] The larger, higher-resolution screen on the S24 Plus provides a more expansive and detailed viewing area.
• Brightness and Refresh Rate: Both phones offer an adaptive 120Hz refresh rate for smooth scrolling and responsiveness. The S21 5G reaches a peak brightness of 1300 nits. [6] The S24 Plus significantly increases peak brightness to 2600 nits, improving visibility in bright outdoor conditions. [1, 4] The S24 Plus also features LTPO technology, allowing its refresh rate to dynamically scale down to 1Hz for improved power efficiency. [7, 19]
• Viewing Experience: Both displays deliver vibrant colors and deep blacks characteristic of AMOLED technology. The S24 Plus offers a more immersive and detailed visual experience, particularly beneficial for high-resolution content consumption and productivity tasks, due to its larger size, higher resolution, and superior brightness.

Both the Galaxy S21 5G and the Galaxy S24 Plus are equipped with versatile camera systems designed to capture a wide range of photos and videos, with the S24 Plus benefiting from newer sensor technology and enhanced processing.

• Rear Camera System: The S21 5G features a triple camera setup with a 12MP wide-angle lens, a 64MP telephoto lens with 3x hybrid optical zoom, and a 12MP ultra-wide lens. [10, 15] The S24 Plus also has a triple camera system, upgrading to a 50MP wide-angle lens, a 10MP telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom, and a 12MP ultra-wide lens. [1, 5] The S24 Plus's main sensor offers improved detail capture, especially in varied lighting conditions.
• Photography and Video Capabilities: Both devices are capable of recording 8K video, offering high-resolution cinematic footage. [10, 19] The S24 Plus benefits from advancements in image processing, leading to more consistent results, particularly in challenging lighting and with features like improved digital zoom. Both have optical image stabilization (OIS) on their main lenses for steady shots. [15, 19]
• Front Camera and Audio: The S21 5G includes a 10MP front camera, while the S24 Plus features a 12MP front camera, providing slightly more detail for selfies and video calls. [10, 19] Both phones offer stereo speakers for an enhanced media consumption experience. [1, 40]