Galaxy S21 5G • Unlocked vs Galaxy Z Flip4 • Unlocked

The Samsung Galaxy S21 5G, released in January 2021, and the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip4, launched in August 2022, represent distinct approaches to smartphone design and functionality. While the S21 5G offers a traditional, unibody smartphone experience, the Z Flip4 introduces a foldable clamshell design, prioritizing portability and unique interaction methods. Both devices operate on the Android platform, featuring Samsung's One UI for a consistent software experience, though their form factors lead to different practical applications.

The practical lifespan of a smartphone is significantly influenced by its release date and the manufacturer's software support policy. These two devices, while both from Samsung, have different timelines.

• Release Timeline: The Galaxy S21 5G was released in January 2021, making it an older model compared to the Galaxy Z Flip4, which launched in August 2022. This difference in release year directly impacts their remaining software support.
• OS Support Duration: Samsung typically provides four major Android OS updates and five years of security updates for its flagship devices. The Galaxy S21 5G, starting with Android 11, is expected to receive updates up to Android 15, with security updates concluding around January 2026. The Galaxy Z Flip4, launching with Android 12L, is projected to receive updates up to Android 16, with security support extending until August 2027. This means the Z Flip4 offers a longer period of official software support.
• Repairability: The Galaxy S21 5G features a glass front and a plastic back, with an aluminum frame, and an IP68 rating for dust and water resistance. The Galaxy Z Flip4, with its foldable display and hinge mechanism, presents a more complex repair scenario. While it has an IPX8 water resistance rating, it lacks official dust resistance. Repairability scores for the Z Flip4 are generally lower due to the intricate design and the use of adhesives, making screen and battery replacements more challenging. However, Samsung has made efforts to reduce the cost of screen repairs for the Z Flip4 under its care plans.

Both the Galaxy S21 5G and the Galaxy Z Flip4 are equipped with capable processors for their respective generations, offering smooth performance for daily tasks, though the newer model benefits from advancements in chip technology.

• Processor Capabilities: The Galaxy S21 5G is powered by a processor that handles demanding applications and multitasking effectively, providing a responsive user experience. The Galaxy Z Flip4 features a newer generation processor, which contributes to improved efficiency and slightly faster performance, particularly noticeable in graphically intensive applications and sustained workloads.
• Storage and RAM: Both devices typically come with 8GB of RAM, which is sufficient for smooth multitasking and running multiple applications simultaneously. The Galaxy S21 5G offers 128GB or 256GB storage options. The Galaxy Z Flip4 provides more flexibility with 128GB, 256GB, and 512GB storage variants. Neither device supports expandable storage via microSD cards.
• Battery Behavior: The Galaxy S21 5G is equipped with a 4000 mAh battery, generally providing a full day of use for many users. The Galaxy Z Flip4 has a 3700 mAh battery, which is smaller in capacity but benefits from a more power-efficient processor. User reports indicate that the Z Flip4 generally lasts through a full day of moderate use, representing an improvement over its predecessor, though heavy users might still find themselves needing to charge it by early evening.

The display experience on these two Samsung smartphones differs significantly due to their form factors, offering distinct advantages for different user preferences.

• Display Technology and Resolution: The Galaxy S21 5G features a 6.2-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display with a resolution of 1080 x 2400 pixels, providing clear and vibrant visuals. The Galaxy Z Flip4 has a 6.7-inch Foldable Dynamic AMOLED 2X main display with a resolution of 1080 x 2640 pixels when unfolded. Its foldable nature is the primary differentiator, allowing the device to become more compact.
• Refresh Rate and Brightness: Both devices offer a 120Hz refresh rate, contributing to smooth scrolling and a fluid user interface. The S21 5G's display can reach a peak brightness of 1300 nits, ensuring good visibility in various lighting conditions. The Z Flip4's main display also offers high brightness, making it suitable for outdoor use.
• Screen Size and Viewing Experience: The S21 5G provides a traditional, expansive viewing area. The Z Flip4, when unfolded, offers a similar screen size to many standard smartphones, but its ability to fold in half provides a unique compact form factor. It also features a 1.9-inch Super AMOLED cover display, which can show notifications, widgets, and act as a viewfinder for selfies.

The camera systems on the Galaxy S21 5G and the Galaxy Z Flip4 offer different capabilities, with the S21 5G providing a more versatile setup for varied photography needs, while the Z Flip4 focuses on its unique form factor for creative shots.

• Camera System Configuration: The Galaxy S21 5G boasts a triple-camera system on the rear, including a 12MP wide, a 12MP ultrawide, and a 64MP telephoto lens, offering optical zoom capabilities. The Galaxy Z Flip4 features a dual-camera setup with a 12MP wide and a 12MP ultrawide lens. It lacks a dedicated telephoto lens, relying on digital zoom.
• Photography Performance: The S21 5G's camera system is praised for its sharp photos, good detail, and effective dynamic range across its multiple lenses, including improved low-light performance compared to previous generations. The Z Flip4's cameras deliver good images in most lighting conditions, with improvements in low-light performance over its predecessor. Users note that photos are generally punchy with good contrast and color.
• Video Recording and Unique Features: The S21 5G supports up to 8K video recording and features like Director's View, which allows switching between cameras while filming. The Z Flip4's foldable design enables unique shooting angles, such as using the main cameras for high-quality selfies with the cover screen as a viewfinder, or propping the phone up for stable shots. Video quality on the Z Flip4 is generally good in bright environments, though it may show noise in high-contrast scenes.