Galaxy S21 5G • Unlocked vs Galaxy Z Flip5 • Unlocked

The Samsung Galaxy S21 5G, released in January 2021, represents a traditional smartphone design, offering a flat display and a conventional form factor. In contrast, the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip5, launched in August 2023, introduces a clamshell foldable design, allowing the device to fold in half for enhanced portability. These two devices cater to different user preferences, with the S21 focusing on a classic smartphone experience and the Z Flip5 emphasizing a compact, innovative design with a secondary cover screen.

The expected lifespan and software support differ between these two devices, primarily due to their respective release dates and Samsung's update policies.

• Release Timeline: The Galaxy S21 5G was released in January 2021, while the Galaxy Z Flip5 launched significantly later in August 2023. This nearly two-and-a-half-year difference impacts their respective support cycles.
• OS and Security Updates: The Galaxy S21 5G was promised four generations of Android OS updates and five years of security updates from its release. Having launched with Android 11, it received updates up to Android 15 and security updates until 2026. The Galaxy Z Flip5, released with Android 13, is set to receive four major Android OS upgrades (up to Android 17) and five years of security updates (through 2028), offering a longer period of official software support.
• Repairability: The Galaxy S21 5G has been noted for a relatively high repairability score of 7.5/10 or 7.75/10, with a design that makes some components, like the back plate, easier to remove. The Galaxy Z Flip5 also shows a good repairability score, rated at 6.5/10 or 7.5/10, with improvements like battery pull tabs making certain repairs more straightforward compared to its predecessors. However, the foldable nature of the Z Flip5 introduces complexities not present in traditional slab phones.

Both devices offer robust performance for their respective generations, though the newer Galaxy Z Flip5 benefits from more recent advancements in processing technology.

• Processor Capabilities: The Galaxy S21 5G, powered by a high-end processor for its time, handles demanding applications and multitasking smoothly, providing a responsive user experience for everyday tasks and gaming. The Galaxy Z Flip5 features a more current-generation processor, which translates to enhanced efficiency and faster performance, particularly noticeable in graphically intensive games and when running multiple applications simultaneously.
• Storage and RAM: The Galaxy S21 5G typically comes with 8GB of RAM and storage options of 128GB or 256GB. The Galaxy Z Flip5 also includes 8GB of RAM but starts with a larger base storage of 256GB, with an option for 512GB, offering more space for apps and media.
• Battery Behavior: The Galaxy S21 5G is equipped with a 4000 mAh battery. The Galaxy Z Flip5 has a slightly smaller 3700 mAh battery. However, the Z Flip5's newer, more efficient processor often allows it to achieve comparable or even slightly better battery endurance in typical usage scenarios, with users reporting it can last through a full day for moderate use. Heavy users of the Z Flip5 might find themselves needing to charge more frequently.

The display experience is a significant differentiator, with the Galaxy S21 5G offering a traditional flat screen and the Galaxy Z Flip5 featuring a unique foldable main display alongside a functional cover screen.

• Display Technology and Size: The Galaxy S21 5G features a 6.2-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X flat display. The Galaxy Z Flip5 boasts a 6.7-inch Foldable Dynamic AMOLED 2X main display when unfolded, providing a larger viewing area. Additionally, the Z Flip5 includes a 3.4-inch Super AMOLED cover screen, which is significantly larger and more functional than previous Flip models, allowing for more interactions without unfolding the device.
• Resolution and Brightness: Both devices offer vibrant and clear visuals. The S21 5G has a Full HD+ resolution (2400 x 1080 pixels) with a peak brightness of 1300 nits. The Z Flip5's main display also features a Full HD+ resolution (2640 x 1080 pixels) and can reach a peak brightness of 1750 nits, making it highly visible even in bright outdoor conditions.
• Refresh Rate and Smoothness: Both models feature an adaptive 120Hz refresh rate, ensuring smooth scrolling and fluid animations. The Z Flip5's foldable screen does have a visible crease, which users generally get accustomed to, and a shiny screen protector.

The camera systems on both devices are designed to capture high-quality images and videos, though they offer different configurations and strengths.

• Camera System Configuration: The Galaxy S21 5G features a versatile triple-camera setup on the rear, including a 12MP main lens, a 12MP ultrawide lens, and a 64MP telephoto lens with 3x hybrid optical zoom. The Galaxy Z Flip5 has a dual-camera system, comprising a 12MP main camera and a 12MP ultrawide camera. It lacks a dedicated telephoto lens. Both devices have a 10MP front-facing camera.
• Photography Performance: The S21 5G's telephoto lens provides greater flexibility for zooming in on subjects without significant loss of detail. The Z Flip5's cameras are praised for producing sharp details, vibrant colors, and good dynamic range in various lighting conditions, with its ultrawide camera maintaining similar quality to the main lens. Users have noted the Z Flip5's strong low-light performance compared to some competitors.
• Video Recording and Features: Both phones are capable of high-resolution video recording. The S21 5G can record up to 8K video. The Z Flip5 also offers strong video capabilities, and its foldable design allows for unique shooting angles and hands-free video calls using Flex Mode. The larger cover screen on the Z Flip5 also enhances the selfie experience, allowing users to utilize the main cameras for higher-quality self-portraits.