Galaxy S21 5G • Unlocked vs Galaxy Z Fold4 • Unlocked

The Samsung Galaxy S21 5G (released in January 2021) and the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold4 (released in August 2022) represent distinct approaches to smartphone design and functionality. While both devices operate on the Android platform with Samsung's custom interface, offering a familiar software experience, their primary difference lies in their physical form factor. The S21 5G is a traditional, compact smartphone, whereas the Z Fold4 is a pioneering foldable device that transforms from a standard smartphone into a tablet-like experience, prioritizing screen real estate and multitasking capabilities.

The age difference between these two models significantly influences their expected software support and physical resilience over time.

• Software Longevity: The Galaxy Z Fold4, launched in 2022, is eligible for software updates and security patches for a longer period than the S21 5G, which arrived a year earlier. The Z Fold4 is expected to receive four major Android OS updates and five years of security updates from its release, potentially supporting up to Android 16 and security patches until 2027. The S21 5G, having launched with Android 11, would typically receive updates up to Android 15 and security patches until 2026.
• Physical Resilience: The S21 5G features a traditional rigid build, often with a reinforced plastic rear, contributing to its durability against minor impacts. The Z Fold4, conversely, incorporates a complex hinge and a flexible internal screen, which necessitates more careful handling to prevent damage to its folding components.
• Repairability: Standard smartphones like the S21 5G are generally more straightforward for technicians to service. The intricate internal design of the Z Fold4, coupled with its dual-screen setup, makes repairs more specialized compared to the construction of the S21 series.

Both devices offer robust performance for daily tasks, but the Z Fold4 benefits from a newer generation of internal components.

• Everyday Responsiveness: The Galaxy Z Fold4, equipped with a more recent processor, handles demanding applications and multitasking with greater efficiency and smoother operation. Users will experience quicker app loading times and more fluid transitions between tasks. The S21 5G, while still capable, provides a solid performance for general use and most applications.
• Multitasking Capabilities: The Z Fold4 features 12 GB of RAM, which enhances its ability to manage numerous applications simultaneously without slowdowns, particularly beneficial when utilizing its larger, unfolded display for split-screen activities. The S21 5G comes with 8 GB of RAM, offering competent multitasking for typical smartphone usage.
• Battery Behavior: The Galaxy Z Fold4 houses a 4400 mAh battery, which, combined with its efficient processor and adaptive refresh rate displays, generally provides reliable power for a full day of moderate to heavy use, with some users reporting around 13 hours of usage. The S21 5G has a 4000 mAh battery, offering sufficient power for a typical day, though heavy users might find themselves needing to recharge sooner.

The display experience is a significant differentiator, with the Z Fold4 offering a unique dual-screen setup compared to the S21 5G's traditional panel.

• Display Technology and Versatility: Both devices utilize Dynamic AMOLED 2X technology, known for producing deep blacks and vibrant colors. The S21 5G features a single 6.2-inch display, ideal for one-handed operation. The Z Fold4 offers a 6.2-inch cover display for quick interactions and a larger 7.6-inch internal display that unfolds to provide a tablet-like experience, suitable for media consumption and productivity.
• Resolution and Clarity: The S21 5G's display has a resolution of 1080 x 2400 pixels, resulting in a pixel density of 421 ppi, offering sharp and clear visuals. The Z Fold4's main display has a resolution of 2176 x 1812 pixels (373 ppi), while its cover screen is 2316 x 904 pixels (401 ppi), both providing clear images.
• Brightness and Smoothness: Both models feature a 120Hz adaptive refresh rate for smooth scrolling and responsive interactions. The Z Fold4's main display can reach a peak brightness of 1200 nits, and the cover display 1000 nits, while the S21 5G can reach up to 1300 nits, ensuring good visibility in various lighting conditions.

Both smartphones offer capable camera systems, with the Z Fold4 featuring a more recent sensor for its main camera.

• Main Camera System: The Galaxy Z Fold4 features a triple-lens rear camera system with a 50MP wide-angle sensor, a 10MP telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom, and a 12MP ultrawide lens. This setup is noted for improved low-light performance and detailed shots. The S21 5G also has a versatile triple-lens system, including a 12MP wide, a 64MP telephoto with 3x hybrid optical zoom, and a 12MP ultrawide camera, known for producing excellent photos in various conditions.
• Front and Selfie Cameras: The Z Fold4 includes a 10MP camera on its cover display and a 4MP under-display camera on the main screen, with the cover camera offering better quality for selfies. The S21 5G features a 10MP front camera that delivers sharp photos with good detail.
• Video Recording: Both devices are capable of high-quality video recording, including 8K resolution, offering features like Director's View on the S21 5G for creative control.