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

The practical lifespan of a smartphone is heavily influenced by its release timeline and the manufacturer's commitment to software updates and repairability.

• Release Timeline: The Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G was released in January 2021, making it a device from an earlier generation. The Galaxy S24, launched in January 2024, benefits from being a much newer model, offering a more current starting point for its lifecycle.
• OS Support Duration: The Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G launched with Android 11 and was expected to receive major OS updates up to Android 14 or 15, aligning with Samsung's previous update policies of 3-4 OS upgrades and 4-5 years of security patches for its flagships. In contrast, the Galaxy S24 was introduced with a commitment to an extended support period, promising seven years of both OS updates and security updates, significantly prolonging its software relevance.
• Repairability: The Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G received a lower repairability score, primarily due to the extensive use of adhesive for components like the battery and display, making disassembly and repair more challenging. The Galaxy S24, however, has demonstrated a higher repairability score, with features like easier battery removal thanks to pull tabs, indicating a more user-friendly approach to potential repairs.

Performance in daily use is a key differentiator, with newer generations typically offering enhancements in speed and efficiency for various tasks.

• Processing Power: The Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G, powered by its generation's leading processor, handles demanding applications and multitasking with competence, providing a smooth user experience for most tasks. The Galaxy S24, featuring a more recent and optimized processor, delivers enhanced responsiveness and efficiency, particularly noticeable in graphically intensive games, advanced AI features, and seamless navigation through complex interfaces.
• Multitasking and Storage: The S21 Ultra 5G offered generous RAM options, supporting robust multitasking. The S24 maintains strong multitasking capabilities with its standard RAM configuration and benefits from faster internal storage technology (UFS 4.0), contributing to quicker app loading times and smoother data handling.
• Battery Behavior: The S21 Ultra 5G, equipped with a 5000mAh battery, generally provides a full day of use for many users, with some reporting 6-7 hours of screen-on time, though heavy usage can necessitate mid-day charging. The Galaxy S24, with a 4000mAh battery, aims for efficient power management. User experiences vary, with some achieving a full day of moderate use, while others note that intensive activities like gaming or prolonged camera use can lead to more frequent charging.

The display is a primary interface for smartphone interaction, and both devices offer high-quality viewing experiences with notable differences in brightness and size.

• Display Technology and Size: The Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G features a large 6.8-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display, offering a spacious canvas for content consumption. The Galaxy S24 comes with a slightly smaller 6.2-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display, providing a more compact form factor. Both utilize AMOLED technology for deep blacks and vibrant colors.
• Resolution and Clarity: The S21 Ultra 5G boasts a high WQHD+ resolution (3200 x 1440 pixels), resulting in exceptional sharpness and detail. The Galaxy S24 features an FHD+ resolution (2340 x 1080 pixels), which still provides clear and crisp visuals for everyday viewing.
• Brightness and Refresh Rate: Both devices offer an adaptive 120Hz refresh rate for smooth scrolling and fluid animations. The S21 Ultra 5G provides ample brightness for outdoor visibility. The Galaxy S24 significantly enhances peak brightness, reaching up to 2600 nits, which improves readability in direct sunlight and enhances HDR content viewing.

Both the Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G and the Galaxy S24 are equipped with versatile camera systems designed to capture a wide range of photographic and videographic scenarios.

• Rear Camera System: The S21 Ultra 5G features a quad-camera setup, including a 108MP main sensor, a 12MP ultrawide, and two 10MP telephoto lenses (3x and 10x optical zoom), offering extensive zoom capabilities. The Galaxy S24 has a triple-camera system with a 50MP main sensor, a 12MP ultrawide, and a 10MP telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom.
• Photography Performance: The S21 Ultra 5G was praised for its versatile zoom and detailed images, especially from the main sensor. The Galaxy S24 delivers natural-looking colors and good detail, particularly from its main 50MP sensor, with improvements in image processing for more balanced results. Its ultrawide camera captures good detail, and the 3x telephoto is suitable for portraits and close-ups.
• Video Recording and Audio: Both devices support high-resolution video recording, with the S21 Ultra 5G capable of 8K at 24fps and 4K at 30/60fps. The Galaxy S24 offers 8K video at 30fps and 4K at 60fps, along with enhanced stabilization and AI-powered editing tools. Both provide stereo speakers for media consumption.

Beyond core specifications, practical elements like connectivity, physical design, and additional features contribute to the overall user experience.

• Connectivity and Ports: Both the Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G and the Galaxy S24 support 5G connectivity for fast mobile data. The S21 Ultra 5G features Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.2, while the S24 likely includes updated Wi-Fi and Bluetooth standards for improved wireless performance. Both utilize a USB-C port for charging and data transfer.
• Sensors and Security: Both devices incorporate an under-display fingerprint sensor for secure unlocking. The S21 Ultra 5G also introduced S-Pen support, expanding its utility for productivity and creative tasks. The S24 integrates advanced AI features, enhancing various aspects of the user experience, from communication to photo editing.
• Build and Handling: The S21 Ultra 5G has a substantial build with Gorilla Glass Victus on both front and back, contributing to its premium feel and durability. The Galaxy S24 also features a durable construction, with Gorilla Glass Victus 2 on its display, and maintains an IP68 rating for dust and water resistance, a feature shared by both models.