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

The Samsung Galaxy S21 5G and the Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G, both released in January 2021, are part of Samsung's flagship smartphone series. While they share many core features, the primary distinctions lie in their physical dimensions, display size, and battery capacity. Both devices operate on the Android platform, offering a consistent software experience with Samsung's One UI.

When considering the long-term usability of these devices, their release timeline and software support are key factors. Both the Galaxy S21 5G and S21+ 5G were launched simultaneously in January 2021. Samsung initially committed to providing four years of major Android OS updates and five years of security updates for the S21 series. This means that major OS upgrades concluded around early 2025, with security updates likely ending around January or February 2026.

• Software Longevity: Both models have reached the end of their official software update cycle as of early 2026, meaning they will no longer receive regular security patches or major Android version upgrades.
• Physical Durability: The Galaxy S21 features a polycarbonate back, which can be more resistant to shattering than glass. The Galaxy S21+, however, uses Gorilla Glass Victus on its back, offering enhanced scratch and drop resistance. Both devices carry an IP68 rating for dust and water resistance, protecting against immersion in up to 1.5 meters of fresh water for 30 minutes.
• Repairability: The standard Galaxy S21 has been noted for a relatively good repairability score, with some sources giving it around 7.5 to 7.75 out of 10, partly due to its plastic back being easier to remove. The Galaxy S21+ is considered slightly more challenging to repair than the base S21, particularly concerning battery removal due to strong adhesive.

Both the Galaxy S21 5G and S21+ 5G deliver comparable performance for daily tasks and demanding applications, as they are equipped with the same internal processing components and RAM configurations. This ensures a consistent user experience across both models.

• Processing Power: Both devices utilize the same high-performance processor, which allows for smooth multitasking, rapid app loading, and capable handling of graphics-intensive games. Users can expect a responsive experience whether browsing, streaming, or engaging with productivity tools.
• Storage and Multitasking: Both models come with 8GB of RAM and offer internal storage options of 128GB or 256GB, providing ample space for apps and media. The 8GB RAM ensures efficient multitasking, allowing users to switch between multiple applications without significant slowdowns.
• Battery Performance: The Galaxy S21 features a 4000 mAh battery, while the Galaxy S21+ is equipped with a larger 4800 mAh battery. In practical use, the larger battery in the S21+ generally translates to longer endurance, with users often reporting it can last through a full day of heavy use or more. The S21, while still offering respectable battery life, may require more frequent charging for power users.

The visual experience on both the Galaxy S21 5G and S21+ 5G is vibrant and fluid, though they differ in physical size and pixel density. Both phones feature high-quality displays that enhance media consumption and daily interactions.

• Display Technology and Clarity: Both devices incorporate a Dynamic AMOLED 2X display with a Full HD+ resolution (1080 x 2400 pixels), providing clear and colorful visuals. The S21 has a 6.2-inch display, resulting in a higher pixel density of approximately 421 pixels per inch (ppi). The S21+ offers a larger 6.7-inch screen, with a pixel density of around 394 ppi. While the S21 has a slightly sharper image due to its smaller size, both displays offer excellent clarity for typical viewing distances.
• Brightness and Refresh Rate: Both screens support a 120Hz adaptive refresh rate, which dynamically adjusts based on content to provide smooth scrolling and animations while conserving battery life. They also offer high brightness levels, ensuring good visibility even in bright outdoor conditions.
• Viewing Experience: The larger screen of the Galaxy S21+ provides a more expansive viewing area, which can be beneficial for media consumption, gaming, and productivity tasks. The S21's more compact display offers easier one-handed use and portability.

The camera systems on the Samsung Galaxy S21 5G and Galaxy S21+ 5G are identical, offering a versatile setup for various photography and videography needs. Both devices are designed to capture high-quality images and videos in diverse conditions.

• Rear Camera Array: Both phones feature a triple-lens rear camera system consisting of a 12MP main wide-angle lens, a 64MP telephoto lens with 3x hybrid optical zoom, and a 12MP ultra-wide-angle lens. This configuration allows for flexibility in capturing different perspectives, from expansive landscapes to detailed zoomed-in shots.
• Photography Performance: Users generally report that both devices capture vibrant photos with good dynamic range in various lighting conditions, including decent low-light performance with Night mode. The telephoto lens provides usable zoomed-in shots up to 10x, though quality can degrade at higher digital zoom levels.
• Video Capabilities and Audio: Both models are capable of recording video up to 8K resolution at 24 frames per second, and 4K resolution at 60 frames per second across most lenses. Features like Director's View allow switching between lenses while recording, offering creative flexibility. The microphone quality for calls and video recording is generally clear on both devices.