Galaxy S21 5G Vs Galaxy S24+

The Samsung Galaxy S21 5G, released in January 2021, and the Samsung Galaxy S24 Plus, launched in January 2024, represent different generations within Samsung's flagship smartphone lineup. While both offer a premium Android experience, the S24 Plus introduces significant advancements in display technology, processing power, and extended software support. This comparison aims to highlight the practical differences between these two devices, helping users make an informed decision, especially when considering a quality-assured refurbished option.

When evaluating the longevity of a smartphone, several factors come into play, including software support, physical durability, and ease of repair.

• Release Timeline and OS Support: The Galaxy S21 5G, released in early 2021, launched with Android 11 and received four major OS updates, concluding with Android 15. Security updates for the S21 5G are expected to continue until 2026. In contrast, the Galaxy S24 Plus, released in early 2024 with Android 14, benefits from Samsung's extended support policy, promising seven major OS updates and seven years of security updates, meaning it will receive updates through Android 21 until 2031.
• Physical Durability: Both devices feature an IP68 rating for dust and water resistance. The Galaxy S21 5G uses Gorilla Glass Victus for its front display and a plastic back, while the S24 Plus upgrades to Gorilla Glass Victus 2 for both the front and back, along with an Armor Aluminum frame, offering enhanced protection against drops and scratches.
• Repairability: The Galaxy S21 5G received a repairability score of 7.5 out of 10, noted for being relatively easy to dismantle and reassemble, with a removable cable connecting the screen to the motherboard. The Galaxy S24 Plus boasts an even higher repairability score of 8.0 to 9.0 out of 10, with features like easily removable back plates and batteries with pull tabs, though screen replacement can still be challenging.

The performance of a smartphone is crucial for daily tasks, from browsing and social media to demanding applications and gaming.

• Processor Capabilities: The Galaxy S21 5G is powered by a capable processor from its generation, handling everyday applications and multitasking smoothly. The Galaxy S24 Plus, being a newer device, features a significantly more advanced processor, providing a noticeable boost in speed and efficiency. This translates to faster app loading times, smoother transitions, and more robust performance for intensive tasks like high-fidelity gaming and complex photo/video editing.
• Battery Behavior: The Galaxy S21 5G comes with a 4000 mAh battery. While it can last a full day for moderate users, heavy usage, especially with 5G connectivity, may require more frequent charging. The Galaxy S24 Plus houses a larger 4900 mAh battery, which, combined with a more power-efficient processor and adaptive display technology, generally offers extended battery life, often lasting well over a day even with moderate to heavy use.
• Storage and RAM: The Galaxy S21 5G typically offers 8GB of RAM and storage options starting from 128GB. The Galaxy S24 Plus elevates this with 12GB of RAM as standard and storage options beginning at 256GB, providing more headroom for multitasking and ample space for applications and media.

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

• Display Technology and Resolution: Both phones feature Dynamic AMOLED 2X displays, known for vibrant colors and deep blacks. The Galaxy S21 5G has a 6.2-inch display with a Full HD+ resolution (1080 x 2400 pixels). The Galaxy S24 Plus features a larger 6.7-inch display with a Quad HD+ resolution (1440 x 3120 pixels), offering a sharper and more detailed visual experience.
• Brightness and Refresh Rate: Both devices support an adaptive refresh rate of up to 120Hz for smooth scrolling and responsiveness. The S21 5G's display can reach a peak brightness of 1300 nits. The S24 Plus significantly boosts peak brightness to 2600 nits, making it exceptionally clear and readable even in bright outdoor conditions. The S24 Plus also features an LTPO panel, allowing for a more dynamic refresh rate range (1-120Hz) compared to the S21 5G's (48-120Hz), which contributes to power efficiency.
• Viewing Experience: The larger, higher-resolution screen of the S24 Plus provides a more immersive experience for media consumption and productivity, while the S21 5G offers a more compact form factor that some users prefer for one-handed use.

Both the Galaxy S21 5G and S24 Plus offer versatile camera systems, but the newer model incorporates advancements in sensor technology and processing.

• Rear Camera System: The Galaxy S21 5G features a triple camera setup with a 12MP main sensor, a 12MP ultrawide, and a 64MP telephoto lens capable of 3x hybrid optical zoom. The Galaxy S24 Plus also has a triple camera system, including a 50MP main sensor, a 12MP ultrawide, and a 10MP telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom. While megapixel count isn't the sole indicator of quality, the S24 Plus's larger main sensor and improved image processing often result in more detailed and color-accurate photos.
• Photography Performance: The S21 5G delivers excellent photos in good lighting and has a capable night mode. The S24 Plus builds on this with enhanced low-light performance and improved dynamic range, thanks to its newer sensor and computational photography capabilities. Users report that the S24 Plus offers consistent color matching across its lenses.
• Video Recording and Audio: Both phones support 8K video recording at 24fps and 4K at 30/60fps. The S21 5G's video capabilities were praised at its release, including features like Director's View. The S24 Plus offers 8K at 24/30fps and 4K at up to 120fps, providing more flexibility for high-resolution video capture. Both devices offer good microphone quality for calls and recording, and stereo speakers for media consumption.