Samsung, the leader in the smartphone market, has consistently raised the bar with each new generation of devices. The Galaxy S series, in particular, is synonymous with innovation, style and cutting-edge technology. With the release of Galaxy S21, Samsung mesmerized mobile lovers by integrating powerful features in an attractive design. Now, with the introduction of the Galaxy S24, tech fans are curious to know if this new model is worthy of an upgrade. This article highlights a detailed comparison of the Galaxy S21 and Galaxy S24, focusing on the specifications, design, performance, camera capabilities, battery life, software features, and overall user experience.
1. Design and build quality
Galaxy S21:
The Galaxy S21 came out with a distinctive design featuring its contoured camera array and premium materials. Featuring a glass back and aluminum frame, it is not only aesthetically pleasing, but also built for durability with Corning Gorilla Glass Victus. The device has a compact form factor with a display size of 6.2 inches, making it easy to handle and use with one hand. The S21 also comes in a variety of vibrant colors, appealing to a wide range of consumers.
Galaxy S24:
The Galaxy S24 further enhances the design aesthetic with a refined look that maintains the premium feel while introducing new features like a punch-hole camera that is less obtrusive than previous models. It has a slightly larger display of 6.3 inches, allowing for a more immersive viewing experience. The S24 is notable for its thin bezels, challenging the limits of screen-to-body ratio. With a more robust construction centered around Gorilla Glass Victus 2, the S24 maintains its resilience against drops and scratches.
2. Display Technology
Galaxy S21:
The S21 is equipped with an AMOLED display with a resolution of 2400 x 1080 pixels and a refresh rate of up to 120Hz, providing an exceptionally smooth user experience. It supports HDR10+, delivering vibrant colors and great contrast ratios, especially when watching videos or playing games.
Galaxy S24:
The S24’s display takes the brightness of its predecessor and builds on it. With an upgrade to QHD+ resolution (3200 x 1440 pixels), the S24 delivers clearer imagery and more detailed views. Samsung also changed the brightness levels of the screen, with maximum brightness now reaching 2000 nits, making it easier to see even in direct sunlight. Adaptive refresh rate technology further enhances performance by dynamically adjusting from 1Hz to 120Hz depending on activity, thus preserving battery life during steady use.
3. Display
Galaxy S21:
The Galaxy S21 is powered by the Snapdragon 888 (in the US) or Exynos 2100 (internationally), both of which deliver strong performance for gaming, multitasking, and everyday use. With 8GB of RAM and a storage option of 128GB or 256GB, the S21 is adept at handling demanding applications.
Galaxy S24:
The S24 moves forward globally with the new Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chipset, which represents a significant performance jump in terms of CPU and GPU efficiency. Optimized to deliver a seamless experience in gaming, video editing and productivity tasks, the S24 is equipped with 8GB or 12GB of RAM with storage variants ranging from 128GB to 1TB. This new architecture allows for better thermal management and faster load times.
4. Camera System
Galaxy S21:
The camera setup on the Galaxy S21 includes a 12MP ultra-wide, 12MP wide, and a 64MP telephoto lens, allowing for versatile photography options. Features like 8K video recording, Super Steady Video, and 30x Space Zoom make it an all-round camera system suitable for a variety of shooting scenarios.
Galaxy S24:
The S24 impresses with its advanced sensor and advanced computational photography capabilities. Its triple-camera system includes a 50MP wide lens, 12MP ultra-wide lens and 10MP telephoto lens. This setup allows for better low-light performance, better dynamic range, and faster autofocus. Additionally, the S24 offers 8K video at 60fps, significantly improving video capabilities. New AI features enhance scene recognition and auto-editing functions, making photography even more user-friendly and efficient.
5. Battery Life
Galaxy S21:
Equipped with a 4000mAh battery, the Galaxy S21 generally provides a full day of usage in moderate conditions. With the added benefit of 25W fast charging and 15W wireless charging, it meets the expectations of most consumers.
Galaxy S24:
Samsung has increased the battery capacity in the S24 to 4500mAh. This boost, combined with more energy-efficient components, means better longevity. The S24 supports 45W fast charging that can charge the device from 0 to 100% in about an hour. The combination of larger battery and efficient display technology contributes to a significant increase in battery performance, catering to more demanding users.
6. Software Features
Galaxy S21:
Running Android 11 with Samsung’s One UI 3.1 at launch, the S21 offered a feature-rich environment with customization options, multitasking capabilities, and integrated Samsung services.
Galaxy S24:
The Galaxy S24 launches with Android 13 and One UI 5.1, which integrates new features like better privacy controls, better multitasking, and more refined personalization. Advanced integration with Samsung’s ecosystem through services like SmartThings, and software-level improvements like calendar and widget customization, facilitate a smoother and more cohesive experience across devices.
7. Pricing and Availability
Galaxy S21:
Upon release, the base model of the Galaxy S21 started at $799. As the device aged, it saw progressive price reductions, making it a more affordable option for budget-conscious consumers.
Galaxy S24:
Although the base model costs a bit more, at around $899, the S24 offers several technological upgrades that warrant the increase. Given that Samsung tends to freeze the prices of previous models after new releases, the S24’s pricing structure reflects its advanced capabilities and high-end specifications.
conclusion
The Galaxy S21 has set a high bar with its versatile features and performance, widely recognized as a top contender in the flagship market. However, the S24 enhances almost every aspect of the smartphone experience, making it an attractive upgrade for users who want cutting-edge technology and better functionality. From a bigger and brighter display, better processing power, advanced camera capabilities and longer battery life, the Galaxy S24 has been carefully designed to meet the evolving needs of consumers.
As users assess whether upgrading from the S21 to the S24 is prudent, they should consider personal needs, budget considerations, and the value of the features offered by the latest flagship. For new buyers, the S24 presents itself as a future-ready smartphone that excels across the board, setting a new standard for what premium mobile technology has to offer.
questions to ask
Q1: Is the Galaxy S24 much better than the Galaxy S21?
A1: Yes, the Galaxy S24 offers improvements in performance, camera technology, display quality, battery life and software features compared to the S21, making it a notable upgrade.
Q2: Can I use the same accessories for both devices?
A2: Many accessories, such as cases, charging cables and earbuds of similar dimensions, may be compatible, but it is best to check the specific model compatibility.
Q3: What is the biggest difference between the cameras of the two models?
A3: The S24 features an advanced camera sensor with a 50MP main camera and improved low-light performance, AI enhancements, and 8K video at 60fps, while the S21 has a 64MP telephoto camera and lacks some of the S24’s computational photography features.
Q4: Is the design really different between the S21 and S24?
A4: The S24 has a more refined design with slightly thinner bezels and a larger screen, which many users may find visually appealing. It also features a punch-hole camera for a clean aesthetic.
Q5: How does battery life compare between the two models?
A5: The S24 has a larger battery (4500mAh), providing better energy efficiency as well as better overall battery life than the S21’s 4000mAh battery.
Q6: Will S21 get an update after the launch of S24?
A6: Typically, Samsung supports its devices with software updates for several years, so the Galaxy S21 will likely continue to receive security and software updates for the foreseeable future, although at a slower rate than newer models.
Q7: Should I upgrade from Galaxy S21 to S24?
A7: If you value the latest technology, advanced features, and better performance, upgrading to the S24 will be worthwhile. However, if your S21 meets your needs, you may choose to wait for a more significant upgrade in the future.
