Samsung S21 vs S24 – Check Which One Is Best & Why?

Samsung Galaxy S24 & Samsung Galaxy S21 share many similarities, but there are also important differences, such as quality, performance, features, design, and connectivity. If you want the best one between them, I Would recommend the Samsung Galaxy S24 rather than the Samsung Galaxy S21.

Why Do I Recommend The Samsung Galaxy S24?

  • The Samsung Galaxy S24 comes with the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipset for significantly faster multitasking, smoother app performance, and stronger long-term usability, while the Samsung Galaxy S21 uses the Exynos 2100 chipset.
  • Samsung Galaxy S24 features a higher 2600-nit peak brightness display for much clearer outdoor visibility and improved HDR viewing in direct sunlight, whereas the Samsung Galaxy S21 has a lower peak brightness panel.
  • It includes a 1–120 Hz adaptive refresh rate for better battery efficiency during static content and smoother transitions during scrolling, while the Samsung Galaxy S21 uses a more limited 48–120 Hz refresh range.
  • The Samsung Galaxy S24 has a 50 MP main camera sensor for capturing sharper photos with better low-light detail and improved dynamic range, whereas the Samsung Galaxy S21 uses a 12 MP main camera sensor.
  • Samsung Galaxy S24 supports true 3× optical zoom for clearer long-distance shots without quality loss, while the Samsung Galaxy S21 relies on a hybrid zoom system that degrades image detail.
  • It comes with UFS 4.0 storage for faster app loading, quicker file transfers, and smoother system responsiveness, while the Samsung Galaxy S21 uses slower UFS 3.1 storage.
  • The Samsung Galaxy S24 supports Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.3 for faster wireless speeds, lower latency, and more stable connections, whereas the Samsung Galaxy S21 supports Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.0.
  • Samsung Galaxy S24 includes extended software and security update support for longer device lifespan and better long-term security, while the Samsung Galaxy S21 has a shorter update support window.

Maybe the Samsung Galaxy S21 can make you comfortable because it’s a little bit cheaper than the Samsung Galaxy S24. But you have to compromise all the above-mentioned features. Now the Decision is Yours. I hope it was helpful to choose the right one.

Side-by-Side Comparison

FeatureSamsung Galaxy S24Samsung Galaxy S21
ChipsetSnapdragon 8 Gen 3Snapdragon 888
Peak brightness2600 nits1300 nits
Frame materialArmor AluminumAluminum
Back materialGlassPolycarbonate
Front glassGorilla Glass Victus 2Gorilla Glass Victus
Weight167 g169 g
Storage typeUFS 4.0UFS 3.1
Rear main camera50 MP12 MP
Telephoto optical zoom3× optical1.1× optical
Front camera12 MP10 MP
Max video (rear)8K @ 30 fps8K @ 24 fps
Bluetooth5.35.0
Software at launchAndroid 14Android 11
Major OS updates policyUp to 7 generationsUp to 4 generations
Security updates policyUp to 7 yearsUp to 5 years
PriceCheck Samsung S24 PriceCheck Samsung S21 Price

What Common Both Can Do?

  • Display size: Both smartphones use a 6.2-inch display, making them compact flagship models that are easy to use with one hand while still offering a modern screen size suitable for media consumption.
  • Display technology: Each device features a Dynamic AMOLED 2X panel, which provides deep blacks, vivid colors, and excellent contrast levels for high-quality visual output.
  • Resolution: The Full HD+ resolution on both phones ensures sharp text and images while maintaining good power efficiency compared to higher-resolution panels.
  • Adaptive refresh rate: Both models support a 120 Hz adaptive refresh rate, allowing smoother scrolling and animations while dynamically adjusting to save battery life.
  • HDR support: HDR10+ support on both devices enhances contrast and color range when viewing compatible videos and streaming content.
  • Punch-hole front camera: Each phone uses a centered punch-hole design for the selfie camera, maximizing screen space while keeping the front design modern and symmetrical.
  • 5G connectivity: Both smartphones support 5G networks, enabling faster data speeds, lower latency, and improved network performance where 5G is available.
  • Dual SIM support: Each model offers dual SIM functionality in supported regions, allowing users to manage personal and work numbers or multiple carriers on one device.
  • In-display fingerprint sensor: Both devices use ultrasonic in-display fingerprint sensors, providing secure biometric authentication directly through the screen.
  • Face unlock: Face recognition is available on both phones as an alternative biometric method, offering quick and convenient device access.
  • Stereo speakers: Each model includes stereo speaker systems, delivering more immersive and balanced audio compared to single-speaker setups.
  • Dolby Atmos: Dolby Atmos support is present on both devices, enhancing audio depth and spatial effects when using compatible headphones or speakers.
  • USB port: Both smartphones use a USB-C port for charging and data transfer, aligning with modern connectivity standards.
  • Wireless charging: Each device supports wireless charging, allowing cable-free charging with compatible Qi chargers.
  • Reverse wireless charging: Both models can wirelessly charge accessories such as earbuds or smartwatches using the phone’s battery.
  • Fast wired charging: Both phones support up to 25 W wired charging, enabling relatively quick top-ups during daily use.
  • IP rating: An IP68 rating on both devices provides resistance against dust and water immersion, improving durability in everyday conditions.
  • No microSD slot: Neither phone includes expandable storage, meaning users rely on internal storage options for apps and media.
  • No headphone jack: Both models omit the 3.5 mm headphone jack, encouraging the use of USB-C or wireless audio accessories.
  • One UI software: Each device runs Samsung’s One UI interface, offering a consistent user experience, design language, and feature set across generations.

Common Features

FeatureSamsung Galaxy S24Samsung Galaxy S21
Display size6.2-inch6.2-inch
Display technologyDynamic AMOLED 2XDynamic AMOLED 2X
ResolutionFHD+FHD+
Adaptive refresh rate120 Hz120 Hz
HDR supportHDR10+HDR10+
Punch-hole front cameraYesYes
5G connectivityYesYes
Dual SIM supportYesYes
In-display fingerprint sensorUltrasonicUltrasonic
Face unlockYesYes
Stereo speakersYesYes
Dolby AtmosYesYes
USB portUSB-CUSB-C
Wireless chargingYesYes
Reverse wireless chargingYesYes
Fast wired charging25 W25 W
IP ratingIP68IP68
No microSD slotYesYes
No headphone jackYesYes
One UI softwareYesYes
Price Check Samsung S24 Price
Check Samsung S21 Price

FAQ

Is the Samsung Galaxy S24 noticeably faster than the Samsung Galaxy S21 in daily use?
Yes. The Samsung Galaxy S24 uses a much newer generation chipset with improved CPU, GPU, and AI processing, which results in smoother multitasking, faster app launches, and better long-term performance compared to the Samsung Galaxy S21.

Do the Samsung Galaxy S24 and Samsung Galaxy S21 have the same screen size?
Yes. Both devices feature a 6.2-inch display, making them compact flagship phones with a similar one-handed usability and overall footprint.

Is the display quality similar between the Samsung Galaxy S24 and Samsung Galaxy S21?
Both phones use Dynamic AMOLED 2X panels with 120 Hz refresh rates, but the Samsung Galaxy S24 reaches significantly higher brightness levels and has a wider adaptive refresh range, making it better for outdoor visibility.

Does the Samsung Galaxy S24 have better camera hardware than the Samsung Galaxy S21?
Yes. The Samsung Galaxy S24 upgrades the main camera to a higher-resolution sensor and improves image processing, while the Samsung Galaxy S21 relies on older camera hardware and computational photography.

Is optical zoom the same on both phones?
No. The Samsung Galaxy S24 provides true 3× optical zoom, while the Samsung Galaxy S21 uses a hybrid zoom system that relies more heavily on digital cropping.

Do both phones support 5G connectivity?
Yes. Both the Samsung Galaxy S24 and Samsung Galaxy S21 support 5G networks, allowing access to faster mobile data speeds where supported by carriers.

Is battery charging speed different between the two models?
No. Both devices support up to 25 W wired charging, along with wireless charging and reverse wireless charging, resulting in similar charging behavior.

Does the Samsung Galaxy S24 last longer on a single charge than the Samsung Galaxy S21?
In real-world use, the Samsung Galaxy S24 often achieves similar or better battery life due to improved power efficiency from its newer chipset, despite having a slightly smaller battery on paper.

Are build materials improved on the Samsung Galaxy S24?
Yes. The Samsung Galaxy S24 uses a stronger Armor Aluminum frame and newer Gorilla Glass on the front, while the Samsung Galaxy S21 uses older materials, making the S24 more durable overall.

Do both phones have expandable storage via microSD?
No. Neither the Samsung Galaxy S24 nor the Samsung Galaxy S21 includes a microSD card slot, so users must rely on internal storage options.

Is software support better on the Samsung Galaxy S24?
Yes. The Samsung Galaxy S24 is eligible for significantly more Android version upgrades and security updates compared to the Samsung Galaxy S21, making it more future-proof.

Do both models have the same biometric security options?
Yes. Both phones include an ultrasonic in-display fingerprint sensor and face unlock, offering similar biometric security methods.

Is gaming performance noticeably different between the two phones?
Yes. The Samsung Galaxy S24 delivers higher and more stable frame rates in modern games due to its newer GPU and improved thermal management compared to the Samsung Galaxy S21.

Do both phones support water and dust resistance?
Yes. Both devices carry an IP68 rating, providing resistance against dust and water immersion for everyday protection.

Is it worth upgrading from the Samsung Galaxy S21 to the Samsung Galaxy S24?
For users who prioritize performance, camera quality, display brightness, and long-term software support, upgrading to the Samsung Galaxy S24 provides meaningful improvements over the Samsung Galaxy S21.