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
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S24 | Samsung Galaxy S21 |
| Chipset | Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 | Snapdragon 888 |
| Peak brightness | 2600 nits | 1300 nits |
| Frame material | Armor Aluminum | Aluminum |
| Back material | Glass | Polycarbonate |
| Front glass | Gorilla Glass Victus 2 | Gorilla Glass Victus |
| Weight | 167 g | 169 g |
| Storage type | UFS 4.0 | UFS 3.1 |
| Rear main camera | 50 MP | 12 MP |
| Telephoto optical zoom | 3× optical | 1.1× optical |
| Front camera | 12 MP | 10 MP |
| Max video (rear) | 8K @ 30 fps | 8K @ 24 fps |
| Bluetooth | 5.3 | 5.0 |
| Software at launch | Android 14 | Android 11 |
| Major OS updates policy | Up to 7 generations | Up to 4 generations |
| Security updates policy | Up to 7 years | Up to 5 years |
| Price | Check Samsung S24 Price | Check 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
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S24 | Samsung Galaxy S21 |
| Display size | 6.2-inch | 6.2-inch |
| Display technology | Dynamic AMOLED 2X | Dynamic AMOLED 2X |
| Resolution | FHD+ | FHD+ |
| Adaptive refresh rate | 120 Hz | 120 Hz |
| HDR support | HDR10+ | HDR10+ |
| Punch-hole front camera | Yes | Yes |
| 5G connectivity | Yes | Yes |
| Dual SIM support | Yes | Yes |
| In-display fingerprint sensor | Ultrasonic | Ultrasonic |
| Face unlock | Yes | Yes |
| Stereo speakers | Yes | Yes |
| Dolby Atmos | Yes | Yes |
| USB port | USB-C | USB-C |
| Wireless charging | Yes | Yes |
| Reverse wireless charging | Yes | Yes |
| Fast wired charging | 25 W | 25 W |
| IP rating | IP68 | IP68 |
| No microSD slot | Yes | Yes |
| No headphone jack | Yes | Yes |
| One UI software | Yes | Yes |
| 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? Do the Samsung Galaxy S24 and Samsung Galaxy S21 have the same screen size? Is the display quality similar between the Samsung Galaxy S24 and Samsung Galaxy S21? Does the Samsung Galaxy S24 have better camera hardware than the Samsung Galaxy S21? Is optical zoom the same on both phones? Do both phones support 5G connectivity? Is battery charging speed different between the two models? Does the Samsung Galaxy S24 last longer on a single charge than the Samsung Galaxy S21? Are build materials improved on the Samsung Galaxy S24? Do both phones have expandable storage via microSD? Is software support better on the Samsung Galaxy S24? Do both models have the same biometric security options? Is gaming performance noticeably different between the two phones? Do both phones support water and dust resistance? Is it worth upgrading from the Samsung Galaxy S21 to the Samsung Galaxy S24? |