The Samsung Galaxy S series consistently ranks among the best Android phones each year. This held true for the Galaxy S21 upon its release and remains the case with the latest Galaxy S23. However, when comparing these Galaxy phones across a couple of years, particularly against the newest flagships, a crucial question arises: how well does the older model hold up? And more specifically, how does the Samsung S21 5G phone compare to the S23?
Thanks to Samsung’s ongoing commitment to software support and the relatively incremental upgrades seen in recent years, the Galaxy S23 might not warrant an immediate upgrade for S21 owners, especially if you’re paying full price. Let’s dive into a detailed comparison to see how these two phones stack up against each other.
Price, Specs, and Availability
Despite being a previous flagship model, the Galaxy S21 5G remains widely compatible with major carriers, ensuring accessibility across different network coverages. Like the S23, the S21 supported 5G networks, including both sub-6GHz and mmWave bands, delivering fast speeds in supported areas and solidifying its place among the best 5G phones of its time.
The Samsung Galaxy S23 launched with a starting price of $800 for the 128GB storage variant, mirroring the S21’s initial price point. As the older model, the Galaxy S21 is now available at more affordable prices, particularly in the secondhand and refurbished markets. You might find a used Galaxy S21 for as low as $260, presenting a budget-friendly option for those comfortable with pre-owned devices.
Here’s a detailed specification comparison between the Samsung Galaxy S23 and Galaxy S21 5G:
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S23 | Samsung Galaxy S21 5G |
|---|---|---|
| SoC | Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 for Galaxy | Snapdragon 888 or Exynos 2100 |
| RAM | 8GB | 8GB |
| Storage | 128GB, 256GB | 128GB, 256GB |
| Battery | 3,900mAh | 4,000mAh |
| Operating System | One UI 5.1 w/ Android 14 (Upgradable to Android 17) | One UI (Upgradable to Android 14) |
| Front Camera | 12MP, f/2.2 | 10MP, f/2.2 |
| Rear Camera | 50MP Main (f/1.8, OIS), 12MP Ultrawide (f/2.2), 10MP Telephoto (f/2.4, OIS, 3x) | 12MP Main (f/1.8, Dual Pixel AF, OIS), 12MP Ultrawide (f/2.2, 120° FoV), 64MP Telephoto (f/2.0, 1.1x Optical Zoom, OIS) |
| Connectivity | 4G, 5G, Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.3, NFC | 4G, 5G, Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.0, NFC |
| Dimensions | 146.3 x 70.9 x 7.6mm | 151.7 x 71.2 x 7.9mm |
| Ports | USB-C | USB-C |
| Display Type | AMOLED, 120Hz Adaptive Refresh Rate | OLED, 120Hz Adaptive Refresh Rate |
| Weight | 168g | 171g |
| Charging Speed | 25W Wired, 15W Wireless | 25W Wired, 15W Wireless |
| IP Rating | IP68 | IP68 |
| Display Size | 6.1 inches, 19.5:9 ratio | 6.2 inches |
| Cellular | 5G, LTE, mmWave | 5G |
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6E | Wi-Fi 6 |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.3 | Bluetooth 5.0 |
Design
A notable design change in the Samsung Galaxy S23 is the removal of the prominent camera bump, a feature present on the S21 and S22. The S23 opts for a cleaner, flush back design where only the camera lenses protrude. The Galaxy S21, while featuring the camera bump, also differed significantly in its back panel material – plastic.
Although the plastic back of the S21 contributed to a lighter device, potentially feeling less premium, reviews at the time noted it felt surprisingly good in hand. Ultimately, Samsung transitioned back to glass backs for the S22 and S23, aiming for a more premium feel. The S23’s design is more refined, moving away from the contour cut camera housing to individual camera rings, offering a minimalist aesthetic.
Display
Despite a two-year gap, the display differences between the Galaxy S23 and S21 are subtle yet impactful. Both phones feature FHD+ AMOLED displays with adaptive refresh rates up to 120Hz, scaling down to as low as 48Hz for power efficiency. However, a key upgrade in the Galaxy S23 is its significantly increased brightness. The S23 boasts a peak brightness of 1,750 nits, a substantial improvement over the S21’s 1,300 nits. This makes the S23 display much more readable in direct sunlight and brightly lit environments.
The screen size difference is negligible. The Galaxy S21 features a 6.2-inch display, while the S23 has a slightly smaller 6.1-inch screen. In everyday use, this size difference is hardly noticeable.
Software
While one might expect a significant software gap between a two-year-old phone and the latest model, Samsung’s commitment to extended software support bridges this divide. Both the Galaxy S21 and S23 currently run the latest One UI, based on Android 14. This means S21 users aren’t missing out on the newest features and user interface enhancements, for now.
Looking ahead, the Galaxy S23 will receive software support for longer, expected to be updated up to Android 17. The Galaxy S21, however, is slated to receive only one more major Android update, meaning its software support lifecycle is nearing its end compared to the S23.
Performance
Benchmark tests will undoubtedly show the Galaxy S23, powered by the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 for Galaxy, outperforming the S21 with its Snapdragon 888 or Exynos 2100. However, in real-world usage, the Galaxy S21 remains a powerful and capable device. The 8GB of RAM combined with the Snapdragon 888 still provides a fluid Android experience and handles demanding games with ease.
For most users, the performance difference in day-to-day tasks will be minimal. Only the most demanding power users might notice a significant improvement with the S23’s newer chipset. While the chipset alone may not be the primary reason to upgrade, the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 in the S23 is undeniably the most powerful Android processor currently available, offering future-proofed performance.
Battery Life and Charging
Battery life is unlikely to be a major differentiator between the two phones. The Galaxy S23 has a slightly smaller 3,900mAh battery compared to the S21’s 4,000mAh. In practice, this small difference translates to similar battery performance. Both phones offer typical battery life for the standard Galaxy S series, meaning they should last through a day of moderate use. Heavy users might need to charge them before the day ends.
Charging speeds remain identical between the Galaxy S21 and S23, both supporting 15W wireless charging and 25W wired charging. Neither phone offers a significant advantage in terms of charging speed or battery endurance.
Cameras
Samsung flagships are renowned for their camera capabilities, and both the S21 and S23 deliver impressive photographic results. However, the Galaxy S23 features a more advanced camera system, particularly in its primary lens.
The Galaxy S23 boasts a 50MP, f/1.8 main sensor, a significant upgrade from the Galaxy S21’s 12MP, f/1.8 sensor. The S23’s primary camera excels as a versatile point-and-shoot lens, capturing detailed and vibrant images in various lighting conditions.
Interestingly, the telephoto lens specifications present a contrast. The S21 features a 64MP, f/2.0 telephoto sensor, while the S23 has a 10MP, f/2.4 lens. Despite the megapixel difference, both offer a 3x optical zoom. Beyond optical zoom, digital zoom performance degrades on both, negating any perceived advantage from the S21’s higher megapixel count in practical use. The selfie cameras are also similar, with the S23 featuring a 12MP, f/2.2 front camera, marginally better than the S21’s 10MP offering.
Video recording on the S23 is slightly enhanced, supporting 8K video at 30fps, compared to the S21’s 8K at 24fps. For social media content creators, both phones can record 4K at 60fps using their front cameras.
Is It Worth the Upgrade?
Upgrading from the Galaxy S21 to the Galaxy S23 is a worthwhile consideration, especially if you are on a carrier or Samsung upgrade plan. If upgrading is easily facilitated through such a program, the Galaxy S23 will not disappoint. It offers a brighter display, improved camera performance, and the most powerful Android processor available in the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2. The S23 is a definitive upgrade, delivering on the expectations set by Samsung’s flagship lineage.
Samsung Galaxy S23
Some good improvements
Worth the upgrade if you’re on a plan
$700 $800 Save $100
The Samsung Galaxy S23 is undoubtedly an excellent phone, boasting a brighter screen, a faster processor, and a somewhat improved camera system. However, a full-price upgrade might only be justified if you particularly value these enhancements.
$800 at Samsung $700 at Amazon $700 at Best Buy
If you decide to keep your Galaxy S21, you’re still in a good position. Software updates will continue for another year or two, and the display, while not as bright as the S23, remains comparable in quality for most viewing conditions. If you can overlook the plastic back and are content with its still-excellent performance, waiting for a more substantial upgrade cycle might be a prudent choice.
Samsung Galaxy S21 5G
Still hanging on
Not a bad phone, even by today’s standards
The Samsung Galaxy S21 continues to receive software support and remains a highly capable smartphone. While it might not feel as premium as the newer S23, its day-to-day performance remains excellent. For users on a tight budget or those not needing the absolute latest features, the S21 offers significant value. However, for users with upgrade plans readily available, the Galaxy S23 represents a worthwhile step forward.
