Samsung Galaxy S21 (left) and Samsung Galaxy S24 Christine Romero-Chan / Digital Trends
Your Samsung Galaxy S21 has reached its third birthday. To mark the occasion, upgrading to a newer model, like the newly released Samsung Galaxy S24, might be worth considering. With a faster processor, better display, longer battery life, and other improvements, the Galaxy S24 could be an enticing option.
But is the Galaxy S24 worth the $800 price tag if you already own a Galaxy S21? Here’s everything you need to know before making a decision.
Samsung Galaxy S24 vs. Samsung Galaxy S21: specs
Galaxy S24 Galaxy S21
Weight 5.93 oz (168.0 g) 6.03 oz (171.0 g)
Dimensions 5.79 x 2.78 x 0.30 inches (147 x 70.6 x 7.6mm) 5.97 x 2.80 x 0.31 inches (151.7 x 71.2 x 7.9 mm)
Screen size, specs 6.2-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X 6.2-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X Infinity Flex Display
Screen resolution 2340 x 1080 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio, 416 ppi 2600 nits peak brightness 2400 x 1080 pixels, 20:9 ratio, 424 ppi 1300 nits peak brightness
Operating system Android 14 Shipped with Android 11, upgradeable to Android 14
Storage 128GB or 256GB 128GB or 256GB
Processor Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 (4 nm) Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 (5 nm)
RAM 8GB 8GB
Camera 50MP main, 12MP ultrawide, 10MP telephoto, 12MP front 12MP main, 12MP ultrawide, 64MP telephoto, 10MP front
Video Up to 8K at 30 fps 4K at 60 fps 4K at 30 fps or 60 fps 1080p at 30 fps, 60 fps, or 240 fps
Galaxy AI Yes No
Authentication Ultrasonic in-screen fingerprint Ultrasonic in-screen fingerprint
Resistance Water, Dust; IP68 Water, Dust; IP68
Battery 4,000 mAh 25W wired charging 15W wireless charging 4.5W reverse wireless charging 25W wired charging 15W wireless charging 4.5W reverse wireless charging
SIM ports 1 2
Network support 5G (sub-6, mmWave) 5G (sub-6)
Colors Onyx Black, Marble Grey, Cobalt Violet, Amber Yellow, Jade Green, Sandstone Orange, Sapphire Blue Phantom Pink, Violet, Gray, White
Price From $800 From $800
Galaxy S24 vs. S21: design and display
Christine Romero-Chan / Digital Trends
When comparing the Galaxy S21 and Galaxy S24 from a design standpoint, a few differences are noticeable. The S24 model has a less pronounced camera bump, with the camera sensors placed individually on the back of the phone. The S21 has a plastic back and aluminum frame, while the S24 has a glass back, giving it a more premium feel and better grip. Both phones feature a 6.2-inch Dynamic AMOLED display protected by Corning Gorilla Glass, with the S24 using the improved Victus 2 version, which is more resistant to damage from drops.
The S24’s screen also has a more efficient refresh rate, translating to better battery life compared to the S21.
Galaxy S24 vs. S21: performance and battery
Andrew Martonik / Digital Trends
The Galaxy S24 is equipped with a newer and more efficient processor than the S21, resulting in smoother and faster performance. Both phones have a 4,000 mAh battery, with the S24 proving to have better battery life due to the newer and more efficient chipset.
Galaxy S24 vs. S21: cameras
Christine Romero-Chan / Digital Trends
The Galaxy S24 boasts significant improvements to its camera system compared to the S21, with better hardware and improved image processing, resulting in more natural and lifelike colors.
Galaxy S24 vs. S21: Galaxy AI
Christine Romero-Chan / Digital Trends
The Galaxy S24 introduces new Galaxy AI features that are not available on the S21, including Circle to Search, Live Translate, Notes Assist, and Generative Edit. These AI features add an extra layer of functionality and convenience to the S24.
Galaxy S24 vs. S21: price and availability
Andrew Martonik / Digital Trends
The Galaxy S24 is priced at $800, the same as the S21, and is available in various colors and storage options.
Should you upgrade?
Samsung Galaxy S21 (left) and Samsung Galaxy S24 Christine Romero-Chan / Digital Trends
The Galaxy S24 offers several notable upgrades over the S21, including improved internals, better cameras, and the introduction of Galaxy AI features. Additionally, Samsung has committed to providing software updates for the S24 for up to seven years, compared to the S21’s four-year update guarantee.
Considering the depreciation of the S21’s value and the potential trade-in deals and promotions available, upgrading to the S24 at this time is a favorable option.
