Recognition: Adam Molina / Android Authority
The highly anticipated Samsung Galaxy S21 is finally here, bringing the latest and greatest in mobile technology from Samsung. This time at a price that is tastier than the Galaxy S20 series. With a strong value proposition from this generation, there seems to have never been a better time to upgrade. But is that a good idea?
As usual, the Samsung range consists of three models – the Galaxy S21, the Galaxy S21 Plus and the Galaxy S21 Ultra. So if you’re already a satisfied Samsung customer, should you raise the money for the latest model? Below is a rundown of how Samsung’s latest premium models hold up against their predecessors to see if they’re worth the upgrade.
Our thoughts: Samsung Galaxy S21 Impressions: Cheaper, But Are They Better?
Samsung Galaxy S21 versus Galaxy S8 and older
We’ll start our list with the 2017 Samsung Galaxy S8 range. If you’re still clinging to a five-year-old Galaxy S7 or older, it is almost certainly time to upgrade. If for no other reason than recent Android upgrades and security updates. You don’t really want to get stuck on Android Oreo or older these days.
The same goes for the Galaxy S8 and S8 Plus, which received their last update to Android 9.0 Pie in 2019. We’re on Android 11 now, Android 12 is slated for later in 2021. The importance of keeping your phone secure and up to date.
Blast from the past: Samsung Galaxy S Series – The Complete History of the Biggest Name in Android
Samsung’s Galaxy S8 and S8 Plus still come with decent hardware, but it feels a little dated. The phones’ Exynos 8895 / Snapdragon 835 processors still run better than many of today’s mid-range phones, but are a far cry from today’s gaming performance on flagship devices. The handsets still seem competitive in terms of features, offering 4K video recording, IP68 protection, and a headphone jack. Fans of the phone can probably justify holding out a little longer if they really want to.
Even so, performance, cameras, fast charging, and other little things are vastly improved these days. You will definitely notice an upgrade to any of the more modern Samsung Galaxy S21 series phones.
Samsung Galaxy S21 versus Galaxy S9
The 2018 Galaxy S9 and S9 Plus don’t feel in the tooth for that long. While they likely had their last update to Android 10, that included Samsung’s One UI 2.1 update, which doesn’t feel too dated just yet. Of course, the Galaxy S21 series runs Android 11 and One UI 3.1, which we would recommend for security reasons. Just being a major update behind it isn’t necessarily a compelling reason to upgrade immediately, however.
The Snapdragon 888 and Exynos 2100 in the Galaxy S21 are definitely faster than the Snapdragon 845 and Exynos 9810 in the S9, but not noticeable in everyday use. Instead, gamers will feel the biggest performance boost from the latest Samsung phones. Especially on the newer 120 Hz display while the S9 remains limited to 60 Hz.
The Samsung Galaxy S9 and S9 Plus continue to offer 4K 60fps video recording, IP68 protection, solid QHD + AMOLED displays, headphone jacks, DEX support and wireless charging. That’s a very compelling list of features. However, the Galaxy S21 is definitely worth considering if you’re looking to upgrade to a 5G plan. It’s also a great choice if you need bigger batteries for longer on-time, are tired of rear fingerprint scanner placement, or want to switch to fancier in-display technology.
Our updated verdict: Samsung Galaxy S9 Plus Redux: Aged gracefully
Finally, photography enthusiasts will surely benefit a lot from upgrading to one of the Galaxy S21 phones. Even the base model Galaxy S21 has a triple camera setup with main, wide-angle and telephoto lenses, which offers greater flexibility than the single camera of the Galaxy S9 and the dual setup of the S9 Plus. Not to mention newer sensors and lenses that improve the appearance of photography in low light, as well as advanced software features like Director’s Mode to display three cameras at once.
In many ways, the Galaxy S9 is still holding its own. However, there are definitely compelling reasons to upgrade to the Galaxy S21 series. Especially for power users and mobile photographers who will still benefit from the $ 799 standard Galaxy S21.
Samsung Galaxy S21 versus Galaxy S10
Recognition: Adam Molina / Android Authority
With the Galaxy S10e, Galaxy S10 and Galaxy S10 Plus we are entering more difficult territory. These phones are only two years old and have the Samsung and Android 11’s One UI 3.0 interface, and they also offer performance that is still fast enough for most users, and all but the S10e also have fairly competitive triple cameras -Setups.
Under what circumstances is it worth upgrading to the Galaxy S21 series?
Connected: The Best Samsung Phones You Can Buy
Galaxy S10e customers benefit from the newer camera functions of the Galaxy S21 series. The added telephoto lens helps with longer distances. Galaxy S10 owners who want the latest in camera technology should take a closer look at the Galaxy S21 Ultra. The ultra version has an improved 108MP main sensor and two telephoto zoom sensors with 3x and 10x for improved quality as well as medium and larger ranges. That’s all technology you won’t find in the S10 series.
High-end gamers will also benefit from the faster graphics performance of the newer S21 models, and the switch to 120 Hz makes everything feel a little more responsive. The newer phones charge a little faster than 15W USD PD 2.0 thanks to the 25W USB PD 3.0 support. Again, 5G is another reason to think about the newer models, though it probably isn’t a high priority for most.
That collection of little tweaks adds up, not to mention that the brand new design looks pretty swanky too. However, the Galaxy S21 doesn’t completely revise Samsung’s flagship formula. We cannot fault satisfied customers who want to keep their Galaxy S10 for another generation. This is especially true if you’re a fan of expandable storage. Every single one of the new phones from Samsung has the microSD card slot for the first time since the Galaxy S6 series. Ouch.
Samsung Galaxy S21 versus Galaxy S20
There’s rarely a good reason to update your smartphone every year unless you need to have the best technology in your pocket at all times. That’s still true this year. Since our time with the Samsung Galaxy S21 series, not much has changed in the formula compared to the previous generation. With the exception of the faster processors, both areas offer a 120 Hz display, 5G support and a variety of practically identical extras.
Those who are dissatisfied with their Exynos Galaxy S20 may find significantly improved performance and battery life on the Galaxy S21. However, we will wait for more in-depth research before recommending a step that is based solely on the chipset.
Continue reading: Samsung Galaxy S21 vs. S20 Series – Is It Worth Upgrading?
In addition, Samsung Galaxy S20 Ultra owners will have to make some downgrades to a Galaxy S21 or S21 Plus. These phones don’t share the same quad camera capabilities, can’t keep up with the S20 Ultra’s 45W fast charge, and don’t have a 512GB storage option. You also need to decide whether you would prefer the return to flat glass over Samsung’s earlier curved panels.
The exception is the Galaxy S21 Ultra, which is definitely the newest feel phone in the S21 range. The phone has an upgraded five-camera setup, a large 6.8-inch WQHD + curved display, and the first-time introduction of S Pen support in the Galaxy S series. However, you need to buy the S Pen separately.
Power users have a fun new toy in the Galaxy S21 Ultra that might just upgrade temporarily. Otherwise, there is too much overlap between the Galaxy S20 and S21 portfolios to recommend an upgrade as soon as possible.
Samsung Galaxy S21 versus Galaxy S20 FE
Recognition: David Imel / Android Authority
Upgrading from the Samsung Galaxy S20 FE to a new Galaxy S21 would be unwise, except in a few cases, unless you have extremely deep pockets. After all, the phone didn’t come out until September 2020.
You can copy and paste the previous section here with a few small addenda. The Galaxy S20 FE keeps its price low with a glasstic black, which is the same case used for the regular Galaxy S21. For a full glass bottom you need either the Galaxy S21 Plus or the S21 Ultra. In addition, the FE model has Gorilla Glass 3 protection instead of Gorilla Glass Victus. Nevertheless, these are all worthwhile compromises for the lower price and not worth another purchase.
Take a closer look: Samsung Galaxy S21 vs Galaxy S20 FE: Which One Should You Buy?
There’s also a 4G-only version of the FE, but we wouldn’t recommend selling the device anytime soon just to move to 5G. Likewise, the 8MP instead of 64MP 3x telephoto lens only makes a small difference in the zoom quality. It is definitely not worth buying a brand new handset.
While the low price of $ 799 for the Galaxy S21 has already met the Galaxy S20 FE’s $ 699 value proposition, the Fan Edition is still a very good handset that owners shouldn’t be replacing anytime soon. It was our 2020 Editor’s Choice Award winner for a reason.
Should you upgrade to the Samsung Galaxy S21?
Recognition: David Imel / Android Authority
It hasn’t been so affordable to buy the latest Samsung Galaxy S lineup for a long time, but that doesn’t necessarily mean you should get started right away. While upgrading is a breeze if you’re coming from a 2017 flagship model, the picture isn’t as clear for some of Samsung’s not-so-old flagships.
The Samsung Galaxy S9 from 2018 will also remain a functional handset as long as you can overlook the slightly older software. While the Galaxy S21 offers faster performance, faster charging, and a sleek new design, even that may not be enough to tempt satisfied Galaxy S10 customers. For power users, however, the introduction of S Pen support and the revamped camera features of the Galaxy S21 Ultra might be far more compelling.
Are you going to upgrade from an older Samsung Galaxy smartphone to an entry in the new Galaxy S21 range? Let us know in the comments!