Samsung S20 Plus vs S21 Plus: Which Phone Reigns Supreme?
Choosing a new smartphone can be overwhelming, especially when you’re comparing top-tier devices. The Samsung Galaxy lineup is a popular choice, and today, we’re diving deep into a head-to-head battle: the Samsung S20 Plus versus the S21 Plus. Which phone offers the best value, performance, and features?
The S20 Plus, released in 2020, set a high bar with its impressive display and powerful performance. It provided users with a premium experience and a solid foundation for Samsung’s future devices. Now, its successor, the S21 Plus, has arrived, promising improvements and upgrades across the board.
In this comparison, we’ll break down the key differences between the Samsung S20 Plus and the S21 Plus. We’ll examine the design, display, camera capabilities, performance, and battery life to help you determine which phone is the perfect fit for your needs and budget. Get ready to discover which Samsung powerhouse comes out on top!
Specs at a Glance
| Feature | S20+ | S21+ |
|---|---|---|
| Display Size | 6.7 inches | 6.7 inches |
| Display Technology | Dynamic AMOLED 2X | Dynamic AMOLED 2X |
| Resolution | 1440 x 3200 pixels | 1080 x 2400 pixels |
| Processor | Snapdragon 865 / Exynos 990 | Snapdragon 888 / Exynos 2100 |
| RAM | 8GB / 12GB | 8GB |
| Internal Storage | 128GB / 256GB / 512GB | 128GB / 256GB |
| Main Camera | 12MP + 12MP + 64MP | 12MP + 12MP + 64MP |
| Front Camera | 10MP | 10MP |
| Battery | 4500 mAh | 4800 mAh |
| 5G Connectivity | Yes | Yes |
| Operating System | Android 10 (upgradable) | Android 11 (upgradable) |
| Water Resistance | IP68 | IP68 |
Feature-by-Feature Breakdown
Design and Build Quality
- Samsung S20 Plus: Features a glass front and back with an aluminum frame. Available in various colors. Pros: Premium feel, good build quality. Cons: Glass back susceptible to scratches and cracks.
- S21 Plus: Upgraded to a “Glasstic” back (glass with a plastic core) with an aluminum frame. Available in new color options. Pros: More durable than the S20 Plus, potentially lighter. Cons: “Glasstic” back may feel less premium to some.
- Winner: S21 Plus
Display
- Samsung S20 Plus: 6.7-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display with a 120Hz refresh rate. Pros: Vibrant colors, smooth scrolling, excellent viewing experience. Cons: 120Hz refresh rate drains battery faster.
- S21 Plus: 6.7-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display with a 120Hz refresh rate. Improved brightness and overall display performance. Pros: Even brighter and more efficient than the S20 Plus. Cons: Similar to S20 Plus in terms of battery drain at 120Hz.
- Winner: S21 Plus
Processor and Performance
- Samsung S20 Plus: Powered by either a Snapdragon 865 or Exynos 990 processor, depending on the region. Pros: Powerful performance, handles demanding tasks well. Cons: Exynos variant was known to be less efficient than the Snapdragon.
- S21 Plus: Powered by either a Snapdragon 888 or Exynos 2100 processor, depending on the region. Significantly improved performance and efficiency. Pros: Faster and more efficient than S20 Plus, improved GPU performance. Cons: Heat management can still be an issue under heavy load.
- Winner: S21 Plus
Cameras
- Samsung S20 Plus: Features a triple-lens rear camera setup: 12MP main, 12MP ultrawide, and 64MP telephoto. Pros: Versatile camera system, good image quality in various lighting conditions. Cons: Telephoto performance not as good as later models.
- S21 Plus: Features a triple-lens rear camera setup: 12MP main, 12MP ultrawide, and 64MP telephoto. Improved image processing and features like Director’s View. Pros: Better image processing, improved video capabilities. Cons: Hardware is largely the same, so incremental improvements only.
- Winner: S21 Plus
Battery Life
- Samsung S20 Plus: Equipped with a 4500mAh battery. Pros: Decent battery life for its time. Cons: Battery life can be heavily affected by the 120Hz refresh rate and processor choice (Exynos variants).
- S21 Plus: Equipped with a 4800mAh battery. Optimized software and more efficient processor contribute to improved battery life. Pros: Noticeable improvement in battery life compared to the S20 Plus. Cons: Still depends on usage.
- Winner: S21 Plus
Software
- Samsung S20 Plus: Launched with Android 10, upgradable to Android 13 with One UI 5. Pros: Gets the latest software updates. Cons: Older software.
- S21 Plus: Launched with Android 11, upgradable to Android 14 with One UI 6. Pros: Latest software. Cons: –
- Winner: S21 Plus
5G Connectivity
- Samsung S20 Plus: Supports 5G connectivity. Pros: Future-proof connectivity. Cons: 5G availability varies by region and carrier.
- S21 Plus: Supports 5G connectivity. Pros: Future-proof connectivity. Cons: 5G availability varies by region and carrier.
- Winner: Tie
Price and Value
- Samsung S20 Plus: Originally launched at a higher price point. Now available at a lower price as a used or refurbished device. Pros: More affordable now. Cons: Older technology.
- S21 Plus: Launched at a slightly lower price point than the S20 Plus. Still available as a new and used device. Pros: Newer technology at a similar price range. Cons: –
- Winner: S21 Plus
Winner by Category
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Performance | S21+ |
| Display Resolution | S20+ |
| Battery Life | S21+ |
| Design | S21+ |
| Software | S21+ |
What They Have in Common
- Display Technology: Both phones boast stunning Dynamic AMOLED 2X displays, providing vibrant colors and excellent contrast for an immersive viewing experience.
- 5g Connectivity: Both the Samsung Galaxy S20+ and S21+ support 5G, ensuring fast download and upload speeds, enabling seamless streaming and online gaming.
- Water Resistance: Both devices feature an IP68 rating, offering protection against dust and water submersion, allowing you to use them worry-free in various environments.
- Main Camera System: Both phones share a similar main camera setup, including a 12MP wide, 12MP ultrawide, and a 64MP telephoto lens, delivering versatile photography options.
- Front Camera: Both the S20+ and S21+ have a 10MP front-facing camera, perfect for taking high-quality selfies and video calls.
Samsung S20 Plus vs S21 Plus Buying Guide
Performance and Processing Power
The Samsung Galaxy S21 Plus boasts a significant performance upgrade compared to the S20 Plus, primarily due to its newer processor. The S21 Plus typically features either a Snapdragon 888 or Exynos 2100 chipset, depending on the region, both offering substantial improvements in speed and efficiency. The S20 Plus, on the other hand, utilizes the Snapdragon 865 or Exynos 990. This translates to faster app loading times, smoother multitasking, and improved gaming performance on the S21 Plus. Consider how important raw processing power is for your daily usage.
Camera Capabilities
While both phones share a similar triple-lens camera setup, the S21 Plus benefits from software enhancements and a slightly improved image sensor. The S21 Plus often delivers better image processing, resulting in more vibrant and detailed photos, particularly in low-light conditions. The S20 Plus still takes excellent photos, but the S21 Plus tends to produce slightly sharper and more natural-looking images. Both devices offer excellent video recording capabilities, but the S21 Plus may have an edge in terms of video stabilization and overall quality.
Display and Design
The S21 Plus features a slightly refined design with a more modern aesthetic, including a redesigned camera module that seamlessly blends into the frame. Both phones sport vibrant AMOLED displays, but the S21 Plus often boasts a higher peak brightness and potentially more efficient power consumption. The S21 Plus may also offer a slightly smoother 120Hz refresh rate, contributing to a more fluid user experience. The choice between the two often comes down to personal preference.
Battery Life and Charging
Battery life is an important consideration when selecting a new smartphone. While the battery capacities are similar, the S21 Plus may provide slightly better battery optimization due to its more efficient processor. Both phones support fast charging, but the S21 Plus may offer slightly faster charging speeds. Consider your usage patterns and how long you typically need your phone to last on a single charge. The S21 Plus offers a modest improvement in battery efficiency.
Software and Features
The S21 Plus ships with a newer version of Android and Samsung’s One UI, offering a potentially more refined and feature-rich user experience. It may also receive software updates for a longer period compared to the S20 Plus. Both phones offer a range of features, including 5G connectivity (where available), wireless charging, and water resistance. The S21 Plus may introduce some new software features or enhancements that are not available on the S20 Plus.
Price and Value
The S20 Plus is now available at a lower price point than the S21 Plus, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious buyers. However, the S21 Plus offers improved performance, a more advanced camera, and a more modern design, which may justify the higher price for some users. Consider your budget and the features you prioritize when deciding which phone offers the best value for your money. Evaluate how much each feature is worth to you.
Who Should Buy What?
Buy Samsung S20+ If…
- You find a significantly lower price.
- You prefer a phone with a microSD card slot.
- You want a phone with a higher resolution display.
Buy S21+ If…
- You want the latest processor for improved performance.
- You prioritize a slightly larger battery capacity.
- You want the updated design and software features.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the main differences in performance?
The S21 Plus generally outperforms the S20 Plus due to its newer processor (Snapdragon 888 or Exynos 2100) compared to the S20 Plus (Snapdragon 865 or Exynos 990). This results in faster app loading, smoother multitasking, and improved gaming performance. The S21 Plus’s chipset is also more power-efficient. Benchmarks consistently show the S21 Plus ahead in processing power.
How does the camera quality compare?
The S21 Plus often delivers slightly better image processing and potentially improved image sensor performance. This leads to more vibrant and detailed photos, particularly in low-light situations. However, both phones produce excellent photos. The S21 Plus might have a slight edge in video stabilization and overall video quality. Both are very capable cameras.
Is the display significantly different?
Both phones have vibrant AMOLED displays with a 120Hz refresh rate option. The S21 Plus might offer slightly higher peak brightness and potentially more efficient power consumption. The S21 Plus might also have a slightly smoother 120Hz refresh rate for a fluid user experience. The differences are subtle, but noticeable side-by-side.
What about battery life and charging?
Battery capacities are similar, but the S21 Plus might have slightly better battery optimization due to its more efficient processor. Both support fast charging, and the S21 Plus could offer slightly faster charging speeds. Real-world battery performance often depends on individual usage patterns and settings. Expect similar battery life, but with improvements on the S21 Plus.
Are there any design differences?
The S21 Plus features a more modern design with a redesigned camera module that blends seamlessly into the frame. The S20 Plus has a more traditional camera bump. The S21 Plus has a more refined look. Both phones are stylish, but the S21 Plus reflects the latest Samsung design language. The choice is a matter of personal preference.
What software features are different?
The S21 Plus ships with a newer version of Android and Samsung’s One UI, potentially offering a more refined and feature-rich user experience. It will also likely receive software updates for a longer duration. Both offer a range of standard features like 5G, wireless charging and water resistance. The S21 Plus has more features and software enhancements.
Which phone is better value for money?
The S20 Plus, being older, is now available at a lower price. The S21 Plus offers improved performance, a more advanced camera, and a more modern design, potentially justifying its higher price. The best value depends on your budget and which features are most important to you. Consider your needs and compare prices.
Final Verdict
The Samsung Galaxy S21 Plus offers notable upgrades over the S20 Plus, including a more powerful processor, improved camera capabilities, and a refined design. While the S20 Plus remains a capable device at a lower price point, the S21 Plus provides a more advanced and modern smartphone experience. The S21 Plus is the better choice for those seeking top-tier performance and the latest features.
Winner: Samsung Galaxy S21 Plus