Galaxy S21 vs S23: Is the Upgrade Worth It?
Stuck between upgrading your phone and wondering if it’s worth the cost? You’re not alone! The Samsung Galaxy S21 was a powerhouse, but the tech world moves fast. This comparison dives deep into the Galaxy S21 vs S23 debate to help you make an informed decision.
We’ll explore the key differences between these two popular Samsung smartphones, from their displays and cameras to their performance and battery life. Whether you’re a current S21 owner contemplating an upgrade or simply curious about the latest offerings, this guide has you covered.
Get ready to discover which phone reigns supreme in various categories. We’ll analyze everything from design and features to the overall user experience. By the end, you’ll know exactly which phone best suits your needs and budget, the Galaxy S21 or the newer S23.
Specs at a Glance
| Feature | galaxy s21 | s23 |
|---|---|---|
| Display Size | 6.2 inches | 6.1 inches |
| Display Technology | Dynamic AMOLED 2X | Dynamic AMOLED 2X |
| Processor | Exynos 2100 / Snapdragon 888 | Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 for Galaxy |
| RAM | 8GB | 8GB |
| Internal Storage | 128GB / 256GB | 128GB / 256GB / 512GB |
| Main Camera | 12MP + 12MP + 64MP | 50MP + 12MP + 10MP |
| Front Camera | 10MP | 12MP |
| Battery | 4000 mAh | 3900 mAh |
| Charging | 25W Wired, 15W Wireless | 25W Wired, 15W Wireless |
| 5G Connectivity | Yes | Yes |
| Operating System | Android 11 (Upgradable) | Android 13 |
| Water Resistance | IP68 | IP68 |
Feature-by-Feature Breakdown
Display
- Galaxy S21: Features a 6.2-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display with a 120Hz refresh rate, offering vibrant colors and smooth scrolling. Its flat design is a plus for some, but the resolution is slightly lower compared to the S23.
- S23: Boasts a 6.1-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display with a slightly improved 120Hz refresh rate and a peak brightness. It uses Gorilla Glass Victus 2 for increased durability.
- Winner: S23
Processor
- Galaxy S21: Powered by either a Snapdragon 888 or Exynos 2100 processor (depending on the region), the S21 offers strong performance but can experience some thermal throttling under heavy loads.
- S23: Equipped with a custom-tuned Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 for Galaxy, the S23 delivers significantly improved performance, efficiency, and sustained performance compared to the S21.
- Winner: S23
Camera System
- Galaxy S21: Features a triple-lens camera system with a 12MP main, 12MP ultrawide, and 64MP telephoto lens. The camera performs well in good lighting, but low-light performance isn’t as good as the S23.
- S23: Upgraded camera system with a 50MP main sensor, 12MP ultrawide, and 10MP telephoto lens. Delivers noticeably improved low-light performance and image processing capabilities.
- Winner: S23
Battery Life
- Galaxy S21: The S21 has a 4000mAh battery, which provides decent battery life for moderate usage, but it may struggle to last a full day for heavy users.
- S23: Comes with a 3900mAh battery that, due to the more efficient processor and software optimization, offers significantly improved battery life compared to the S21.
- Winner: S23
Design and Build Quality
- Galaxy S21: Features a plastic back (on some models) and a metal frame. The design is modern, but the plastic back feels less premium compared to glass.
- S23: Boasts a glass back and an Armor Aluminum frame, offering a more premium feel and better durability. The design is refined and more durable.
- Winner: S23
Software and Updates
- Galaxy S21: Initially launched with Android 11 and has received updates, but it is reaching the end of its update cycle.
- S23: Ships with Android 13 and is guaranteed to receive several years of software updates and security patches, ensuring a longer lifespan.
- Winner: S23
Charging Speed
- Galaxy S21: Supports 25W wired charging.
- S23: Also supports 25W wired charging.
- Winner: Tie
Price
- Galaxy S21: Significantly cheaper, available at a lower price point now that it is older.
- S23: More expensive, reflecting its newer technology and features.
- Winner: S21
Winner by Category
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Performance | s23 |
| Camera | s23 |
| Display | Tie |
| Battery Life | s23 (Slight edge) |
| Software Updates | s23 |
| Value | galaxy s21 (depending on price) |
What They Have in Common
- Display Technology: Both phones utilize Samsung’s Dynamic AMOLED 2X technology, offering vibrant colors, deep blacks, and excellent viewing angles.
- 5g Connectivity: Both the Galaxy S21 and S23 support 5G, ensuring fast download and upload speeds where 5G networks are available.
- Water Resistance: Both devices are rated IP68 for water and dust resistance, offering protection against spills and submersion.
- Wireless Charging: Both phones support wireless charging, allowing users to conveniently charge their devices without cables.
- Fast Wired Charging: Both models support fast wired charging, allowing for quick top-ups of the battery.
- RAM: Both phones come with 8GB of RAM, ensuring smooth multitasking and performance for most users.
Galaxy S21 vs S23 Buying Guide
Performance
The Galaxy S23 boasts a significantly improved performance compared to the S21. It features the latest Snapdragon or Exynos processor, depending on the region, offering faster speeds and more efficient power management. This translates to smoother multitasking, quicker app loading times, and a more responsive overall user experience. The S21, while still capable, struggles a bit with demanding tasks compared to its successor. The difference is most noticeable in gaming and video editing where the S23 excels. The upgraded processor also contributes to improved AI processing for features like image enhancement.
Display
Both phones offer excellent displays, but the S23 has a slight edge. The S23’s display is brighter and more vibrant, providing better visibility in direct sunlight. It also often features adaptive refresh rates, allowing it to dynamically adjust the refresh rate from 10Hz to 120Hz. The S21’s display is still good, offering a smooth experience and vibrant colors, but can struggle in bright sunlight compared to the S23. The S23’s display also tends to have slightly better color accuracy and contrast, leading to an improved viewing experience.
Camera
The camera systems on both phones are impressive, but the S23 offers notable improvements. The S23 typically features a newer sensor and improved image processing algorithms, resulting in better low-light performance, sharper images, and more detailed videos. The S21’s camera is still capable of capturing great photos and videos, especially in good lighting. However, the S23 excels in challenging lighting conditions and offers enhanced features like improved portrait mode and video stabilization. The S23 also often has more advanced zoom capabilities.
Battery Life
Battery life is a key consideration, and the S23 generally outperforms the S21. The S23 benefits from a more efficient processor and often a slightly larger battery capacity, allowing it to last longer on a single charge. The S21’s battery life is decent for everyday use but can struggle with heavy usage. The S23 can comfortably last a full day with moderate to heavy usage, while the S21 might require a top-up later in the day. The S23 also often supports faster charging.
Design and Build Quality
Both phones boast premium designs, but the S23 often refines the design language. The S23 features a more modern and sleek aesthetic, with refined materials and build quality. The S21 is still a well-built phone with a premium feel. The S23 often uses more durable materials, like Gorilla Glass Victus 2, for improved scratch resistance. Both phones are water-resistant, but the S23’s design often looks more modern. The in-hand feel of both phones is excellent.
Price and Value
The price is a crucial factor. The Galaxy S21 is typically available at a lower price point now, offering excellent value for its performance. The S23 is more expensive, being the newer model with the latest technology. Consider your budget and needs. If you prioritize the latest features and performance, the S23 is the better choice. If you’re looking for a great phone at a more affordable price, the S21 is still a very capable option. Consider the overall value each phone provides based on your use case.
Who Should Buy What?
Buy galaxy s21 If…
- You’re looking for a more affordable option.
- You prioritize having a larger display.
- You are satisfied with a slightly older but still capable processor.
- You find it at a significantly discounted price.
Buy s23 If…
- You want the latest and greatest processor for enhanced performance.
- You desire improved camera capabilities and image quality.
- You want longer software support and the latest Android updates.
- You value a more compact design.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the main differences between the Galaxy S21 and S23?
The S23 offers improvements in performance, camera capabilities, battery life, and display technology. It typically features a more powerful processor, a brighter display, better low-light camera performance, and longer battery life. The design is also often refined. The S21 is still a capable phone, but the S23 boasts significant upgrades across the board, making it the superior choice in almost every aspect of performance.
Does the S23 have a better camera than the S21?
Yes, the S23 generally has a significantly better camera system. It features newer sensors and improved image processing algorithms, leading to sharper images, better low-light performance, and more detailed videos. The S23 also often includes enhanced features like improved portrait mode and better video stabilization. While the S21’s camera is still good, the S23’s camera is a clear upgrade.
Is the S23 worth the upgrade from the S21?
If you value top-tier performance, a superior camera experience, and longer battery life, then yes, the S23 is worth the upgrade. The improvements are noticeable in everyday use and provide a more refined and enjoyable user experience. However, if you are on a tight budget or are satisfied with your S21’s performance, the upgrade might not be as compelling. Consider your needs.
What is the battery life like on the S23 compared to the S21?
The S23 typically offers noticeably better battery life than the S21. It benefits from a more efficient processor and, in some cases, a larger battery capacity. This translates to longer usage times on a single charge. The S23 can often last a full day with moderate to heavy usage, while the S21 may require charging before the day is over. Battery life is typically improved.
Does the S23 have a better display than the S21?
Yes, the S23 generally has a slightly better display. It’s often brighter, more vibrant, and has improved color accuracy. Many S23 models feature adaptive refresh rates, making the display smoother while conserving battery. The S21’s display is still excellent, but the S23 offers a more refined viewing experience, especially in bright sunlight, or when viewing fast moving content.
What processors do the S21 and S23 use?
The S21 typically uses either a Snapdragon or Exynos processor, depending on the region. The S23, in most regions, utilizes a more advanced Snapdragon processor, often specifically optimized for the phone. This newer processor contributes to faster performance, improved power efficiency, and enhanced AI capabilities. This results in faster app loading, and smoother multitasking.
Is the S21 still a good phone in 2024?
Yes, the Galaxy S21 is still a good phone in 2024. It offers a capable camera, a smooth display, and reliable performance. However, it is an older model, so the S23 is the better choice. The S21 may not receive the latest software updates and may not perform as well as newer models. If you are on a budget, the S21 still provides good value.
Final Verdict
The Galaxy S23 clearly surpasses the Galaxy S21 in several key areas, including performance, camera capabilities, and battery life. While the S21 remains a capable phone, the S23 offers a more refined and modern user experience with significant improvements across the board. The S23 is the superior choice for those seeking the latest technology and the best overall experience.
Winner: Galaxy S23