Samsung S10 vs S21: Which Samsung Reigns Supreme?
Stuck between upgrading your phone and wondering if it’s worth it? The Samsung Galaxy S10 was a powerhouse, but how does it stack up against the newer Samsung Galaxy S21? This comparison will delve deep into the specifications, performance, and features to help you decide which phone best suits your needs.
The Samsung S10, with its sleek design and impressive camera, set a high bar. However, the S21 brings in cutting-edge technology and improvements across the board. We’ll explore the differences in display quality, processing power, and camera capabilities.
Whether you’re a long-time Samsung enthusiast or considering a switch, this in-depth analysis of the samsung s10 vs s21 will provide the insights you need. Get ready to discover which device comes out on top and offers the best value for your money. Let’s dive in!
Specs at a Glance:
| Feature | samsung s10 | s21 |
|---|---|---|
| Display Size | 6.1 inches | 6.2 inches |
| Display Technology | Dynamic AMOLED | Dynamic AMOLED 2X |
| Resolution | 1440 x 3040 pixels | 1080 x 2400 pixels |
| Processor | Snapdragon 855 / Exynos 9820 | Snapdragon 888 / Exynos 2100 |
| RAM | 8GB | 8GB |
| Internal Storage | 128GB / 512GB | 128GB / 256GB |
| Main Camera | Triple 12MP + 12MP + 16MP | Triple 12MP + 12MP + 64MP |
| Front Camera | 10MP | 10MP |
| Battery Capacity | 3400 mAh | 4000 mAh |
| 5G Support | No | Yes |
| Water Resistance | IP68 | IP68 |
| Operating System | Android 9.0 (Pie), upgradable | Android 11, upgradable |
Feature-by-Feature Breakdown
Display
- Samsung S10: Features a 6.1-inch Dynamic AMOLED display with a resolution of 1440 x 3040 pixels. It offers vibrant colors and excellent viewing angles, but the screen refresh rate is limited to 60Hz.
- S21: Boasts a 6.2-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display with a resolution of 1080 x 2400 pixels. It offers a smooth 120Hz refresh rate for enhanced fluidity and improved brightness.
- Winner: S21
Processor
- Samsung S10: Powered by either a Snapdragon 855 or Exynos 9820 processor, depending on the region. Performance is still good for everyday tasks, but it’s starting to show its age.
- S21: Equipped with a Snapdragon 888 or Exynos 2100 processor. Offers significantly improved performance, faster speeds, and better power efficiency.
- Winner: S21
Camera
- Samsung S10: Features a triple-lens rear camera setup with a 12MP main, 12MP telephoto, and 16MP ultrawide lens. Captures good quality photos in various lighting conditions, but struggles in low light compared to newer models.
- S21: Also has a triple-lens rear camera setup, with 12MP main, 12MP ultrawide, and 64MP telephoto lenses. Delivers improved image processing, better low-light performance, and enhanced zoom capabilities.
- Winner: S21
Battery
- Samsung S10: Comes with a 3400mAh battery. Battery life is decent for a day’s use, but can drain quickly with heavy usage.
- S21: Has a 4000mAh battery. Offers improved battery life and better power management compared to the S10, allowing for longer usage times.
- Winner: S21
Design
- Samsung S10: Features a sleek design with a curved glass back and a punch-hole camera. It offers a premium feel, but the curved edges can be prone to accidental touches.
- S21: Boasts a more modern design with a flat display and a contour-cut camera module. Offers a more durable design and a more comfortable grip.
- Winner: S21
Software
- Samsung S10: Runs on Android, with Samsung’s One UI skin. While still functional, it is now several generations behind in software updates.
- S21: Runs on Android, with a newer version of Samsung’s One UI skin. Receives more frequent software updates and features the latest Android features and security patches.
- Winner: S21
5G Connectivity
- Samsung S10: Lacks 5G connectivity.
- S21: Supports 5G connectivity, providing faster download and upload speeds in areas with 5G coverage.
- Winner: S21
Price & Availability
- Samsung S10: Now available at significantly reduced prices on the used market.
- S21: Typically costs more than the S10, even used.
- Winner: S10
Winner by Category:
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Display Quality | s21 |
| Performance | s21 |
| Camera | s21 |
| Battery Life | s21 |
| 5G Support | s21 |
| Value for Money | s10 |
What They Have in Common:
- Water Resistance: Both the Samsung S10 and S21 come with an IP68 rating, offering excellent protection against water and dust. This means both phones can withstand submersion in up to 1.5 meters of fresh water for up to 30 minutes.
- Amoled Displays: Both phones utilize AMOLED display technology, providing vibrant colors, deep blacks, and excellent viewing angles. This ensures a premium visual experience for users.
- Wireless Charging: Both devices support wireless charging, providing convenient charging options without the need for cables. Both phones also support reverse wireless charging, allowing you to charge other devices.
- Fast Charging: Both phones support fast charging capabilities, allowing for quick replenishment of the battery. This feature minimizes downtime and keeps users connected.
- Premium Design: Both the S10 and S21 feature premium designs with glass and metal construction, providing a sleek and modern aesthetic. They both offer a comfortable feel in hand.
- Samsung Ecosystem: Both phones seamlessly integrate into the Samsung ecosystem, offering access to Samsung’s suite of apps, services, and accessories. This enhances the overall user experience for Samsung users.
Samsung S10 Vs S21 Buying Guide
Performance
The Samsung S21 boasts a significantly more powerful processor than the S10. This results in faster app loading times, smoother multitasking, and improved performance in graphically intensive games. The S21 features either a Snapdragon 888 or Exynos 2100 processor, depending on the region, both of which outperform the S10’s Snapdragon 855 or Exynos 9820/9825. This performance gap is noticeable in day-to-day usage, making the S21 a more responsive device. The S21 also benefits from newer software optimizations, further enhancing its overall speed and efficiency.
Camera
The camera systems on both phones are capable, but the S21 offers notable improvements. The S21’s camera system generally produces sharper images with better dynamic range and improved low-light performance. The S21 also gains features like 8K video recording and improved portrait mode capabilities. While the S10’s camera is still respectable, the S21’s advanced image processing and updated hardware contribute to a superior photography experience. The S21 also offers more versatile shooting options and improved video stabilization.
Display
Both phones feature excellent displays, but the S21 has the edge with its brighter, smoother display. The S21 boasts a Dynamic AMOLED 2X display, offering a higher refresh rate (up to 120Hz) compared to the S10’s Dynamic AMOLED display. This results in a noticeably smoother scrolling experience and more fluid animations. The S21’s display also gets brighter, making it easier to view in direct sunlight. The S10’s display is still vibrant and sharp, but the S21 provides a more immersive and refined viewing experience.
Battery Life
Battery life varies based on usage, but the S21 generally offers better battery performance, despite having a similar battery capacity to the S10. This improvement is largely due to the more efficient processor and software optimizations in the S21. The S21 also adapts its refresh rate depending on the content displayed, helping to conserve power. While neither phone offers exceptional battery life compared to some competitors, the S21 tends to last longer under heavy usage. The S10’s battery life is adequate but can drain faster.
Design & Build Quality
Both phones have premium designs, but the S21 introduces a refreshed aesthetic. The S21 features a more modern design with a redesigned camera module that seamlessly blends into the frame. The S21 also uses Gorilla Glass Victus, which is more scratch-resistant than the Gorilla Glass 6 found on the S10. Both phones are water-resistant, but the S21 is slightly more durable. The S10 still feels premium, but the S21 offers a more contemporary and robust build. The S21 also has a slightly smaller footprint.
Software & Updates
The S21 ships with newer software and will receive updates for longer. The S21 launched with Android 11 and has already received subsequent updates, with continued support expected for several years. The S10, being an older device, is now nearing the end of its software update cycle. This means the S21 will receive new features, security patches, and performance improvements for a longer period. Choosing the S21 guarantees a more up-to-date and secure software experience. The S10 is still usable, but will eventually lack the latest software features.
Who Should Buy What?
Buy samsung s10 If…
- You’re on a tighter budget and want a flagship experience at a lower price.
- You prefer the design and features of the older generation.
- You don’t need 5G connectivity.
- You value expandable storage via microSD card (S10 has this).
Buy s21 If…
- You want the latest processor and performance.
- You prioritize 5G connectivity for faster data speeds.
- You want an improved camera system with enhanced features.
- You desire a more modern design and display technology.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which phone has a better camera?
The Samsung S21 has a superior camera system. It offers improved image processing, sharper images, better low-light performance, and features like 8K video recording and enhanced portrait modes. The S21’s camera generally produces more detailed and vibrant photos and videos, making it the better choice for photography enthusiasts. The S10’s camera is still capable but doesn’t match the S21’s capabilities.
Does the S21 have a better display?
Yes, the S21 has a better display. It features a Dynamic AMOLED 2X display with a higher refresh rate (up to 120Hz) compared to the S10’s Dynamic AMOLED display. This results in smoother scrolling and animations. The S21’s display is also brighter, making it easier to view in direct sunlight, and offers a more immersive viewing experience overall. Both displays are excellent, but the S21 offers a clear advantage.
Which phone offers better performance?
The S21 offers significantly better performance. Its more powerful processor (Snapdragon 888 or Exynos 2100) allows for faster app loading times, smoother multitasking, and improved gaming performance. The S21’s updated hardware and software optimizations contribute to a noticeably more responsive and efficient user experience. The S10 is still a capable phone, but the S21 is the clear winner in terms of performance.
Is the S21’s battery life better?
The S21 generally offers better battery life, despite having a similar battery capacity to the S10. This improvement is largely due to the more efficient processor and software optimizations in the S21. The S21 also adapts its refresh rate depending on the content displayed, helping to conserve power. While neither offers exceptional battery life, the S21 tends to last longer under heavy usage.
Does the S21 have a more modern design?
Yes, the S21 features a more modern design. It has a redesigned camera module that seamlessly blends into the frame, creating a more contemporary aesthetic. The S21 also uses more durable Gorilla Glass Victus. The S10 still has a premium design, but the S21 offers a more current and robust build. The S21 has a slightly smaller footprint as well, making it more comfortable to hold.
Which phone is more likely to receive software updates?
The S21 is more likely to receive software updates for a longer period. Being a newer device, the S21 launched with a more recent version of Android and will continue to receive updates, including new features and security patches, for several years. The S10 is nearing the end of its software update cycle, meaning it will receive fewer updates. Choosing the S21 guarantees a more up-to-date and secure software experience.
Which phone is the better buy in 2024?
Considering all factors, the Samsung S21 is the better buy in 2024. It offers superior performance, a better camera, a more modern design, and will continue to receive software updates for longer. While the S10 is still a capable phone, the S21’s advancements make it the more worthwhile investment for most users seeking a premium smartphone experience. The S21 offers a more future-proof choice.
Final Verdict
The Samsung Galaxy S21 surpasses the S10 in nearly every aspect. It boasts a more powerful processor, improved camera capabilities, a smoother display, and a more modern design. While the S10 remains a functional device, the S21 provides a significant upgrade in terms of performance, features, and future-proofing. It is the clear choice for those seeking the best overall experience.
Winner: Samsung S21