Credit score: Adam Molina / Android Authority
The extremely anticipated Samsung Galaxy S21 has lastly arrived, bringing with it Samsung’s newest and best cellular know-how. This time at a value level that’s extra palatable than the Galaxy S20 collection. With a robust worth proposition this era, it looks like there’s by no means been a greater time to improve. However is that a good suggestion?
As common, Samsung’s lineup consists of three fashions — the Galaxy S21, Galaxy S21 Plus, and Galaxy S21 Extremely. So, must you splash the money on the most recent mannequin should you’re already a contented Samsung buyer? Right here’s a rundown of how Samsung’s newest premium-tier fashions stack up towards their predecessors, to see in the event that they’re well worth the improve.
Our ideas: Samsung Galaxy S21 impressions: Cheaper, but are they better?
Samsung Galaxy S21 vs Galaxy S8 and older
We’ll begin our record with 2017’s Samsung Galaxy S8 vary. Should you’re nonetheless holding onto a five-year-old Galaxy S7 or older, it’s virtually definitely time to improve. If for no different cause than latest Android upgrades and safety updates. You don’t actually need to be caught on Android Oreo or older nowadays.
The identical may be stated for the Galaxy S8 and S8 Plus, which noticed their final replace to Android 9.0 Pie all the way in which again in 2019. We’re now on Android 11, with Android 12 set to look later in 2021. The significance of retaining your cellphone safe and updated can’t be understated.
Blast from the previous: Samsung Galaxy S series — the complete history of the biggest name in Android
Samsung’s Galaxy S8 and S8 Plus nonetheless pack in some cheap {hardware}, nevertheless it’s beginning to really feel a bit dated. The telephones’ Exynos 8895/Snapdragon 835 processors nonetheless run higher than lots of at the moment’s mid-range telephones, however it’s removed from at the moment’s bleeding-edge gaming efficiency on flagship units. The handsets do nonetheless seem aggressive by way of options, boasting 4K video recording, an IP68 score, and a headphone jack too. Followers of the cellphone can in all probability justify holding out a bit longer in the event that they actually need.
Even so, efficiency, cameras, quick charging, and different bits and items are all a lot improved nowadays. You’ll undoubtedly discover an improve shifting to any telephones within the extra trendy Samsung Galaxy S21 collection.
Samsung Galaxy S21 vs Galaxy S9
2018’s Galaxy S9 and S9 Plus don’t really feel fairly so lengthy within the tooth. Whereas they’ve doubtless had their final replace to Android 10, this included Samsung’s One UI 2.1 replace which doesn’t really feel too outdated but. After all, the Galaxy S21 vary runs Android 11 and One UI 3.1, which we’d suggest from a safety standpoint. Nevertheless, being only one main replace behind isn’t essentially a compelling cause to improve instantly.
The Snapdragon 888 and Exynos 2100 within the Galaxy S21 are undoubtedly quicker than the Snapdragon 845 and Exynos 9810 within the S9, however not noticeably so on the day-to-day. As an alternative, it’s avid gamers who will really feel the most important efficiency improve from Samsung’s newest telephones. Particularly working on the newer 120Hz show whereas the S9 stays capped at 60Hz.
Samsung’s Galaxy S9 and S9 Plus nonetheless supply 4K 60fps video recording, IP68 rankings, stable QHD+ AMOLED shows, headphone jacks, Dex assist, and wi-fi charging. That’s a really compelling record of options. Nevertheless, the Galaxy S21 is unquestionably price contemplating should you plan to make the transfer to a 5G tariff. It’s additionally an incredible proposition in case you are in want of larger batteries for extra screen-on time, are sick of the rear fingerprint scanner placement, or need to transfer to fancier in-display tech.
Our up to date verdict: Samsung Galaxy S9 Plus Redux: Aged gracefully
Lastly, pictures lovers will definitely get lots out of an improve to any of the Galaxy S21 handsets. Even the bottom Galaxy S21 mannequin contains a triple digital camera setup with principal, broad, and telephoto lenses that provide larger flexibility than the single-camera on the Galaxy S9 and twin setup on the S9 Plus. That’s with out mentioning newer sensors and lenses that enhance the look of low gentle pictures, and enhanced software program options like Director’s Mode to view three cameras directly.
In lots of regards, the Galaxy S9 nonetheless holds its personal. Nevertheless, there are undoubtedly compelling causes to improve to the Galaxy S21 collection. Particularly for energy customers and cellular photographers, who will nonetheless profit from even the $799 normal Galaxy S21.
Samsung Galaxy S21 vs Galaxy S10
Credit score: Adam Molina / Android Authority
We’re moving into trickier territory with the Galaxy S10e, Galaxy S10, and Galaxy S10 Plus. Being simply two years previous, these telephones are working Samsung’s One UI 3.0 interface and Android 11. In addition they present efficiency that’s nonetheless snappy sufficient for many customers, and all however the S10e have fairly aggressive triple-camera setups too.
So in what circumstances is an improve to the Galaxy S21 collection worthwhile?
Associated: The best Samsung phones you can buy
Galaxy S10e clients will profit from the newer digital camera options tucked into the Galaxy S21 collection. The added telephoto lens will assist out at longer ranges. In actual fact, Galaxy S10 house owners desperate to get their palms on leading edge digital camera know-how will need to take a look at the Galaxy S21 Extremely particularly. The Extremely variant options an improved 108MP main sensor and two telephoto zoom sensors at 3x and 10x, for improved high quality and mid and longer ranges. That’s all know-how you received’t discover within the S10 collection.
Excessive-end avid gamers may also profit from the quicker graphics efficiency within the newer S21 fashions, and the transfer to a 120Hz will make the whole lot really feel that bit extra responsive. The newer telephones additionally cost a bit quicker, because of 25W USB PD 3.0 assist, up from 15W USD PD 2.0. Once more, 5G is another excuse to ponder the newer fashions, though this in all probability isn’t a excessive precedence for many.
This assortment of small enhancements do add up, not forgetting the all-new design seems to be fairly swanky too. Nevertheless, the Galaxy S21 doesn’t fully revamp Samsung’s flagship components. We subsequently can’t fault completely happy clients who need to preserve their Galaxy S10s for one more era. That’s very true should you’re a fan of expandable storage. Each single one of many new telephones from Samsung ditches the microSD card slot for the primary time for the reason that Galaxy S6 collection. Ouch.
Samsung Galaxy S21 vs Galaxy S20
There’s seldom a superb cause to improve your smartphone yearly except you’re compelled to have the easiest tech in your pocket always. That’s nonetheless true this 12 months. From our time spent with the Samsung Galaxy S21 collection to this point, the components actually hasn’t modified a lot from the earlier era. Aside from the quicker processors, each ranges supply a 120Hz show, 5G assist, and a bunch of just about similar extras.
These sad with their Exynos Galaxy S20 may even see a much-improved efficiency and battery life shifting to the Galaxy S21. Nevertheless, we’re ready on extra in-depth analysis earlier than recommending a transfer primarily based solely on the chipset.
Learn extra: Samsung Galaxy S21 vs S20 series — is it worth an upgrade?
Moreover, Samsung Galaxy S20 Extremely house owners will incur some downgrades shifting to a Galaxy S21 or S21 Plus. These telephones don’t share the identical quad-camera options, can’t match the S20 Extremely’s 45W quick charging, and don’t are available in a 512GB storage choice. You’ll additionally should determine should you desire the return to flat glass over Samsung’s earlier curved panels.
The exception to the above is the Galaxy S21 Extremely, which is unquestionably the latest feeling cellphone within the S21 vary. The cellphone boasts an improved five-camera setup, a big 6.8-inch curved WQHD+ show, and the introduction of S Pen assist for the primary time within the Galaxy S collection. Nevertheless, it’s a must to purchase the S Pen individually.
Energy customers have a enjoyable new toy within the Galaxy S21 Extremely which will simply temp an improve. However in any other case, there’s an excessive amount of overlap between the Galaxy S20 and S21 portfolios to suggest an improve fairly so quickly.
Samsung Galaxy S21 vs Galaxy S20 FE
Credit score: David Imel / Android Authority
Except you will have exceedingly deep pockets, upgrading from the Samsung Galaxy S20 FE to a brand new Galaxy S21 can be unwise in all however just a few situations. The cellphone solely got here out in September 2020, in spite of everything.
You’ll be able to primarily copy and paste the earlier part right here, with just a few small addendums. The Galaxy S20 FE retains its value down with a glasstic black which is similar chassis used for the common Galaxy S21. For a full glass again you’ll want both the Galaxy S21 Plus or S21 Extremely. Moreover, the FE mannequin has Gorilla Glass 3 safety reasonably than Gorilla Glass Victus. Nonetheless, these are all worthwhile trade-offs for the cheaper price tag and never price one other buy to pay money for.
Take a better look: Samsung Galaxy S21 vs Galaxy S20 FE: Which one should you buy?
There’s additionally a 4G-only model of the FE, however we’d hardly suggest promoting the system so quickly simply to maneuver to 5G both. Likewise, the 8MP reasonably than 64MP 3x telephoto lens solely makes a small distinction to zoom high quality. It undoubtedly isn’t price shopping for an entire new handset for.
Whereas the low $799 price ticket of the Galaxy S21 has already eaten into the Galaxy S20 FE’s $699 worth proposition, the Fan Version continues to be an excellent handset that house owners shouldn’t be in a rush to exchange. It was our 2020 Editor’s Choice award winner for a cause.
Do you have to improve to the Samsung Galaxy S21?
Credit score: David Imel / Android Authority
It’s not been this reasonably priced to choose up the most recent Samsung Galaxy S vary for a very long time, however that doesn’t essentially imply you need to bounce in instantly. Whereas upgrading is a no brainer should you’re coming from a 2017 flagship mannequin, the image isn’t so clear for a few of Samsung’s not-so-old flagships.
Even 2018’s Samsung Galaxy S9 stays a practical handset, so long as you may overlook the marginally older software program. The Galaxy S21 certainly presents quicker efficiency, quicker charging, and a swanky new design, however even which may not be sufficient to tempt content material Galaxy S10 clients fairly but. Nevertheless, for energy customers, the introduction of S Pen assist and the revamped digital camera capabilities of the Galaxy S21 Extremely are maybe rather more compelling.
Will you be upgrading from an older Samsung Galaxy smartphone to an entry within the new Galaxy S21 vary? Tell us within the feedback!
