Samsung is finally realizing that less is more, and nowhere is that lesson more apparent than with a Galaxy S21 that caters to the needs of the average consumer rather than playing in front of cutting-edge hounds. There’s also a nice visual update and support for Standalone and mmWave 5G.
advantages
- Fast new processor with better 5G
- The latest Samsung software
- Improved cameras
- 120 Hz flat panel display is easier to hold and use
- Get it for $ 100 with S20 trade-in
disadvantage
- Plastic back
- Sidegrade in screen quality
- No more microSD slot
The Galaxy S20 was one of the best phones of the past year. So, if you’re not drawn to the incredible trade-in values, you can stick with a phone with great performance, good cameras, and a bag that you already have and love.
advantages
- Higher resolution screen
- MST support in Samsung Pay
- Support for microSD cards
- Glass back
disadvantage
- It is no longer being sold new
- Less 5G compatibility
Samsung is here with that Samsung Galaxy S21and between a flashy visual update and some strategic upgrades – and sidegrades – it draws a lot of attention. However, is it worth swapping your year-old Galaxy S20 for the new model? The short answer: yes, as long as the trade-in prices remain as high as they are.
The long answer is more complicated. The Galaxy S21 might not be a traditional upgrade, but it is certainly a practical one for everyone but the niche cases we’ll be outlining below.
The Galaxy S21 is a sidegrade in the right places
Pictured: Galaxy S21 (left) and Galaxy S20.
With view on Galaxy S21 and S20 side by side, the phones don’t seem too different, and in most cases you would be absolutely right. The screen size is the same, both are the same height and thickness, and both have the same 4,000 mAh battery. We’re getting a newer processor and slightly newer cameras, plus support for standalone and millimeter-wave 5G, but other than that, the S21 is more of a sideways motion than a barn burner of an upgrade.
If you look closely at the specs, Samsung has even downgraded the S21 in a few places to keep the starting price as low as possible.
| Samsung Galaxy S21 | Samsung Galaxy S20 | |
|---|---|---|
| display | 6.2 inch 120 Hz Dynamic AMOLED 2400 x 1080 (20: 9) HDR10 + Gorilla Glass Victus |
6.2 inch 120 Hz Dynamic AMOLED 3200 x 1440 (20: 9) 563ppi HDR10 + |
| processor | Snapdragon 888 | Qualcomm Snapdragon 865 |
| memory | 8 GB | 12 GB |
| camp | 128 GB 256 GB |
128 GB |
| Expandable storage | ❌ | Up to 1 TB |
| Rear view camera 1 | 12 MP f / 1.8, OIS 8K at 30 fps 4K at 60 fps |
12MP wide 1 / 1.76 ” 1.8 µm f / 1.8 |
| Rear view camera 2 | 12MP, f / 2.2 wide angle |
64MP Tele 3x hybrid optic zoom 30x super resolution zoom 1 / 1.72 ” 0.8 µm f / 2.0 |
| Rear view camera 3 | 64 MP, f / 3.0 Tele, OIS 3x optical zoom |
12MP ultra wide 1 / 2.55 ” 1.4um f / 2.2 |
| Front camera | 10 MP f / 1.7 Autofocus |
10MP 1.22 µm f / 2.2 |
| 5G | Not Standalone (NSA) Standalone (SA) Sub-6 mmWave |
Not Standalone (NSA) Sub-6 |
| Mobile payments | NFC | NFC MST |
| battery | 4000mAh | 4,000 mAh |
| Dimensions | 151.7 x 71.2 x 7.9 mm | 151.7 x 69.1 x 7.9 mm |
| Weight | 172 g | 163 g |
The S21’s memory is 8 GB instead of the S20 5G’s 12 GB – the Galaxy S20 4G sold in some international markets also had 8 GB – and while there is an option for 256 GB of internal storage, there is no longer a microSD card slot. I’m fine with that Lack of microSD storage because it slows down the flagship experience and is prone to more problems, but some data hunters complain about the inability to put a terabyte of storage in a 128GB phone.
Source: Hayato Huseman / Android Central
The other downgrade of these users could Notice is the screen. The S20 had a 1440p screen while the S21 “only” has 1080p, but there’s a good reason for this change. The S20 supports refresh rates of 120 Hz just at 1080p; If you climbed to 1440p, you were stuck at 60Hz. With most people prioritizing a faster refresh rate and smooth scrolling on Twitter and Instagram, 1440p was wasted on most of the Galaxy S20 users, and Samsung switched to 120Hz to save themselves and consumers some money. Samsung also switched to a flat panel display that is easier to grab and easier to buy good screen protectors to the.
There’s also something to be said that Samsung is removing MST support for the North American models of the Galaxy S21, but as with microSD support, this is death is actually a good thing unless you live somewhere with older, outdated card readers.
Samsung Galaxy S21 versus Galaxy S20: Why upgrading is a breeze
Source: Hayato Huseman / Android Central
If the Galaxy S21 isn’t that massive, why is an upgrade so compelling this year? Samsung’s trade-in deal this year is even better than normal.
See, the Galaxy S21 starts at $ 800, but Samsung has a special offer that gives you a trade-in value of $ 700 on a Galaxy S20, S20 +, or S20 Ultra. This means S20 owners can get an S21 for just $ 100 plus An additional $ 100 promotional credit on Samsung.com that you can use on cases, chargers, or even fancy new items Galaxy Buds Pro.
In principle, you can purchase the S21 free of charge. For the updated cameras, better 5G support, and an extra year of software updates, you should definitely take advantage of it.
The new sharpness
Samsung Galaxy S21
Get it while the trade-in values are valid
Samsung gave the S21 a better fingerprint sensor, slightly improved cameras, and support for mmWave 5G instead of just Sub-6. As long as you can trade in your S20 and get the S21 for $ 100, you should probably do so.
Niche attractiveness
Samsung Galaxy S20
If you need microSD or MST, stay where you are
The S21 has tons of fun updates, but some small but potentially powerful features have also been removed. If you love a microSD card for storing tons of offline movies or live in a place where NFC payments are not yet widely used, but Samsung Pay’s MST is still useful, keep your current phone.
We can earn a commission on purchases made through our links. Learn more.
These screen protectors for the Galaxy S21 Plus ensure that your display looks good
The Galaxy S21 family of devices has finally hit the market. Hence, it’s time to find some of the best accessories out there. After picking up a suitcase, you should probably grab a screen protector to provide additional protection from what Samsung has preinstalled on the device.
Which Color Samsung Galaxy S21 Should You Buy?
The Galaxy S21 is a great drink of superlatives. As you are preparing to pre-order one, here and now there is one question you need to clear up: what color will you get? Your options vary depending on the size of the S21, but there is a successful color option for each model. We’re here to help you choose.
