The Samsung Galaxy series has been a staple in the smartphone market for years, with each new iteration bringing exciting features and improvements. The S10 and S21 are two of the most popular models in the series, with the latter being the latest flagship device. If you’re an S10 user, you might be wondering whether it’s worth upgrading to the S21. In this article, we’ll delve into the key differences between the two devices and help you decide if it’s time to make the switch.
Design and Display
When it comes to design, both the S10 and S21 have their unique charm. The S10 features a dynamic AMOLED display with a Quad HD+ resolution (1440 x 3040 pixels) and a 19:9 aspect ratio. The screen is almost bezel-less, with a small punch-hole camera at the top. The phone’s body is made of glass and metal, giving it a premium feel.
The S21, on the other hand, boasts a slightly larger Dynamic AMOLED 2X display with a Quad HD+ resolution (1440 x 3200 pixels) and a 20:9 aspect ratio. The screen is also almost bezel-less, but with a slightly smaller punch-hole camera. The phone’s body is also made of glass and metal, but with a more seamless design that makes it look more futuristic.
One significant difference between the two devices is the refresh rate. The S21 features a 120Hz refresh rate, which means the screen can display up to 120 frames per second. This makes animations and transitions much smoother, especially when gaming or scrolling through social media. The S10, on the other hand, has a standard 60Hz refresh rate.
If you value a smoother visual experience, the S21’s higher refresh rate might be a significant selling point.
Camera Upgrades
The camera system is one area where the S21 has seen significant upgrades compared to the S10. The S21 features a triple-camera setup, consisting of a 50MP primary sensor, a 12MP front camera, and support for 8K video recording at 30fps. The primary sensor is larger than the one on the S10, which allows it to capture more light and detail.
In contrast, the S10 also features a triple-camera setup, but with a 12MP primary sensor, a 10MP front camera, and support for 4K video recording at 60fps. While the S10’s camera system is still capable, the S21’s upgrades make it a more attractive option for photography enthusiasts.
The S21’s larger primary sensor and support for 8K video recording make it a significant upgrade over the S10’s camera system.
Performance and Battery Life
When it comes to performance, both devices are powered by Samsung’s Exynos chipset. However, the S21 has a newer and more powerful Exynos 2100 chipset, which provides a significant boost in performance and efficiency. The S21 also comes with more storage options, up to 16GB of RAM and 512GB of internal storage.
In terms of battery life, the S21 has a slightly larger 4500mAh battery compared to the S10’s 3400mAh battery. The S21 also supports faster charging speeds, up to 25W, compared to the S10’s 15W. Additionally, the S21 has improved power management, which helps to extend battery life.
The S21’s more powerful chipset and larger battery make it a better option for heavy users who need a device that can keep up with their demands.
Software Updates
One significant advantage of the S21 is that it comes with Android 11 out of the box, while the S10 is still running Android 10. This means that the S21 has access to the latest security patches and features, including improved performance and battery life.
Additionally, Samsung has committed to providing three major Android updates for the S21, which means it will receive updates until Android 14. The S10, on the other hand, has already received two major updates and might not receive Android 13.
If you want a device that will receive the latest software updates and security patches, the S21 is a better option.
Other Features and Upgrades
The S21 has several other features and upgrades that make it a more attractive option compared to the S10. Some of these include:
- A more seamless and intuitive user interface, thanks to Samsung’s One UI 3.1.
- Improved biometric security, with a faster and more accurate fingerprint sensor.
- Enhanced audio quality, with support for Dolby Atmos and a more powerful speaker system.
- A more durable design, with IP67 water and dust resistance.
Is it Worth Upgrading?
So, is it worth upgrading from the S10 to the S21? The answer depends on your specific needs and preferences. If you value a smoother visual experience, improved camera performance, and the latest software updates, the S21 is definitely worth considering.
However, if you’re happy with your S10 and don’t need the latest and greatest features, it might not be worth upgrading. The S10 is still a capable device that can handle most tasks, and the cost of upgrading might not be justified.
| Feature | S10 | S21 |
|---|---|---|
| Display | Quad HD+ (1440 x 3040 pixels) | Quad HD+ (1440 x 3200 pixels) |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 120Hz |
| Camera | Triple-camera setup (12MP primary sensor) | Triple-camera setup (50MP primary sensor) |
| Performance | Exynos 9820 chipset | Exynos 2100 chipset |
| Battery Life | 3400mAh battery | 4500mAh battery |
| Software | Android 10 | Android 11 |
In conclusion, the S21 offers several significant upgrades over the S10, including a smoother display, improved camera performance, and the latest software updates. If you’re due for an upgrade and want a device that will last for the next few years, the S21 is definitely worth considering.
What are the main differences between the S10 and S21?
The main differences between the S10 and S21 lie in their processors, cameras, and display. The S21 is equipped with a more powerful Exynos 2100 processor, whereas the S10 has a Exynos 9820 processor. Additionally, the S21 has a more advanced quad-camera setup with a higher-resolution primary sensor, compared to the S10’s triple-camera setup. Furthermore, the S21 boasts a slightly larger and higher refresh rate display.
These upgrades provide a faster and more seamless user experience, with improved performance, camera capabilities, and display quality. The S21’s advanced camera system, in particular, offers better low-light photography, improved zoom capabilities, and more features like 8K video recording. Overall, the S21 offers a notable upgrade over the S10 in terms of hardware and features.
Is the S21’s camera upgrade worth it?
The S21’s camera upgrade is significant, with a more advanced quad-camera setup that includes a higher-resolution primary sensor, a wider-angle lens, and a more capable telephoto lens. This results in better image quality, especially in low-light conditions, and more features like 8K video recording and improved zoom capabilities.
If you’re someone who takes a lot of photos or videos, especially in challenging lighting conditions, the S21’s camera upgrade is definitely worth considering. Additionally, the new camera features and capabilities can enhance your overall smartphone experience. However, if you’re not particular about camera quality and are happy with your S10’s camera, you might not notice a significant difference.
How does the S21’s battery life compare to the S10?
The S21 has a slightly larger battery compared to the S10, but its more power-hungry processor and higher refresh rate display might offset the battery size advantage. However, Samsung has implemented various power-saving features and optimizations to ensure that the S21’s battery life is similar to, if not better than, the S10’s.
In real-world usage, you can expect the S21 to last a full day with moderate to heavy use, similar to the S10. However, the S21’s power-saving features and more efficient processor might give it an edge in terms of stamina. Additionally, the S21 supports faster charging and wireless charging, making it more convenient to top up your battery.
Should I upgrade from the S10 to the S21 for the new design?
The S21 has a slightly different design compared to the S10, with a more seamless glass back, a smaller hole-punch cutout, and a more rounded frame. However, the differences are largely cosmetic, and the S10’s design is still sleek and premium.
If design is a major consideration for you, and you want the latest and greatest, the S21’s design might be worth the upgrade. However, if you’re happy with your S10’s design and don’t feel the need for a change, there’s no compelling reason to upgrade solely for the design.
Will I notice a difference in performance between the S10 and S21?
The S21 has a more powerful Exynos 2100 processor compared to the S10’s Exynos 9820 processor, which translates to faster performance and better multitasking capabilities. You’ll notice the difference in demanding tasks like gaming, video editing, and heavy app usage.
However, for general tasks like browsing, social media, and casual gaming, the S10’s performance is still more than sufficient. Additionally, the S21’s performance advantage is more noticeable in scenarios where you’re pushing the device to its limits. If you’re a heavy user or want the best performance, the S21 is worth considering, but for casual users, the S10’s performance is still acceptable.
Is it worth upgrading from the S10 to the S21 for 5G?
The S21 supports 5G connectivity, which is a significant upgrade over the S10’s 4G capabilities. However, 5G availability and network quality vary greatly depending on your region and carrier.
If you live in an area with reliable 5G coverage and want the fastest mobile data speeds, upgrading to the S21 for 5G is a good idea. However, if 5G is not yet available in your area or you don’t need the fastest data speeds, the S10’s 4G capabilities are still sufficient.
Is the S21 worth the upgrade cost from the S10?
The S21 is a notable upgrade over the S10, with significant improvements in performance, cameras, and display. However, the upgrade cost depends on various factors, including your location, carrier, and storage options.
If you can afford the upgrade cost and want the latest and greatest features, the S21 is worth considering. However, if you’re on a budget or don’t need the latest features, the S10 is still a capable device that will receive updates and security patches for a while longer. It’s essential to weigh the benefits against the cost and decide based on your needs and priorities.