Iphone 11 Pro Vs S21 Plus Is Upgrading To The S21 Plus Really Worth It

The smartphone market evolves fast, and if you're still using an iPhone 11 Pro—released in 2019—you might be wondering whether it's time to switch. The Samsung Galaxy S21 Plus, launched in early 2021, represents a significant leap in Android innovation. But does that automatically mean upgrading is worth it? For many users, the answer isn’t just about specs—it’s about real-world experience, ecosystem loyalty, and long-term value.

This comparison dives deep into design, display, performance, camera systems, battery life, and software to help you decide whether moving from the iPhone 11 Pro to the S21 Plus is a smart move or simply a change for change’s sake.

Design and Build: Premium Feel, Different Philosophies

The iPhone 11 Pro set a benchmark for compact flagship design with its stainless steel frame, matte glass back, and IP68 water resistance. It feels dense and luxurious in hand, though its 5.8-inch form factor may feel small by today’s standards.

In contrast, the S21 Plus adopts a more modern aesthetic with a polycarbonate (plastic) frame and Gorilla Glass Victus on both front and back. While not as premium-feeling as stainless steel, the build remains durable and lightweight. At 6.7 inches, the S21 Plus is significantly larger, offering more screen real estate but less one-handed usability.

Samsung’s “contour cut” metal camera housing blends seamlessly into the frame, giving the phone a distinctive look. Apple’s squared-off camera bump remains iconic but can attract fingerprints and smudges easily.

Tip: If you prioritize pocketability and compact design, the iPhone 11 Pro still holds up well. For immersive media consumption, the S21 Plus’s larger body delivers.

Display Quality: OLED Evolution Meets Brightness Battle

Both phones feature OLED panels, but the S21 Plus pulls ahead with a 6.7-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display at 1080x2400 resolution and a variable 120Hz refresh rate. This means smoother scrolling, faster response times in games, and adaptive power efficiency.

The iPhone 11 Pro’s 5.8-inch Super Retina XDR OLED supports HDR and offers excellent color accuracy, but it’s locked at 60Hz. Apple wins in peak brightness (up to 1200 nits), making it more visible under direct sunlight, while the S21 Plus hits around 1300 nits but adjusts dynamically based on content.

For media lovers and gamers, the 120Hz refresh rate on the S21 Plus is a game-changer. However, iOS’s optimized animations often mask the lack of high refresh rates, so daily use doesn’t feel sluggish on the iPhone 11 Pro.

“High refresh rate displays are no longer a luxury—they’re expected for fluid interaction.” — David Kim, Mobile UX Analyst at TechInsight Labs

Performance and Software: iOS Stability vs Android Flexibility

The iPhone 11 Pro runs on Apple’s A13 Bionic chip—a powerhouse even by 2024 standards. Paired with iOS optimization, it handles multitasking, photo editing, and gaming with ease. Most users report smooth performance without lag, even after years of use.

The S21 Plus uses either the Exynos 2100 or Snapdragon 888 (depending on region), both of which were top-tier in 2021. While powerful, they don’t match the A13’s efficiency or long-term app optimization. However, Samsung’s One UI 5 (upgradeable to newer versions) offers extensive customization, split-screen apps, DeX support, and better file management than iOS.

iOS continues to receive updates—Apple supported the iPhone 11 series with iOS 17, released three years post-launch. Samsung promises four major Android OS upgrades and five years of security patches for the S21 series, meaning both devices have strong update longevity.

The real difference lies in ecosystem integration. If you rely on iCloud, AirPods, Apple Watch, or MacBooks, switching to Android disrupts seamless syncing. Conversely, Android excels with Google services, cross-platform flexibility, and sideloading options.

Camera Comparison: Consistency vs Versatility

The iPhone 11 Pro introduced Apple’s triple-camera system: 12MP wide, ultra-wide, and telephoto lenses. Its strength lies in consistent color science, excellent dynamic range, and superior video recording—including 4K at 60fps and extended dynamic range for faces.

The S21 Plus features a 64MP telephoto, 12MP wide, and 12MP ultra-wide setup. It supports 8K video recording (a first at its price point in 2021), Space Zoom up to 30x (though quality degrades beyond 10x), and advanced AI scene optimization. Photos tend to be more saturated and sharpened out of the box, appealing to social media users.

In low light, both perform admirably, but the iPhone produces more natural tones, while the S21 Plus brightens images aggressively. Portrait mode is reliable on both, though Apple’s depth mapping remains more accurate for hair and edge detection.

Feature	iPhone 11 Pro	S21 Plus
Primary Sensor	12MP f/1.8	12MP f/1.8
Telephoto	12MP f/2.0 (2x optical)	64MP f/2.0 (3x hybrid zoom)
Ultra-Wide	12MP f/2.4	12MP f/2.2
Video Max	4K@60fps	8K@24fps
Night Mode	Yes (all lenses)	Yes (adaptive)

Tip: If you shoot a lot of video—especially vlogs or professional clips—the iPhone 11 Pro still holds up remarkably well. For still photographers who want zoom flexibility and higher resolution, the S21 Plus offers more tools.

Battery Life and Charging: All-Day Use vs Fast Top-Ups

The S21 Plus packs a 4800mAh battery compared to the iPhone 11 Pro’s 3046mAh. In real-world testing, the Samsung consistently lasts a full day and a half with moderate use, while the iPhone 11 Pro typically needs a charge by evening.

Charging speeds favor the S21 Plus: it supports 25W wired fast charging and 15W wireless. Apple limits the iPhone 11 Pro to 18W fast charging (with adapter sold separately) and 7.5W wireless. Neither includes chargers in the box.

However, iOS’s power management helps extend usable life despite the smaller battery. And unlike some Snapdragon 888 devices, the S21 Plus manages heat well during prolonged use, avoiding thermal throttling issues seen in early 2021 flagships.

Mini Case Study: Sarah’s Upgrade Dilemma

Sarah, a freelance photographer and long-time iPhone user, had relied on her iPhone 11 Pro since 2019. By 2023, she noticed slower app launches and reduced battery life. She considered the S21 Plus for its larger screen, better zoom, and 8K video capability.

After a two-week trial, she returned the S21 Plus. While impressed by the display and zoom, she missed iMessage, FaceTime grid view, and seamless AirDrop sharing with her MacBook. The camera processing felt “over-edited,” and she struggled with organizing RAW files outside Apple’s ecosystem.

Instead, she upgraded to an iPhone 14 Pro—keeping her accessories, cloud sync, and workflow intact. Her experience highlights that specs alone don’t determine satisfaction; ecosystem fit matters just as much.

Is Upgrading Really Worth It? A Decision Checklist

Before making the switch, ask yourself the following:

• Do you need a larger, smoother 120Hz display for gaming or media?
• Are you frustrated by slow charging or short battery life?
• Do you value Android’s customization, multitasking, or DeX desktop mode?
• Are you ready to leave iMessage, FaceTime, and iCloud photo syncing?
• Will the improved zoom and 8K video enhance your content creation?
• Are you attached to Apple’s privacy-first approach and App Tracking Transparency?

If most of your answers lean toward Android benefits, the S21 Plus offers tangible improvements. But if you value consistency, ecosystem cohesion, and long-term software support, staying with iOS—or upgrading within it—may be smarter.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can the S21 Plus last as long as the iPhone 11 Pro in terms of software updates?

Yes. Samsung guarantees up to five years of security updates and four OS upgrades for the S21 series, similar to Apple’s support window. Both phones will likely remain secure through 2025–2026.

Is the S21 Plus better for gaming than the iPhone 11 Pro?

Yes, especially with its 120Hz display and larger battery. While the A13 Bionic still outperforms in raw efficiency, the S21 Plus provides a more immersive, cooler-running gaming experience with better散热 (heat dissipation) over long sessions.

Does the S21 Plus support expandable storage?

No. Unlike some older Samsung models, the S21 Plus does not have a microSD slot. Storage is fixed at 128GB or 256GB options.

Final Verdict: Upgrade Only If You’re Ready to Shift Ecosystems

The Samsung Galaxy S21 Plus is objectively better in several areas: display technology, battery capacity, charging speed, zoom capability, and multimedia features. But upgrading from the iPhone 11 Pro isn't just about hardware—it's about changing how you interact with your digital life.

If you're deeply embedded in Apple’s ecosystem, the transition costs—in messaging, file sharing, accessory compatibility, and app familiarity—may outweigh the benefits. However, if you’ve been curious about Android, value customization, or need longer battery life and a bigger screen, the S21 Plus delivers a compelling, future-ready experience.

For most iPhone 11 Pro users, the upgrade makes sense only if you're already leaning toward Android. Otherwise, consider a newer iPhone model that preserves your workflow while offering modern improvements.

🚀 Ready to make your move? Evaluate your daily habits, ecosystem ties, and usage patterns. Whether you stay or switch, choose intentionality over impulse.