Is The Samsung Galaxy S21 Camera Really That Much Better Than The S20

The evolution between Samsung’s flagship smartphones is often subtle, but with each new release comes a promise of refinement—especially in the camera department. When the Galaxy S21 launched as the successor to the S20, many wondered: is the upgrade worth it? While both devices belong to Samsung’s premium lineup and share similar design philosophies, the differences in their camera systems go beyond megapixels. The real question isn’t just about hardware—it’s about how those changes translate into everyday photography.

This article dives deep into the technical upgrades, image processing improvements, and real-world performance differences between the Galaxy S21 and S20 cameras. Whether you're considering an upgrade or simply curious about Samsung's progress, this breakdown will help you understand what actually changed—and whether it matters.

Hardware Evolution: Sensor Upgrades and Lens Configurations

The Galaxy S20 series introduced a strong triple-camera setup: a 12MP main sensor, a 64MP telephoto lens, and a 12MP ultra-wide. It was a versatile system capable of excellent dynamic range and solid zoom performance up to 3x optical and 30x digital zoom using Space Zoom.

The Galaxy S21 retained the same core configuration but made meaningful tweaks. The primary 12MP sensor remained largely unchanged (still the Sony IMX555), but Samsung upgraded the telephoto lens from 64MP to a new 64MP sensor with improved light sensitivity and pixel-binning technology. More importantly, the S21 optimized its optics for better edge-to-edge sharpness and reduced chromatic aberration.

The ultra-wide lens stayed at 12MP, but Samsung adjusted the field of view slightly and improved anti-reflective coatings to reduce lens flare in bright conditions. These may sound like minor refinements, but they contribute to more consistent results across varied lighting environments.

Tip: Clean your lenses regularly with a microfiber cloth—dust and smudges impact image clarity more on high-resolution sensors.

Image Processing and AI Enhancements

Where the S21 pulls ahead significantly is not just in hardware, but in software. Samsung equipped the S21 with the newer Exynos 2100 (or Snapdragon 888, depending on region), which features a more powerful Neural Processing Unit (NPU). This allows for faster and smarter image processing, particularly in low-light scenarios.

The S21’s Night Mode now analyzes multiple frames more efficiently, producing brighter images with less noise and more natural color reproduction. In side-by-side tests, the S21 consistently captures cleaner shadows and preserves finer details in dark areas compared to the S20, which sometimes over-smooths textures in pursuit of noise reduction.

Additionally, the S21 introduces enhanced HDR10+ video recording and improved real-time HDR for photos. This means highlights are better preserved in high-contrast scenes—such as sunsets or backlit portraits—without sacrificing shadow detail.

“Smartphone photography today is less about the lens and more about how the processor interprets light.” — Dr. Lena Park, Imaging Technology Researcher at Seoul National University

Zoom Performance: Optical, Hybrid, and Digital

One area where users expect noticeable improvement is zoom. Both phones offer 3x hybrid zoom, but the S21 delivers sharper results at mid-range distances thanks to better stabilization and refined algorithms. The transition between ultra-wide, main, and telephoto lenses is also smoother, reducing jarring shifts when switching focal lengths.

In practical use, the S21 maintains usable detail up to 10x digital zoom in good light, whereas the S20 begins to show softness beyond 7x. At 30x “Space Zoom,” both phones rely heavily on AI enhancement, but the S21 produces less artifact-heavy images with more accurate color reconstruction.

For content creators and casual photographers alike, this means greater flexibility when capturing distant subjects—be it wildlife, architecture, or stage performances—without needing external gear.

Real-World Comparison: A Day in the Life of Two Cameras

To test these differences meaningfully, consider a realistic scenario: a weekend trip through a coastal city. You’re photographing sun-drenched streets, dimly lit cafes, seascapes at golden hour, and spontaneous street moments.

In daylight, both phones perform admirably. Colors are vibrant without being oversaturated, and dynamic range handles mixed lighting well. However, the S21 edges ahead in consistency. Its metering system adapts faster to changing light, avoiding underexposed shadows when shooting against the sky.

Inside the cafe, the S21’s larger aperture simulation via multi-frame processing captures clearer low-light shots. Textures in wooden tables and fabric upholstery remain visible, while the S20 tends to blur fine patterns in favor of brightness.

At sunset, the S21 renders warmer tones more naturally, preserving gradients in the sky rather than clipping them into flat orange blocks. Its AI detects the scene type faster and adjusts white balance accordingly, reducing the need for manual tweaking in post.

When filming handheld video, the S21’s Super Steady mode is noticeably more effective, especially while walking. The gyroscope-based stabilization compensates for micro-movements better than the S20, resulting in buttery-smooth footage even without a gimbal.

Camera Specifications Side-by-Side

Feature	Galaxy S20	Galaxy S21
Main Camera	12MP, f/1.8, Dual Pixel AF	12MP, f/1.8, Dual Pixel AF
Telephoto Camera	64MP, f/2.0, 3x Hybrid Zoom	64MP, f/2.0, 3x Hybrid Zoom (improved optics)
Ultra-Wide Camera	12MP, f/2.2, 120° FoV	12MP, f/2.2, 120° FoV (anti-reflective coating)
Night Mode	Yes, multi-frame processing	Enhanced, faster processing, better shadow recovery
Video Recording	8K@24fps, 4K@60fps	8K@24fps, 4K@60fps (improved stabilization & HDR)
Front Camera	10MP, f/2.2	10MP, f/2.2 (better skin tone rendering)
Processor Impact	Exynos 990 / Snapdragon 865	Exynos 2100 / Snapdragon 888 (faster NPU)

What Hasn’t Changed—and What Might Disappoint

Despite the improvements, some limitations persist. Neither phone offers a true optical zoom beyond 3x, and the lack of a periscope lens (which debuted later in the Ultra models) means long-range photography still relies on digital interpolation. Additionally, both devices struggle with over-sharpening in certain AI-enhanced modes, creating halos around high-contrast edges.

The front-facing camera sees only marginal gains. Selfies look slightly more balanced in backlight thanks to improved HDR, but the difference isn’t dramatic enough to justify an upgrade solely for selfie performance.

Frequently Asked Questions

Should I upgrade from the S20 to the S21 for the camera?

If you shoot frequently in low light or rely on zoom, yes—the S21 offers tangible improvements in clarity, processing speed, and stabilization. However, if you mostly take well-lit photos and don’t push the camera’s limits, the upgrade may feel incremental.

Does the S21 have better portrait mode than the S20?

Slightly. Depth detection is more accurate, especially around hair and complex edges, thanks to better AI segmentation. Background blur (bokeh) also looks more natural, though both phones can misjudge depth in cluttered scenes.

Can the S21 replace a dedicated camera?

For everyday use, travel, and social media, absolutely. But serious photographers will still miss manual controls, RAW flexibility, and interchangeable lenses. Think of it as a powerful complement—not a full replacement.

Actionable Checklist: Maximizing Your S21 Camera

• Enable Pro Mode to manually adjust ISO and shutter speed in challenging light.
• Use the 8K video option selectively; it consumes significant storage space.
• Tap to focus and hold to lock exposure before filming or taking burst shots.
• Turn off excessive AI enhancements if you prefer a more natural look.
• Keep the lens clean—grease spots become glaring in HDR shots.
• Experiment with Single Take mode to capture multiple formats in one press.

Final Verdict: Incremental Progress, Not a Revolution

The Samsung Galaxy S21 camera isn’t a radical leap over the S20, but it represents thoughtful refinement. The hardware changes are modest, yet combined with stronger processing power and smarter software, they result in more reliable, higher-quality output across diverse conditions. Low-light performance, zoom clarity, and video stability are all meaningfully better.

If you already own an S20, the camera alone may not be enough to warrant an immediate upgrade—unless photography is central to how you use your phone. But for those moving from older devices or prioritizing mobile imaging, the S21 delivers a polished, future-ready experience that feels more confident and consistent.

💬 Have you compared the S20 and S21 cameras yourself? Share your experiences, favorite settings, or sample shots in the comments below—your insights could help others decide!