Oneplus 7 Vs Samsung Galaxy S21 Is Upgrading Really Worth It

The smartphone market moves fast. Two years can feel like a lifetime in tech years, especially when flagship features once reserved for premium devices trickle down to mid-range models. If you're still using a OnePlus 7—launched in 2019—you might be wondering whether it’s time to make the leap to something newer, like the Samsung Galaxy S21. While the OnePlus 7 was a standout in its era, the S21 brings modern capabilities that could justify an upgrade. But is it truly worth it?

This isn’t just about specs on paper. It’s about real-world performance, longevity, user experience, and whether the benefits outweigh the cost. Let’s break down the key differences and help you decide if stepping up from your OnePlus 7 to the Galaxy S21 makes sense for your lifestyle.

Performance: From Snapdragon 855 to 888

The OnePlus 7 ran on the Qualcomm Snapdragon 855, which was top-tier in 2019. At the time, it delivered smooth multitasking, excellent gaming performance, and strong efficiency. Fast forward to 2021, and the Samsung Galaxy S21 launched with the Exynos 2100 or Snapdragon 888 (depending on region), both representing a generational leap in processing power.

The Snapdragon 888 offers roughly 25% better CPU performance and up to 35% improved GPU performance over the 855. This means faster app launches, smoother animations, and significantly better handling of graphics-intensive games and augmented reality applications. For users who rely on their phones for productivity or creative work, this difference is noticeable.

Tip: If you frequently use split-screen apps, video editing tools, or high-end mobile games, the S21’s upgraded chipset will provide a much more responsive experience.

However, if your daily usage revolves around social media, messaging, email, and light browsing, the OnePlus 7 may still hold up surprisingly well. Android 13 (or One UI 4/5 on updated S21) runs efficiently even on older hardware, so performance gains may not feel dramatic unless you push the device hard.

Camera Comparison: Night Mode, Zoom, and AI Enhancements

Camera technology has evolved rapidly since 2019. The OnePlus 7 featured a dual-camera setup: a 48MP main sensor and a 5MP depth sensor. While the primary lens captured decent daylight photos, low-light performance and zoom were limited.

In contrast, the Galaxy S21 comes with a triple-lens system: a 12MP wide, 12MP ultra-wide, and a 64MP telephoto lens with 3x hybrid zoom. More importantly, Samsung’s computational photography—including Night Mode across all lenses, AI scene optimization, and advanced HDR—delivers consistently sharper, more balanced images in varied lighting conditions.

“Smartphone photography today is less about megapixels and more about software intelligence. The S21’s AI-driven processing closes the gap between phone and professional cameras.” — David Lin, Mobile Imaging Analyst at TechSight Review

For example, capturing a sunset with friends in the background used to require careful positioning on the OnePlus 7. With the S21, AI detects faces, adjusts exposure dynamically, and preserves sky detail—all automatically. Video recording also improves dramatically, with 8K support and superior stabilization.

If photography matters to you—whether for social sharing, remote work, or personal memories—the camera upgrade alone may justify the switch.

Battery Life and Charging: Efficiency vs Longevity

The OnePlus 7 came with a 3,700mAh battery and Warp Charge 30T, capable of going from 0 to 70% in about 30 minutes. That was impressive in 2019. The Galaxy S21, while slightly smaller at 4,000mAh, benefits from a more power-efficient display (adaptive 120Hz) and modem, resulting in comparable or slightly better battery life despite higher screen resolution and refresh rate.

Moreover, the S21 supports wireless charging and reverse wireless charging—features absent on the OnePlus 7. These may seem minor, but they add convenience, especially if you own other Qi-compatible devices like earbuds or smartwatches.

Feature	OnePlus 7	Samsung Galaxy S21
Battery Capacity	3,700 mAh	4,000 mAh
Fast Charging	30W (Warp Charge)	25W (Adaptive Fast Charging)
Wireless Charging	No	Yes (up to 15W)
Reverse Wireless Charging	No	Yes
Screen Efficiency	60Hz fixed, Full HD+	Adaptive 48–120Hz, Dynamic AMOLED 2X

While the OnePlus 7 charges slightly faster, the S21’s adaptive refresh rate and optimized software often lead to longer screen-on time. Users report 6–7 hours of screen time on the S21 under mixed use, compared to 5–6 hours on the aging OnePlus 7 battery, which may have degraded over time.

Display and Design: Glass vs Gorilla, Flat vs Curved

The OnePlus 7 featured a flat 6.41-inch Optic AMOLED display with a 1080p resolution and a 60Hz refresh rate. It was sharp and vibrant but lacked the fluidity of higher refresh rates. The Galaxy S21, meanwhile, boasts a 6.2-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X panel with a variable 120Hz refresh rate, HDR10+ support, and brighter peak output (up to 1,300 nits).

The difference in smoothness is immediately apparent. Scrolling through feeds, switching apps, or playing fast-paced games feels noticeably more responsive on the S21. Additionally, the display is protected by Corning Gorilla Glass Victus, a significant upgrade from the GG5 on the OnePlus 7, offering better scratch and drop resistance.

Design-wise, the S21 adopts a more minimalist aesthetic with a matte finish and integrated camera housing, reducing fingerprint smudges. The OnePlus 7’s glossy back, while sleek, attracts fingerprints and is more prone to showing wear over time.

Real-World Example: Sarah’s Upgrade Decision

Sarah, a freelance photographer and digital content creator, had been using her OnePlus 7 since 2019. She loved its clean OxygenOS interface and fast charging. But by late 2023, she noticed slowdowns when editing photos on her phone, and her battery barely lasted a full workday.

She tested the Galaxy S21 during a friend’s visit and was struck by how quickly Lightroom processed edits, how vivid her portfolio looked on the 120Hz display, and how confidently she could shoot in low light without a tripod. After two weeks of borrowing the device, she decided to upgrade. “It wasn’t just one feature,” she said. “It was the whole package—better camera, longer battery, and a screen that made my work look professional.”

Her experience reflects a broader trend: users whose workflows depend on visual quality and responsiveness tend to benefit most from upgrading to modern flagships.

Is the Upgrade Worth It? A Practical Checklist

Before making the move, consider these factors:

• Is your OnePlus 7 struggling with daily tasks? Frequent app crashes, long load times, or overheating are signs it’s time to upgrade.
• Do you value photo and video quality? The S21’s camera system offers night mode, zoom, and AI enhancements the OnePlus 7 lacks.
• Are you using accessories that benefit from wireless charging? Earbuds, wearables, or car mounts may integrate better with the S21.
• How important is display smoothness? If you notice lag or jank, the 120Hz screen will feel like a major improvement.
• Have you maxed out software updates? The OnePlus 7 received Android 11 as its final major update. The S21 supports Android 14 and will likely get one more.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can the OnePlus 7 still run modern apps smoothly?

Most everyday apps—WhatsApp, Instagram, YouTube, Gmail—run fine on the OnePlus 7. However, newer versions of demanding apps (like TikTok with AR filters or Google Maps with Live View) may lag or drain the battery faster. Heavy multitaskers will feel the limitations.

Does the Galaxy S21 offer better security than the OnePlus 7?

Yes. The S21 includes Samsung Knox, regular monthly security patches (for supported models), and longer software support. The OnePlus 7 no longer receives security updates, increasing vulnerability to emerging threats.

Is the price difference justified?

The S21 launched at $799 but is now widely available refurbished or secondhand for $250–$350. Compared to the OnePlus 7’s original $599 price, the current value proposition is strong. For less than half the original cost, you gain modern features, better support, and improved longevity.

Final Verdict: When to Upgrade and When to Wait

Upgrading from the OnePlus 7 to the Galaxy S21 isn’t essential for everyone. If your phone still meets your needs and you’re comfortable with occasional slowdowns, holding on is perfectly reasonable. However, if you value camera quality, display fluidity, wireless convenience, and longer software support, the S21 represents a meaningful step forward.

The real question isn’t just about specs—it’s about how your phone fits into your life. Technology should empower, not frustrate. If your OnePlus 7 is starting to hold you back, the upgrade isn’t just worth it; it’s liberating.

🚀 Ready to evaluate your next move? Assess your current usage, test a Galaxy S21 if possible, and make a decision based on how you want your phone to perform—not just what it once could do.