S24 Ultra Vs S21 Is It Really Worth Upgrading Or Is It Just Hype

Two years can feel like a lifetime in the smartphone world. The Samsung Galaxy S21, released in early 2021, was a flagship powerhouse in its day—offering top-tier performance, a sleek design, and an impressive camera system. Fast forward to 2024, and the Galaxy S24 Ultra arrives with AI-powered features, a titanium frame, and a built-in S Pen. But for existing S21 owners, the question isn’t just about specs—it’s about value. Is the upgrade truly transformative, or is much of the excitement just well-crafted marketing?

This isn't about chasing the latest trend. It's about understanding whether the improvements in the S24 Ultra translate into meaningful daily benefits or if your S21 still has plenty of life left in it.

Design & Build: From Glass to Titanium

The S21 featured a sleek, minimalist design with a plastic back (on the base model) and a metal frame. While it felt premium at launch, it lacked the durability and heft of higher-end materials. In contrast, the S24 Ultra adopts a titanium frame—same material used in aerospace and luxury watches—making it both lighter and stronger than previous Ultra models.

The back glass on the S24 Ultra is also more scratch-resistant, and the overall build exudes a sense of refined craftsmanship. However, the change from curved edges to flat sides improves grip and reduces accidental touches—a subtle but impactful shift for usability.

Tip: If you prioritize durability and long-term aesthetics, the titanium build of the S24 Ultra is a genuine upgrade—not just a spec sheet win.

Display: Brighter, Smoother, More Efficient

The S21’s 6.8-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display was excellent for its time, supporting 120Hz refresh rate and HDR10+. But the S24 Ultra pushes further. Its 6.8-inch QHD+ panel now peaks at 2,600 nits—up from 1,300 nits on the S21—making it significantly more visible under direct sunlight.

Additionally, the S24 Ultra uses Samsung’s new M-Timer technology, which allows for finer adjustments to screen refresh rates, including down to 1Hz when displaying static content. This contributes to better battery efficiency without sacrificing smoothness during scrolling or gaming.

For users who spend hours reading, watching videos, or working outdoors, this leap in brightness and adaptive refresh rate control delivers a tangible improvement.

Performance: Does Raw Power Matter Anymore?

The S21 launched with the Exynos 2100 (in most regions) or Snapdragon 888—both powerful chips in 2021. Today, they still handle everyday tasks well, but thermal throttling during extended use is noticeable, especially in warm climates.

The S24 Ultra runs on the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 (globally), offering up to 30% better CPU performance and 40% better GPU efficiency. Benchmarks show a clear generational leap, but real-world impact depends on usage.

For casual users, the difference between launching apps on the S21 versus the S24 Ultra may be imperceptible. But power users—those editing 8K video, multitasking across DeX, or playing graphics-intensive games—will notice smoother performance and less heat buildup.

“Flagship phones today are so capable that only heavy workloads reveal performance gaps. For most, the S21 remains functional—but the S24 Ultra future-proofs your investment.” — David Kim, Mobile Hardware Analyst at TechPulse Asia

Camera Comparison: Evolution, Not Revolution

The S21’s triple-camera setup (12MP wide, 64MP telephoto, 12MP ultrawide) delivered strong results, especially in daylight. The S24 Ultra, however, brings several key upgrades:

• 200MP main sensor with improved pixel binning
• Dual telephoto lenses (3x and 5x optical zoom)
• Laser autofocus and enhanced night processing
• AI-powered editing tools like “Generative Edit”

In practical terms, the S24 Ultra captures sharper detail in good light and handles low-light scenes with less noise. The dual telephoto system makes zooming more flexible—no more relying solely on digital zoom beyond 3x.

However, if photography isn’t a core need, the S21’s camera is still competent. Social media posts, family photos, and even printed images up to 8x10 inches will look great from either device.

Feature	Samsung Galaxy S21	Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra
Main Camera	12MP (f/1.8)	200MP (f/1.7)
Telephoto	64MP (3x optical)	10MP (3x & 5x optical)
Ultrawide	12MP (f/2.2)	12MP (f/2.2)
Low-Light Performance	Good	Excellent (AI Night Mode+)
Video Recording	8K@24fps	8K@30fps, advanced stabilization

Battery & Charging: Efficiency Over Capacity

The S21 packs a 4,000mAh battery, while the S24 Ultra boasts a larger 5,000mAh unit. But the real story lies in efficiency. The Gen 3 chip, combined with optimized software and adaptive refresh rates, means the S24 Ultra often lasts a full day longer—even with heavier use.

Charging speeds remain unchanged: 25W wired, 15W wireless, and no charger in the box. However, the S24 Ultra supports Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 5.3, which consume less power during data transfer.

If you’re consistently charging your S21 twice a day, the S24 Ultra will feel like a major relief. But if you manage one charge with moderate use, the gain may not justify the cost alone.

Software & AI: Where the S24 Ultra Shines

This is where the gap widens meaningfully. The S24 Ultra ships with One UI 6.1 based on Android 14—and comes packed with Galaxy AI features:

• Live Translate: Real-time voice and text translation during calls.
• Note Assist: AI summarizes, formats, and translates notes automatically.
• Circle to Search: Draw around anything on screen to search it instantly.
• Generative Edit: Move or remove objects in photos using AI.

These tools aren’t gimmicks—they integrate into daily workflows. Imagine getting a foreign-language message and having your phone translate it in real time, or cleaning up a photo by removing photobombers with a few taps.

The S21, while eligible for Android 14 and One UI 6, does not support Galaxy AI features due to hardware limitations. That means S21 users miss out on the most compelling innovations of the current generation.

Mini Case Study: Sarah’s Upgrade Decision

Sarah, a freelance travel writer, used her S21 daily for two and a half years. She took photos, edited blogs, and managed client calls—all from her phone. By late 2023, she noticed slower app launches and shorter battery life. When she upgraded to the S24 Ultra, the change wasn’t just about speed.

She began using Live Translate during interviews in rural Japan, transcribing audio notes with Note Assist, and enhancing her social media visuals with Generative Edit. These AI tools saved her hours each week. For her, the upgrade paid for itself in productivity gains.

But her friend Mark, who uses his phone mostly for messaging, streaming, and occasional photos, found his S21 still worked fine. He saw no urgent need to switch.

Upgrade Checklist: Should You Make the Jump?

Before deciding, ask yourself the following:

1. Is your S21 showing signs of slowdown or battery degradation?
2. Do you frequently edit photos, videos, or documents on your phone?
3. Are you interested in AI tools that enhance communication or creativity?
4. Do you want a phone that will receive updates until at least 2029?
5. Can you take advantage of DeX, S Pen, or advanced camera features?

If you answered “yes” to three or more, the S24 Ultra is a worthwhile investment. If not, your S21 likely still serves you well.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will the S21 still get software updates?

Samsung promises four major Android OS updates for the S21, meaning it will receive Android 15 and possibly Android 16. Security patches will continue into 2026. However, it won’t get new AI features introduced in later models.

Can I use an S Pen with the S21?

No, the S21 doesn’t have built-in S Pen support. While you can use Bluetooth styluses, the seamless integration and storage available in the S24 Ultra are unmatched.

Is the price difference justified?

The S24 Ultra starts at $1,299, while the S21 now sells refurbished for under $400. The $900 gap is steep. But if you value longevity, AI capabilities, and professional-grade tools, the premium reflects real utility—not just branding.

Conclusion: Beyond the Hype

The S24 Ultra isn’t just an incremental update—it’s a redefinition of what a smartphone can do. But that doesn’t mean everyone needs it. For creative professionals, frequent travelers, or tech enthusiasts, the combination of titanium durability, AI intelligence, and camera versatility makes the upgrade genuinely valuable.

For others, the S21 remains a capable device. Upgrading purely for status or fear of missing out rarely pays off. Instead, assess your actual usage. If your current phone meets your needs, extend its life with a new battery or case. But if you’re hitting limits—whether in performance, battery, or functionality—the S24 Ultra offers meaningful advancements that go far beyond hype.

🚀 Ready to decide? Evaluate your daily phone habits, try the S24 Ultra in-store if possible, and upgrade only when it adds real value—not just novelty.