Samsung A54 Vs S21 Camera Is The Newer Phone Really Better For Photos

When it comes to smartphone photography, newer doesn’t always mean better — especially when comparing Samsung’s Galaxy S21, a flagship from 2021, with the more recent mid-range Galaxy A54. On paper, the A54 benefits from updated software and a newer image signal processor, but the S21 packs premium hardware typically reserved for high-end devices. So, is the A54 actually better for taking photos? The answer isn’t as straightforward as marketing might suggest.

This comparison dives into sensor quality, processing algorithms, zoom capabilities, low-light performance, and real-world usability to determine which device truly excels in everyday photography.

Sensor Specs and Hardware Differences

The foundation of any camera system lies in its hardware. While both phones feature triple rear setups, their sensor choices reflect their market positioning.

Feature	Samsung Galaxy A54	Samsung Galaxy S21
Main Sensor	50MP (f/1.8, OIS)	12MP (f/1.8, Dual Pixel AF, OIS)
Ultra-Wide Sensor	12MP (f/2.2)	12MP (f/2.2)
Macro Sensor	5MP (f/2.4)	N/A
Front Camera	32MP (f/2.2)	10MP (f/2.2)
Image Processing	Exynos 1380 + AI Enhancements	Exynos 2100/Snapdragon 888 + Expert RAW

The A54’s 50MP main sensor promises higher resolution, but megapixels alone don’t define image quality. The S21 uses a proven 12MP sensor with larger individual pixels (1.8µm effective via pixel binning), better phase-detection autofocus, and deeper integration with Samsung’s computational photography at the time of release. Its sensor, while lower in resolution, captures more light per pixel, which can be crucial in challenging lighting.

Tip: Higher megapixels aren’t always better — larger pixels often deliver superior dynamic range and noise control in real-world conditions.

Daylight Performance: Clarity, Color, and Detail

In ideal daylight, both phones produce sharp, well-exposed images. However, their processing philosophies differ.

The A54 tends to oversharpen edges and boost saturation aggressively, giving photos a “punchy” look that may appeal on social media but lacks naturalism. Fine textures like fabric or foliage sometimes appear smeared due to overzealous noise reduction. The 50MP mode is available but rarely necessary; it produces large files with minimal detail gain and no optical advantage.

In contrast, the S21 applies a more balanced tone curve and color science. Skin tones are more accurate, and highlights are preserved without blowing out. Its Dynamic Tone Mapping, powered by the flagship chipset, maintains better shadow detail in high-contrast scenes like backlit portraits or bright skies.

“Flagship tuning prioritizes accuracy and consistency; mid-range models often favor immediate visual impact over long-term editing flexibility.” — Lena Park, Mobile Imaging Analyst at DXOMARK

Low-Light and Night Mode Showdown

Night photography is where hardware and software must work in harmony. Here, the S21 holds a quiet edge despite its age.

Both phones use multi-frame noise reduction and extended exposure in Night Mode. The S21 leverages its superior image signal processor to align frames more precisely, reducing ghosting and motion blur. It also retains more natural color in artificial lighting — street lamps don’t cast an overpowering orange tint.

The A54 performs admirably for its class. Its Night Mode brightens dark scenes effectively and handles moderate movement well. However, in very dim environments, it struggles with luminance noise in darker areas and occasionally misjudges white balance, leaning toward cool or greenish casts.

In side-by-side tests, the S21 produces cleaner shadows, better-defined edges, and more consistent HDR transitions between light and dark zones.

Zoom and Ultra-Wide Capabilities

Digital zoom performance reveals a clear divide. Neither phone has a telephoto lens, so all zoom relies on cropping and AI enhancement.

The S21’s 12MP base resolution allows for modest 2x–3x digital zoom before quality degrades significantly. At 2x, details remain usable for social sharing. The A54 attempts to leverage its 50MP sensor by cropping into the center for “high-res” zoom, but this doesn’t compensate for the lack of optical stabilization beyond standard OIS. Results at 3x show noticeable softness and halo artifacts around edges.

For ultra-wide shots, both cameras use identical 12MP sensors. The S21 again applies more conservative distortion correction, preserving straight lines near frame edges. The A54 corrects more aggressively, which can warp objects in corners but keeps the field of view wide and engaging.

Tip: For best zoom results, keep magnification under 2x and ensure steady hands or use a small tripod.

Video Quality and Stabilization

Video performance further illustrates the gap between mid-range and flagship engineering. The S21 supports 8K recording at 24fps — a feature absent on the A54, limited to 4K@30fps.

More importantly, the S21 delivers superior stabilization thanks to advanced gyro-data integration and firmware-level optimization. Walking shots are smooth, and electronic stabilization doesn’t excessively crop the frame. Audio recording is clearer, with better wind noise suppression.

The A54 handles standard 4K well in static scenarios but shows jitter during movement. Its stabilization works harder, leading to a “wobbly” effect known as the “jello effect” in rapid pans. Autofocus hunting is more frequent when switching between subjects.

Real-World Example: Street Photography Challenge

To test these differences in practice, we conducted a week-long photo challenge using both devices daily in mixed conditions — morning walks, indoor cafes, evening cityscapes, and spontaneous portraits.

One afternoon, shooting a market scene with strong overhead sunlight and deep shadows under stalls, the S21 captured balanced exposures without losing detail in dark fabrics or bright signage. The A54 clipped highlights on white umbrellas and required manual HDR adjustment to recover shadow detail.

Later that evening, photographing neon signs reflected on wet pavement, the S21 rendered colors faithfully with minimal noise. The A54 amplified blues and reds unnaturally and introduced chroma noise along LED edges.

For a candid portrait indoors, the S21’s Dual Pixel AF locked focus instantly and maintained it as the subject moved. The A54 focused correctly but showed slight lag and occasional refocusing jumps.

These experiences highlight that while the A54 is competent, the S21 offers more reliable, consistent results across unpredictable environments.

Software Updates and Longevity

Here, the A54 gains ground. It launched with Android 13 and receives four generations of OS upgrades, meaning it will run Android 17 with ongoing security patches through 2027. The S21, released with Android 11, maxes out at Android 14 and security updates until 2025.

Newer software brings improved camera features — such as enhanced AI scene optimization, better night portraits, and refined face recognition — which the A54 continues to receive. The S21 no longer gets major camera algorithm updates, freezing its imaging potential at its final update level.

So while the S21 starts with superior hardware, the A54 may close the gap over time through smarter processing — though it cannot overcome physical sensor limitations.

FAQ

Can the A54 replace the S21 for photography?

For casual users who prioritize convenience and social media-ready images, yes. But enthusiasts who value dynamic range, accurate color, and low-light fidelity will still prefer the S21.

Does the A54's 50MP sensor make a real difference?

Only in controlled conditions with ample light. In most cases, it defaults to 12.5MP via pixel binning, and the processing doesn’t extract significantly more detail than the S21’s tuned 12MP output.

Is the S21 still worth buying for camera quality?

If found at a competitive price and you don’t need the latest software, absolutely. Its camera system remains one of the best in its generation and outperforms many current mid-rangers.

Conclusion: Choosing Based on Your Needs

The Samsung Galaxy A54 is an impressive mid-range performer with a modern design, solid battery life, and a camera that meets everyday expectations. However, calling it “better” than the S21 for photos would be misleading. The S21, despite being two years older, benefits from superior sensor tuning, faster autofocus, more refined video, and better low-light handling.

The truth is, advancements in mid-range phones haven’t yet eclipsed the peak of last-gen flagships in core imaging quality. If your priority is the best possible photo from a Samsung phone in this price bracket, the S21 — if available secondhand or refurbished — still sets a high bar.

But if you value longevity, newer features like Wi-Fi 6E, and regular software support, the A54 makes a compelling case. Just don’t assume newer automatically means better camera performance.

💬 Have you compared these two cameras yourself? Share your experience in the comments and help others decide which phone fits their photography style.