Samsung Galaxy S21 Vs A50 Is It Worth Upgrading Or Is The S21 Overkill

Choosing whether to upgrade from the Samsung Galaxy A50 to the Galaxy S21 isn't just about specs—it's about how those improvements translate into daily use. The A50 was a standout mid-range device in its time, offering solid performance and great value. The S21, on the other hand, belongs to Samsung’s flagship lineup, packing top-tier hardware and features. But does that mean it’s worth the jump? For many users, the answer depends on their usage patterns, budget, and long-term expectations.

This breakdown compares both phones across key categories—performance, camera, display, battery life, software support, and overall value—to help you decide if the S21 delivers meaningful upgrades or if it's simply overkill for your needs.

Performance: Flagship Power vs Mid-Range Efficiency

The most dramatic difference between the Galaxy S21 and A50 lies under the hood. The A50 runs on Samsung’s Exynos 9610 (or Snapdragon 675 in some regions), a capable mid-range chipset that handles everyday tasks well but struggles with heavy multitasking and modern mobile gaming. In contrast, the S21 is powered by the Exynos 2100 or Snapdragon 888 (depending on region), both of which are high-end processors designed for intensive workloads.

Benchmarks tell part of the story. The S21 scores nearly triple the A50 in CPU performance and more than quadruple in GPU tests. This translates to smoother animations, faster app launches, seamless 4K video editing, and lag-free gameplay even at maximum settings. If you frequently use demanding apps like Adobe Lightroom, run multiple productivity tools, or play games like Genshin Impact, the S21’s performance leap is not just noticeable—it’s transformative.

Tip: If you rely on your phone for work or creative tasks, prioritize processor strength. The S21’s chip ensures longevity and future-proofing.

Camera Comparison: From Good to Pro-Grade

The A50 featured a competent triple-camera setup: 48MP main, 5MP macro, and 5MP depth sensor. It delivered decent daylight photos and passable low-light shots, especially for its price point. However, the S21 elevates photography with a 64MP telephoto, 12MP wide, and 12MP ultra-wide system—all paired with advanced computational photography.

In practical terms, the S21 offers superior dynamic range, better color accuracy, and significantly improved zoom capabilities (up to 30x digital zoom). Night mode is far more refined, capturing brighter, cleaner images in near-darkness. Video recording jumps from 4K@30fps on the A50 to 8K@24fps on the S21, though most users will find 4K stabilization and HDR10+ support more impactful in daily use.

For casual photographers who mostly share social media content, the A50’s camera may still suffice. But if you value detail, versatility, and professional-grade output, the S21’s imaging system justifies a major portion of the upgrade cost.

Camera Feature Comparison

Feature	Galaxy A50	Galaxy S21
Main Sensor	48MP	12MP (Dual Pixel, larger pixels)
Ultra-Wide	No	12MP
Telephoto Zoom	No	64MP (3x hybrid zoom)
Video Recording	4K@30fps	8K@24fps, 4K@60fps with stabilization
Night Mode Quality	Fair	Excellent

“Smartphone cameras have become primary devices for content creation. The S21 brings DSLR-like control and quality to mobile.” — Lena Park, Mobile Photographer & Tech Reviewer

Display and Build: Design Evolution

Both phones feature Super AMOLED displays, but the differences matter. The A50 has a 6.4-inch FHD+ screen with a 60Hz refresh rate. The S21 ups the ante with a 6.2-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X panel and a 120Hz adaptive refresh rate, making scrolling, gaming, and navigation feel dramatically smoother.

The build quality also reflects their market segments. The A50 uses plastic for the frame and back, while the S21 features an aluminum frame and Gorilla Glass Victus, offering better durability and a premium feel. Though slightly smaller, the S21’s screen-to-body ratio and punch-hole design give it a more modern aesthetic.

If you spend hours reading, browsing, or watching videos, the 120Hz display alone can be a compelling reason to upgrade. Eye comfort, motion clarity, and responsiveness improve noticeably—even if the resolution difference seems minor on paper.

Software, Updates, and Longevity

Samsung has improved its software update policy significantly in recent years. The A50 launched with Android 9 and received updates up to Android 11, plus three years of security patches—standard for mid-range devices at the time. The S21, being a flagship, benefits from longer support: four major Android OS upgrades and five years of security updates.

This means the S21 will likely remain secure and compatible with new apps until at least 2026. For users who keep phones for 3+ years, this extended lifecycle adds substantial value. The A50, now past its update window, may struggle with newer apps or lack critical security fixes.

Tip: Always consider software support when upgrading. Longer updates = better protection and usability over time.

Real-World Example: Is the Upgrade Noticeable?

Take the case of Maria, a freelance graphic designer using her A50 since 2019. She edits client photos on her phone during commutes and relies on smooth multitasking between Slack, Trello, and Photoshop Express. Over time, she noticed delays when switching apps, sluggish export times, and overheating during prolonged use.

After upgrading to the S21, her workflow transformed. Apps launched instantly, 4K exports completed in half the time, and the cooler-running processor allowed extended use without throttling. While the camera improvements were appreciated, it was the consistent performance and reliability that made the upgrade feel essential—not excessive.

Maria’s experience illustrates a key point: for power users, the S21 isn’t overkill—it’s necessary infrastructure.

Is the S21 Overkill? A Practical Checklist

Before deciding, ask yourself the following. If you answer “yes” to three or more, the S21 is likely a worthwhile upgrade:

• Do you edit photos or videos directly on your phone?
• Are you frustrated by slow app loading or multitasking issues?
• Do you play graphics-intensive mobile games regularly?
• Do you want a phone that will stay updated through 2026?
• Do you value crisp, fluid display performance for reading and scrolling?
• Do you record videos in 4K or plan to use higher resolutions?

Frequently Asked Questions

Can the Galaxy A50 still handle everyday tasks?

Yes. For calls, messaging, social media, and light web browsing, the A50 remains functional. However, app launch times and background performance have degraded over time due to aging hardware and software bloat.

Is the price difference justified?

At launch, the S21 was priced around $800, while the A50 launched at $350. Today, used or refurbished S21 models are available for $300–$400. At that range, the value proposition improves significantly, especially considering the performance, camera, and update advantages.

Will I notice the 120Hz screen immediately?

Most users report feeling the difference within minutes. Scrolling feels buttery smooth, and animations respond instantly. Once experienced, returning to 60Hz often feels jarring.

Final Verdict: Upgrade Worthiness by User Type

Casual Users: If you primarily use your phone for calls, texts, and occasional social media, the A50 may still serve you well. The S21 would offer minimal real-world benefit and could be considered overkill.

Power Users & Creators: For anyone relying on their phone for productivity, photography, or content creation, the S21 delivers tangible, lasting improvements. The upgrade is not only worth it—it enhances your digital workflow.

Budget-Conscious Buyers: Consider waiting for deals on refurbished S21 units or exploring the S21 FE, which offers similar performance at a lower entry price.

Conclusion: Make the Right Move for Your Lifestyle

The Samsung Galaxy S21 isn’t inherently overkill—it’s a matter of alignment with your needs. For users still on the A50 who demand speed, quality, and longevity, upgrading unlocks a new tier of mobile experience. The combination of flagship performance, pro-level camera, smooth 120Hz display, and long-term software support makes the S21 a smart investment if you plan to keep your phone for several years.

But if your usage is light and your current device meets your needs, extending the life of your A50 with a battery replacement or external storage might be the more economical choice.

💬 Have you upgraded from an A50 to an S21? Share your experience below and help others decide if the leap is worth it.