For many long-time Galaxy users, the decision to upgrade from a flagship like the Samsung Galaxy S10 Plus to a newer model such as the S21 5G isn’t just about desire—it’s about value. The S10 Plus was a powerhouse in its time, offering top-tier specs, a dual front camera setup, and one of the best displays on the market in 2019. Fast forward to the S21 5G, released in 2021, and you’re looking at a device built for the next generation of mobile connectivity and performance. But does the upgrade deliver enough meaningful improvements to justify the cost—especially if your S10 Plus still works well?
This isn’t just a spec sheet battle. It’s about real-world usability, longevity, future-proofing, and whether the new features actually enhance your daily experience. Let’s break down the key differences and help you decide: Is upgrading from the S10 Plus to the S21 5G truly worth it?
Design and Build: Evolution Over Revolution
The design language between the S10 Plus and S21 5G reflects a shift in Samsung’s aesthetic direction. The S10 Plus featured a curved edge display with a hole-punch cutout for the dual front cameras, housed in a glass-and-aluminum body with an elegant, premium feel. It was available in multiple colors and had an IP68 rating for dust and water resistance.
The S21 5G takes a more minimalist approach. It ditches the glass back for a matte plastic finish (on most models), which reduces fingerprint smudges and adds durability. The camera module now flows directly into the metal frame, creating a unified look. While some users miss the glossy elegance of the S10 Plus, others appreciate the S21’s lighter weight and improved grip.
One notable change: the S21 5G is slightly smaller despite having a similar screen size. It’s more compact and easier to handle, thanks to slimmer bezels and reduced curvature. However, the S10 Plus still wins points for its ultrasonic fingerprint sensor, which many users find faster and more reliable than the optical sensor on the S21 5G.
Performance and Software: Generational Leap
Under the hood, the difference is stark. The S10 Plus launched with either the Exynos 9820 or Snapdragon 855 (depending on region), both excellent chips for their time. In contrast, the S21 5G uses the more advanced Snapdragon 888 (or Exynos 2100), representing two full generations of improvement in CPU, GPU, and AI processing.
In practical terms, this means:
- Faster app launches and multitasking
- Smoother gaming, even at high settings
- Better AI-powered camera processing
- Improved efficiency in background tasks
The S21 5G also ships with Android 11 and supports up to four generations of OS updates, meaning it will receive security patches and feature upgrades until at least 2025. The S10 Plus, while still supported, has already reached the end of its major OS update cycle, limiting its long-term viability.
“Users upgrading from a 2019 flagship to a 2021 model often report a noticeable jump in system fluidity—not just raw speed, but how consistently smooth the experience feels.” — David Kim, Mobile Performance Analyst at TechPulse Labs
Display and Audio: Incremental Gains
Both phones feature Dynamic AMOLED displays with HDR10+ support, so image quality remains excellent across the board. The S10 Plus has a 6.4-inch QHD+ panel with a 60Hz refresh rate. The S21 5G ups the ante with a 6.2-inch FHD+ display but introduces a 120Hz adaptive refresh rate—a significant upgrade for scrolling, gaming, and overall responsiveness.
While the resolution is technically lower on the S21 5G, the difference is barely noticeable in everyday use due to tighter pixel density and improved brightness calibration. The adaptive refresh rate adjusts dynamically between 48Hz and 120Hz, helping preserve battery life when high speed isn’t needed.
Audio-wise, neither phone includes a headphone jack, continuing Samsung’s move toward wireless audio. Both have stereo speakers tuned by AKG, but the S21 5G benefits from improved speaker placement and slightly louder output.
Camera Comparison: Refined, Not Revolutionary
The S10 Plus launched with a strong triple-camera system: 12MP main, 12MP telephoto, and 16MP ultra-wide. The S21 5G keeps the same 12MP main and 12MP ultra-wide sensors but replaces the telephoto with a 64MP unit capable of hybrid zoom up to 30x (though 3x–10x is where it performs best).
| Feature | S10 Plus | S21 5G |
|---|---|---|
| Main Sensor | 12MP f/1.5-2.4 | 12MP f/1.8 |
| Ultra-Wide | 16MP f/2.2 | 12MP f/2.2 |
| Telephoto | 12MP f/2.4 (2x optical) | 64MP f/2.0 (3x hybrid) |
| Front Cameras | Dual: 10MP + 8MP (depth) | Single: 10MP |
| Video Recording | 4K@60fps | 8K@24fps, 4K@60fps |
The S21 5G excels in low-light photography thanks to improved night mode algorithms and better sensor stabilization. Its ability to record 8K video is a headline feature, though few users currently benefit from such resolution due to storage demands and lack of compatible viewing platforms.
On the front, the S10 Plus’s dual selfie cameras offered depth sensing for better portrait shots, while the S21 5G relies on software-based depth mapping with a single lens. In practice, the difference in selfie quality is minimal, but purists may miss the hardware advantage.
Battery and Charging: Efficiency Over Capacity
The S10 Plus packs a 4,100mAh battery, while the S21 5G has a slightly smaller 4,000mAh cell. Yet, many users report comparable or even better battery life on the S21 5G. Why? Because the combination of a more efficient processor, adaptive refresh rate, and optimized software extends usable life.
Charging speeds remain unchanged: both support 25W wired fast charging and 15W wireless charging. Neither includes a charger in the box (S21 5G continues this trend). However, the S21 5G adds reverse wireless charging, allowing you to power up earbuds or another phone in a pinch.
Mini Case Study: Real-World Upgrade Experience
Take Mark, a freelance photographer who used his S10 Plus daily for three years. By 2022, he noticed slower app response times, occasional overheating during video edits, and declining battery health. He upgraded to the S21 5G primarily for the improved camera processing and 120Hz display.
“The first thing I noticed was how much smoother Instagram felt,” Mark said. “But the real win was editing RAW photos directly on the phone. The S21 handled it without lag. And shooting in 8K gave me flexibility to crop later without losing detail.”
However, he admitted the plastic back felt less premium. “I missed the glass, but I don’t hate it. It’s more practical, honestly—less slippery and no fingerprints.”
Is Upgrading Worth It? A Practical Checklist
Before making the leap, ask yourself the following:
- Is your S10 Plus struggling with daily tasks? If apps are slow, multitasking is clunky, or the phone frequently overheats, an upgrade makes sense.
- Do you want 5G connectivity? If you’re in an area with strong 5G coverage and use data-heavy applications, the S21 5G offers tangible benefits.
- Do you value future software support? The S21 5G will receive updates longer, enhancing security and compatibility.
- Are you excited by 120Hz or 8K video? These features aren’t essential, but they improve the user experience significantly.
- Can you get a good trade-in deal? Many carriers offer substantial credit for working S10 Plus units, reducing the net cost.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can the S21 5G last as long as the S10 Plus did?
Likely yes. While build materials differ, Samsung maintains high durability standards. With proper care, the S21 5G should remain functional and performant for 3–4 years, matching the S10 Plus’s lifespan.
Does the S21 5G have a better fingerprint sensor?
No. The S10 Plus’s ultrasonic sensor works better in varied lighting and with wet fingers. The S21 5G’s optical sensor is decent but less consistent.
Is the camera upgrade worth it for casual users?
If you mostly take daylight photos and share on social media, the difference may not be dramatic. But if you shoot in low light or want more zoom flexibility, the S21 5G delivers noticeable improvements.
Final Verdict: When to Upgrade
Upgrading from the S10 Plus to the S21 5G isn’t essential—but it is beneficial. You won’t experience a revolution, but you will gain meaningful improvements in performance, display fluidity, camera versatility, and long-term software support.
If your S10 Plus is still running smoothly and meets your needs, hold off. But if you’re facing slowdowns, battery degradation, or simply want to embrace 5G and modern features, the S21 5G offers a compelling step forward. It’s not just about new tech; it’s about a more responsive, future-ready experience.
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