Samsung S21 Vs A54 Is The Newer A54 Really Worth The Upgrade

When Samsung released the Galaxy A54 in 2023, many owners of the Galaxy S21—launched just two years earlier—began questioning whether the newer mid-range device was truly worth switching to. On paper, the A54 brings several appealing updates: longer software support, improved durability, and a brighter display. But does it outshine a flagship that still performs admirably in 2024? The answer isn’t straightforward. It depends on how you use your phone, what features matter most, and whether long-term value outweighs raw power.

Performance and Hardware: Flagship Power vs Longevity

The Galaxy S21 launched with the Exynos 2100 (or Snapdragon 888 in select regions), positioning it as a top-tier performer in 2021. Even today, this chipset handles multitasking, gaming, and high-end apps with ease. In contrast, the A54 runs on the Exynos 1380—a solid mid-range processor built on a more efficient 5nm process. While not as powerful, it delivers smooth day-to-day performance and better thermal management than its predecessor.

Benchmarks tell part of the story. The S21 typically scores 750,000+ on Geekbench 5, while the A54 lands around 600,000. For users who play graphics-intensive games or rely on professional-grade apps, that difference can be noticeable. However, for social media, streaming, messaging, and light productivity, both phones feel snappy and responsive.

Tip: If you don’t play heavy games or edit 4K video daily, the A54’s performance will likely exceed your needs.

RAM and storage configurations are nearly identical: both offer 6GB/8GB RAM and 128GB/256GB options. Neither supports expandable storage, which may be a limitation for some. What sets the A54 apart is future-proofing—Samsung promises four major Android OS updates and five years of security patches, compared to the S21’s three OS upgrades (now complete). This means the A54 could remain secure and supported through 2028, while the S21 will see diminishing updates.

Display and Design: Brighter, Tougher, but Less Premium

The S21 features a 6.2-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display with a 120Hz refresh rate and HDR10+ support. It’s vibrant, sharp, and excellent for media consumption. The A54 also has a 6.4-inch Super AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate, but it uses a flat panel instead of curved edges. More importantly, it peaks at 1000 nits brightness—significantly higher than the S21’s ~800 nits—making it easier to view in direct sunlight.

In terms of build, the S21 has an aluminum frame and glass back, giving it a sleek, premium feel. The A54 opts for a plastic frame and back, which reduces weight and cost but feels less luxurious. However, it includes IP67 water and dust resistance—matching the S21—despite being a mid-ranger. That’s a notable win for durability, especially given how often budget phones skip proper sealing.

“Samsung has blurred the line between flagship and mid-range. The A54 proves you don’t need a $900 phone to get core premium features.” — David Kim, Mobile Analyst at TechPulse Weekly

Camera Comparison: Consistency Over Peak Performance

The S21’s triple-camera system includes a 12MP main sensor, 12MP ultra-wide, and 64MP telephoto with 3x hybrid zoom. It captures sharp, well-balanced photos in daylight and handles low light reasonably well. Video recording tops out at 8K@24fps, a feature few competitors offered at the time.

The A54 drops the telephoto lens entirely, relying on a 50MP main sensor (larger pixels for better low-light capture), a 12MP ultra-wide, and a 5MP macro lens. While it lacks optical zoom, Samsung’s AI-powered Space Zoom improves digital zoom quality. Photos from the A54 are consistent, with natural color tuning and strong dynamic range, though they lack the depth and detail of the S21 in challenging lighting.

Front cameras are comparable: 10MP on the S21 versus 13MP on the A54. The latter produces slightly sharper selfies, especially in good light, but skin tones can appear over-processed in certain conditions.

Feature	Samsung Galaxy S21	Samsung Galaxy A54
Main Camera	12MP, f/1.8, Dual Pixel AF	50MP, f/1.8, OIS
Ultra-Wide	12MP, f/2.2, 120° FoV	12MP, f/2.2, 123° FoV
Telephoto	64MP, 3x hybrid zoom	None
Front Camera	10MP, f/2.2	13MP, f/2.2
Video Recording	8K@24fps, 4K@60fps	4K@30fps, 1080p@60fps

Battery Life and Charging: Real-World Endurance Wins

The S21 packs a 4000mAh battery, which was adequate in 2021 but now struggles to last a full day under moderate to heavy use. Fast charging at 25W helps, but there’s no wireless charging option—a rare omission for a flagship.

The A54 counters with a larger 5000mAh battery. Combined with the more efficient Exynos 1380 and adaptive 120Hz display, it routinely delivers 1.5 days of use on a single charge. Charging speed is capped at 25W, same as the S21, but the included charger in some regions makes setup easier. Like the S21, it lacks wireless charging, but for most users, the extended battery life is a greater benefit.

Tip: Enable Adaptive Refresh Rate on the A54 to balance smoothness and battery savings based on content.

Real-World Example: Maria’s Upgrade Decision

Maria has used her Galaxy S21 since March 2021. By late 2023, she noticed slower app launches, occasional overheating during video calls, and shorter battery life. She considered upgrading but hesitated at the price of new flagships. When she tested the A54 at a store, she was surprised by the screen brightness and how smoothly One UI 5.1 ran. After reading about the extended software support, she decided to switch.

“I didn’t expect a $450 phone to feel so capable,” she said. “The camera is good enough, the battery lasts forever, and knowing I’ll get updates until 2028 gave me peace of mind. I don’t miss the S21’s extra power—it was overkill for what I actually do.”

Maria’s experience reflects a growing trend: users prioritizing longevity, reliability, and value over peak specifications.

Upgrade Checklist: Should You Switch?

Before making the move from S21 to A54, consider these factors:

• Are you frustrated with battery life? If you charge twice daily, the A54’s 5000mAh battery is a significant improvement.
• Do you want longer software support? The A54 offers up to 5 years of security updates—two more than the S21.
• Is camera zoom essential? Without a telephoto lens, the A54 relies on digital zoom, which degrades quality beyond 3x.
• Do you play mobile games or edit videos? The S21’s superior processor still holds an edge here.
• Are you sensitive to build quality? The A54’s plastic body feels less premium than the S21’s glass and metal.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can the A54 replace a flagship like the S21 in 2024?

Yes, for most everyday tasks. The A54 excels in battery life, display brightness, and long-term software support. Only power users doing intensive workloads will miss the S21’s performance.

Does the A54 support 5G?

Yes, the A54 includes sub-6GHz 5G across all variants, ensuring compatibility with current carrier networks.

Is the S21 still worth keeping?

Absolutely. If your S21 is performing well and you’re satisfied with its camera and speed, there’s no urgent reason to upgrade. It remains a capable device in 2024.

Final Verdict: Value Over Velocity

The Galaxy A54 isn’t faster than the S21, nor does it have a superior camera system. But it redefines what matters in a smartphone today: sustainability, longevity, and consistent performance. For users who prioritize battery life, software updates, and real-world usability over benchmark scores, the A54 isn’t just worth the upgrade—it’s a smarter long-term investment.

If you’re clinging to your S21 out of loyalty to its flagship status, ask yourself: how much of that power do you actually use? For email, browsing, photos, and social media—the core of most people’s phone usage—the A54 delivers nearly the same experience with better endurance and future support.

🚀 Ready to make the switch? Evaluate your usage patterns, test the A54 if possible, and consider not just how a phone performs today—but how long it will keep performing tomorrow.