Samsung S21 Vs S10 Is It Finally Time To Upgrade Or Is The S10 Still Good

For millions of users, the Samsung Galaxy S10 was a turning point—a flagship that balanced design, performance, and innovation at a time when smartphones were becoming more than just communication tools. Released in 2019, it offered wireless power sharing, an ultrasonic fingerprint sensor, and a versatile triple-lens camera system. Fast forward to 2023 and beyond, and the Galaxy S21 stands as its modern successor, packing newer processors, 5G connectivity, and refined software support. But is it worth upgrading? Or can the S10 still hold its own in today’s mobile landscape?

The answer isn’t just about specs—it’s about real-world usability, longevity, and personal needs. Whether you're clinging to your S10 out of loyalty or practicality, or eyeing the S21 for its promise of speed and future-proofing, this detailed comparison will help you make an informed decision.

Performance: Chipset, Speed, and Real-World Use

The heart of any smartphone is its processor, and here the difference between the S10 and S21 is significant. The S10 launched with either the Qualcomm Snapdragon 855 (in the U.S.) or Exynos 9820 (internationally), both powerful chips in their time. In contrast, the S21 features the newer Snapdragon 888 or Exynos 2100, depending on region—chips designed for demanding tasks like 4K video editing, AR applications, and high-frame-rate gaming.

In benchmark tests, the S21 consistently outperforms the S10 by 30–40% in CPU and GPU tasks. This translates to smoother multitasking, faster app launches, and better performance in graphics-heavy games like Genshin Impact or Call of Duty Mobile. However, for everyday use—browsing, messaging, streaming, and light photo editing—the S10 remains perfectly capable.

Tip: If you primarily use social media, email, and video calls, the S10’s performance may still meet your needs without noticeable lag.

That said, Android’s increasing demands—especially with One UI 5 and newer versions—favor more RAM and processing headroom. The S21 comes with 8GB of RAM standard, compared to the S10’s 8GB (on higher models) but often paired with less efficient older software layers. Over time, this leads to slower background app retention and longer wake-up times on the S10.

Camera Comparison: Evolution in Image Quality

The camera systems on both phones reflect their eras. The S10 features a triple rear setup: 12MP main, 12MP telephoto, and 16MP ultra-wide. It was praised for its dynamic range and color accuracy. The S21 retains a similar configuration but upgrades the main sensor to 64MP with pixel-binning for improved low-light performance, while keeping the 12MP ultra-wide and 64MP telephoto (with 3x hybrid zoom).

In daylight, both phones produce excellent results. The S10’s photos are natural and well-balanced, while the S21 leans slightly toward enhanced contrast and saturation—typical of Samsung’s newer tuning. Where the S21 pulls ahead is in low-light photography. Its larger pixel size, improved sensor, and advanced Night Mode algorithms capture significantly brighter and cleaner images after dark.

“Modern computational photography has shifted the advantage firmly toward newer flagships. The S21 doesn’t just take better photos—it makes great photography more accessible.” — Lena Park, Mobile Imaging Analyst at TechPulse Weekly

Video capabilities also see a major leap. The S21 supports 8K recording at 24fps, compared to the S10’s max of 4K at 60fps. While 8K remains niche due to file sizes and limited playback support, the S21’s Super Steady mode and improved microphone noise reduction make vlogging and action footage noticeably smoother.

Battery Life and Charging: Efficiency vs Longevity

The S10 packs a 3,400mAh battery, while the S21 increases that to 4,000mAh—an 18% capacity boost. Combined with the more power-efficient architecture of the Snapdragon 888 (despite early thermal concerns), the S21 delivers longer screen-on time. Real-world testing shows the S21 lasting 6–7 hours of mixed usage, compared to the S10’s 4.5–5.5 hours, especially as aging batteries degrade over time.

Charging speeds remain similar: both support 25W wired fast charging and 15W wireless. However, the S21 lacks a charger in the box, following the trend set by Apple and later adopted by Samsung. If you’re upgrading, you’ll need to purchase a compatible charger separately.

Feature	Samsung S10	Samsung S21
Battery Capacity	3,400 mAh	4,000 mAh
Wired Charging	25W (adapter sold separately)	25W (adapter not included)
Wireless Charging	15W	15W
Reverse Wireless Charging	Yes	No

Note: The S10 supports reverse wireless charging (“Power Share”), allowing you to charge earbuds or another phone by placing them on the back. The S21 removed this feature, likely to reduce internal complexity and heat buildup.

Software Support and Future-Proofing

This is where the gap widens most dramatically. Samsung promises four years of major Android OS updates and five years of security patches for the S21 series. As of 2024, the S21 runs Android 13 or 14 with One UI 6, and is expected to receive Android 15 and possibly 16.

In contrast, the S10 received its final major OS update with Android 12 and One UI 4. While it still gets occasional security patches, these are now infrequent and may cease entirely in 2024. No further feature updates are expected.

If you rely on newer apps that require updated APIs or Google Play Services, the S10 may begin to struggle. Some banking, fitness, and productivity apps are already optimizing for Android 13+ features, such as improved biometric authentication and permission controls.

Tip: Check your most-used apps regularly. If they start warning about outdated OS versions, it’s a sign your device is nearing end-of-life.

Real-World Example: A Power User’s Experience

Consider Mark, a freelance photographer who’s used his S10 since 2019. He loves the compact size and clean interface. But over the past year, he’s noticed delays when transferring RAW files via Samsung DeX, inconsistent Wi-Fi calling, and frequent app crashes in Adobe Lightroom. After switching to the S21, he found editing sessions became smoother, cloud syncs completed faster, and 5G allowed instant uploads from remote shoots. For him, the upgrade wasn’t about luxury—it was about workflow efficiency.

On the other hand, Sarah, a college student using her S10 mainly for notes, music, and Instagram, sees no reason to upgrade. Her phone boots quickly, lasts through classes, and handles TikTok and Zoom without issue. To her, spending $600 on a new phone feels unnecessary when her current one works fine.

Upgrade Checklist: Are You Ready for the S21?

Before making the jump, ask yourself the following:

• Does your S10 show signs of battery degradation (dying before bedtime)?
• Have you stopped receiving OS updates or security patches?
• Do apps frequently crash or run slowly during multitasking?
• Are you interested in better camera quality, especially in low light?
• Do you want access to 5G networks for faster downloads and streaming?
• Is your phone physically damaged or difficult to repair?

If three or more apply, upgrading to the S21—or a comparable modern flagship—makes practical sense.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can the S10 still run popular apps in 2024?

Most mainstream apps like WhatsApp, YouTube, Gmail, and Spotify still function well on the S10. However, some newer apps or updates may eventually drop support for older Android versions, limiting functionality over time.

Is the S21 waterproof like the S10?

Yes, both phones have an IP68 rating, meaning they can survive submersion in up to 1.5 meters of water for 30 minutes. However, water resistance degrades over time, especially after drops or repairs.

Should I consider a different model instead of the S21?

Absolutely. The S21 is no longer Samsung’s latest, and prices have dropped. Alternatives like the S22 or S23 offer better battery life, cooler-running chips, and longer software support. Refurbished models can offer excellent value.

Final Verdict: Time to Move On?

The Galaxy S10 was a landmark device, and for many, it represented the peak of Samsung’s pre-foldable era. It’s still functional, still capable for basic tasks, and remarkably durable given its age. But technology moves fast. The S21 brings meaningful improvements: faster performance, superior cameras, longer software support, and 5G connectivity.

If you’re experiencing slowdowns, battery issues, or missing out on new features, upgrading is a smart investment. The S21 offers a tangible step forward—not just in specs, but in daily usability and peace of mind knowing your phone will be supported for years to come.

However, if your S10 still meets your needs and you’re not chasing the latest tech, there’s no shame in holding on. Smartphones are tools, and a tool that works shouldn’t be discarded just because a newer version exists.

🚀 Ready to upgrade or sticking with your S10? Share your experience in the comments and help others decide whether it’s truly time to move on.