Samsung S21 Vs S20 Plus Is Upgrading Really Worth It In 2024

By 2024, flagship smartphones evolve rapidly, making upgrade decisions harder than ever. The Samsung Galaxy S21 and S20 Plus are just one generation apart, yet the decision to switch from the latter to the former isn't automatic. For users still on the S20 Plus, the question isn't just about specs—it's about real-world value, longevity, and whether the improvements justify the cost in today’s market.

This analysis dives into key areas like design, performance, camera capabilities, software support, and long-term usability to determine if moving from the S20 Plus to the S21 makes sense nearly four years after the S20’s launch.

Design and Build: Subtle Changes, Different Feel

The S20 Plus launched in early 2020 with a sleek glass-and-metal construction, featuring a 6.7-inch Quad HD+ Dynamic AMOLED display and a punch-hole front camera centered at the top. It was large, premium, and designed for those who wanted a flagship experience without going full Note-sized.

The S21, released a year later, brought a notable aesthetic shift. While retaining the 6.7-inch screen size, it adopted a new \"Contour Cut\" metal frame and swapped glass backs for glossy polycarbonate—a move that reduced manufacturing costs but also made the phone more prone to smudges and less luxurious to the touch.

Despite the material downgrade, the S21 feels slightly lighter (171g vs 192g) and more compact due to refined bezels and improved ergonomics. The camera housing is now integrated into the frame, giving it a more cohesive look compared to the S20 Plus’s protruding module.

Tip: If you prioritize durability and a premium feel, stick with the S20 Plus. But if you prefer a lighter, more modern design, the S21 offers better handling.

Performance and Hardware: Diminishing Returns

Under the hood, both phones were powered by top-tier chipsets at launch—Exynos 990 or Snapdragon 865 (S20 Plus) versus Exynos 2100 or Snapdragon 888 (S21). On paper, the S21 has a clear edge: 5nm process efficiency, faster CPU/GPU performance, and better AI processing.

In daily use, however, the difference is marginal. Both devices handle multitasking, gaming, and app switching smoothly. By 2024, neither shows significant lag with Android 14 (One UI 6), though the S21 generally runs cooler and more efficiently under sustained load thanks to its newer architecture.

RAM remains consistent at 8GB/12GB options, but the S21 dropped microSD expansion—a notable omission for users relying on physical storage upgrades. Internal storage starts at 128GB (vs 128GB/512GB on S20 Plus), limiting flexibility.

“While the S21’s chipset is objectively better, most users won’t notice a dramatic improvement unless they’re pushing heavy workloads or playing graphics-intensive games.” — David Lin, Mobile Tech Analyst at TechPulse Asia

Camera Comparison: Refined, Not Revolutionary

The S20 Plus featured a versatile triple rear setup: 64MP telephoto, 12MP wide, and 12MP ultra-wide, capable of 3x hybrid zoom and 30x space zoom. Video recording maxed out at 8K@24fps.

The S21 kept the same 12MP main and ultra-wide sensors but replaced the 64MP telephoto with a 64MP unit supporting 3x hybrid zoom natively. This improved clarity at mid-range zoom levels. It also introduced Director’s View for video and enhanced AI scene optimization.

In practice, daylight photos from both phones are nearly indistinguishable. Low-light performance saw minor gains in the S21 due to improved multi-frame processing, but the S20 Plus still holds up well with Night Mode enabled.

Video quality remains strong on both, though the S21 benefits from better stabilization and microphone noise filtering. However, the lack of ToF sensor on the S21 slightly reduces portrait depth accuracy compared to the S20 Plus.

Feature	Samsung S20 Plus	Samsung S21
Main Camera	12MP f/1.8	12MP f/1.8
Telephoto	64MP f/2.0 (3x hybrid)	64MP f/2.0 (3x hybrid)
Ultra-Wide	12MP f/2.2	12MP f/2.2
Front Camera	10MP f/2.2	10MP f/2.2
Zoom	30x Space Zoom	30x Space Zoom
Video Recording	8K@24fps, 4K@60fps	8K@24fps, 4K@60fps
Special Features	ToF sensor, Single Take mode	Director’s View, Improved AI

Battery and Charging: Similar Endurance, Same Limitations

The S20 Plus packs a 4500mAh battery, while the S21 uses a slightly smaller 4000mAh unit. Despite this, real-world battery life is comparable due to the S21’s more efficient processor and adaptive 120Hz refresh rate (48–120Hz). In mixed usage, both deliver around 6–7 hours of screen-on time.

Charging speeds remain identical: 25W wired, 15W wireless, and reverse wireless charging. Neither includes a charger in the box (a change introduced with the S21 series).

By 2024, battery degradation may be noticeable on older S20 Plus units, especially those charged daily for three+ years. The S21, being newer, likely has fresher cells—but only if purchased new or lightly used.

Tip: If your S20 Plus battery health is below 80%, replacing it might offer better value than upgrading to an S21.

Software Support and Future-Proofing

This is where the S21 pulls ahead decisively. Samsung promised four generations of Android OS upgrades and five years of security patches for the S21 series. That means it will receive updates through Android 16 (expected late 2025) and security support until 2026.

In contrast, the S20 series received its final major OS update with Android 13 (One UI 5). While it still gets occasional security patches, official support ended in 2024. No Android 14, no One UI 6 features.

For users who rely on current software features—enhanced privacy controls, improved multitasking, or new camera modes—this gap matters. The S21 continues to benefit from newer One UI refinements, including better tablet-like task management and AI-powered tools.

Mini Case Study: Maria’s Upgrade Dilemma

Maria has used her S20 Plus since March 2020. By late 2023, she noticed slower app launches, delayed notifications, and frustration when trying to use new productivity apps requiring Android 12+. Her phone no longer receives OS updates, and some banking apps began flagging compatibility issues.

She considered repairing the battery but realized she’d miss out on critical features like Private Share and Knox Vault enhancements. After researching, she traded in her S20 Plus for a used S21. The transition brought smoother performance, updated security, and peace of mind knowing she’ll get updates into 2026.

For her, the upgrade wasn’t about raw power—it was about staying secure, supported, and compatible in 2024’s digital ecosystem.

Upgrade Checklist: Should You Make the Move?

Use this checklist to evaluate your personal need to upgrade:

• ✅ Is your S20 Plus experiencing slowdowns or app crashes?
• ✅ Have you stopped receiving OS updates (currently on Android 13 or lower)?
• ✅ Is your battery draining too quickly even after calibration?
• ✅ Do you want access to newer One UI features (e.g., enhanced DeX, improved split-screen)?
• ✅ Are you planning to keep your phone for another 18+ months?

If you answered “yes” to three or more, upgrading to the S21 (or a newer model) is justified—not for flashy specs, but for sustained usability.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the S21 significantly faster than the S20 Plus?

Not in everyday tasks. Web browsing, social media, and most apps perform similarly. The S21 excels in sustained performance and thermals, especially during gaming or 8K recording, but average users won’t perceive a major speed leap.

Can I expect better camera results with the S21?

Only marginally. The S21 improves zoom consistency and video features, but overall photo quality is very close. If camera quality is your top priority, consider models like the S22 Ultra or S23 series instead.

Is it worth upgrading in 2024 if I already have an S20 Plus?

Only if you value ongoing software support, improved efficiency, and long-term reliability. If your S20 Plus still performs well and you don’t need Android 14+, hold off—or invest in a battery replacement instead.

Final Verdict: Upgrade for Support, Not Spec Bumps

The Samsung Galaxy S21 isn’t a revolutionary leap over the S20 Plus. Design tweaks, a plastic back, and minor camera refinements don’t redefine the user experience. However, in 2024, the most compelling reason to upgrade isn’t hardware—it’s software longevity.

The S21’s extended update policy ensures continued security, compatibility, and feature parity with current Samsung ecosystems. For professionals, frequent travelers, or anyone relying on mobile banking, work apps, or smart home integration, that support window is invaluable.

If your S20 Plus is struggling or unsupported, stepping up to an S21 offers a cost-effective way to extend your flagship experience without jumping to a much newer (and pricier) model. But if your device runs smoothly and you're not dependent on cutting-edge features, skip the upgrade and save for a future generational leap.

🚀 Ready to decide? Assess your current phone’s performance, check your Android version, and consider long-term needs before making the move. Share your upgrade story in the comments—your experience could help others choose wisely.