The Samsung Galaxy S21 is Samsung's latest update to its flagship phone lineup, replacing the 20 Galaxy S2020 in the company's lineup. Samsung often finds its best phones on our list of the best phones you can buy, and its newest one is no exception. If you don't have time to read all of our coverage of old and new Samsung phones, you might be wondering what the differences are between the two phones. As shown in the image above, the Samsung Galaxy S21 isn't a blanket reinvention of its predecessor, and the changes are fairly subtle. We've written comprehensive reviews of all of Samsung's new phones and tested them for weeks,
so we know what the Galaxy S20 and S21 phones look like and how they work. So if you're thinking about buying one of the company's newer devices, or just want to know how they stack up, we've got you covered. Today's best deals on Samsung Galaxy S20 and Samsung Galaxy S21
Samsung Galaxy S21 (Image credit: Samsung)
Samsung Galaxy S21 vs Galaxy S20 price
The Samsung Galaxy S20 comes with 12GB of RAM and 128GB of storage, priced at $999 / €899 / AU$1,499. In some areas, a 4G version of the phone (with 8GB of RAM) was also available for €799 / AU$1,349. The Galaxy S21 is more affordable than that, thanks to some downgrades we'll get to later. It costs $799 / €769 / AU$1,249 so you get 8GB of RAM and 128GB of storage.
Please note that there is no 4G version of this phone.
With the new device, it seems that instead of developing new features and ideas,
for the Samsung Galaxy S21 the company has been looking for more affordable ways to offer the features of the Galaxy S20. Of course, the S21 is still an expensive phone, but less so than its predecessor. Today's best deals on Samsung Galaxy S21 and Samsung Galaxy S20
Integrated
Samsung Galaxy S20 (Image credit: Future) As the images show,
the Samsung Galaxy S21 doesn't bring a huge overhaul of the Galaxy S20, the only key difference visible is a slightly different camera unit.
There is also a second change that the images do not show.
While the Samsung Galaxy S20 has a glass back, the back of the Galaxy S21 is 'Glasstic', or plastic that is supposed to look more like glass.
This material is less expensiveAlthough it doesn't feel as sleek as glass, it is more durable and therefore better for grip. In a recent survey, we found that many phone fans appreciate this plastic material. Along with these updates, both phones come with USB-C ports, along with power buttons and volume rockers mounted to the sides of the phones, but no 3,5mm headphone jack. In our review of the Galaxy S21, we said that "it's unlikely to be as high-end as the Samsung Galaxy S20," so if you want a premium phone and have a choice, the S20 is the one for you.
(Image credit: Samsung)
The Samsung Galaxy S20 was available in three colors: blue, pink, and gray. The S21 brings back the gray color, but it also comes in white, purple, and a slightly different kind of pink.
Setting
The Samsung Galaxy S21 screen is actually a downgrade of the Galaxy S20. Both phones have 6.2-inch screens, interrupted by punch-hole cutouts at the top, 120Hz refresh rates, HDR10+, and built-in fingerprint scanners. Nevertheless,
the resolution of the S21 is lower than that of the S20.
While the screen resolution of the Samsung Galaxy S20 was 1440 x 3200 or Quad HD, the Galaxy S21 is only 1080 x 2400 or Full HD +. We found that on the S21 videos still look great and the lower price may justify the move.
Samsung Galaxy S20 (Image credit: future)
Before you rush to assume that the Galaxy S20 is much better, It's worth noting that the S20 can only use either its QHD resolution or its 120Hz refresh rate, not both at the same time. Then,
for all intents and purposes, you'll get the same experience on the S21 that you could have on the S20.
Cameras
On paper,
it seems that the Samsung Galaxy S21 comes with identical cameras to the Galaxy S20- A 12MP main unit, plus a 64MP telephoto lens and 12MP ultrawide snappers. And it seems that even the sensors and lenses are the same. Both phones also have 10MP front cameras.
The changes with the Galaxy S21 go through the camera modes; The S21 brings some improvements to what we have seen in the Galaxy S20, especially for video recording.
(Image credit: Samsung) Director's view is new, allowing you to view video recordings from all three rear lenses at once, and lets you switch between them whenever you want.
There is also Vlogger View, which allows you to record videos from the front and rear cameras at the same time.
The Single Take mode of the Samsung Galaxy S20 also saw an improvement on the S21, with better artificial intelligence and a more pronounced emphasis on slow-motion recording to capture great images. In our review, we liked the addition of slow motion shooting to the mode. But unless these new camera modes appeal to you, the experience of shooting with the Samsung Galaxy S21 might not be much different than the Galaxy S20.
Samsung Galaxy S20 (Image credit: future)
Characteristics and specifications
In terms of software, the
Samsung Galaxy S20 came with Android 10, But
Galaxy S21 updates it to Android 11. However, both have a unique Samsung UI and you'll be able to update the S20 with the latest software. But it probably won't get as many future updates as the S21. The chipset situation is quite complicated. The Samsung Galaxy S20 uses the Exynos 990 processor in Europe and Asia, and Qualcomm's Snapdragon 865 elsewhere. The Galaxy S21 uses the Exynos 2100 in Europe and Asia and the Snapdragon 888 everywhere. The two versions of the chipsets are roughly equal in terms of processing power and battery efficiency, though in a contest, Snapdragon chipsets usually come out on top. However, in our review of the Galaxy S21 with an Exynos 2100 phone, we found the difference between the chipsets to be less pronounced. Strange as it may seem, the
Samsung Galaxy S20 comes with 12GB of RAM and 128GB of storage (unless you go for the 4G model, which has 8GB of RAM). The Galaxy S21 is only available with 8GB of RAM, but can be purchased with 256GB of storage and 128GB.
(Image credit: Samsung)
Battery duration
Both the Samsung Galaxy S21 and S20 include 4000 mAh batteries, but thanks to software and chipset improvements, we expect the former to offer slightly better battery life. However, the difference is probably not huge. In our reviews of both phones, we found that they offered about a day of battery life, though the S21 didn't last quite as long at times. The phones also have 25W wired charging, as well as wireless power and two-way charging, so you can use the phone as a wireless charger to power other devices. In general, battery and charging is one area where there isn't much of a difference between the two devices.
Samsung Galaxy S21 (Image credit: future)
To go
The Samsung Galaxy S21 is not a huge step up from its predecessor; in fact, it's a downgrade in more ways than one, and a sidestep in other areas. However,
the Galaxy S20 was more expensive at launch and has now been discontinued. If you can find a Samsung Galaxy S20 that is cheaper than the Galaxy S21, it might be a better buy for you, but finding one can be a difficult task.
As such, the Samsung Galaxy S21 is probably better value for money.
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