Should You Upgrade from the Galaxy S21 5G to the Galaxy S24?
A spec-by-spec look at what actually changes when you move from the Galaxy S21 5G to the Galaxy S24, 3 years apart.
Maybe — worth it only if the new features matter to you
The Galaxy S24 is 3 years newer than the Galaxy S21 5G, and the BeastScore rises from 80.8 to 81.5. The biggest improvements: display rated 4 points higher, 1,300 nits brighter peak display. Trade-offs to know: lower-resolution main camera (−14 mp).
What you gain with the Galaxy S24
- +Display rated 4 points higher
- +1,300 nits brighter peak display
What you give up
- −Lower-resolution main camera (−14 MP)
| Spec | Galaxy S21 5G | Galaxy S24 | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| BeastScore (overall) | 80.8 | 81.5 | No real change |
| Performance score | 80 | 80 | No real change |
| Camera score | 91 | 91 | No real change |
| Battery score | 70 | 70 | No real change |
| Display score | 86 | 90 | +4 (5%) |
| Battery capacity | 4,000 mAh | 4,000 mAh | No real change |
| Wired charging | 25W | 25W | No real change |
| Wireless charging | 15W | 15W | No real change |
| Screen size | 6.2" | 6.2" | No real change |
| Refresh rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | No real change |
| Peak brightness | 1,300 nits | 2,600 nits | +1,300 nits (100%) |
| Main camera | 64 MP | 50 MP | −14 MP (22%) |
| Optical zoom | 3x | 3x | No real change |
| RAM | 8 GB | 8 GB | No real change |
| Weight | 169 g | 167 g | No real change |
| Launch price | $799 | $799 | No real change |
Upgrade if…
- You use your phone outdoors a lot and want a brighter, smoother screen
- Your Galaxy S21 5G is 3+ years old and its battery has worn down
Galaxy S21 5G vs Galaxy S24: Upgrade FAQ
Is it worth upgrading from the Galaxy S21 5G to the Galaxy S24?
Maybe — worth it only if the new features matter to you. The Galaxy S24 is 3 years newer than the Galaxy S21 5G, and the BeastScore rises from 80.8 to 81.5. The biggest improvements: display rated 4 points higher, 1,300 nits brighter peak display. Trade-offs to know: lower-resolution main camera (−14 mp).
What is the biggest difference between the Galaxy S21 5G and Galaxy S24?
Display rated 4 points higher: 86 on the Galaxy S21 5G vs 90 on the Galaxy S24.
Does the Galaxy S24 have a bigger battery than the Galaxy S21 5G?
No — both have about the same battery capacity (4,000 mAh vs 4,000 mAh).
Who should upgrade to the Galaxy S24?
Upgrade if: You use your phone outdoors a lot and want a brighter, smoother screen; Your Galaxy S21 5G is 3+ years old and its battery has worn down.