Looking for an honest Samsung Galaxy S21 5G vs Samsung Galaxy S24 comparison in 2026? We scored both smartphones on the same six-dimension framework — performance, battery, display, camera, design and value — using identical methodology, so the numbers below are directly comparable. In our overall scoring the Samsung Galaxy S24 comes out ahead 46/100 to 76/100 — a 30-point gap. The widest gap is in performance, where the Samsung Galaxy S24 pulls noticeably ahead. On price the Samsung Galaxy S21 5G undercuts the Samsung Galaxy S24 by 496% ($133.99 vs $799), which materially changes the value calculus for budget-conscious buyers.
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Samsung Galaxy S24 clearly outperforms the Samsung Galaxy S21 5G in the smartphones category, especially in performance (benchmark 210 vs 75), scoring 76 vs 46. If you want the better overall smartphones, Samsung Galaxy S24 is the recommended choice.
Picking Samsung Galaxy S24 over Samsung Galaxy S21 5G means trading these off.
✓ Pros
✗ Cons
✓ Pros
| Spec | Samsung Galaxy S21 5G | Samsung Galaxy S24W |
|---|---|---|
| Display | 6.2" | 6.2" |
| Display Type | Dynamic AMOLED 2X | Dynamic AMOLED 2X |
| Resolution | 2400 x 1080 pixels | 2340 x 1080 pixels |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz |
| Brightness | 1300nits | 1750nits✓ |
| HDR |
Buy Samsung Galaxy S21 5G if…
Choose the Samsung Galaxy S21 5G if budget is your top priority — it offers competitive specs at a lower price point.
Buy Samsung Galaxy S24 if…
Buy the Samsung Galaxy S24 if you want the best performance in this comparison. It scores higher overall and is the recommended choice for most buyers.
Samsung Galaxy S24 clearly outperforms the Samsung Galaxy S21 5G in the smartphones category, especially in performance (benchmark 210 vs 75), scoring 76 vs 46. If you want the better overall smartphones, Samsung Galaxy S24 is the recommended choice.
No, Samsung Galaxy S24 scores higher (76 vs 46).
Samsung Galaxy S21 5G is cheaper at $133.99 vs $799 for the Samsung Galaxy S24.
Choose the Samsung Galaxy S21 5G if budget is your top priority — it offers competitive specs at a lower price point.
Buy the Samsung Galaxy S24 if you want the best performance in this comparison. It scores higher overall and is the recommended choice for most buyers.
Both have the same 4000mAh battery.
Samsung Galaxy S21 5G has a higher-resolution main camera (64MP vs 50MP). Note that megapixels are one factor — sensor quality and processing also matter.
Reviewed by VersusMatrix Editorial Team
Last updated: May 11, 2026
Methodology: AI-powered analysis of technical specifications from manufacturer data. Scores are calculated by comparing products across multiple dimensions and normalized relative to the full category database. Our editorial process is independent and not influenced by affiliate partnerships.
Scores are relative within the smartphonescategory. Percentages show each dimension's weight in the overall score. A difference of less than 0.5 points is considered a tie.
✗ Cons
| HDR10+ |
| HDR10+ |
| Protection | Gorilla Glass Victus | Gorilla Glass Victus 2 |
| Chipset | Snapdragon 888 | Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 |
| CPU | Octa-core (1x2.9 GHz & 3x2.80 GHz & 4x2.2 GHz) | Octa-core |
| GPU | Mali-G78 MP14 / Adreno 660 | Mali-G78 |
| RAM | 8GB | 8GB |
| Storage | 128GB | 128GB |
| Storage Options | 128GB, 256GB | 128GB, 256GB |
| Main Camera | 64MP✓ | 50MP |
| Aperture | f/1.8 | f/1.8 |
| OIS | Yes | Yes |
| Video | 8K@24fps, 4K@60fps | 8K@30fps, 4K@60fps |
| Front Camera | 10MP | 12MP✓ |
| Battery | 4000mAh | 4000mAh |
| Charging | 25W | 25W |
| Wireless Charging | 15W | 15W |
| OS | Android 11, upgradable to Android 14 | Android 14 |
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) | Wi-Fi 6E (802.11ax) |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.0 | Bluetooth 5.3 |
| NFC | Yes | Yes |
| USB | USB Type-C 3.2 | USB Type-C 3.2 |
| Water Resistance | IP68 | IP68 |
| Biometrics | Ultrasonic fingerprint | Under-display fingerprint |
| Dimensions | 151.7 x 71.2 x 7.9 mm | 146.6 x 70.6 x 7.6 mm |
| Weight | 169g | 167g✓ |
| Colors | Phantom Gray, Phantom White, Phantom Violet, Phantom Pink | Phantom Black, Phantom White, Phantom Green, Phantom Violet |
| Price | 133.99$ | 799$ |