Samsung Galaxy S21+ vs Samsung Galaxy S23+
The Verdict
Both phones command the same $999 price point, but the Galaxy S23+ demonstrates meaningful generational improvements across key areas. Samsung's newer flagship boasts a significantly more powerful Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processor with the Adreno 740 GPU, delivering noticeably faster performance than the S21+ Plus's Snapdragon 888. Camera capabilities lean toward the S23+, featuring a superior 50MP main sensor with Dual Pixel PDAF versus the S21+ Plus's 12MP sensor, though the S21+ Plus retains a slightly better telephoto at 3x hybrid zoom. Display brightness jumps substantially to 1750 nits on the S23+, compared to 1300 nits, ensuring better outdoor visibility. Charging speeds favor the S23+ at 45W versus 25W, while battery capacities are comparable. The S23+ includes Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.3 for superior connectivity. However, the S21+ Plus offers a fractionally larger 6.7-inch display. For photography enthusiasts and those prioritizing performance, the S23+ justifies the purchase despite identical pricing.
Who Should Buy
Buy the Samsung Galaxy S21+ if…
- →Large 4800 mAh battery with great endurance
- →120Hz AMOLED display
- →Gorilla Glass Victus durability
Buy the Samsung Galaxy S23+ if…
- →Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 for Galaxy delivers top-tier performance
- →Bright 1750-nit display is excellent in direct sunlight
- →4700 mAh battery provides strong all-day endurance
Category Scores
Pros & Cons
Samsung Galaxy S21+
Pros
- Large 4800 mAh battery with great endurance
- 120Hz AMOLED display
- Gorilla Glass Victus durability
- Good triple camera system
- Flat display is easier to use with screen protectors
Cons
- FHD+ only, no QHD option
- Plastic back on some regions (Glasstic)
- Slow 25W charging
- No microSD card slot (removed in S21 series)
- No charger in the box
Samsung Galaxy S23+
Pros
- Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 for Galaxy delivers top-tier performance
- Bright 1750-nit display is excellent in direct sunlight
- 4700 mAh battery provides strong all-day endurance
- Four years of OS updates and five years of security patches
- Versatile triple camera with 3x optical zoom
Cons
- Only 8 GB RAM at the $999 price point
- FHD+ resolution instead of QHD+ on the 6.6-inch display
- 45W charging is slower than Chinese competitors
- No expandable storage or microSD slot
- Design is very similar to S22+ with minimal visual changes
Full Specifications
| Spec | Samsung Galaxy S21+ | Samsung Galaxy S23+ |
|---|---|---|
| Software | Android 11, One UI 3.1 | Android 13 (One UI 5.1) |
| Body | ||
| Weight | 200 g | 195 g |
| Material | Aluminum frame, Gorilla Glass Victus | Armor Aluminum frame, Gorilla Glass Victus 2 |
| IP rating | IP68 | IP68 |
| Dimensions | 161.5 x 75.6 x 7.8 mm | 157.8 x 76.2 x 7.6 mm |
| Camera | ||
| Main camera | 12 MP, f/1.8, OIS | 50 MP, f/1.8, Dual Pixel PDAF, OIS |
| Front camera | 10 MP, f/2.2 | 12 MP, f/2.2 |
| Video | 8K@24fps, 4K@60fps | 8K@30fps, 4K@60fps |
| Telephoto | 64 MP, f/2.0, 3x hybrid zoom | 10 MP, f/2.4, 3x optical zoom, OIS |
| Ultrawide | 12 MP, f/2.2 | 12 MP, f/2.2 |
| Memory | ||
| RAM | 8 GB | 8 GB |
| Storage options | 128 GB, 256 GB | 256 GB, 512 GB |
| Battery | ||
| Capacity | 4800 mAh | 4700 mAh |
| Charging | 25W wired | 45W wired |
| Wireless charging | 15W wireless | 15W, Wireless PowerShare |
| Display | ||
| Size | 6.7 inches | 6.6 inches |
| Type | Dynamic AMOLED 2X | Dynamic AMOLED 2X |
| Resolution | 2400 x 1080 | 2340 x 1080 |
| Refresh rate | 120Hz | 120Hz |
| Brightness (nits) | 1300 | 1750 |
| Processor | ||
| CPU | Octa-core (1x2.84 GHz + 3x2.42 GHz + 4x1.8 GHz) | Octa-core (1x3.36 GHz + 2x2.8 GHz + 2x2.8 GHz + 3x2.0 GHz) |
| GPU | Adreno 660 | Adreno 740 |
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 | Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 for Galaxy |
| Connectivity | ||
| 5G | ||
| NFC | ||
| USB | USB-C 3.2 | USB-C 3.2 |
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6 | Wi-Fi 6E |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.3 |
Related Comparisons
This comparison is based on verified manufacturer specifications covering display, performance, camera, battery, and build quality. Scores are generated by analyzing specs across weighted categories on a 10-point scale. Learn more about our methodology.
Explore more in phones, see all Samsung products or all Samsung products. View full details for the Samsung Galaxy S21+ or the Samsung Galaxy S23+.