If you prioritize having the latest technology and don't mind spending more, the Samsung Galaxy S23 offers higher camera quality for both still photos and videos compared to the S21+. It also has a display with higher peak brightness, which can be useful in outdoor conditions, as well as a more compact design and a faster processor for smoother performance. However, if budget is a main concern and you are comfortable with adequate performance and camera quality, the Galaxy S21+ will offer a larger screen and similar battery life at a more affordable price, making it a good value choice. Both phones support 5G, do not have a headphone jack, and offer similar battery life. Give Feedback
this description is based on the product variant with some specs and product variant with some specs. At the time of writing, the variant with some specs cost some dollars and the variant with some specs cost some dollars.
Advantages of the Samsung Galaxy S21+
The Samsung Galaxy S21+ has no clear advantages over the Samsung Galaxy S23.
Advantages of the Samsung Galaxy S23
Very good for taking photos
Good for recording videos
Key differences
Overall Camera Quality
7.2/10
8.3/10
The Samsung Galaxy S23 has very good overall camera quality, while the Samsung Galaxy S21+ has good overall camera quality.
The Samsung Galaxy S21+ has good cameras offering a satisfying selfie experience, solid photo software, and camera versatility; however, it has limitations in areas like dynamic range and low-light performance. In comparison, the Samsung Galaxy S23 offers excellent cameras that provide a superior selfie experience, enhanced photo resolution, powerful software, and significant improvements in dynamic range and low-light capabilities, which overall deliver a more versatile and high-quality photography experience.
Photo Quality
7.0/10
8.3/10
The Samsung Galaxy S23 takes very good photos, while the Samsung Galaxy S21+ takes good photos.
The Samsung Galaxy S21+ takes good selfies, but the Samsung Galaxy S23 delivers better selfie quality with a more versatile camera system, which means clear improvements in photos resolution, software experience, dynamic range, and low light performance. While both phones are capable, the Galaxy S23 strikes a better balance in camera performance, particularly for selfie enthusiasts.
Video Quality
6.6/10
7.8/10
The Samsung Galaxy S23 takes good videos, while the Samsung Galaxy S21+ takes only fair videos.
The Samsung Galaxy S23 offers a better video experience than the Galaxy S21+, as it has improved video software, stabilization, dynamic range, low light performance, and microphone quality. These enhancements contribute to the S23's capability to produce excellent videos compared to the S21+'s good video quality.
Screen Size
The Samsung Galaxy S21+ has a screen size of 6.7 inches and the Samsung Galaxy S23 is 6.1 inches.
Cost
$340
$700
$0
$200
$400
$600
$800
$1,000
$1,200
The Samsung Galaxy S21+ has a price of $340 and the Samsung Galaxy S23 costs $700.
"All told, Samsung nailed it with the Galaxy S21 Plus. It has most of the strengths of the smaller S21 in a bigger package. It’s got a lot going for it. If you’re coming from an older device, like the Galaxy S10 series, this is a solid upgrade."
"The 6.1-inch S23 is the best reasonably sized Android phone on the market in the US, partly because almost every other Android phone sold here is gigantic. But it’s also a really good device, with a battery that gets through a full day more comfortably than its predecessor. The Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chipset responsible for some of that battery performance improvement is slightly different — and slightly faster — than the 8 Gen 2 in other Android flagships."
Get a great deal on the Samsung Galaxy S21+ or the Samsung Galaxy S23
About Samsung
Samsung is one of the most recognizable names in the smartphone industry, standing as the undisputed best-selling brand of Android smartphones in the United States for many years now. Samsung is known for offering a variety of smartphones in all available price points, as well as for implementing cutting-edge technology and innovative features in their flagship devices, ones that often shape the market going forward. The company offers its own unique spin on Android, called One UI, which focuses on offering a multitude of features and is heavily customizable, according to user preference.
This information was produced and vetted by the PerfectRec phones team. We are a product research and recommendation organization that meticulously reviews and evaluates the latest phone information and makes it digestible for you.
By the numbers
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About the phone team
Joe Golden, Ph.D
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Joe is an entrepreneur and lifelong electronics enthusiast with a Ph.D in Economics from the University of Michigan.
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