A comparison of specs, key information, reviews, and best pricing from top retailers
Last updated -- hours ago | Report incorrect information
Company ProductName Specs
Company ProductName Specs
What we think
The PerfectRec phone team Learn more
Updated January 10, 2024·
If you prioritize a more advanced camera system and are willing to pay for the latest technology, the Samsung Galaxy S23+ has significant improvements in photo and video quality. However, the Samsung Galaxy S21+ offers substantial savings and is still a very capable device. If battery life is important to you, the S23+ boasts slightly longer performance. Both phones have similar screen sizes, but the S23+ offers higher peak brightness, which can be beneficial in direct sunlight. Remember, both run on Android, and the S23+ packs in newer hardware, which could lead to a smoother and faster user experience. 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
8.3
The Samsung Galaxy S23+ has very good overall camera quality, while the Samsung Galaxy S21+ has good overall camera quality.
The Samsung Galaxy S21+ offers a good selfie experience and respectable camera performance across various features like resolution, dynamic range, and low-light scenarios, but doesn't excel in versatility. In contrast, the Samsung Galaxy S23+ provides very good performance in the same categories along with an excellent selfie camera, giving it an edge for photography enthusiasts looking for high-quality results across a wider range of conditions and use cases.
Photo Quality
7.0
8.3
The Samsung Galaxy S23+ takes very good photos, while the Samsung Galaxy S21+ takes good photos.
The Samsung Galaxy S23+ takes excellent photos due to improvements in its photos software experience, dynamic range, and low light performance compared to the Galaxy S21+; moreover, the Galaxy S23+ has a higher camera versatility and a superior selfie score, making it a better choice for both general photography and self-portraits. While the Galaxy S21+ delivers good photo quality, it falls short in these aspects, which are critical for capturing a wide range of scenes and lighting conditions.
Video Quality
6.6
7.8
The Samsung Galaxy S23+ takes good videos, while the Samsung Galaxy S21+ takes only fair videos.
The Samsung Galaxy S23+ provides better video capabilities due to improvements in video resolution, frame rate, video stabilization, dynamic range, and low light performance, alongside enhanced microphone quality compared to the Galaxy S21+.
Battery
8.0 Hours
8.7 Hours
The Samsung Galaxy S21+ has 8 hours of battery life. The Samsung Galaxy S23+ has 8.7 hours of battery life.
Cost
$340
$1,000
$0
$200
$400
$600
$800
$1,000
$1,200
$1,400
The Samsung Galaxy S21+ has a price of $340 and the Samsung Galaxy S23+ costs $1,000.
Let Us Help Find Your Perfect Phone
Find your new phone
Key similarities
Screen Size
The Samsung Galaxy S21+ has a screen size of 6.7 inches and the Samsung Galaxy S23+ is 6.6 inches.
Give feedback
We’re constantly working to improve.
How the Samsung Galaxy S21+ and the Samsung Galaxy S23+ compare to other phones
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| Samsung Galaxy S21+ | Samsung Galaxy S23+ |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$340 | $1,000 | ||
Brand | |||
Brand | Samsung | Samsung | |
Operating System | |||
Operating System | Android | Android | |
Release Date | |||
Release Date | January 29, 2021 | February 17, 2023 | |
SCREEN | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Screen Size | |||
Screen Size | 6.7" | 6.6" | |
Resolution | |||
Resolution | 2400 x 1080 | 2340 x 1080 | |
Variable refresh rate | |||
Variable refresh rate | No | No | |
Pixels Per Inch | |||
Pixels Per Inch | 394 | 390 | |
Display Type | |||
Display Type | OLED | OLED | |
INTERNAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Processor | |||
Processor | SD888 | SD8G2 | |
Internal Storage | |||
Internal Storage | 128 GB | 256 GB | |
RAM | |||
RAM | 8 GB | 8 GB | |
CAMERA | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Overall Camera Quality Score | |||
Overall Camera Quality Score | 7.2/10 | 8.4/10 | |
Photos Score | |||
Photos Score | 7/10 | 8.4/10 | |
Videos Score | |||
Videos Score | 6.6/10 | 7.9/10 | |
Rear Cameras | |||
Rear Cameras | Main, Ultrawide, Telephoto | Main, Ultrawide, Telephoto | |
Main Camera | |||
Main Camera | 12 megapixels + OIS | 50 megapixels + OIS | |
BATTERY | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Battery Life | |||
Battery Life | 8 Hours | 8.7 Hours | |
Battery Capacity | |||
Battery Capacity | 4800 mAh | 4700 mAh | |
Wireless Charging | |||
Wireless Charging | Yes | Yes | |
Wireless charging Speed | |||
Wireless charging Speed | 15 W | 15 W | |
Reverse wireless charging | |||
Reverse wireless charging | Yes (4.5 watts) | Yes (4.5 watts) | |
PHYSICAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Size | |||
Size | 6.36" x 2.98" | 6.21" x 3" | |
Weight | |||
Weight | 7.05 oz | 6.91 oz | |
Back Material | |||
Back Material | Glass | Glass | |
Stereo Speakers | |||
Stereo Speakers | No | No | |
CONNECTIVITY | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Dual SIM | |||
Dual SIM | Yes | Yes | |
Bluetooth Version | |||
Bluetooth Version | 5.0 | 5.3 | |
A2DP | |||
A2DP | Yes | Yes | |
WiFi Version | |||
WiFi Version | 6 | 6e | |
NFC | |||
NFC | Yes | Yes | |
US 5G Bands | |||
US 5G Bands | (SA/NSA/Sub6/mmWave)2, 5, 25, 41, 66, 71, 260, 261 (SA/NSA/Sub6)1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41, 66, 77, 78 | (SA/NSA/Sub6/mmWave)1, 7, 25, 28, 41, 66, 71, 78, 258, 260, 285 | |
OTHER FEATURES | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Biometric unlock | |||
Biometric unlock | Face unlock, Fingerprint sensor: Under Display | Face unlock, Fingerprint sensor: Under Display | |
Unlockable Bootloader | |||
Unlockable Bootloader | No | No | |
Color | |||
Color | Phantom Black, Phantom Silver, Phantom Violet, Phantom Pink, Phantom Gold, Phantom Red | Green, Phantom Black, Cream, Lavender, Lime, Graphite | |
Stock Android | |||
Stock Android | No | No | |
SD Card | |||
SD Card | No | No | |
Shopping
Samsung Galaxy S21+
See more
Dig into reviews and images
Tom's Guide
Jordan Palmer | May 2022
"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."
Samsung Galaxy S23+
See more
Dig into reviews and images
TechRadar
Axel Metz | March 2023
"Despite not boasting the same camera credentials as its pricier sibling, the Samsung Galaxy S23 Plus will remain a top-tier handset for several years thanks to its industry-leading processor and magnificent display. It may prove an attractive proposition for Galaxy newcomers in the market for a big-screen all-rounder."
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.
Give feedback
We're constantly perfecting our model
Phone guides you might be interested in
More comparisons for you
Compare Samsung Galaxy S21+ vs. Samsung Galaxy A23
VS
Compare Samsung Galaxy S21+ vs. Samsung Galaxy A42
VS
Compare Samsung Galaxy S21+ vs. Google Pixel 6 Pro
VS
Compare Samsung Galaxy S23+ vs. Apple iPhone 14 Pro Max
VS
Compare Samsung Galaxy S23+ vs. Samsung Galaxy S24+
VS
Compare Samsung Galaxy S23+ vs. Google Pixel 8 Pro
VS
FAQs
FAQs about phones
Why trust us
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
68
Phones evaluated
7,820
Phones stats compiled
8
Proprietary Phones ratings developed
151,800
Recommendations made
86,020
Consumer hours saved
About the phone team
Joe Golden, Ph.D
CEO and Phones Editor
Joe is an entrepreneur and lifelong electronics enthusiast with a Ph.D in Economics from the University of Michigan.
Jason Lew
Staff Expert & Software Engineer
Jason is a staff expert and software engineer that has been making laptop recommendations for 7 years and moderates one of the largest laptop subreddits.
Chandradeep Chowdhury
Staff Expert & Software Engineer
Chandradeep is a staff expert and software engineer and expert in televisions and monitors. He’s been making monitor recommendations for ten years.
Seth Peoples
Phones Expert
Seth is a US-based product expert focusing on smartphones and he is a moderator of one of the largest smartphone subreddits. His tailored recommendations have helped him earn over 87k comment karma, putting him in the top 1% of Redditors.
Efthimis Kotanidis
Phones Expert
Efthimis is a Greece-based product expert focusing on smartphones. He has been recommending phones for 4 years and his recommendations on Reddit have earned him over 35k karma.
Featured in
