Samsung Galaxy S21 5G
How long will it last?
Official promiseSupported until January 2025 · Buy-by January 2023
Samsung promises 4 years of updates for this phone, so it's supported until January 2025 — buying it today still gets you about -1.4 years of safe use.
Source: Samsung's official policy · last verified 2026-06-11 · how we compute this
Our verdict
A still-capable 2021 flagship that has now reached the end of its software runway, making it a budget pick only if you accept no more updates.
Pros
- Snapdragon 888 still handles everyday apps and most gaming with ease
- Smooth 120Hz Dynamic AMOLED 2X display remains excellent for the price
- Compact 6.2-inch body and 169g weight are easy to use one-handed
- Full IP68 rating and wireless charging carry over flagship convenience
Cons
- Software support has ended, so it no longer receives Android or security updates
- Modest 4000mAh battery delivers only average endurance, worse as the cell ages
- Plastic back feels less premium than the glass on pricier models
Full specifications
Display
💡 Bigger numbers = smoother scrolling (Hz) and easier outdoor reading (nits).
| Screen | 6.2-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X, 1080×2400 (FHD+), 120Hz, HDR10+ |
Performance
💡 The phone's brain — it decides speed today and how well it ages.
| Chipset | Snapdragon 888 (US) |
| RAM | 8GB |
| Storage | 128GB / 256GB |
Cameras
💡 Megapixels aren't everything — lens variety matters more day-to-day.
| main | 12MP |
| ultra-wide | 12MP |
| telephoto 3x hybrid | 64MP |
| front | 10MP |
Battery & charging
💡 Capacity in mAh — bigger usually means longer between charges.
| Battery | 4,000 mAh |
| Charging | 25W wired, 15W wireless |
Build
💡 Size, weight, and the materials between your phone and the floor.
| Dimensions | 151.7 × 71.2 × 7.9 mm |
| Weight | 169 g |
| Materials | Gorilla Glass Victus front, polycarbonate back, aluminum frame |
| Water resistance | IP68 |
Software & connectivity
💡 The software it ships with, and how far it can upgrade.
| Software | Android 11 with One UI 3.1 at launch |
| Connectivity | 5G, Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.0, NFC, USB-C |
| Update policy | 4 OS upgrades · 4 years of security updates (official promise) |
Better-value alternatives
Similar price, lower cost per month of safe ownership.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Galaxy S21 5G still getting software updates?
No. Samsung committed to roughly four years of OS and four years of security updates from its January 2021 launch, and that window has now closed, so the S21 has dropped off the active update list.
Does the US Galaxy S21 5G use Snapdragon or Exynos?
US units ship with the Qualcomm Snapdragon 888, while many international regions received the Exynos 2100 variant.
Is the Galaxy S21 5G worth buying used in 2026?
Only as a cheap performance phone if you do not need updates. The hardware is still snappy, but with security support ended it is best avoided for sensitive tasks.
Compare it
Specs are collected from manufacturer documentation; prices reflect major US retailers and change often. Support end dates follow each brand's official policy (or, for Apple, its documented historical pattern). Last verified 2026-06-11.