Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G
How long will it last?
Official promiseSupported until January 2026 · Buy-by January 2024
Samsung promises 5 years of updates for this phone, so it's supported until January 2026 — buying it today still gets you about -0.4 years of safe use.
Source: Samsung's official policy · last verified 2026-06-12 · how we compute this
Our verdict
A roomy 2021 flagship that delivered four Android upgrades but is now reaching the end of its security cover.
Pros
- Large 6.7-inch 120Hz AMOLED that's great for media
- Solid 4800mAh battery that holds up better than the smaller S21
- Got all four promised major Android upgrades through One UI 7
Cons
- Security support is wrapping up in early 2026
- 64MP 'telephoto' is really a hybrid zoom with no true periscope reach
Full specifications
Display
💡 Bigger numbers = smoother scrolling (Hz) and easier outdoor reading (nits).
| Screen | 6.7-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X, 2400x1080 (FHD+), 120Hz |
Performance
💡 The phone's brain — it decides speed today and how well it ages.
| Chipset | Snapdragon 888 (US) / Exynos 2100 (global) |
| 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 | 4,800 mAh |
| Charging | 25W wired, 15W wireless |
Build
💡 Size, weight, and the materials between your phone and the floor.
| Dimensions | 161.5 × 75.6 × 7.8 mm |
| Weight | 200 g |
| Materials | Armor Aluminum frame, Gorilla Glass Victus front, glass back |
| 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/4G, Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.2, NFC, USB-C |
| Update policy | 4 OS upgrades · 5 years of security updates (official promise) |
Better-value alternatives
Similar price, lower cost per month of safe ownership.
Frequently asked questions
How long will the Galaxy S21+ 5G get updates?
It completed its four major Android upgrades with One UI 7, and its five-year security window ends around January 2026, so it is now at the end of its supported life.
Is the Galaxy S21+ still fast enough in 2026?
Yes for everyday use; the Snapdragon 888 or Exynos 2100 handles apps, browsing and most games smoothly, though it runs warmer than newer chips.
Does the Galaxy S21+ have a real telephoto camera?
It uses a 64MP sensor for 3x hybrid zoom rather than a dedicated periscope, so zoom is decent but not as strong as the S21 Ultra.
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 2026-06-12.