Introduction
When the Samsung Galaxy S21+ launched in early 2021, it was one of Samsung’s most refined flagships — combining a premium design, powerful performance, and a vibrant 120Hz AMOLED display. It quickly became a favorite among Android users who wanted flagship quality without the Ultra’s oversized camera bump or price tag.
Fast forward to 2025, and the Galaxy S21+ still looks and performs like a modern smartphone. However, the story changes when it comes to software support. Samsung has officially excluded the S21+ from the latest One UI 8 (Android 16) update, signaling the end of its major software upgrades. While it continues to receive quarterly security patches, this limitation significantly impacts its long-term value.
According to UpTrade’s Price Tracker, Certified Used or Refurbished Galaxy S21+ models have dropped to around $170+, making it tempting for budget-conscious buyers. But here’s the twist — the newer Galaxy S22+ has also fallen to about $170+ during holiday promotions, offering not only newer hardware but full Android 16 support. With both models now similarly priced, choosing between them becomes an easy decision for most buyers.
Price and Availability in 2025 (UpTrade Price Tracker Insight)
In 2025, the Samsung Galaxy S21+ is widely available through individual sellers and some refurbishers, with Certified Used or Refurbished units starting around $170+. That’s an impressive drop from its original $999 launch price just four years ago. However, its declining software support limits its appeal — especially when newer Samsung models now cost about the same.
UpTrade’s Price Tracker shows that the Galaxy S22+ — released just a year later — has also dropped to the $170+ range thanks to ongoing holiday promotions. The S22+ delivers better long-term value with its Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 processor, faster 45W charging, and full One UI 8 (Android 16) compatibility, supported through at least 2028.
For shoppers in 2025, this pricing overlap means there’s no real reason to choose the S21+ over the S22+. Both look similar on the outside, but the S22+ is newer, faster, and supported for years to come — making it the smarter buy for those seeking a reliable flagship at a discounted Certified Refurbished price.
Software Support and Limitations in 2025
Software support is where the Galaxy S21+ begins to show its age. Originally launched with Android 11 and Samsung’s One UI 3.1, the S21+ received several major updates over the years — up to Android 15 (One UI 7). However, in 2025, Samsung has confirmed that the S21+ will not receive Android 16 (One UI 8), officially marking the end of its major OS upgrade cycle.
While the phone will continue to receive quarterly security updates for another year or two, the lack of new Android versions means users will miss out on performance optimizations, improved AI features, and enhanced app compatibility available in newer Samsung models. Apps and services that depend on the latest Android APIs may begin to phase out support, reducing the S21+’s long-term reliability.
By contrast, the Galaxy S22+ remains fully eligible for Android 16 and beyond, with Samsung guaranteeing four generations of OS updates and five years of security support. This ensures compatibility with newer apps, ongoing performance improvements, and better integration with connected devices — a key factor for anyone planning to use their phone for several more years.
In short, while the S21+ still performs smoothly for daily tasks, its software ceiling limits future usability. For those who want a smartphone that will remain secure and up-to-date through 2028, the Galaxy S22+ is the clear winner.
Better Option — Galaxy S22+
When comparing the Galaxy S21+ and Galaxy S22+, the differences go beyond just one year of hardware. With both models now available for about $170+ according to UpTrade’s Price Tracker, it’s crucial to understand how the S22+ delivers a longer-lasting, better-performing experience that makes it the superior choice in 2025.
Specs Comparison — Galaxy S21+ vs Galaxy S22+
| Feature | Galaxy S21+ | Galaxy S22+ |
|---|
| Launch Year | 2021 | 2022 |
| Display | 6.7" FHD+ Dynamic AMOLED 2X, 120Hz, 1300 nits | 6.6" FHD+ Dynamic AMOLED 2X, 120Hz, 1750 nits |
| Processor (U.S.) | Snapdragon 888 (5nm) | Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 (4nm) |
| RAM / Storage | 8GB RAM, up to 256GB (UFS 3.1) | 8GB RAM, up to 256GB (UFS 3.1) |
| Rear Camera System | 12MP (wide) + 12MP (ultrawide) + 64MP (telephoto) | 50MP (wide) + 12MP (ultrawide) + 10MP (telephoto) |
| Front Camera | 10MP | 10MP |
| Battery & Charging | 4800 mAh, 25W fast charging | 4500 mAh, 45W fast charging |
| Connectivity | 5G, Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.2 | 5G, Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.2 |
| Software Support | Android 15 (One UI 7), Quarterly Security Only | Android 16 (One UI 8), Full Support through 2028 |
| Certified Used / Refurbished Price (2025) | ~$170+ | ~$170+ (Holiday Promotion) |
Key Differences
1. Performance and Processor Efficiency
The Galaxy S22+ takes a major leap in processing power with the Snapdragon 8 Gen 1, built on a more efficient 4nm process compared to the Snapdragon 888’s 5nm design. This translates into faster app launches, smoother multitasking, and improved thermal management — particularly noticeable in gaming and video editing. In daily use, the S22+ feels snappier and cooler, maintaining peak performance under load without throttling. Battery efficiency also improves, helping offset its slightly smaller 4500 mAh capacity.
2. Display and Brightness
Both models feature Samsung’s gorgeous Dynamic AMOLED 2X panels with 120Hz refresh rates, but the S22+ pushes brightness up to 1750 nits, compared to 1300 nits on the S21+. The result is a more vibrant and readable display outdoors, especially under direct sunlight. In addition, the S22+ display delivers better HDR contrast, making videos and games appear richer and more immersive. Despite being slightly smaller (6.6" vs. 6.7"), it feels more balanced in hand and visually sharper due to improved color calibration and adaptive refresh tuning.
3. Camera System and Image Processing
The Galaxy S22+ introduces a revamped camera system with a 50MP main sensor, replacing the 12MP sensor on the S21+. Combined with Samsung’s AI-powered image processing, the S22+ captures more detail, especially in low light. The telephoto camera also switches from a digital 3x zoom on the S21+ to a true optical 3x telephoto lens, resulting in clearer zoom shots. Enhanced night mode, dynamic HDR, and improved AI scene detection make the S22+ one of the best camera performers in its price range.
4. Charging Speed and Convenience
While both models support fast charging, the S22+ delivers a noticeable edge with 45W charging — nearly double the power of the S21+’s 25W system. It can charge from 0% to 50% in under 25 minutes, making a huge difference for heavy users or frequent travelers. Combined with the newer processor’s energy efficiency, the S22+ achieves better real-world battery life, even with a slightly smaller cell. For most users, this means fewer midday top-ups and faster turnaround times when you do need to charge.
5. Software Longevity and Future Support
Perhaps the most decisive factor in 2025: the Galaxy S21+ has reached the end of its major Android updates, while the S22+ is just entering its extended support window. The S22+ supports Android 16 (One UI 8) and will continue receiving OS updates through at least 2028. This ensures not only better app compatibility but also access to Samsung’s latest security, privacy, and AI-enhanced features. In contrast, the S21+ is limited to quarterly patches and will gradually lose app compatibility — a key reason why the S22+ represents a far safer investment.
6. Overall Value
With both models priced around $170+, the Galaxy S22+ offers dramatically better value. You get a newer processor, brighter display, improved cameras, faster charging, and years of additional software support — all for the same cost as an older, end-of-life flagship. For budget-minded buyers comparing Certified Used or Refurbished options, the S22+ is simply the smarter choice — future-proof, feature-rich, and supported through 2028.
Conclusion — Should You Still Buy the Galaxy S21+ in 2025?
No — the Samsung Galaxy S21+ is no longer worth buying in 2025. While it still looks and performs like a premium device, its lack of Android 16 (One UI 8) support makes it outdated from a software perspective. Without new OS updates, it will gradually lose compatibility with newer apps, features, and security enhancements.
According to UpTrade’s Price Tracker, Certified Used or Refurbished Galaxy S21+ models have dropped to around $170+, but the Galaxy S22+ — with newer hardware, longer software support, and Android 16 compatibility — has also fallen to $170+ during holiday promotions.
For the same price, the Certified Used or Refurbished Galaxy S22+ offers a brighter display, faster charging, improved camera system, and guaranteed software updates through 2028 — making it the much smarter buy. The S21+ remains a solid phone if you already own it, but if you’re shopping in 2025, there’s simply no reason to choose it over the S22+.
FAQ: Buying the Galaxy S21+ in 2025
1. How much does the Galaxy S21+ cost in 2025?
According to UpTrade’s Price Tracker, Certified Used or Refurbished Galaxy S21+ models start around $170+, depending on storage and condition.
2. When was the Galaxy S21+ released?
The Samsung Galaxy S21+ was released in January 2021, alongside the Galaxy S21 and S21 Ultra.
3. How old is the Galaxy S21+ in 2025?
The Galaxy S21+ is about four years old in 2025, which means it has reached the end of its major software update cycle.
4. Does the Galaxy S21+ still receive software updates?
It no longer receives major Android upgrades. The S21+ is limited to quarterly security updates and will not get Android 16 (One UI 8).
5. How does the Galaxy S21+ compare to the Galaxy S22+?
The Galaxy S22+ features a brighter 1750-nit display, faster 45W charging, a newer Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 chip, and full Android 16 support — all for about the same price.
6. How long will the Galaxy S21+ be supported?
Samsung is expected to provide quarterly security updates until late 2026, but no new Android versions beyond Android 15.
7. Does the Galaxy S21+ support Android 16?
No. The S21+ is excluded from Samsung’s One UI 8 (Android 16) rollout. Only the Galaxy S22 series and newer models will receive it.
8. Is the Galaxy S21+ still safe to use?
Yes, it’s currently safe due to ongoing security updates. However, once those stop in 2026, users may face security and app compatibility issues.
9. Is the Galaxy S21+ waterproof?
Yes. The Galaxy S21+ carries an IP68 water and dust resistance rating, meaning it can withstand submersion in up to 1.5 meters of freshwater for 30 minutes.
10. Does the Galaxy S21+ have wireless charging?
Yes. The S21+ supports 15W wireless charging and 4.5W reverse wireless charging, allowing you to charge other compatible devices like Galaxy Buds or smartwatches.
11. How much storage does the Galaxy S21+ have?
It comes in two configurations — 128GB or 256GB of internal UFS 3.1 storage — with no microSD expansion slot.
12. Is the Galaxy S21+ still a good phone in 2025?
Yes, for performance. The Snapdragon 888 chip still handles daily tasks well, but its outdated software limits long-term usability.
13. Is the Galaxy S22+ a better buy?
Absolutely. The Certified Used or Refurbished Galaxy S22+, available around $170+, provides faster performance, longer software support, and better display brightness — making it the smarter long-term choice.
14. Does the Galaxy S21+ support 5G?
Yes. Both the S21+ and S22+ fully support 5G connectivity across most U.S. and global networks.
15. What’s the best alternative to the Galaxy S21+ in 2025?
The Certified Used or Refurbished Galaxy S22+ is the best alternative — it’s newer, supports Android 16, and remains secure through 2028.
Sale
