Introduction
The Samsung Galaxy S21 was one of Samsung's flagship smartphones when it launched in 2021. With a 120Hz Dynamic AMOLED 2X display, Snapdragon 888 processor, versatile triple-camera system, and 5G connectivity, it still has enough performance for everyday tasks in 2026. Its low refurbished price can also make it look like an attractive deal.
According to the UpTrade Price Tracker, Certified Used and Refurbished Galaxy S21 models start at around $140+ in 2026. That's a good price for a former Samsung flagship, but there's one major reason we no longer recommend buying it: software support has ended.
In this guide, we'll take a closer look at the Galaxy S21 in 2026 and explain why paying a little more for the Galaxy S23 is the smarter long-term investment.
Quick Verdict
| Category |
Verdict |
| Overall Recommendation |
❌ Not Recommended |
| Certified Used / Refurbished Price |
Starts at around $140+ |
| Android OS Updates |
Ended |
| Security Updates |
Ended |
| One UI 9 (Android 17) |
Not Supported |
| Best Alternative |
Galaxy S23 starting at $210+ |
We don't recommend buying the Galaxy S21 in 2026. Its starting price of around $140+ is attractive, and the hardware is still capable enough for everyday use. However, Samsung has completely stopped supporting the Galaxy S21, meaning it no longer receives Android OS upgrades or security patches.
The Galaxy S23 is the much better choice. Certified Used and Refurbished models start at around $210+, only about $70 more than the Galaxy S21. It supports One UI 9 (Android 17), with Android OS support through 2027 and security updates through 2028.
That extra $70 also gets you a significantly faster and more efficient Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 for Galaxy processor, improved cameras, better battery efficiency, and Galaxy AI features. If you're buying a Samsung phone in 2026, we believe the additional cost is well worth it for the Galaxy S23's newer hardware and significantly longer remaining support life.
Samsung Galaxy S21 in 2026
The Samsung Galaxy S21 still has surprisingly capable hardware in 2026. Its compact design, 120Hz AMOLED display, triple-camera system, and Snapdragon 888 processor are more than enough for basic everyday tasks. If we looked at hardware alone, the Galaxy S21 would still be a reasonable budget smartphone.
Unfortunately, the bigger concern in 2026 is no longer performance. Samsung has completely ended software support for the Galaxy S21. With no more Android OS upgrades or security patches, we don't recommend buying one as your primary smartphone, even at its attractive $140+ starting price.
Price and Availability
According to the UpTrade Price Tracker, Certified Used and Refurbished Galaxy S21 models start at around $140+ in 2026. That's an attractive price for a former flagship smartphone, especially considering the Galaxy S21 originally launched at a much higher price.
However, price alone doesn't make an older smartphone a good value. At this stage of the Galaxy S21's lifecycle, the lack of software and security support is more important than saving money upfront.
The Certified Used and Refurbished Galaxy S23 starts at around $210+, making it about $70 more expensive. We believe that additional $70 is well worth spending for a newer phone with significantly more remaining software support.
Software Support
Software support is the biggest weakness of the Galaxy S21 in 2026. Samsung has completely ended support for the Galaxy S21, meaning it no longer receives major Android OS upgrades or security patches.
The Galaxy S21 also does not support the latest One UI 9 (Android 17). While the phone will continue working, it will gradually fall further behind newer Galaxy devices in features, security, and compatibility.
This is the main reason we don't recommend buying the Galaxy S21 in 2026. There are newer Certified Used and Refurbished Galaxy phones available for only a little more money that still receive both Android OS upgrades and security updates.
Chipset and Performance
The U.S. Galaxy S21 is powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 processor and comes with 8GB of RAM. Despite its age, the Snapdragon 888 remains capable enough for web browsing, streaming, social media, navigation, video calls, and most everyday apps.
It can also handle mobile gaming, although newer processors are considerably faster and more power efficient. The Snapdragon 888 is known to generate more heat and consume more power under demanding workloads than newer Snapdragon chips.
For basic everyday performance, the Galaxy S21 is still capable. Performance alone isn't a reason to replace or avoid it. The much bigger concern for someone buying one today is its lack of software support.
Display
The Galaxy S21 features a 6.2-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display with a 120Hz refresh rate. Even in 2026, it's an excellent screen for a phone at this price point.
The 120Hz refresh rate makes scrolling and animations feel smooth, while Samsung's AMOLED technology provides vibrant colors, deep blacks, and excellent contrast. Its relatively compact 6.2-inch size also makes the Galaxy S21 easier to use with one hand than many larger modern smartphones.
Display quality remains one of the Galaxy S21's strongest features, and buyers upgrading primarily for screen quality may not notice a dramatic difference with newer base Galaxy S models.
Camera
The Galaxy S21 features a triple-camera system with a 12MP main camera, 12MP ultra-wide camera, and 64MP telephoto camera. It can still capture good photos in daylight and offers plenty of versatility for everyday photography.
However, newer Galaxy phones benefit from improved camera sensors, image processing, low-light photography, and AI-powered editing features. The Galaxy S23, for example, features a newer 50MP main camera and improved computational photography.
If you mostly take casual photos for social media, the Galaxy S21 remains capable. Buyers who care more about photography, low-light performance, and newer AI editing features will benefit from moving to a newer model.
Battery Life
The Galaxy S21 has a 4,000mAh battery with 25W wired charging and 15W wireless charging. When new, it provided reasonable all-day battery life for moderate users.
Battery condition becomes more important when buying a phone that originally launched in 2021. Battery capacity naturally declines with age and use, so the actual battery life of a Certified Used or Refurbished Galaxy S21 will depend partly on the condition of the individual device.
The Snapdragon 888 is also less efficient than newer processors. The Galaxy S23's Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 for Galaxy, for example, delivers much better power efficiency despite the Galaxy S23 having a slightly smaller 3,900mAh battery.
Design
The Galaxy S21 remains a compact and comfortable smartphone. Its 6.2-inch display and relatively lightweight body make it easier to carry and use with one hand than many larger modern phones.
It also offers IP68 water and dust resistance and Gorilla Glass Victus protection on the front. However, unlike the Galaxy S21+ and S21 Ultra, the standard Galaxy S21 uses a plastic back rather than glass.
The design still looks modern in 2026, but buyers looking for a more premium build will find the Galaxy S23 to be a noticeable upgrade with Gorilla Glass Victus 2 on both the front and back.
Why Software Support Matters More in 2026
When shopping for a Certified Used or Refurbished smartphone, it's easy to focus primarily on price and hardware specifications. However, remaining software support should be one of the most important factors when buying an older phone in 2026.
A phone can still have a fast processor, a beautiful display, and good cameras while no longer being a smart purchase. That's exactly the problem with the Galaxy S21. The hardware remains capable, but Samsung has ended its software support.
No More Android OS Updates
The Galaxy S21 has reached the end of its Android OS upgrade lifecycle and does not support One UI 9 (Android 17). That means it will no longer receive Samsung's latest major One UI features or future Android versions.
This doesn't mean the Galaxy S21 suddenly stops working. Existing apps and features will continue to function. However, the gap between the Galaxy S21 and newer supported devices will continue to grow as new Android versions are released.
By comparison, the Galaxy S23 supports Android 17 through 2027, giving buyers access to Samsung's latest Android and One UI experience for considerably longer.
No More Security Updates
More importantly, the Galaxy S21 no longer receives Samsung security patches. Security updates fix newly discovered vulnerabilities that could potentially put personal information at risk.
This becomes increasingly important the longer you use a smartphone. Phones today often contain banking apps, saved passwords, personal photos, emails, payment information, work accounts, and other sensitive data.
The Galaxy S23, on the other hand, will continue receiving Samsung security updates through 2028. For buyers choosing a phone in 2026, those additional years of security support provide significantly better long-term value and peace of mind.
Is It Safe to Use the Galaxy S21 in 2026?
The Galaxy S21 doesn't immediately become unsafe simply because Samsung has ended security updates. If you already own one, you can continue using it while taking normal precautions such as keeping your apps updated, using strong passwords, and avoiding suspicious downloads and links.
However, there's an important difference between continuing to use a Galaxy S21 you already own and buying one in 2026. We wouldn't recommend investing in a phone today that has already reached the end of its official software and security support.
With the Certified Used and Refurbished Galaxy S23 starting at around $210+, spending approximately $70 more gives you Android 17 support through 2027, security updates through 2028, newer hardware, better efficiency, and a much longer useful lifespan. For most buyers, that's money well spent.
Best Alternative: Galaxy S23
If you're considering a Certified Used or Refurbished Galaxy S21, we recommend spending a little more on the Galaxy S23. According to the UpTrade Price Tracker, the Galaxy S23 starts at around $210+ in 2026, only about $70 more than the Galaxy S21 at $140+.
That extra $70 buys much more than newer hardware. The Galaxy S23 supports the latest One UI 9 (Android 17), with Android OS support through 2027 and security updates through 2028. In comparison, Samsung has completely ended software and security support for the Galaxy S21.
The Galaxy S23 also offers a significantly faster and more efficient Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 for Galaxy processor, a newer 50MP main camera, a brighter display, Galaxy AI features, and a more premium glass design. If you're buying a phone in 2026 rather than simply continuing to use one you already own, we believe the Galaxy S23 is easily worth the additional $70.
Galaxy S21 vs Galaxy S23 Specs Comparison
| Feature |
Galaxy S21 |
Galaxy S23 |
| Release Year |
2021 |
2023 |
| Certified Used / Refurbished Price (2026) |
$140+ |
$210+ |
| Latest Software Support |
Support ended |
One UI 9 (Android 17) |
| Android OS Support |
Ended |
Through 2027 |
| Security Updates |
Ended |
Through 2028 |
| Chipset |
Snapdragon 888 / Exynos 2100 |
Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 for Galaxy |
| CPU |
Octa-core |
Octa-core |
| RAM |
8GB |
8GB |
| Storage |
128GB / 256GB |
128GB / 256GB |
| microSD Card |
No |
No |
| Display Technology |
Dynamic AMOLED 2X |
Dynamic AMOLED 2X |
| Display Size |
6.2-inch |
6.1-inch |
| Resolution |
2400 × 1080 |
2340 × 1080 |
| Refresh Rate |
Adaptive 48–120Hz |
Adaptive 48–120Hz |
| Peak Brightness |
Up to 1,300 nits |
Up to 1,750 nits |
| Main Camera |
12MP |
50MP |
| Ultra-wide Camera |
12MP |
12MP |
| Telephoto Camera |
64MP Hybrid Optic Zoom |
10MP 3x Optical Zoom |
| Front Camera |
10MP |
12MP |
| Video Recording |
Up to 8K |
Up to 8K |
| Battery Capacity |
4,000mAh |
3,900mAh |
| Wired Charging |
25W |
25W |
| Wireless Charging |
15W |
15W |
| Reverse Wireless Charging |
Yes |
Yes |
| Water Resistance |
IP68 |
IP68 |
| Front Protection |
Gorilla Glass Victus |
Gorilla Glass Victus 2 |
| Back Material |
Plastic |
Gorilla Glass Victus 2 |
| 5G |
Yes |
Yes |
| Wi-Fi |
Wi-Fi 6 |
Wi-Fi 6E |
| Bluetooth |
5.0 |
5.3 |
| Galaxy AI |
No |
Yes |
Key Differences
Price
The Galaxy S21 has a clear advantage if you're looking only at the purchase price. Certified Used and Refurbished Galaxy S21 models start at around $140+, compared with approximately $210+ for the Galaxy S23.
However, the difference is only about $70. Considering the Galaxy S23's significantly longer remaining support life and newer hardware, we believe the savings aren't enough to justify buying the Galaxy S21 in 2026.
Software Support
This is the most important difference between the two phones. Samsung has completely stopped supporting the Galaxy S21, so it no longer receives Android OS upgrades or security patches.
The Galaxy S23 supports One UI 9 (Android 17), with Android OS support through 2027 and security updates through 2028. If you plan to keep your next phone for a few years, the Galaxy S23 is easily the better choice.
Performance
The Galaxy S23's Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 for Galaxy processor is a major upgrade over the Snapdragon 888 found in the U.S. Galaxy S21. It's faster, more power efficient, and better at handling demanding games, multitasking, photography, and AI-powered features.
The Galaxy S21 remains fast enough for everyday tasks, but the Galaxy S23 should deliver a smoother experience for longer. Its improved efficiency also helps reduce heat and improve real-world battery life.
Display
Both phones offer excellent Dynamic AMOLED 2X displays with adaptive refresh rates up to 120Hz. The Galaxy S21 has a slightly larger 6.2-inch display, while the Galaxy S23 uses a 6.1-inch panel.
The Galaxy S23's biggest display advantage is brightness. With peak brightness of up to 1,750 nits, it's considerably easier to see outdoors than the Galaxy S21. Both screens are excellent, but the Galaxy S23 offers the more refined experience.
Camera
The Galaxy S23 upgrades to a 50MP main camera and a dedicated 10MP telephoto camera with 3x optical zoom. The Galaxy S21 instead uses a 12MP main camera and a 64MP telephoto camera that relies more heavily on hybrid zoom.
Combined with Samsung's newer image processing, the Galaxy S23 generally produces better low-light photos, more detailed images, and more consistent results. The Galaxy S21 camera is still capable, but the Galaxy S23 is the better choice for buyers who frequently take photos and videos.
Battery Life
Interestingly, the Galaxy S21 has a slightly larger 4,000mAh battery compared with the Galaxy S23's 3,900mAh battery. However, battery capacity doesn't tell the whole story.
The Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 for Galaxy is significantly more efficient than the Snapdragon 888, allowing the Galaxy S23 to deliver excellent real-world battery life despite its slightly smaller battery. A Certified Used Galaxy S23 is also two years newer, which can be an advantage when considering battery age.
Galaxy AI
The Galaxy S23 supports Samsung's Galaxy AI features, adding another major advantage over the Galaxy S21. These include tools for search, translation, productivity, and AI-powered photo editing.
The Galaxy S21 doesn't receive Samsung's current Galaxy AI experience. As Samsung continues adding AI features to newer Galaxy devices, this difference will become increasingly important for buyers who want access to the company's latest software capabilities.
Which One Should You Buy?
We recommend the Galaxy S23. The Galaxy S21's $140+ starting price is tempting, but saving approximately $70 isn't enough to compensate for buying a phone that no longer receives Android OS or security updates.
For around $210+, the Galaxy S23 supports One UI 9 (Android 17), receives Android OS support through 2027 and security updates through 2028, and gives you a much newer processor, improved cameras, better efficiency, a brighter display, Galaxy AI, and a more premium design.
If you already own a Galaxy S21 and it still works well, you don't necessarily need to replace it immediately. But if you're buying a Certified Used or Refurbished Samsung phone in 2026, we strongly recommend spending the additional $70 on the Galaxy S23.
Conclusion
The Samsung Galaxy S21 still offers capable hardware in 2026. Its 120Hz Dynamic AMOLED 2X display, Snapdragon 888 processor, triple-camera system, compact design, and 5G connectivity are more than enough for everyday use. At around $140+, its Certified Used and Refurbished price may also look very attractive.
However, we don't recommend buying the Galaxy S21 in 2026. Samsung has completely ended software support for the Galaxy S21, meaning it no longer receives Android OS upgrades or security patches. It also doesn't support the latest One UI 9 (Android 17). For a phone you're buying today and may keep for several years, the lack of security updates is simply too important to ignore.
Instead, we recommend spending about $70 more on the Galaxy S23, with Certified Used and Refurbished models starting at around $210+. It supports One UI 9 (Android 17), with Android OS support through 2027 and security updates through 2028. You also get a much faster and more efficient Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 for Galaxy processor, improved cameras, a brighter display, Galaxy AI features, and a more premium design.
If you already own a Galaxy S21 and it still meets your needs, you can continue using it while being aware that official security support has ended. But if you're shopping for a Certified Used or Refurbished Samsung phone in 2026, the Galaxy S23 is the much smarter investment. For approximately $70 more, you get a newer phone with significantly longer remaining support life and better long-term value.
UpTrade makes it easy to compare Certified Used and Refurbished Galaxy prices from trusted sellers, helping you find the best deal without taking the risks that often come with buying a used phone from an open marketplace.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is the Samsung Galaxy S21 still worth buying in 2026?
No. Although the Galaxy S21 starts at an attractive $140+ and still has capable hardware, Samsung has ended software and security support for the device. We recommend spending about $70 more on a Certified Used or Refurbished Galaxy S23 instead.
2. How much does a Certified Used Galaxy S21 cost in 2026?
According to the UpTrade Price Tracker, Certified Used and Refurbished Galaxy S21 models start at around $140+ in 2026.
3. Does the Galaxy S21 support One UI 9 (Android 17)?
No. The Galaxy S21 does not support One UI 9 (Android 17). Samsung has ended major Android OS upgrades for the Galaxy S21.
4. Does the Galaxy S21 still receive security updates in 2026?
No. Samsung has ended security updates for the Galaxy S21. This is one of the main reasons we don't recommend buying one in 2026.
5. Is the Galaxy S21 safe to use in 2026?
The Galaxy S21 will continue to work, but it no longer receives security patches from Samsung. If you already own one, you can continue using it while taking normal security precautions. However, we don't recommend buying one in 2026 because official security support has ended.
6. Is the Galaxy S21 still fast enough in 2026?
Yes. The Galaxy S21's Snapdragon 888 processor is still fast enough for web browsing, streaming, social media, navigation, and most everyday apps. Performance isn't the main problem with the Galaxy S21 in 2026; its lack of software and security support is.
7. Is the Galaxy S21 camera still good in 2026?
Yes. The Galaxy S21's triple-camera system can still take good photos and videos, especially in daylight. However, newer models such as the Galaxy S23 offer improved image processing, better low-light photography, and newer AI-powered editing features.
8. Is the Galaxy S23 better than the Galaxy S21?
Yes. The Galaxy S23 offers a faster and more efficient Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 for Galaxy processor, improved cameras, a brighter display, Galaxy AI features, and significantly longer software support.
9. Is the Galaxy S23 worth $70 more than the Galaxy S21?
Yes. We believe the Galaxy S23 is easily worth the additional $70. It supports One UI 9 (Android 17), with Android OS support through 2027 and security updates through 2028. It also offers newer hardware, better performance, improved battery efficiency, and Galaxy AI features.
10. What is the best alternative to the Galaxy S21 in 2026?
We recommend the Galaxy S23, which starts at around $210+ for Certified Used and Refurbished models. It costs about $70 more than the Galaxy S21 but offers significantly longer software support, better performance, improved cameras, and better long-term value.
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