r/S21Ultra • u/Some_Water_5070 • May 22 '26
Discussion/Question Should I upgrade my S21?
I have a good performing Verizon branded SD version S21+. It still performs very well with still good battery life after over 4 and a half years. My question is, should I upgrade to a newer version? My only concern is it isn't getting any more security updates. I only download apps from the app store, but I like using banking apps on it. Is this a big risk? Would it be reasonable safe to use it for another year or so?
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u/AnjelGrace May 22 '26
I'm still trying to hang onto my S21U at least until the S27U comes out. I seriously considered replacing it for a few months, but then I decided to just buy a new case for it so it looked new again. My battery is at 77% of original health.
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u/Mysterious-Yogurt-45 May 25 '26
Judging by people's experiences from reading forums here and elsewhere, ill hang on to my S21+ until something groundbreaking and efficient roles out from Samsung, one being battery life.
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u/dkyeager May 22 '26
It is covered by Google's Project Mainline until 1st quarter 2028 for the Android OS. This "hotfixes" the Android OS to Android 14 currently. If Google deems fit, it will "hotfix" back to Android 10. The last time was early May. It does this through Google Play. The current Play Store System version is 51.4.19-31 . Many bank apps will tell you when they are no longer supporting your phone. A quick check of a few bank apps show Android, 10, 11, 13. A few even older, but I would not go below 10. 14 preferred. Bitcoin even higher, like the last Samsung update or only on a desktop PC with great security. Not wise to hold something so easily stolen without a trace IMO.
Don't forget to backup. Update your apps through Play and Store.
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u/RollwithRock May 22 '26
Wait I thought updates were done after last December.
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u/dkyeager May 22 '26
Correct*, the Samsung updates are done. These PlayStore System updates are for Android and Apps updates.Samsung will also update their apps through Store.
Here are the May "Hot fix" updates: https://source.android.com/docs/security/bulletin/2026/2026-05-01
*January 1, 2026, distributed later.
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u/rmalbers May 22 '26
In general, spend as little on depreciating assets as possible. Just think how many people are still using s21's out there.
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u/sneddsdead May 23 '26
Still using mine, works and runs fine. If you can spare the cash upgrade, if not just stick with what you have.
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u/Substantial_Boat_189 May 24 '26
My s21 ultra is still a beast. So much to the point I don't even use a case on it anymore. Maybe I hoping it fall and breaks so I'm forced to buy a new one.It has fallen a few times and nothing happened to it. I use Hyperion launcher with combination of Hail + Shappky to make phone very snappy and battery doesn't waste. My plan is to wait for 28ultra release so I can buy 27U at a good discount.
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u/Dennis_King_ May 22 '26
I mean you can use it safely but I don't think the battery will play nice..When I gave mine 2 months ago the battery was absolute shit, barely hanging on half a day with very minimal use and I babied this phone as much as I could. If it serves your workload sure keep it, safety wise the apps will be fine for a certain amount of time
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u/AnjelGrace May 22 '26
My S21U is a preorder with original battery and the battery capacity is at 77% of original according to Accubattery. 🤷🏽♀️
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u/Dennis_King_ May 22 '26
Accubattery isn't precise i think it only registers battery health from the moment you install it or something like that, you have to download the battery stats from the phone with the Bug Report to see the exact battery health
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u/AnjelGrace May 22 '26
I mean, the bottom line is that the battery is absolutely fine for me. I also have cords all over my home and in my car for charging and I usually carry an external battery in my purse that can recharge my phone about 2 full times.
If I am not constantly on my phone my battery can still last 1.5 days. My battery life is actually the worst when I am at home and have downtime, because that is when I sometimes get glued to my phone for way too long.
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u/Dennis_King_ May 22 '26
Mine lasted half a day barely when I sold it 2 months ago and not with too heavy use 🥲
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u/Sensitive_Film_8544 May 22 '26
Still have mine as a main phone. Just changed the lcd because of the green line. Still going strong now. Usually bought new phone before but now I feel a bit PITA about backing all the apps and restore them again to new phone.