Samsung continues to aggressively refine its flagship lineup, creating a compelling case for upgrade while simultaneously demonstrating an unusual level of commitment to its older devices. A deep dive into the specifications of the latest Galaxy S24 compared to the 2022 Galaxy S22 reveals a substantial leap in hardware capabilities, yet recent software developments indicate that the tech giant is not ready to leave its legacy users behind just yet.
A Significant Display and Design Shift
For users holding onto the Galaxy S22, the transition to the Galaxy S24 offers more than just a subtle cosmetic refresh. While the devices share a similar footprint, the S24 pushes the screen size to 6.2 inches with significantly slimmer bezels, achieving a 90.87% screen-to-body ratio. The most dramatic improvement, however, lies in display brightness. The newer model utilizes a Dynamic AMOLED panel capable of hitting a staggering 2,600 nits, nearly double the 1,500-nit peak brightness of the S22. This change addresses outdoor visibility issues that plagued earlier models, protected by the more durable Gorilla Glass Victus 2 compared to the original Victus found on the 2022 device.
Generational Performance and Battery Leaps
Under the hood, the disparity becomes even more pronounced. The shift from the Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 in the S22 to the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 in the S24 has resulted in massive performance gains. Benchmark tests highlight this gap, with the S24 scoring 6,820 in GeekBench 6 multi-core tests, effectively doubling the S22’s score of 3,081. This raw power is paired with a larger 4,000 mAh battery, a welcome upgrade from the S22’s modest 3,700 mAh cell. Real-world usage reflects these numbers, with browsing time extending from roughly 12 hours on the older model to over 16 hours on the S24, addressing one of the main criticisms of the S22: its endurance.
Camera Refinements and Video Capabilities
While the primary camera hardware appears similar on paper—both utilizing a 50 MP main sensor with an F1.8 aperture—the processing pipelines have evolved. The S24 supports 8K video recording at 30 fps, an improvement over the 24 fps limit on the S22, and introduces continuous autofocus alongside superior HDR processing. Despite sticking to a triple-camera setup with a 12 MP ultra-wide and a 10 MP telephoto lens, the S24 leverages newer sensors like the Samsung GN3 and improved computational photography to deliver sharper, more balanced images than its predecessor.
Surprise Support for Legacy Hardware
While the hardware spotlight is firmly on the S24, Samsung has arguably made bigger waves in the software department regarding the much older Galaxy S21 series. In a move that caught millions of users off guard, the company has deviated from its scheduled update cycle to provide critical security support for the nearly five-year-old lineup. Although the Galaxy S21, S21+, and S21 Ultra were relegated to a quarterly update schedule, Samsung has pushed out three distinct updates within a span of just three months, signaling a prioritization of security over planned obsolescence.
Addressing Critical Vulnerabilities
The latest rollout, identified as the November 2025 patch (firmware version G99xBXXSIHYK1), clocks in at approximately 300 MB. While it offers no new consumer-facing features, it addresses specific, high-risk vulnerabilities. The update focuses on hardening the encryption and authentication protocols of the fingerprint sensor to prevent spoofing. Furthermore, it tightens security around the USB-C port, making the device more resistant to data theft during wired connections—a crucial defense against attacks via public charging stations. This urgency likely stems from the continued high usage of the S21 series and Samsung’s desire to secure the hardware before official support permanently ends in 2026.
Availability and Installation
This enhanced support strategy underscores Samsung’s dual approach: pushing performance boundaries with devices like the S24 while maintaining trust with long-term customers. The new security patch is currently available for S21 users across Europe, with the Fan Edition (FE) model following a separate release timeline. Owners are advised to navigate to their settings menu to manually trigger the download. Given the nature of the update, it is recommended to have the device charged to at least 50% and connected to a stable Wi-Fi network to ensure a smooth installation process.
