Samsung Galaxy S20 5G vs Samsung Galaxy S21

Our verdict: Display sharpness is where the Samsung Galaxy S20 5G pulls ahead, hitting 566 PPI. You'll barely notice the Samsung Galaxy S20 5G in your pocket at 164g. For water protection, the Samsung Galaxy S20 5G leads with an IP68 rating. SIM-free, the Samsung Galaxy S21 comes in at £129.95 — the lower starting price of the two.

Screen
6.2" 6.2"
Display
AMOLED Dynamic AMOLED 2X
Resolution
1440 x 3200 1080 x 2400
Pixels Per Inch
566 424
Rear Camera
64 Megapixels 64 Megapixels
Front Camera
10 Megapixels 10 Megapixels
Chipset
Exynos 990 Exynos 2100
Storage
128GB 128GB, 256GB
OS
Android Android 11
SIM Type
Nano SIM Nano SIM
Connectivity
Up to 5G Up to 5G
Wi-Fi
802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/ax 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6
Bluetooth
5.0 with A2DP, LE, apt-X 5.0 with A2DP, LE
Dimensions
152 x 68 x 7.9 mm 151.7 x 71.2 x 7.9 mm
Weight
164 grams 171 grams
Water Resistance
IP68 - Dust and water resistant over 1.5 meter and 30 minutes IP53 - dust and splash protection
Contracts
£17.99/mo (£0.00 upfront)
SIM-free
£234.99 £129.95
Samsung Galaxy S20 5G Samsung Galaxy S20 5G Samsung Galaxy S21 Samsung Galaxy S21
Screen 6.2" 6.2"
Display AMOLED Dynamic AMOLED 2X
Resolution 1440 x 3200 1080 x 2400
Pixels Per Inch 566 424
Rear Camera 64 Megapixels 64 Megapixels
Front Camera 10 Megapixels 10 Megapixels
Chipset Exynos 990 Exynos 2100
Storage 128GB 128GB, 256GB
OS Android Android 11
SIM Type Nano SIM Nano SIM
Connectivity Up to 5G Up to 5G
Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/ax 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6
Bluetooth 5.0 with A2DP, LE, apt-X 5.0 with A2DP, LE
Dimensions 152 x 68 x 7.9 mm 151.7 x 71.2 x 7.9 mm
Weight 164 grams 171 grams
Water Resistance IP68 - Dust and water resistant over 1.5 meter and 30 minutes IP53 - dust and splash protection
Contracts £17.99/mo
£0.00 upfront
SIM-free £234.99 £129.95
Deals Deals

Frequently Asked Questions

Which has the better screen, the Samsung Galaxy S20 5G or Samsung Galaxy S21?

Both phones have a similar screen size at around 6.2", the Samsung Galaxy S20 5G has the sharper display at 566 pixels per inch versus 424, and the Samsung Galaxy S20 5G uses a AMOLED panel while the Samsung Galaxy S21 has a Dynamic AMOLED 2X.

Which has the better camera, the Samsung Galaxy S20 5G or Samsung Galaxy S21?

The Samsung Galaxy S20 5G features a 64 Megapixels rear camera, while the Samsung Galaxy S21 has a 64 Megapixels rear camera. Both devices also have front-facing cameras for selfies and video calls.

Which is cheaper to buy SIM-free, the Samsung Galaxy S20 5G or Samsung Galaxy S21?

The Samsung Galaxy S21 is cheaper SIM-free, starting from £129.95.

What storage options are available for the Samsung Galaxy S20 5G and Samsung Galaxy S21?

The Samsung Galaxy S20 5G is available in 128GB, while the Samsung Galaxy S21 comes in 128GB, 256GB.

What processors do the Samsung Galaxy S20 5G and Samsung Galaxy S21 use?

The Samsung Galaxy S20 5G is powered by the Exynos 990, while the Samsung Galaxy S21 uses the Exynos 2100.

Which is easier to carry and hold, the Samsung Galaxy S20 5G or Samsung Galaxy S21?

The Samsung Galaxy S20 5G is the more portable of the two — it's 7g lighter at 164 grams, it's also the more compact phone at 152 x 68 x 7.9 mm.

Which is more water resistant, the Samsung Galaxy S20 5G or Samsung Galaxy S21?

The Samsung Galaxy S20 5G is rated IP68 - Dust and water resistant over 1.5 meter and 30 minutes, while the Samsung Galaxy S21 is rated IP53 - dust and splash protection.

What operating system do the Samsung Galaxy S20 5G and Samsung Galaxy S21 run?

The Samsung Galaxy S20 5G runs Android and the Samsung Galaxy S21 runs Android 11. This is one of the biggest factors when choosing between the two, as each ecosystem has its own apps, services and features.