Samsung Galaxy S21 vs Samsung Galaxy S21 Plus
Our Verdict: Same generation, two tiers: the Galaxy S21 Plus at the top and the Galaxy S21 below it. The S21+ 5G packs the bigger battery, 4800mAh against 4000mAh, which should mean longer between charges in day-to-day use, and the S21+ 5G has the bigger screen at 6.7" against 6.2", while the S21 5G has the sharper one at 424 PPI. The S21 5G is the lighter phone at 171g against 202g. Get the S21+ 5G if those extras are worth it to you; otherwise the S21 5G covers the basics for less.
If you'd rather pay up front, the S21 5G is the cheaper buy at £140 SIM-free.
10 reviews 4.0
10 reviews
Prices updated 11 July 2026
Samsung Galaxy S21
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Samsung Galaxy S21 Plus
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|---|---|---|
| Expert Rating | 4.1 10 reviews |
4.0 10 reviews |
| Screen | 6.2" | 6.7" |
| Display | Dynamic AMOLED 2X | Dynamic AMOLED 2X |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2400 | 1080 x 2400 |
| Pixels Per Inch | 424 | 393 |
| Rear Camera | 64 Megapixels | 64 Megapixels |
| Front Camera | 10 Megapixels | 10 Megapixels |
| Chipset | Exynos 2100 | Exynos 2100 |
| Battery | 4,000 mAh | 4,800 mAh |
| Storage | 128GB, 256GB | 128GB, 256GB |
| OS | Android 11 | Android 11 |
| SIM Type | Nano SIM | Standard SIM |
| Connectivity | Up to 5G | Up to 5G |
| Wi-Fi | 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6 | 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6e |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 with A2DP, LE | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| Dimensions | 151.7 x 71.2 x 7.9 mm | 161.4 x 75.6 x 7.8 mm |
| Weight | 171 grams | 202 grams |
| Water Resistance | IP53 - dust and splash protection | IP68 - Dust and water resistant over 1.5 meter and 30 minutes |
| Contracts | - | - |
| SIM-free | £139.99 | £174.99 |
| Prices updated 11 July 2026 | ||
| Deals | Deals | |
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Frequently Asked Questions
Which has the better screen, the Samsung Galaxy S21 or Samsung Galaxy S21 Plus?
The Samsung Galaxy S21 Plus has the bigger screen at 6.7" compared to the Samsung Galaxy S21's 6.2", the Samsung Galaxy S21 has the sharper display at 424 pixels per inch versus 393, and both use Dynamic AMOLED 2X panels.
Which has the better camera, the Samsung Galaxy S21 or Samsung Galaxy S21 Plus?
The Samsung Galaxy S21 features a 64 Megapixels rear camera, while the Samsung Galaxy S21 Plus 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 S21 or Samsung Galaxy S21 Plus?
The Samsung Galaxy S21 is cheaper SIM-free, starting from £139.99.
What storage options are available for the Samsung Galaxy S21 and Samsung Galaxy S21 Plus?
The Samsung Galaxy S21 is available in 128GB, 256GB, while the Samsung Galaxy S21 Plus comes in 128GB, 256GB.
What processors do the Samsung Galaxy S21 and Samsung Galaxy S21 Plus use?
The Samsung Galaxy S21 is powered by the Exynos 2100, while the Samsung Galaxy S21 Plus uses the Exynos 2100.
Which is easier to carry and hold, the Samsung Galaxy S21 or Samsung Galaxy S21 Plus?
The Samsung Galaxy S21 is the more portable of the two: it's 31g lighter at 171 grams, it's also the more compact phone at 151.7 x 71.2 x 7.9 mm.
Which is more water resistant, the Samsung Galaxy S21 or Samsung Galaxy S21 Plus?
The Samsung Galaxy S21 is rated IP53 - dust and splash protection, while the Samsung Galaxy S21 Plus is rated IP68 - Dust and water resistant over 1.5 meter and 30 minutes.
What operating system do the Samsung Galaxy S21 and Samsung Galaxy S21 Plus run?
Both phones run Android 11.