Samsung Galaxy S21 vs Samsung Galaxy S21 Plus

Our verdict: Neither phone sweeps the display: the Samsung Galaxy S21 Plus is bigger at 6.7" while the Samsung Galaxy S21 is sharper at 424 PPI. For a lighter carry, the Samsung Galaxy S21 wins at 171g. If splashes worry you, the Samsung Galaxy S21 Plus offers the stronger seal at IP68. For those who prefer to buy upfront, the Samsung Galaxy S21 starts from £129.95 unlocked.

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
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
£17.99/mo (£0.00 upfront)
SIM-free
£129.95 £199.99
Samsung Galaxy S21 Samsung Galaxy S21 Samsung Galaxy S21 Plus Samsung Galaxy S21 Plus
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
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 £17.99/mo
£0.00 upfront
SIM-free £129.95 £199.99
Deals Deals

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 £129.95.

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.