Samsung Galaxy S21 vs Samsung Galaxy S23 Plus
Our Verdict: There's two years between the Galaxy S21 and the Galaxy S23 Plus, so the Galaxy S23 Plus is ahead on most things. The S21 5G leads on camera hardware with a 64MP main sensor to the S23+ 5G's 50MP, and the S23+ 5G has the bigger battery of the two, 4700mAh against 4000mAh, which usually means longer between charges. The S23+ 5G has the bigger screen at 6.6" against 6.2", while the S21 5G has the sharper one at 424 PPI, and the S23+ 5G offers up to 512GB of storage versus 256GB on the S21 5G. If you're on the S21 5G, the S23+ 5G is a real step up, but only worth it if the changes above matter to you.
If you'd rather pay up front, the S21 5G is the cheaper buy at £150 SIM-free.
12 reviews 4.1
12 reviews
Samsung Galaxy S21
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Samsung Galaxy S23 Plus
|
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|---|---|---|
| Release Date | 29 January 2021 | 17 February 2023 |
| Expert Rating |
4.1 12 reviews |
4.1 12 reviews |
| Screen | 6.2" | 6.6" |
| Display | Dynamic AMOLED 2X | Dynamic AMOLED 2X |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2400 | 1080 x 2340 |
| Pixels Per Inch | 424 | 390 |
| Rear Camera | 64 Megapixels | 50 Megapixels |
| Front Camera | 10 Megapixels | 12 Megapixels |
| Chipset | Exynos 2100 | Qualcomm SM8550 Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 (4 nm) |
| Battery | 4,000 mAh | 4,700 mAh |
| Storage | 128GB, 256GB | 256GB, 512GB |
| OS | Android 11 | Android 13 |
| SIM Type | Nano SIM | Nano 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/6 |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 with A2DP, LE | 5.3 with A2DP, LE |
| Dimensions | 151.7 x 71.2 x 7.9 mm | 157.8 x 76.2 x 7.6 mm |
| Weight | 171 grams | 195 grams |
| Water Resistance | IP53 - dust and splash protection | IP68 - Dust and water resistant over 1.5 meter and 30 minutes |
| Contracts | - |
£57.33/mo
£30.00 upfront |
| SIM-free | £149.99 | £249.95 |
| Deals | Deals |
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Frequently Asked Questions
Which has the better screen, the Samsung Galaxy S21 or Samsung Galaxy S23 Plus?
The Samsung Galaxy S23 Plus has the bigger screen at 6.6" compared to the Samsung Galaxy S21's 6.2", the Samsung Galaxy S21 has the sharper display at 424 pixels per inch versus 390, and both use Dynamic AMOLED 2X panels.
Which has the better camera, the Samsung Galaxy S21 or Samsung Galaxy S23 Plus?
The Samsung Galaxy S21 features a 64 Megapixels rear camera, while the Samsung Galaxy S23 Plus has a 50 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 S23 Plus?
The Samsung Galaxy S21 is cheaper SIM-free, starting from £149.99.
What storage options are available for the Samsung Galaxy S21 and Samsung Galaxy S23 Plus?
The Samsung Galaxy S21 is available in 128GB, 256GB, while the Samsung Galaxy S23 Plus comes in 256GB, 512GB.
What processors do the Samsung Galaxy S21 and Samsung Galaxy S23 Plus use?
The Samsung Galaxy S21 is powered by the Exynos 2100, while the Samsung Galaxy S23 Plus uses the Qualcomm SM8550 Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 (4 nm).
Which is easier to carry and hold, the Samsung Galaxy S21 or Samsung Galaxy S23 Plus?
The Samsung Galaxy S21 is the more portable of the two: it's 24g lighter at 171 grams, it's also the more compact phone at 151.7 x 71.2 x 7.9 mm, the Samsung Galaxy S23 Plus is slimmer at 7.6mm thick.
Which is more water resistant, the Samsung Galaxy S21 or Samsung Galaxy S23 Plus?
The Samsung Galaxy S21 is rated IP53 - dust and splash protection, while the Samsung Galaxy S23 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 S23 Plus run?
The Samsung Galaxy S21 runs Android 11 and the Samsung Galaxy S23 Plus runs Android 13. This is one of the biggest factors when choosing between the two, as each ecosystem has its own apps, services and features.