Samsung Galaxy S21 vs Samsung Galaxy S25

Our Verdict: Galaxy S25 is the more convincing choice when the priority is up to 512GB of storage. The trade-off is that Galaxy S21 gives you a higher-resolution 64MP rear camera. The value argument points to Galaxy S21, which is around £273 less on the lowest typical contract total. Galaxy S25 also has broader live deal availability at the moment. Go with Galaxy S25 if you care most about maximum storage; go with Galaxy S21 if you want to keep the total cost down.

Buying outright, the S21 5G starts at £150 SIM-free.

Expert Rating
4.1
10 reviews
4.1
11 reviews
Screen
6.2" 6.2"
Display
Dynamic AMOLED 2X Dynamic LTPO AMOLED 2X
Resolution
1080 x 2400 1080 x 2340
Pixels Per Inch
424 416
Rear Camera
64 Megapixels 50 Megapixels
Front Camera
10 Megapixels 12 Megapixels
Chipset
Exynos 2100 Qualcomm SM8750-AB Snapdragon 8 Elite (3 nm)
Battery
4,000 mAh 4,000 mAh
Storage
128GB, 256GB 128GB, 256GB, 512GB
OS
Android 11 Android 15
SIM Type
Nano SIM nano-SIM and e-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 5.4, A2DP, LE
Dimensions
151.7 x 71.2 x 7.9 mm 146.9 x 70.4 x 7.2 mm
Weight
171 grams 162 grams
Water Resistance
IP53 - dust and splash protection IP68 - Dust and water resistant over 1.5 meter and 30 minutes
Contracts
- £22.00/mo (£20.00 upfront)
SIM-free
£149.99 £439.99

Prices updated 26 July 2026

Samsung Galaxy S21 Samsung Galaxy S21 Samsung Galaxy S25 Samsung Galaxy S25
Expert Rating 4.1
10 reviews
4.1
11 reviews
Screen 6.2" 6.2"
Display Dynamic AMOLED 2X Dynamic LTPO AMOLED 2X
Resolution 1080 x 2400 1080 x 2340
Pixels Per Inch 424 416
Rear Camera 64 Megapixels 50 Megapixels
Front Camera 10 Megapixels 12 Megapixels
Chipset Exynos 2100 Qualcomm SM8750-AB Snapdragon 8 Elite (3 nm)
Battery 4,000 mAh 4,000 mAh
Storage 128GB, 256GB 128GB, 256GB, 512GB
OS Android 11 Android 15
SIM Type Nano SIM nano-SIM and e-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 5.4, A2DP, LE
Dimensions 151.7 x 71.2 x 7.9 mm 146.9 x 70.4 x 7.2 mm
Weight 171 grams 162 grams
Water Resistance IP53 - dust and splash protection IP68 - Dust and water resistant over 1.5 meter and 30 minutes
Contracts - £22.00/mo
£20.00 upfront
SIM-free £149.99 £439.99
Prices updated 26 July 2026
Deals Deals

Cheapest Deals

Samsung Galaxy S21
Samsung Galaxy S21

128GB

Phantom Grey

Refurbished

From £149.99

Samsung Galaxy S25
Samsung Galaxy S25

24 Months

128GB

Navy

Refurbished

1GB

Data

£22 per month, £20 upfront.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Which has the better screen, the Samsung Galaxy S21 or Samsung Galaxy S25?

Both phones have a similar screen size at around 6.2", both screens are similarly sharp at around 424 pixels per inch, and the Samsung Galaxy S21 uses a Dynamic AMOLED 2X panel while the Samsung Galaxy S25 has a Dynamic LTPO AMOLED 2X.

Which has the better camera, the Samsung Galaxy S21 or Samsung Galaxy S25?

The Samsung Galaxy S21 features a 64 Megapixels rear camera, while the Samsung Galaxy S25 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 S25?

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 S25?

The Samsung Galaxy S21 is available in 128GB, 256GB, while the Samsung Galaxy S25 comes in 128GB, 256GB, 512GB.

What processors do the Samsung Galaxy S21 and Samsung Galaxy S25 use?

The Samsung Galaxy S21 is powered by the Exynos 2100, while the Samsung Galaxy S25 uses the Qualcomm SM8750-AB Snapdragon 8 Elite (3 nm).

Which is easier to carry and hold, the Samsung Galaxy S21 or Samsung Galaxy S25?

The Samsung Galaxy S25 is the more portable of the two: it's 9g lighter at 162 grams, it's also the more compact phone at 146.9 x 70.4 x 7.2 mm, and is slimmer at 7.2mm thick.

Which is more water resistant, the Samsung Galaxy S21 or Samsung Galaxy S25?

The Samsung Galaxy S21 is rated IP53 - dust and splash protection, while the Samsung Galaxy S25 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 S25 run?

The Samsung Galaxy S21 runs Android 11 and the Samsung Galaxy S25 runs Android 15. This is one of the biggest factors when choosing between the two, as each ecosystem has its own apps, services and features.