Samsung Galaxy S21 vs Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge
Our Verdict: The Galaxy S21 and the Galaxy S25 Edge are four years apart, which is enough for a real difference. The S25 Edge leads on camera hardware with a 200MP main sensor to the S21 5G's 64MP, and the S25 Edge has the stronger screen, bigger at 6.7" against 6.2" and sharper at 513 PPI. Storage goes higher on the S25 Edge, up to 512GB against 256GB, and the S25 Edge is the lighter phone at 163g against 171g. The S25 Edge is the better phone; upgrade from the S21 5G if you want the newer hardware, or hold on if yours still does the job.
Buying outright, the S21 5G starts at £145 SIM-free.
10 reviews 3.8
11 reviews
Prices updated 27 July 2026
Samsung Galaxy S21
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Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge
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|---|---|---|
| Expert Rating | 4.1 10 reviews |
3.8 11 reviews |
| Screen | 6.2" | 6.7" |
| Display | Dynamic AMOLED 2X | Dynamic AMOLED 2X |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2400 | 1440 x 3120 |
| Pixels Per Inch | 424 | 513 |
| Rear Camera | 64 Megapixels | 200 Megapixels |
| Front Camera | 10 Megapixels | 12 Megapixels |
| Chipset | Exynos 2100 | Qualcomm SM8750-3-AB Snapdragon 8 Elite (3 nm) |
| Battery | 4,000 mAh | 3,900 mAh |
| Storage | 128GB, 256GB | 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 | 159 x 76 x 5.8 mm |
| Weight | 171 grams | 163 grams |
| Water Resistance | IP53 - dust and splash protection | IP68 - Dust and water resistant over 1.5 meter and 30 minutes |
| Contracts | - |
£28.29/mo
£29.00 upfront |
| SIM-free | £144.99 | £499.00 |
| Prices updated 27 July 2026 | ||
| Deals | Deals | |
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Frequently Asked Questions
Which has the better screen, the Samsung Galaxy S21 or Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge?
The Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge has the bigger screen at 6.7" compared to the Samsung Galaxy S21's 6.2", the Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge has the sharper display at 513 pixels per inch versus 424, and both use Dynamic AMOLED 2X panels.
Which has the better camera, the Samsung Galaxy S21 or Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge?
The Samsung Galaxy S21 features a 64 Megapixels rear camera, while the Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge has a 200 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 Edge?
The Samsung Galaxy S21 is cheaper SIM-free, starting from £144.99.
What storage options are available for the Samsung Galaxy S21 and Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge?
The Samsung Galaxy S21 is available in 128GB, 256GB, while the Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge comes in 256GB, 512GB.
What processors do the Samsung Galaxy S21 and Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge use?
The Samsung Galaxy S21 is powered by the Exynos 2100, while the Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge uses the Qualcomm SM8750-3-AB Snapdragon 8 Elite (3 nm).
Which is easier to carry and hold, the Samsung Galaxy S21 or Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge?
It's a trade-off: the Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge is lighter but the Samsung Galaxy S21 is more compact. It's 8g lighter at 163 grams, though the Samsung Galaxy S21 is actually the more compact phone at 151.7 x 71.2 x 7.9 mm, the Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge is slimmer at 5.8mm thick.
Which is more water resistant, the Samsung Galaxy S21 or Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge?
The Samsung Galaxy S21 is rated IP53 - dust and splash protection, while the Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge 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 Edge run?
The Samsung Galaxy S21 runs Android 11 and the Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge 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.