Samsung Galaxy S21 vs Samsung Galaxy S26
Buying outright, the S21 5G starts at £180 SIM-free.
10 reviews 3.9
11 reviews
Prices updated 13 August 2026
Samsung Galaxy S21
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Samsung Galaxy S26
|
|
|---|---|---|
| Expert Rating | 4.1 10 reviews |
3.9 11 reviews |
| Screen | 6.2" | 6.3" |
| Display | Dynamic AMOLED 2X | Dynamic LTPO AMOLED 2X |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2400 | 1080 x 2340 |
| Pixels Per Inch | 424 | 409 |
| Rear Camera | 64 Megapixels | 50 Megapixels |
| Front Camera | 10 Megapixels | 12 Megapixels |
| Chipset | Exynos 2100 | Qualcomm SM8850-AC Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 (3 nm) |
| Battery | 4,000 mAh | 4,300 mAh |
| Storage | 128GB, 256GB | 256GB, 512GB |
| OS | Android 11 | Android 16 |
| 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/7 |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 with A2DP, LE | 5.4, A2DP, LE |
| Dimensions | 151.7 x 71.2 x 7.9 mm | 149.6 x 71.7 x 7.2 mm |
| Weight | 171 grams | 167 grams |
| Water Resistance | IP53 - dust and splash protection | IP68 - Dust and water resistant over 1.5 meter and 30 minutes |
| Contracts | - |
£25.99/mo
£29.00 upfront |
| SIM-free | £179.99 | £569.00 |
| Prices updated 13 August 2026 | ||
| Deals | Deals | |
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Frequently Asked Questions
Which has the better screen, the Samsung Galaxy S21 or Samsung Galaxy S26?
Both phones have a similar screen size at around 6.2", the Samsung Galaxy S21 has the sharper display at 424 pixels per inch versus 409, and the Samsung Galaxy S21 uses a Dynamic AMOLED 2X panel while the Samsung Galaxy S26 has a Dynamic LTPO AMOLED 2X.
Which has the better camera, the Samsung Galaxy S21 or Samsung Galaxy S26?
The Samsung Galaxy S21 features a 64 Megapixels rear camera, while the Samsung Galaxy S26 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 S26?
The Samsung Galaxy S21 is cheaper SIM-free, starting from £179.99.
What storage options are available for the Samsung Galaxy S21 and Samsung Galaxy S26?
The Samsung Galaxy S21 is available in 128GB, 256GB, while the Samsung Galaxy S26 comes in 256GB, 512GB.
What processors do the Samsung Galaxy S21 and Samsung Galaxy S26 use?
The Samsung Galaxy S21 is powered by the Exynos 2100, while the Samsung Galaxy S26 uses the Qualcomm SM8850-AC Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 (3 nm).
Which is easier to carry and hold, the Samsung Galaxy S21 or Samsung Galaxy S26?
The Samsung Galaxy S26 is the more portable of the two: it's 4g lighter at 167 grams, it's also the more compact phone at 149.6 x 71.7 x 7.2 mm, and is slimmer at 7.2mm thick.
Which is more water resistant, the Samsung Galaxy S21 or Samsung Galaxy S26?
The Samsung Galaxy S21 is rated IP53 - dust and splash protection, while the Samsung Galaxy S26 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 S26 run?
The Samsung Galaxy S21 runs Android 11 and the Samsung Galaxy S26 runs Android 16. This is one of the biggest factors when choosing between the two, as each ecosystem has its own apps, services and features.