Samsung Galaxy S21 Plus vs Samsung Galaxy S23
Our Verdict: If you've got the Galaxy S21 Plus, the Galaxy S23 is two years of updates on from it. The S21+ 5G leads on camera hardware with a 64MP main sensor to the S23 5G's 50MP, and the S21+ 5G packs the bigger battery, 4800mAh against 3900mAh, which usually means longer between charges. The S21+ 5G has the bigger screen at 6.7" against 6.1", while the S23 5G has the sharper one at 422 PPI, and the S23 5G is the lighter phone at 167g against 202g. The S23 5G is the better phone; upgrade from the S21+ 5G if you want the newer hardware, or hold on if yours still does the job.
If you'd rather pay up front, the S23 5G is the cheaper buy at £209 SIM-free.
10 reviews 4.2
13 reviews
Samsung Galaxy S21 Plus
|
Samsung Galaxy S23
|
|
|---|---|---|
| Release Date | 29 January 2021 | 17 February 2023 |
| Expert Rating |
4.0 10 reviews |
4.2 13 reviews |
| Screen | 6.7" | 6.1" |
| Display | Dynamic AMOLED 2X | Dynamic AMOLED 2X |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2400 | 1080 x 2340 |
| Pixels Per Inch | 393 | 422 |
| Rear Camera | 64 Megapixels | 50 Megapixels |
| Front Camera | 10 Megapixels | 12 Megapixels |
| Chipset | Exynos 2100 | Qualcomm SM8550 Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 (4 nm) |
| Battery | 4,800 mAh | 3,900 mAh |
| Storage | 128GB, 256GB | 128GB, 256GB |
| OS | Android 11 | Android 13 |
| SIM Type | Standard SIM | Nano SIM |
| Connectivity | Up to 5G | Up to 5G |
| Wi-Fi | 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6e | 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6e |
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 5.3, A2DP, LE |
| Dimensions | 161.4 x 75.6 x 7.8 mm | 146.3 x 70.9 x 7.6 mm |
| Weight | 202 grams | 167 grams |
| Water Resistance | IP68 - Dust and water resistant over 1.5 meter and 30 minutes | IP68 - Dust and water resistant over 1.5 meter and 30 minutes |
| Contracts | - |
£20.99/mo
£19.00 upfront |
| SIM-free | £209.99 | £209.00 |
| Deals | Deals |
Cheapest Deals
Samsung Galaxy S23
£20.99 a month, £19 upfront.
Monthly payment will increase to £22.79 on 1 April 2027. Then to £24.59 on 1 April 2028.
Use code: SPOOKY10 (£10 off)
Related Comparisons
Frequently Asked Questions
Which has the better screen, the Samsung Galaxy S21 Plus or Samsung Galaxy S23?
The Samsung Galaxy S21 Plus has the bigger screen at 6.7" compared to the Samsung Galaxy S23's 6.1", the Samsung Galaxy S23 has the sharper display at 422 pixels per inch versus 393, and both use Dynamic AMOLED 2X panels.
Which has the better camera, the Samsung Galaxy S21 Plus or Samsung Galaxy S23?
The Samsung Galaxy S21 Plus features a 64 Megapixels rear camera, while the Samsung Galaxy S23 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 Plus or Samsung Galaxy S23?
The Samsung Galaxy S23 is cheaper SIM-free, starting from £209.00.
What storage options are available for the Samsung Galaxy S21 Plus and Samsung Galaxy S23?
The Samsung Galaxy S21 Plus is available in 128GB, 256GB, while the Samsung Galaxy S23 comes in 128GB, 256GB.
What processors do the Samsung Galaxy S21 Plus and Samsung Galaxy S23 use?
The Samsung Galaxy S21 Plus is powered by the Exynos 2100, while the Samsung Galaxy S23 uses the Qualcomm SM8550 Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 (4 nm).
Which is easier to carry and hold, the Samsung Galaxy S21 Plus or Samsung Galaxy S23?
The Samsung Galaxy S23 is the more portable of the two: it's 35g lighter at 167 grams, it's also the more compact phone at 146.3 x 70.9 x 7.6 mm.
Which is more water resistant, the Samsung Galaxy S21 Plus or Samsung Galaxy S23?
Both phones share the same water resistance rating of IP68 - Dust and water resistant over 1.5 meter and 30 minutes.
What operating system do the Samsung Galaxy S21 Plus and Samsung Galaxy S23 run?
The Samsung Galaxy S21 Plus runs Android 11 and the Samsung Galaxy S23 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.