Samsung Galaxy S21 Plus vs Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge

Our Verdict: The Galaxy S21 Plus 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 there's more battery in the S21+ 5G, 4800mAh to 3900mAh, which usually means longer between charges. The S25 Edge offers up to 512GB of storage versus 256GB on the S21+ 5G, and the S25 Edge has the sharper display at 513 PPI to 393. Coming from the S21+ 5G, the S25 Edge is a genuine upgrade rather than a token one.

Buying outright, the S21+ 5G starts at £139 SIM-free.

Expert Rating
4.0
10 reviews
3.8
11 reviews
Screen
6.7" 6.7"
Display
Dynamic AMOLED 2X Dynamic AMOLED 2X
Resolution
1080 x 2400 1440 x 3120
Pixels Per Inch
393 513
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
4,800 mAh 3,900 mAh
Storage
128GB, 256GB 256GB, 512GB
OS
Android 11 Android 15
SIM Type
Standard SIM nano-SIM and e-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 5.4, A2DP, LE
Dimensions
161.4 x 75.6 x 7.8 mm 159 x 76 x 5.8 mm
Weight
202 grams 163 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
- £14.99/mo (£129.00 upfront)
SIM-free
£139.00 £479.99
Samsung Galaxy S21 Plus Samsung Galaxy S21 Plus Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge
Expert Rating 4.0
10 reviews
3.8
11 reviews
Screen 6.7" 6.7"
Display Dynamic AMOLED 2X Dynamic AMOLED 2X
Resolution 1080 x 2400 1440 x 3120
Pixels Per Inch 393 513
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 4,800 mAh 3,900 mAh
Storage 128GB, 256GB 256GB, 512GB
OS Android 11 Android 15
SIM Type Standard SIM nano-SIM and e-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 5.4, A2DP, LE
Dimensions 161.4 x 75.6 x 7.8 mm 159 x 76 x 5.8 mm
Weight 202 grams 163 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 - £14.99/mo
£129.00 upfront
SIM-free £139.00 £479.99
Deals Deals

Cheapest Deals

Samsung Galaxy S21 Plus
Samsung Galaxy S21 Plus

128GB

Phantom Silver

Refurbished

From £139

Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge
Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge

24 Months

256GB

Titanium Jetblack

200GB

Data

Unlimited

Unlimited

£14.99 per month, £129 upfront.

Use code: SAVING10 (£10 off)

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Frequently Asked Questions

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

Both phones have a similar screen size at around 6.7", the Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge has the sharper display at 513 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 S25 Edge?

The Samsung Galaxy S21 Plus 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 Plus or Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge?

The Samsung Galaxy S21 Plus is cheaper SIM-free, starting from £139.00.

What storage options are available for the Samsung Galaxy S21 Plus and Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge?

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

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

The Samsung Galaxy S21 Plus 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 Plus or Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge?

The Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge is the more portable of the two: it's 39g lighter at 163 grams, it's also the more compact phone at 159 x 76 x 5.8 mm, and is slimmer at 5.8mm thick.

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

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 S25 Edge run?

The Samsung Galaxy S21 Plus 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.