Samsung Galaxy S21 Plus vs Samsung Galaxy S25+

Our Verdict: This comparison tilts toward Samsung Galaxy S25+ for specs, especially the sharper 513ppi display, storage up to 512GB and the newer Qualcomm SM8750-AB Snapdragon 8 Elite (3 nm) chipset. The SIM-free gap favours Samsung Galaxy S21 Plus: £214.99 compared with £539.99 for Samsung Galaxy S25+. The right call is Samsung Galaxy S25+ for capability and Samsung Galaxy S21 Plus for keeping the spend lower.

If you'd rather pay up front, the S21+ 5G is the cheaper buy at £195 SIM-free.

Expert Rating
4.0
10 reviews
4.0
10 reviews
Screen
6.7" 6.7"
Display
Dynamic AMOLED 2X Dynamic LTPO AMOLED 2X
Resolution
1080 x 2400 1440 x 3120
Pixels Per Inch
393 513
Rear Camera
64 Megapixels 50 Megapixels
Front Camera
10 Megapixels 12 Megapixels
Chipset
Exynos 2100 Qualcomm SM8750-AB Snapdragon 8 Elite (3 nm)
Battery
4,800 mAh 4,900 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 158.44 x 75.79 x 7.35 mm
Weight
202 grams 190 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
- £69.83/mo (£30.00 upfront)
SIM-free
£194.99 £529.99

Prices updated 11 August 2026

Samsung Galaxy S21 Plus Samsung Galaxy S21 Plus Samsung Galaxy S25+ Samsung Galaxy S25+
Expert Rating 4.0
10 reviews
4.0
10 reviews
Screen 6.7" 6.7"
Display Dynamic AMOLED 2X Dynamic LTPO AMOLED 2X
Resolution 1080 x 2400 1440 x 3120
Pixels Per Inch 393 513
Rear Camera 64 Megapixels 50 Megapixels
Front Camera 10 Megapixels 12 Megapixels
Chipset Exynos 2100 Qualcomm SM8750-AB Snapdragon 8 Elite (3 nm)
Battery 4,800 mAh 4,900 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 158.44 x 75.79 x 7.35 mm
Weight 202 grams 190 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 - £69.83/mo
£30.00 upfront
SIM-free £194.99 £529.99
Prices updated 11 August 2026
Deals Deals

Cheapest Deals

Samsung Galaxy S21 Plus
Samsung Galaxy S21 Plus

128GB

Phantom Black

Refurbished

From £194.99

Samsung Galaxy S25+
Samsung Galaxy S25+

12 Months

256GB

Icy Blue

Refurbished

5GB

Data

Unlimited

Unlimited

£69.83 per month, £30 upfront.

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Frequently Asked Questions

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

Both phones have a similar screen size at around 6.7", the Samsung Galaxy S25+ has the sharper display at 513 pixels per inch versus 393, and the Samsung Galaxy S21 Plus 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 Plus or Samsung Galaxy S25+?

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

The Samsung Galaxy S21 Plus is cheaper SIM-free, starting from £194.99.

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

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

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

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

The Samsung Galaxy S25+ is the more portable of the two: it's 12g lighter at 190 grams, it's also the more compact phone at 158.44 x 75.79 x 7.35 mm, and is slimmer at 7.35mm thick.

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

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+ run?

The Samsung Galaxy S21 Plus 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.