Samsung Galaxy S21 Plus vs Samsung Galaxy S26
Our Verdict: The Galaxy S21 Plus and the Galaxy S26 are five years apart, which is enough for a real difference. The S21+ 5G has a noticeably higher-resolution main camera, 64MP against the S26's 50MP, and the S21+ 5G has the bigger battery of the two, 4800mAh against 4300mAh, which usually means longer between charges. The S21+ 5G has the bigger screen at 6.7" against 6.3", while the S26 has the sharper one at 409 PPI, and storage goes higher on the S26, up to 512GB against 256GB. If you're on the S21+ 5G, the S26 is a real step up, but only worth it if the changes above matter to you.
Buying outright, the S21+ 5G starts at £139 SIM-free.
10 reviews 3.9
11 reviews
Samsung Galaxy S21 Plus
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Samsung Galaxy S26
|
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|---|---|---|
| Expert Rating | 4.0 10 reviews |
3.9 11 reviews |
| Screen | 6.7" | 6.3" |
| Display | Dynamic AMOLED 2X | Dynamic LTPO AMOLED 2X |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2400 | 1080 x 2340 |
| Pixels Per Inch | 393 | 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 | 4,800 mAh | 4,300 mAh |
| Storage | 128GB, 256GB | 256GB, 512GB |
| OS | Android 11 | Android 16 |
| 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/7 |
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 5.4, A2DP, LE |
| Dimensions | 161.4 x 75.6 x 7.8 mm | 149.6 x 71.7 x 7.2 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 | - |
£27.54/mo
£9.00 upfront |
| SIM-free | £139.00 | £649.99 |
| Deals | Deals |
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Frequently Asked Questions
Which has the better screen, the Samsung Galaxy S21 Plus or Samsung Galaxy S26?
The Samsung Galaxy S21 Plus has the bigger screen at 6.7" compared to the Samsung Galaxy S26's 6.3", the Samsung Galaxy S26 has the sharper display at 409 pixels per inch versus 393, and the Samsung Galaxy S21 Plus 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 Plus or Samsung Galaxy S26?
The Samsung Galaxy S21 Plus 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 Plus or Samsung Galaxy S26?
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 S26?
The Samsung Galaxy S21 Plus is available in 128GB, 256GB, while the Samsung Galaxy S26 comes in 256GB, 512GB.
What processors do the Samsung Galaxy S21 Plus and Samsung Galaxy S26 use?
The Samsung Galaxy S21 Plus 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 Plus or Samsung Galaxy S26?
The Samsung Galaxy S26 is the more portable of the two: it's 35g 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 Plus or Samsung Galaxy S26?
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 S26 run?
The Samsung Galaxy S21 Plus 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.