Samsung Galaxy S21 Plus vs Samsung Galaxy S26+

Our Verdict: Comparing Samsung Galaxy S21 Plus and Samsung Galaxy S26+, the choice mostly comes down to portability versus display quality. The S26+ gives you a sharper 513 PPI display, its Dynamic LTPO AMOLED 2X panel, and a lighter 190g body, while the S21 Plus is more appealing for its Dynamic AMOLED 2X panel, a higher-resolution 64MP rear camera, and its IP68 - Dust and water resistant over 1.5 meter and 30 minutes rating. Choose the S26+ for portability; choose the S21 Plus if display quality matters more.

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

Expert Rating
4.0
10 reviews
3.9
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 SM8850-AC Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 (3 nm)
Battery
4,800 mAh 4,900 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 158.4 x 75.8 x 7.3 mm
Weight
202 grams 190 grams
Water Resistance
IP68 - Dust and water resistant over 1.5 meter and 30 minutes IP 68
Contracts
- £32.79/mo (£29.00 upfront)
SIM-free
£139.00 £799.00
Samsung Galaxy S21 Plus Samsung Galaxy S21 Plus Samsung Galaxy S26+ Samsung Galaxy S26+
Expert Rating 4.0
10 reviews
3.9
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 SM8850-AC Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 (3 nm)
Battery 4,800 mAh 4,900 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 158.4 x 75.8 x 7.3 mm
Weight 202 grams 190 grams
Water Resistance IP68 - Dust and water resistant over 1.5 meter and 30 minutes IP 68
Contracts - £32.79/mo
£29.00 upfront
SIM-free £139.00 £799.00
Deals Deals

Cheapest Deals

Samsung Galaxy S21 Plus
Samsung Galaxy S21 Plus

128GB

Phantom Silver

Refurbished

From £139

Samsung Galaxy S26+
Samsung Galaxy S26+

24 Months

256GB

Black

Refurbished

10GB

Data

Unlimited

Unlimited

£32.79 per month, £29 upfront.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Which has the better screen, the Samsung Galaxy S21 Plus or Samsung Galaxy S26+?

Both phones have a similar screen size at around 6.7", the Samsung Galaxy S26+ 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 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 12g lighter at 190 grams, it's also the more compact phone at 158.4 x 75.8 x 7.3 mm, and is slimmer at 7.3mm thick.

Which is more water resistant, the Samsung Galaxy S21 Plus or Samsung Galaxy S26+?

The Samsung Galaxy S21 Plus is rated IP68 - Dust and water resistant over 1.5 meter and 30 minutes, while the Samsung Galaxy S26+ is rated IP 68.

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.