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 £210 SIM-free.

Release Date
29 January 2021 11 March 2026
Expert Rating
4.0
10 reviews
4.0
15 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
- £11.95/mo (£579.00 upfront)
SIM-free
£209.99 £814.99
Samsung Galaxy S21 Plus Samsung Galaxy S21 Plus Samsung Galaxy S26+ Samsung Galaxy S26+
Release Date 29 January 2021 11 March 2026
Expert Rating 4.0
10 reviews
4.0
15 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 - £11.95/mo
£579.00 upfront
SIM-free £209.99 £814.99
Deals Deals

Cheapest Deals

Samsung Galaxy S21 Plus
Samsung Galaxy S21 Plus

128GB

Phantom Black

Refurbished

From £209.99

Samsung Galaxy S26+
Samsung Galaxy S26+

24 Months

256GB

Black

15GB

Data

Unlimited

Unlimited

£11.95 a month, £579 upfront.

No mid-contract price increases.

Use code: 30JNOFF (£30 off)

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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 £209.99.

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.