Galaxy A22 5G vs Galaxy S21 5G
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Galaxy A22 5G
Starting at
£91.85£191.92 new
Galaxy S21 5G
Starting at
£171.33£1,290.00 newWhat's the difference between the Galaxy A22 5G and Galaxy S21 5G?
Galaxy A22 5G vs S21 5G comes down to the chipset, RAM and battery. Refurbished, the Galaxy A22 5G starts at £91.85, £79.48 less than the Galaxy S21 5G.
Refurbished from
Chipset
RAM
Battery
Screen size
Screen type
- Chipset: Mediatek Dimensity 700 (7 nm) on the Galaxy A22 5G, Exynos 2100 (5 nm), Qualcomm SM8350 Snapdragon 888 5G (5 nm) on the Galaxy S21 5G.
- The Galaxy S21 5G has more RAM: 8 GB vs 4 GB.
- The Galaxy A22 5G has a bigger battery: 5000 mAh vs 4000 mAh.
Galaxy A22 5G vs Galaxy S21 5G specs
The Galaxy A22 5G and Galaxy S21 5G both come from 2021 but target different needs. The Galaxy A22 5G suits those who want a larger screen, longer battery life, and a microSDXC slot for extra storage. It has a simpler chipset and 4 GB of RAM, making it good for everyday use. It has a smaller but more vibrant AMOLED screen with a higher refresh rate, and extra features like an eSIM and a lighter, more compact design. The S21 also provides larger storage options. Choose the A22 5G for value and battery endurance, or the S21 5G for speed and screen quality.
Galaxy A22 5G vs Galaxy S21 5G price
Colour
Galaxy A22 5G vs Galaxy S21 5G battery life and software updates
Durability covers battery size, software updates, and design aspects that affect how long the phone stays useful. Both phones run Android and are from 2021, but they differ in battery capacity and update support.
Battery Capacity
The Galaxy A22 5G has a 5000 mAh battery, which is larger than the 4000 mAh battery in the Galaxy S21 5G. This means the A22 5G can offer longer use between charges, which suits users who need extended battery life for daily tasks or travel.
Battery
Foldable
Software updates
Year of release
Galaxy A22 5G vs Galaxy S21 5G performance
Performance depends on the chipset, RAM, and storage options. These affect speed, multitasking, and how much content you can keep on your phone.
Chipset Power
The Galaxy S21 5G comes with either an Exynos 2100 or Snapdragon 888 5G chipset, both built on a 5 nm process, which makes it faster and more efficient. The Galaxy A22 5G uses a Mediatek Dimensity 700 chipset on 7 nm, designed for everyday tasks but less powerful for demanding apps.
RAM Size
With 8 GB of RAM, the Galaxy S21 5G can keep more apps open and handle multitasking smoothly. The Galaxy A22 5G has 4 GB of RAM, which is enough for basic use and simple app switching.
Storage Options
The Galaxy A22 5G comes in 64 GB and 128 GB models, suitable for standard storage needs with the option to expand via microSDXC. The Galaxy S21 5G offers 128 GB and 256 GB versions, providing more built-in space but without microSDXC expansion.
Chipset
RAM
Galaxy A22 5G vs Galaxy S21 5G screen
Screen quality impacts how enjoyable it is to watch videos, browse, or play games. Both phones have the same resolution but differ in size, display type, and refresh rate.
Screen Size
The Galaxy A22 5G has a larger 6.6 inch screen, giving more room for watching videos or reading. The Galaxy S21 5G has a slightly smaller 6.2 inch screen, which may fit more comfortably in the hand.
Display Type
The Galaxy S21 5G uses a Dynamic AMOLED 2X screen, which delivers richer colours and deeper blacks. The Galaxy A22 5G features a TFT LCD screen, providing good clarity but with less vibrancy.
Refresh Rate
The Galaxy S21 5G supports a 120 Hz refresh rate, making animations and scrolling smoother. The Galaxy A22 5G has a 90 Hz refresh rate, which still offers a responsive feel but is less fluid than the S21 5G.
Refresh rate
Resolution
Screen size
Screen type
Galaxy A22 5G vs Galaxy S21 5G camera
Camera quality affects how detailed and clear your photos and video calls can be. Front and main cameras differ in resolution between the two devices.
Front Camera
The Galaxy S21 5G has a 10 megapixel front camera, which captures finer detail for selfies and video calls. The Galaxy A22 5G has an 8 megapixel front camera, which is suitable for everyday use.
Main Camera
The Galaxy A22 5G features a 48 megapixel main camera, which can capture more detail in photos. The Galaxy S21 5G has a 12 megapixel main camera, which may focus more on overall image quality and performance but with fewer pixels.
Camera type
Front camera
Main camera
Galaxy A22 5G vs Galaxy S21 5G size and design
Other practical differences include connectivity, size, and additional features that affect everyday convenience and compatibility.
Connectors
The Galaxy A22 5G includes both a USB Type-C port and a 3.5mm headphone jack, useful if you prefer wired headphones without an adapter. The Galaxy S21 5G has only a USB Type-C port.
SIM Card Options
Both phones support dual physical SIM cards, but the Galaxy S21 5G also supports eSIM, which adds flexibility for managing multiple numbers or plans without physical cards.
Expandable Storage
The Galaxy A22 5G offers a microSDXC slot, allowing you to add extra storage as needed. The Galaxy S21 5G does not include a microSDXC slot.
Size and Weight
The Galaxy A22 5G is larger and heavier at 167.2 mm height, 76.4 mm width, 9 mm depth, and 203 g weight. The Galaxy S21 5G is more compact and lighter, with a height of 151.7 mm, width of 71.2 mm, depth of 7.9 mm, and weight of 169 g, which suits those wanting a phone that is easier to hold or slip in a pocket.
Carrier compatibility
Connector
Depth
Height
Mobile network
SD card slot
SIM card
Weight
Width
Galaxy A22 5G or Galaxy S21 5G: which should you buy?
Buy the Galaxy A22 5G if
- you want to spend less: it starts at £91.85, £79.48 less than the Galaxy S21 5G
- you want a bigger battery (5000 mAh vs 4000 mAh)
- you want a bigger screen (6.6 inch vs 6.2 inch)
Buy the Galaxy S21 5G if
- you want more RAM (8 GB vs 4 GB)
- you want an OLED screen
- you want a smoother screen (120 Hz vs 90 Hz)
What our customers say
Customers say the Galaxy A22 5G looks and works just like new, with many praising its quality and value. Some have noted receiving the wrong storage size or a faulty device, but most find it reliable for everyday use. The battery life and condition often meet expectations, and users appreciate the phone's condition and ease of data transfer.
The Galaxy S21 5G is frequently described as being in excellent or pristine condition. Customers highlight its smooth performance and battery life, with some noting minor wear or regional software restrictions on certain models. Many repeat buyers trust the S21 5G for its quality and dependability. Its dual SIM and eSIM support attract users managing multiple lines.
The Galaxy A22 5G suits those who prioritise larger screens, longer battery life, and expandable storage. The Galaxy S21 5G fits buyers looking for higher performance, better screen quality, and more storage options in a lighter, compact design.
Galaxy A22 5G vs Galaxy S21 5G FAQs
Galaxy A22 5G vs S21 5G comes down to the chipset, RAM and battery. Chipset: Mediatek Dimensity 700 (7 nm) on the Galaxy A22 5G, Exynos 2100 (5 nm), Qualcomm SM8350 Snapdragon 888 5G (5 nm) on the Galaxy S21 5G. The Galaxy S21 5G has more RAM: 8 GB vs 4 GB.
The Galaxy A22 5G is cheaper refurbished, from £91.85 compared with £171.33 for the Galaxy S21 5G.
The Galaxy A22 5G has a bigger battery: 5000 mAh vs 4000 mAh.
The Galaxy A22 5G has a higher-resolution main camera: 48 megapixels vs 12 megapixels.
Updates for the Galaxy A22 5G ended in Jul 2025. Updates for the Galaxy S21 5G ended in Feb 2026.
Refurbished, the Galaxy A22 5G comes in 64GB and 128GB, and the Galaxy S21 5G in 128GB and 256GB.
