Galaxy A52s 5G vs Galaxy S21 5G
Shop Samsung Galaxy
Galaxy A52s 5G
Starting at
£152.15£499.00 new
Galaxy S21 5G
Starting at
£171.33£1,290.00 newWhat's the difference between the Galaxy A52s 5G and Galaxy S21 5G?
Galaxy A52s 5G vs S21 5G comes down to the chipset, RAM and battery. Refurbished, the Galaxy A52s 5G starts at £152.15, £19.18 less than the Galaxy S21 5G.
Refurbished from
Chipset
RAM
Battery
Screen size
Screen type
- Chipset: Qualcomm SM7325 Snapdragon 778G 5G (6 nm) on the Galaxy A52s 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 A52s 5G has a bigger battery: 4500 mAh vs 4000 mAh.
Galaxy A52s 5G vs Galaxy S21 5G specs
The Galaxy A52s 5G and Galaxy S21 5G both offer solid Android experiences from 2021, but they suit different users. The Galaxy A52s 5G has a larger screen and bigger battery, making it a good choice if you want longer battery life and more display space. It also includes a headphone jack and microSDXC slot for extra storage. The Galaxy S21 5G has more RAM, faster chipset options, and a smaller, lighter design with a Dynamic AMOLED 2X screen, which suits those who want a more refined display and smoother multitasking. Its dual SIM and eSIM support add flexibility for managing multiple numbers. Camera preferences vary, with the A52s offering higher megapixel counts on both front and main cameras. Overall, the A52s fits everyday use with extras, while the S21 suits users wanting more performance and a compact feel.
Galaxy A52s 5G vs Galaxy S21 5G price
Colour
Galaxy A52s 5G vs Galaxy S21 5G battery life and software updates
Durability matters for how long a phone can last through daily use. Both phones run Android and come from 2021, but there are differences in battery size and design that affect endurance and handling.
Battery Capacity
The Galaxy A52s 5G has a 4500 mAh battery, which offers more charge capacity compared to the Galaxy S21 5G's 4000 mAh. This means the A52s 5G can be better for users who need their phone to last longer between charges during a busy day.
Battery
Fast charging
Foldable
Ip rating
Software updates
Year of release
Galaxy A52s 5G vs Galaxy S21 5G performance
Performance affects how smoothly your phone runs apps and handles multitasking. The two phones use different chipsets and RAM amounts, which shapes who they suit best.
Chipset Variants
The Galaxy A52s 5G uses the Qualcomm SM7325 Snapdragon 778G 5G chipset, built on a 6 nm process. The Galaxy S21 5G offers more powerful chipset options: either the Exynos 2100 or the Qualcomm SM8350 Snapdragon 888 5G, both 5 nm. The S21's chipsets provide stronger performance for users who run demanding apps or want faster overall operation.
Memory For Multitasking
The Galaxy A52s 5G comes with 4 GB of RAM, suitable for everyday tasks and moderate app use. The Galaxy S21 5G has 8 GB of RAM, which keeps more apps open in the background, helping users who multitask or use memory-intensive apps.
Storage Options
The Galaxy A52s 5G is stocked with 128GB storage, good for average users. The Galaxy S21 5G offers both 128GB and 256GB options, giving users more space for apps, photos, and videos if needed.
Chipset
RAM
Galaxy A52s 5G vs Galaxy S21 5G screen
The screen defines your viewing experience for videos, browsing, and gaming. Both phones support 120 Hz refresh rates and the same resolution, but they differ in size and panel technology.
Screen Size
The Galaxy A52s 5G has a 6.5-inch screen, which is larger for watching videos or browsing. The Galaxy S21 5G's 6.2-inch screen is smaller, which suits users who prefer a compact phone that fits easily in hand or pocket.
Screen Type
The Galaxy A52s 5G uses a Super AMOLED screen, while the Galaxy S21 5G features a Dynamic AMOLED 2X panel. The S21's screen type is designed to offer brighter colours and better contrast, ideal if you value a more vivid display.
Refresh rate
Resolution
Screen size
Screen type
Galaxy A52s 5G vs Galaxy S21 5G camera
Camera quality and front-facing features affect photos, video calls, and selfies. Both phones have different megapixel counts that suit various needs.
Front Camera Detail
The Galaxy A52s 5G has a 32 megapixel front camera, which captures more detail in selfies and video calls. This suits users who prioritise sharp, high-resolution front photos.
Main Camera Resolution
The Galaxy A52s 5G offers a 64 megapixel main camera, capturing more detail in photos. The Galaxy S21 5G has a 12 megapixel main camera, which still delivers quality images but with lower resolution. The higher megapixels on the A52s 5G may appeal to those who want detailed photos without extra processing.
Front camera
Main camera
Galaxy A52s 5G vs Galaxy S21 5G size and design
Other features affect daily convenience and connectivity. These include physical design, slots, and network support, which differ between the two phones.
Headphone Jack and Expandable Storage
The Galaxy A52s 5G includes both a USB-C port and a 3.5mm headphone jack, plus a microSDXC slot for adding extra storage. This suits users who want to use wired headphones or expand storage easily. The Galaxy S21 5G has only a USB Type-C port and no microSDXC slot.
SIM Card Flexibility
The Galaxy A52s 5G supports a single physical SIM card. The Galaxy S21 5G offers dual physical SIM slots plus eSIM support, allowing users to manage multiple lines on one device, which is useful for business or travel.
Size and Weight
The Galaxy A52s 5G measures 159.9 mm in height, 75.1 mm in width, and weighs 189 g. The Galaxy S21 5G is slightly shorter and narrower at 151.7 mm height and 71.2 mm width, and lighter at 169 g. The S21's smaller size and lighter weight suit users wanting a more compact and easy-to-carry phone.
Carrier compatibility
Connector
Depth
Height
Mobile network
Release date
SD card slot
SIM card
Weight
Width
Galaxy A52s 5G or Galaxy S21 5G: which should you buy?
Buy the Galaxy A52s 5G if
- you want to spend less: it starts at £152.15, £19.18 less than the Galaxy S21 5G
- you want a bigger battery (4500 mAh vs 4000 mAh)
- you want a bigger screen (6.5 inch vs 6.2 inch)
Buy the Galaxy S21 5G if
- you want more RAM (8 GB vs 4 GB)
- you want a lighter build (169 g vs 189 g)
What our customers say
Customers who bought the Galaxy A52s 5G appreciate its fair condition pricing and solid performance. Many say the phone feels new and that the battery lasts a full day with regular use. Some mention minor cosmetic wear or issues with adhesives, but overall satisfaction is high. The camera quality and overall functionality meet expectations for everyday use, and buyers recommend the phone for those who may tend to replace phones more often or want more features like a headphone jack and expandable storage.
Reviews for the Galaxy S21 5G highlight excellent condition and a like-new feel even for fair condition models. Customers praise the battery life, smooth performance, and the premium screen quality. Some users value the dual SIM and eSIM capability for managing multiple numbers. A few note the device is compact and lightweight, which suits easy handling. The S21 appeals to those who want a more powerful phone with a refined display and more storage options.
The Galaxy A52s 5G suits people looking for a larger screen, longer battery life, and features like a headphone jack and microSD card support. The Galaxy S21 5G is better for users who want higher RAM, dual SIM flexibility, and a smaller, lighter device with a more advanced screen panel.
Galaxy A52s 5G vs Galaxy S21 5G FAQs
Galaxy A52s 5G vs S21 5G comes down to the chipset, RAM and battery. Chipset: Qualcomm SM7325 Snapdragon 778G 5G (6 nm) on the Galaxy A52s 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 A52s 5G is cheaper refurbished, from £152.15 compared with £171.33 for the Galaxy S21 5G.
The Galaxy A52s 5G has a bigger battery: 4500 mAh vs 4000 mAh.
The Galaxy A52s 5G has a higher-resolution main camera: 64 megapixels vs 12 megapixels.
Updates for the Galaxy A52s 5G ended in Oct 2025. Updates for the Galaxy S21 5G ended in Feb 2026.
Refurbished, the Galaxy A52s 5G comes in 128GB, and the Galaxy S21 5G in 128GB and 256GB.
