Galaxy A53 5G vs Galaxy S21 5G
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Galaxy A53 5G
Starting at
£116.38£442.43 new
Galaxy S21 5G
Starting at
£171.33£1,290.00 newWhat's the difference between the Galaxy A53 5G and Galaxy S21 5G?
Galaxy A53 5G vs S21 5G comes down to the chipset, RAM and battery. Refurbished, the Galaxy A53 5G starts at £116.38, £54.95 less than the Galaxy S21 5G. The Galaxy A53 5G is the newer model, released in 2022.
Refurbished from
Chipset
RAM
Battery
Screen size
Screen type
- Chipset: Exynos 1280 (5 nm) on the Galaxy A53 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 A53 5G has a bigger battery: 5000 mAh vs 4000 mAh.
Galaxy A53 5G vs Galaxy S21 5G specs
The Galaxy A53 5G and Galaxy S21 5G serve different needs based on their features. The Galaxy A53 5G has a larger battery and screen, making it suitable for longer use and more immersive viewing. It also includes a microSD card slot for expandable storage and a higher resolution front and main camera for detailed photos. The Galaxy S21 5G offers more RAM and a more powerful chipset, which supports smoother multitasking and demanding apps. Its screen uses Dynamic AMOLED 2X technology in a slightly smaller size. The S21 5G supports dual SIM and eSIM for flexible mobile use and is lighter, which some may prefer for everyday handling. Choose the A53 5G for longer battery life and camera detail or the S21 5G for speed and mobile versatility.
Galaxy A53 5G vs Galaxy S21 5G price
Colour
Galaxy A53 5G vs Galaxy S21 5G battery life and software updates
Battery life and software updates are key for everyday use.
Battery Capacity
The Galaxy A53 5G has a 5000 mAh battery, offering longer use between charges which suits users who spend more time away from power sources. The Galaxy S21 5G has a 4000 mAh battery, which still provides solid daily use but may need charging sooner during heavy use.
Software Updates
This means you can expect ongoing software improvements with either device.
Battery
Foldable
Software updates
Year of release
Galaxy A53 5G vs Galaxy S21 5G performance
Performance affects how smoothly a phone runs apps and handles multitasking. Differences in chipset and RAM influence who will benefit most from each device.
Chipset Options
The Galaxy A53 5G uses the Exynos 1280 chipset, suitable for everyday tasks and general use. The Galaxy S21 5G offers more powerful options with the Exynos 2100 or Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 chipsets, which handle demanding apps and multitasking more efficiently.
Memory Capacity
The Galaxy A53 5G comes with 4 GB RAM, fitting for standard app use and everyday activities. The Galaxy S21 5G has 8 GB RAM, which keeps more apps open and running smoothly, benefiting users who multitask or use memory-intensive apps.
Storage Options
Both phones come in 128GB and 256GB storage options. The Galaxy A53 5G also supports additional storage through a microSD card slot, allowing you to expand storage if needed.
Chipset
RAM
Galaxy A53 5G vs Galaxy S21 5G screen
Screen quality affects viewing experience for videos, games and browsing. Both phones share some features but differ in screen size and technology.
Screen Size
The Galaxy A53 5G has a 6.5 inch screen, providing a larger display area that is good for watching videos and reading. The Galaxy S21 5G has a 6.2 inch screen, which may be easier to handle with one hand and fits more comfortably in some pockets.
Screen Technology
The Galaxy A53 5G uses a Super AMOLED screen, offering vivid colours and good contrast. The Galaxy S21 5G uses Dynamic AMOLED 2X technology, which enhances brightness and colour accuracy, making it well suited for viewing in different lighting conditions.
Refresh Rate and Resolution
Both phones have a 120 Hz refresh rate for smooth scrolling and animations, and a resolution of 1080 x 2400 pixels, delivering sharp and clear images for everyday use.
Refresh rate
Resolution
Screen size
Screen type
Galaxy A53 5G vs Galaxy S21 5G camera
Camera quality matters for capturing photos and video calls. Both phones offer front and main cameras with notable differences in resolution.
Front Camera
The Galaxy A53 5G has a 32 megapixel front camera, which suits users who want detailed selfies and clearer video calls. The Galaxy S21 5G has a 10 megapixel front camera, suitable for standard selfies and video chatting.
Main Camera
The Galaxy A53 5G features a 64 megapixel main camera, capturing more detail in photos. The Galaxy S21 5G has a 12 megapixel main camera, which still takes quality photos but with lower resolution detail compared to the A53 5G.
Camera type
Front camera
Main camera
Galaxy A53 5G vs Galaxy S21 5G size and design
Other features like SIM options, size, weight and connectivity affect daily convenience and device flexibility.
SIM and Storage Expansion
The Galaxy A53 5G supports a single physical SIM and a microSD card slot for extra storage. The Galaxy S21 5G supports dual physical SIMs plus eSIM, offering more flexibility for managing multiple phone numbers without extra cards.
Size and Weight
The Galaxy A53 5G measures 159.6 mm in height, 74.8 mm in width, and weighs 189 g, making it larger and heavier. The Galaxy S21 5G is slightly smaller at 151.7 mm in height, 71.2 mm in width, and lighter at 169 g, which may suit users wanting a more compact and lighter phone.
Connector and Network
Both devices use USB-C connectors and support 5G mobile networks, offering modern connectivity and fast data speeds.
Carrier compatibility
Connector
Depth
Height
Mobile network
SD card slot
SIM card
Weight
Width
Galaxy A53 5G or Galaxy S21 5G: which should you buy?
Buy the Galaxy A53 5G if
- you want to spend less: it starts at £116.38, £54.95 less than the Galaxy S21 5G
- you want a bigger battery (5000 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 say the Galaxy A53 5G looks great even in fair condition, with only minor cosmetic flaws that do not affect use. Many found it easy to set up, including transferring apps and contacts, and appreciated its performance and specifications for everyday use. The larger screen and good battery life are welcomed features. Buyers recommend the A53 5G for those looking for an affordable and eco-friendly option with detailed cameras and expandable storage.
Reviews of the Galaxy S21 5G highlight excellent condition with many phones appearing like new with no scratches or marks. Customers value its smooth performance and battery life. The dual SIM and eSIM support is appreciated by users needing multiple numbers. Some mention that certain versions may have region-specific features, but overall the device is praised for quality and reliability.
The Galaxy A53 5G suits users who prefer a larger screen, longer battery life, and higher resolution cameras. The Galaxy S21 5G is ideal for those wanting more RAM and chipset power, a smaller and lighter device, and flexible SIM options.
Galaxy A53 5G vs Galaxy S21 5G FAQs
Galaxy A53 5G vs S21 5G comes down to the chipset, RAM and battery. Chipset: Exynos 1280 (5 nm) on the Galaxy A53 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 A53 5G is cheaper refurbished, from £116.38 compared with £171.33 for the Galaxy S21 5G.
The Galaxy A53 5G has a bigger battery: 5000 mAh vs 4000 mAh.
The Galaxy A53 5G has a higher-resolution main camera: 64 megapixels vs 12 megapixels.
The Galaxy A53 5G gets updates until Apr 2027. Updates for the Galaxy S21 5G ended in Feb 2026.
The Galaxy A53 5G adds a bigger battery (5000 mAh vs 4000 mAh), a bigger screen (6.5 inch vs 6.2 inch) and a higher-resolution main camera (64 megapixels vs 12 megapixels). Refurbished, it costs £54.95 less (from £116.38 vs £171.33).
Both come in 128GB and 256GB refurbished.
