Galaxy S10 Lite vs Galaxy S21 5G
Shop Samsung Galaxy
Galaxy S10 Lite
Starting at
£121.65£509.00 new
Galaxy S21 5G
Starting at
£171.33£1,290.00 newWhat's the difference between the Galaxy S10 Lite and Galaxy S21 5G?
Galaxy S10 Lite vs S21 5G comes down to the chipset, RAM and battery. Refurbished, the Galaxy S10 Lite starts at £121.65, £49.68 less than the Galaxy S21 5G. The Galaxy S21 5G is the newer model, released in 2021.
Refurbished from
Chipset
RAM
Battery
Screen size
Screen type
- Chipset: Qualcomm SM8150 Snapdragon 855 (7 nm) on the Galaxy S10 Lite, 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 6 GB.
- The Galaxy S10 Lite has a bigger battery: 4500 mAh vs 4000 mAh.
Galaxy S10 Lite vs Galaxy S21 5G specs
The Galaxy S10 Lite and Galaxy S21 5G offer different strengths that suit varied needs. The Galaxy S10 Lite has a larger battery and screen, plus higher resolution front and main cameras, making it a good choice for those who value longer battery life and detailed photos. The Galaxy S21 5G has more RAM, newer chipsets, 5G connectivity, and options for higher storage, which suits users who want faster performance and the latest mobile network. Both phones run Android and are unlocked, but their size and weight differ, so consider whether a larger screen or a lighter, more compact phone works better for you.
Galaxy S10 Lite vs Galaxy S21 5G price
Colour
Galaxy S10 Lite vs Galaxy S21 5G battery life and software updates
Durability covers battery capacity, software updates, and physical design. These affect how long the phone lasts on a charge, how current the software is, and how the phone feels in your hand.
Battery Capacity
The Galaxy S10 Lite has a 4500 mAh battery, which is larger than the Galaxy S21 5G's 4000 mAh. This means the S10 Lite may offer longer screen-on time, suiting users who want more usage between charges.
Battery
Foldable
Software updates
Year of release
Galaxy S10 Lite vs Galaxy S21 5G performance
Performance is about how smoothly the phones run apps and handle multitasking. This depends on the processor, RAM, and storage options available.
Processor Technology
The Galaxy S21 5G uses newer chipsets made with 5 nm technology, compared to the Galaxy S10 Lite's 7 nm chipset. This can mean better efficiency and performance for demanding tasks on the S21 5G.
Memory
With 8 GB of RAM, the Galaxy S21 5G keeps more apps open smoothly compared to the Galaxy S10 Lite's 6 GB. This suits users who multitask often or run memory-intensive apps.
Storage Options
The Galaxy S10 Lite is available with 128GB of storage. The Galaxy S21 5G offers 128GB and 256GB options, which benefits users needing more space for files and apps.
Chipset
RAM
Galaxy S10 Lite vs Galaxy S21 5G screen
Screen quality affects how you experience videos, games, and general use. Size, resolution, and screen type all play a role in display clarity and colour.
Screen Size
The Galaxy S10 Lite has a larger 6.7 inch screen, offering more space for watching videos and browsing. The Galaxy S21 5G's 6.2 inch screen is more compact, which suits users who prefer a smaller phone.
Screen Technology
The Galaxy S21 5G features Dynamic AMOLED 2X technology, which can provide brighter colours and smoother visuals compared to the Galaxy S10 Lite's Super AMOLED Plus. This enhances viewing experience, especially in bright environments and for fast motion.
Refresh rate
Resolution
Screen size
Screen type
Galaxy S10 Lite vs Galaxy S21 5G camera
Audiovisual specs focus on cameras and how well the phones capture photos and selfies. Megapixel count gives an idea of image detail potential.
Front Camera Resolution
The Galaxy S10 Lite has a 32 megapixel front camera, capturing more detail in selfies. This suits users who prioritise high-resolution self-portraits.
Main Camera Resolution
The Galaxy S10 Lite's main camera offers 48 megapixels, which can provide more detailed photos compared to the Galaxy S21 5G's 12 megapixels. This is useful for users who want higher resolution images from the main camera.
Front camera
Main camera
Galaxy S10 Lite vs Galaxy S21 5G size and design
Other practical differences include network capabilities, SIM options, physical size, and storage expandability, all affecting daily use and convenience.
Mobile Network Compatibility
The Galaxy S21 5G supports 5G networks, offering faster mobile data speeds where available. The Galaxy S10 Lite supports 4G, suitable for users with no current need for 5G connectivity.
SIM and Storage Expandability
The Galaxy S10 Lite has a physical SIM and microSDXC slot for extra storage, appealing to users who want to expand storage via memory cards. The Galaxy S21 5G supports dual physical SIMs plus eSIM, allowing more flexibility with multiple numbers but does not have an SD card slot.
Size and Weight
The Galaxy S10 Lite is larger and heavier, measuring 162.5 mm tall and weighing 186 g. The Galaxy S21 5G is more compact at 151.7 mm tall and lighter at 169 g, suiting users who prefer a lighter and smaller phone.
Carrier compatibility
Connector
Depth
Height
Mobile network
SD card slot
SIM card
Weight
Width
Galaxy S10 Lite or Galaxy S21 5G: which should you buy?
Buy the Galaxy S10 Lite if
- you want to spend less: it starts at £121.65, £49.68 less than the Galaxy S21 5G
- you want a bigger battery (4500 mAh vs 4000 mAh)
- you want a bigger screen (6.7 inch vs 6.2 inch)
Buy the Galaxy S21 5G if
- you want more RAM (8 GB vs 6 GB)
- you want 5G
- you want a lighter build (169 g vs 186 g)
What our customers say
Customers of the Galaxy S10 Lite often highlight how the phone looks like new and works well, with many saying the battery lasts fine during daily use. Users appreciate the smooth ordering process and the phone's condition, even those new to refurbished devices. Some mention the large screen and camera quality as positives, making it a good choice for straightforward use and photography.
For the Galaxy S21 5G, customers praise its excellent condition and how it feels almost brand new. Many note the battery is in great shape and performance is smooth, with multiple users recommending it for its speed and reliability. The 5G connectivity and dual SIM options are appreciated by those needing flexible network use. Several buyers mention the phone suits their needs for a compact, powerful device.
Both phones attract users who want quality refurbished devices. The Galaxy S10 Lite appeals to those valuing a bigger screen and camera detail, while the Galaxy S21 5G suits users looking for faster performance, 5G, and more storage options.
Galaxy S10 Lite vs Galaxy S21 5G FAQs
Galaxy S10 Lite vs S21 5G comes down to the chipset, RAM and battery. Chipset: Qualcomm SM8150 Snapdragon 855 (7 nm) on the Galaxy S10 Lite, 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 6 GB.
The Galaxy S10 Lite is cheaper refurbished, from £121.65 compared with £171.33 for the Galaxy S21 5G.
The Galaxy S10 Lite has a bigger battery: 4500 mAh vs 4000 mAh.
The Galaxy S10 Lite has a higher-resolution main camera: 48 megapixels vs 12 megapixels.
The Galaxy S10 Lite no longer gets updates. Updates for the Galaxy S21 5G ended in Feb 2026.
The Galaxy S21 5G adds more RAM (8 GB vs 6 GB), 5G and a lighter build (169 g vs 186 g). Refurbished, it costs £49.68 more (from £171.33 vs £121.65).
Refurbished, the Galaxy S10 Lite comes in 128GB, and the Galaxy S21 5G in 128GB and 256GB.
