Galaxy S20 vs Galaxy S21 5G
Shop Samsung Galaxy
Galaxy S20
Starting at
£188.75£999.00 new
Galaxy S21 5G
Starting at
£171.33£1,290.00 newWhat's the difference between the Galaxy S20 and Galaxy S21 5G?
Galaxy S20 vs S21 5G comes down to the software updates, mobile network and weight. Refurbished, the Galaxy S21 5G starts at £171.33, £17.42 less than the Galaxy S20. The Galaxy S21 5G is the newer model, released in 2021.
Refurbished from
Software updates
Mobile network
Weight
SD card slot
- Software updates: Ended Mar 2025 on the Galaxy S20, Ended Feb 2026 on the Galaxy S21 5G.
- The Galaxy S21 5G has 5G.
- The Galaxy S20 has a lighter build: 163 g vs 169 g.
Galaxy S20 vs Galaxy S21 5G specs
The Galaxy S20 and Galaxy S21 5G share many core features like battery size, RAM, and screen refresh rate, both suited for smooth everyday use. The Galaxy S21 5G offers 5G connectivity and comes with a choice of 128GB or 256GB storage, making it suitable for those wanting faster network speeds and more space. The Galaxy S20 supports microSDXC cards, appealing to users who prefer expandable storage. Screen resolution differs, with the Galaxy S20 offering a sharper Quad HD+ display, while the Galaxy S21 5G has a Full HD+ screen. The Galaxy S21 5G also supports dual physical SIM cards alongside eSIM, which can be handy for those managing two phone numbers physically.
Galaxy S20 vs Galaxy S21 5G price
Colour
Galaxy S20 vs Galaxy S21 5G battery life and software updates
Durability covers battery capacity, software updates, and basic device features that affect everyday reliability and longevity. Both devices share a 4000 mAh battery. Differences in software support and SIM options can influence long-term use.
Battery Capacity
Both the Galaxy S20 and Galaxy S21 5G come with a 4000 mAh battery. This capacity supports typical daily use for most users without needing frequent recharges.
SIM Card Options
The Galaxy S20 supports a physical SIM paired with an eSIM, suitable for those who use one physical SIM with added eSIM flexibility. The Galaxy S21 5G offers dual physical SIM slots plus an eSIM, ideal for users who want two physical SIM cards alongside eSIM capabilities.
Battery
Foldable
Software updates
Year of release
Galaxy S20 vs Galaxy S21 5G performance
Chipset
RAM
Galaxy S20 vs Galaxy S21 5G screen
Screen quality influences your viewing experience for videos, reading, and games. Both devices share the same screen size and refresh rate, but resolution and dimensions vary.
Resolution
The Galaxy S20 features a higher resolution of 1440 x 3200 pixels, delivering sharper images and more detail, which benefits users who watch high-definition content or want finer screen clarity. The Galaxy S21 5G has a 1080 x 2400 resolution, providing good detail for everyday use and helping conserve battery.
Screen Dimensions
Both phones have a 6.2 inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X screen with a 120 Hz refresh rate, offering smooth scrolling and vibrant colours. The Galaxy S21 5G is slightly shorter and narrower, making it a bit easier to hold for users with smaller hands.
Refresh rate
Resolution
Screen size
Screen type
Galaxy S20 vs Galaxy S21 5G camera
Camera quality is important for capturing photos and video calls. Both devices offer the same megapixel counts on front and main cameras, suited for clear everyday photography.
Camera Resolution
Both the Galaxy S20 and Galaxy S21 5G have 10 megapixels for the front camera and 12 megapixels for the main camera. This setup supports detailed selfies and general photography without differences in image resolution.
Front camera
Main camera
Galaxy S20 vs Galaxy S21 5G size and design
This section covers network compatibility, device size, and other practical differences that can affect daily use and choice based on personal preferences.
Mobile Network
The Galaxy S21 5G supports 5G networks, providing faster data speeds where available, which suits users who want quicker downloads and streaming. The Galaxy S20 supports 4G, which remains sufficient for everyday internet use in most areas.
Storage Options
The Galaxy S21 5G is stocked in both 128GB and 256GB models, offering more space for apps, photos, and media. The Galaxy S20 is stocked with 128GB of storage and includes a microSDXC slot for expandable storage, ideal for users who prefer to add memory cards.
Device Size and Weight
The Galaxy S21 5G is slightly shorter at 151.7 mm compared to 161.9 mm for the Galaxy S20, and narrower at 71.2 mm versus 73.7 mm. It is also a bit heavier at 169 g compared to 163 g, which may affect how the device feels in hand.
Expandable Storage
The Galaxy S20 includes a microSDXC card slot, allowing users to increase storage with memory cards. This is useful for those who want flexible storage options. The Galaxy S21 5G does not have this slot.
Connector Type
Both devices use USB Type-C connectors, which is standard for charging and data transfer on modern smartphones.
Carrier compatibility
Connector
Depth
Height
Mobile network
SD card slot
SIM card
Weight
Width
Galaxy S20 or Galaxy S21 5G: which should you buy?
Buy the Galaxy S20 if
- you want a lighter build (163 g vs 169 g)
- you want a memory card slot
Buy the Galaxy S21 5G if
- you want to spend less: it starts at £171.33, £17.42 less than the Galaxy S20
- you want 5G
What our customers say
Customers who bought the Galaxy S20 often praise its light weight and condition, describing it as clean and matching the description. Some mention the screen and battery working well, with many expressing satisfaction for the price and quality. A few note issues like unresponsive screens or blacklisted phones, but several others recommend the phone for its reliability and condition. Customers find the Galaxy S20 suitable for everyday use and appreciate the microSDXC slot for extra storage.
The Galaxy S21 5G is frequently described as being in excellent or near-new condition, often without visible marks. Customers highlight its battery condition and overall performance. Many mention the dual SIM feature, which fits well for managing multiple numbers. Some buyers have concerns over region-specific features but generally recommend the phone for its quality and condition. It is popular among repeat buyers who value its performance and connectivity, especially 5G.
Both devices suit different needs: the Galaxy S20 appeals to those wanting a sharp screen and expandable storage in a lighter phone, while the Galaxy S21 5G fits users seeking 5G connectivity, larger storage options, and dual physical SIM support.
Galaxy S20 vs Galaxy S21 5G FAQs
Galaxy S20 vs S21 5G comes down to the software updates, mobile network and weight. Software updates: Ended Mar 2025 on the Galaxy S20, Ended Feb 2026 on the Galaxy S21 5G. The Galaxy S21 5G has 5G.
The Galaxy S21 5G is cheaper refurbished, from £171.33 compared with £188.75 for the Galaxy S20.
Both have the same battery: 4000 mAh.
Both have the same main camera: 12 megapixels.
Updates for the Galaxy S20 ended in Mar 2025. Updates for the Galaxy S21 5G ended in Feb 2026.
The Galaxy S21 5G adds 5G. Refurbished, it costs £17.42 less (from £171.33 vs £188.75).
Refurbished, the Galaxy S20 comes in 128GB, and the Galaxy S21 5G in 128GB and 256GB.
