Galaxy S21 5G vs Galaxy S22 5G
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Galaxy S21 5G
Starting at
£171.33£1,290.00 new
Galaxy S22 5G
Starting at
£204.93£899.00 newWhat's the difference between the Galaxy S21 5G and Galaxy S22 5G?
Galaxy S21 5G vs S22 5G comes down to the battery, screen size and main camera. Refurbished, the Galaxy S21 5G starts at £171.33, £33.60 less than the Galaxy S22 5G. The Galaxy S22 5G is the newer model, released in 2022.
Refurbished from
Battery
Screen size
Main camera
Software updates
Weight
- The Galaxy S21 5G has a bigger battery: 4000 mAh vs 3700 mAh.
- Screen size: 6.2 inch on the Galaxy S21 5G, 6.1 inch on the Galaxy S22 5G.
- The Galaxy S22 5G has a higher-resolution main camera: 50 megapixels vs 12 megapixels.
Galaxy S21 5G vs Galaxy S22 5G specs
The Galaxy S21 5G and Galaxy S22 5G share many features such as 8 GB RAM, 120 Hz Dynamic AMOLED 2X screens, and unlocked 5G connectivity. The Galaxy S21 5G offers a slightly larger 6.2 inch screen and a bigger 4000 mAh battery which may suit users who prefer more screen space and longer battery life. The Galaxy S22 5G has a more detailed 50 megapixel main camera and a marginally smaller 6.1 inch screen making it ideal for those who prioritise photography and prefer a more compact device.
Galaxy S21 5G vs Galaxy S22 5G price
Galaxy S21 5G vs Galaxy S22 5G battery life and software updates
Durability covers battery size software support and physical design. Differences in battery capacity and size may affect how long each lasts between charges and how they feel in your hand.
Battery Capacity
The Galaxy S21 5G has a 4000 mAh battery while the Galaxy S22 5G has a slightly smaller 3700 mAh battery. If you value longer battery life for extended use without charging the Galaxy S21 5G may suit you better. The Galaxy S22 5G's battery is still sizeable and should comfortably last through regular daily use.
Software Updates
This means you can expect current software features and security improvements on either device supporting smooth and secure usage over time.
Battery
Foldable
Software updates
Year of release
Galaxy S21 5G vs Galaxy S22 5G performance
Chipset
RAM
Galaxy S21 5G vs Galaxy S22 5G screen
Screen quality affects your experience when watching videos browsing or gaming. Both phones offer smooth 120 Hz Dynamic AMOLED 2X displays but differ in size and resolution which influences how content appears.
Screen Size
The Galaxy S21 5G has a 6.2 inch screen slightly larger than the Galaxy S22 5G's 6.1 inch display. A bigger screen suits those who want more space for watching videos or multitasking while the smaller screen on the Galaxy S22 5G offers a more compact feel in the hand.
Screen Resolution
While both phones share a similar screen width the Galaxy S21 5G has a resolution of 1080 x 2400 pixels compared to 1080 x 2340 pixels on the Galaxy S22 5G. This minor difference means the Galaxy S21 5G offers a slightly taller display area which can provide a bit more vertical content at a glance.
Refresh rate
Resolution
Screen size
Screen type
Galaxy S21 5G vs Galaxy S22 5G camera
Camera quality is a major factor in audiovisual performance. Both phones have the same 10 megapixel front camera but their main cameras differ significantly shaping how detailed your photos can be.
Main Camera Detail
The Galaxy S21 5G features a 12 megapixel main camera suitable for clear everyday photos. The Galaxy S22 5G steps up with a 50 megapixel main camera capturing much more detail. This makes the S22 5G a strong choice if you enjoy photography or want sharper images.
Front Camera
Both phones have a 10 megapixel front camera providing similar quality for selfies and video calls. This means self-portraits and video chats will look good on either device.
Camera type
Front camera
Main camera
Galaxy S21 5G vs Galaxy S22 5G size and design
Miscellaneous differences include physical dimensions weight and connectivity features. These aspects influence how the phones feel to hold and use daily.
Physical Size and Weight
The Galaxy S21 5G measures 151.7 mm in height 71.2 mm in width and 7.9 mm in depth weighing 169 g. The Galaxy S22 5G is slightly smaller at 146 mm tall 70.6 mm wide and 7.6 mm deep with a weight of 167 g. Those who prefer a more compact and lighter phone may find the Galaxy S22 5G easier to handle.
Storage Options
Both the Galaxy S21 5G and Galaxy S22 5G are available in 128GB and 256GB storage capacities. This gives plenty of space for apps photos and files on either device.
SIM and Network
Both phones support dual physical SIM cards plus eSIM and are unlocked for use on any 5G network. This flexibility suits users who need multiple lines or want fast mobile data.
Connector Type
The Galaxy S21 5G features a USB Type-C connector and the Galaxy S22 5G uses USB-C. Both offer modern charging and data connections.
Carrier compatibility
Connector
Depth
Height
Mobile network
SD card slot
SIM card
Weight
Width
Galaxy S21 5G or Galaxy S22 5G: which should you buy?
Buy the Galaxy S21 5G if
- you want to spend less: it starts at £171.33, £33.60 less than the Galaxy S22 5G
- you want a bigger battery (4000 mAh vs 3700 mAh)
Buy the Galaxy S22 5G if
- you want a higher-resolution main camera (50 megapixels vs 12 megapixels)
- you want longer software support (until Feb 2027 vs ended Feb 2026)
What our customers say
Customers say the Galaxy S21 5G looks and feels like new with many praising its excellent condition and battery health. Users appreciate its larger screen and reliable performance for everyday use. Several buyers mention using the dual SIM feature effectively and are happy with the phone's condition often recommending it for its value and environmental benefits. Some note minor signs of wear on fair condition models which can be easily covered with a case.
The Galaxy S22 5G receives praise for its pristine condition and compact size. Customers highlight the sharp and vivid screen smooth performance and especially the strong camera capabilities. Many appreciate the phone's manageable size and the quality of refurbished units with some noting it as a solid backup device or a main phone that keeps up with daily needs. The inclusion of a protective case is a welcomed bonus noted by some buyers.
Both phones suit buyers looking for reliable refurbished smartphones with good battery life and screen quality. The Galaxy S21 5G fits those wanting a slightly bigger display and longer battery while the Galaxy S22 5G appeals to users who prefer a smaller device with a higher resolution main camera.
Galaxy S21 5G vs Galaxy S22 5G FAQs
Galaxy S21 5G vs S22 5G comes down to the battery, screen size and main camera. The Galaxy S21 5G has a bigger battery: 4000 mAh vs 3700 mAh. Screen size: 6.2 inch on the Galaxy S21 5G, 6.1 inch on the Galaxy S22 5G.
The Galaxy S21 5G is cheaper refurbished, from £171.33 compared with £204.93 for the Galaxy S22 5G.
The Galaxy S21 5G has a bigger battery: 4000 mAh vs 3700 mAh.
The Galaxy S22 5G has a higher-resolution main camera: 50 megapixels vs 12 megapixels.
Updates for the Galaxy S21 5G ended in Feb 2026. The Galaxy S22 5G gets updates until Feb 2027.
The Galaxy S22 5G adds a higher-resolution main camera (50 megapixels vs 12 megapixels) and longer software support (until Feb 2027 vs ended Feb 2026). Refurbished, it costs £33.60 more (from £204.93 vs £171.33).
Both come in 128GB and 256GB refurbished.
