Galaxy S21 5G vs Galaxy Xcover 5
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Galaxy S21 5G
Starting at
£171.33£1,290.00 new
Galaxy Xcover 5
Starting at
£60.00What's the difference between the Galaxy S21 5G and Galaxy Xcover 5?
Galaxy S21 5G vs Xcover 5 comes down to the chipset, RAM and battery. Refurbished, the Galaxy Xcover 5 starts at £60, £111.33 less than the Galaxy S21 5G.
Refurbished from
Chipset
RAM
Battery
Screen size
Screen type
- Chipset: Exynos 2100 (5 nm), Qualcomm SM8350 Snapdragon 888 5G (5 nm) on the Galaxy S21 5G, Exynos 850 on the Galaxy Xcover 5.
- The Galaxy S21 5G has more RAM: 8 GB vs 4 GB.
- The Galaxy S21 5G has a bigger battery: 4000 mAh vs 3000 mAh.
Galaxy S21 5G vs Galaxy Xcover 5 specs
The Galaxy S21 5G and Galaxy Xcover 5 both come from 2021 but serve different needs. The Galaxy S21 5G suits users looking for a faster, smoother experience with a larger, sharper screen and more memory. It supports 5G connectivity and offers dual SIM options with an eSIM. The Galaxy Xcover 5 is designed for everyday use with a smaller, simpler screen and a lighter chipset. It supports 4G and includes a microSDXC slot for extra storage. The Xcover 5 is also slightly more rugged and compact, fitting users who want a practical phone with removable storage and a user-friendly experience.
Galaxy S21 5G vs Galaxy Xcover 5 price
Colour
Storage
- 64GBSold out
Galaxy S21 5G vs Galaxy Xcover 5 battery life and software updates
Durability covers battery capacity and operating system, which affect how long your phone lasts and the software it runs.
Battery Capacity
The Galaxy S21 5G has a 4000 mAh battery, which suits users who want longer usage between charges. The Galaxy Xcover 5 has a 3000 mAh battery, which fits well for lighter daily tasks and those who prefer a smaller battery size.
Operating System
The Galaxy S21 5G runs Android.
Battery
Foldable
OS at launch
Software updates
Year of release
Galaxy S21 5G vs Galaxy Xcover 5 performance
Performance depends on processing power, memory, and storage, which influence how smoothly apps run and how much space you have for files. The Galaxy S21 5G offers stronger hardware and more storage options.
Chipset
The Galaxy S21 5G comes with either the Exynos 2100 or Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 5G chipset, both built on 5 nm technology, fitting users who want faster processing for demanding apps. The Galaxy Xcover 5 uses the Exynos 850, suitable for everyday tasks and lighter use.
RAM
With 8 GB of RAM, the Galaxy S21 5G keeps more apps open and running smoothly for multitasking. The Galaxy Xcover 5 has 4 GB of RAM, which suits users who use fewer apps at once and simpler tasks.
Storage
The Galaxy S21 5G is available with 128GB or 256GB of storage, which is ideal if you want space for many apps, photos, and videos without needing extra cards. The Galaxy Xcover 5 has 64GB storage, which fits users with lighter storage needs or those who use the microSDXC slot for expansion.
Chipset
RAM
Galaxy S21 5G vs Galaxy Xcover 5 screen
Screen quality affects how clear and smooth the display looks when watching videos or browsing. The Galaxy S21 5G offers a more advanced screen with higher resolution, refresh rate, and size.
Screen Size and Type
The Galaxy S21 5G features a 6.2 inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X screen, providing vibrant colours and deep contrast on a larger display. The Galaxy Xcover 5 has a 5.3 inch PLS LCD screen, which offers a smaller, simpler viewing area that suits users preferring compactness.
Resolution and Refresh Rate
The Galaxy S21 5G offers a 1080 x 2400 resolution with a 120 Hz refresh rate, making images sharper and motion smoother for gaming or scrolling. The Galaxy Xcover 5 has a 720 x 1480 resolution and 60 Hz refresh rate, which fits everyday use where high frame rates are less critical.
Refresh rate
Resolution
Screen size
Screen type
Galaxy S21 5G vs Galaxy Xcover 5 camera
Camera quality and front-facing features matter for photos and video calls. Each phone focuses on different aspects of imaging.
Main Camera
The Galaxy Xcover 5 has a 16 megapixel main camera, which suits users who prefer higher resolution photos for detail. The Galaxy S21 5G offers a 12 megapixel main camera.
Front Camera
The Galaxy S21 5G provides a 10 megapixel front camera, which is well suited for clearer selfies and video calls. The Galaxy Xcover 5 has a 5 megapixel front camera.
Camera type
Front camera
Main camera
Galaxy S21 5G vs Galaxy Xcover 5 size and design
Other features include network support, SIM card options, and expandability. These affect connectivity, flexibility, and size preferences.
Network Compatibility
The Galaxy S21 5G supports 5G networks, which suits users wanting faster mobile internet where available. The Galaxy Xcover 5 supports 4G, fitting users with standard mobile data needs.
SIM Card Options
The Galaxy S21 5G supports Dual Physical SIM plus eSIM, giving flexibility for multiple numbers or plans. The Galaxy Xcover 5 supports a single Physical SIM, suitable for straightforward mobile use.
Storage Expansion
The Galaxy Xcover 5 includes a microSDXC slot, allowing users to add extra storage easily. The Galaxy S21 5G does not have a microSDXC slot, so storage is fixed to what is built in.
Physical Size and Weight
The Galaxy S21 5G measures 151.7 mm tall, 71.2 mm wide, and 7.9 mm deep, weighing 169 g. The Galaxy Xcover 5 is smaller at 147.1 mm tall, 71.6 mm wide, and 9.2 mm deep, weighing 172 g. The Xcover 5 suits those wanting a more compact phone, while the S21 5G offers a slimmer profile.
Carrier compatibility
Connector
Depth
Height
Mobile network
SD card slot
SIM card
Weight
Width
Galaxy S21 5G or Galaxy Xcover 5: which should you buy?
Buy the Galaxy S21 5G if
- you want more RAM (8 GB vs 4 GB)
- you want a bigger battery (4000 mAh vs 3000 mAh)
- you want a bigger screen (6.2 inch vs 5.3 inch)
Buy the Galaxy Xcover 5 if
- you want to spend less: it starts at £60, £111.33 less than the Galaxy S21 5G
- you want a higher-resolution main camera (16 megapixels vs 12 megapixels)
- you want a memory card slot
What our customers say
Customers who chose the Galaxy S21 5G often highlight how the phone looks like new and performs well. Many say the condition is fantastic, with excellent screens and battery life. The larger screen and smooth performance suit those who use multiple apps or want a phone for family use. Customers mention dual SIM options and the phone working well for different needs including internet and calls. Some note minor points like regional software differences but overall find it reliable and high quality.
Galaxy Xcover 5 customers appreciate the phone's toughness and simplicity. Many find the size just right and the phone easy to use, even if they are not very tech-savvy. People value the removable back cover and the option to add a second battery. The 4G network and expandable storage suit users who want straightforward everyday use. Customers say the phone looks like new or has minor signs of wear and fits well for those needing a practical device for basic tasks.
Both phones suit different users. The Galaxy S21 5G fits those wanting a sharper screen, faster performance, and more storage. The Galaxy Xcover 5 suits users preferring a compact, simple phone with expandable storage and basic functionality.
Galaxy S21 5G vs Galaxy Xcover 5 FAQs
Galaxy S21 5G vs Xcover 5 comes down to the chipset, RAM and battery. Chipset: Exynos 2100 (5 nm), Qualcomm SM8350 Snapdragon 888 5G (5 nm) on the Galaxy S21 5G, Exynos 850 on the Galaxy Xcover 5. The Galaxy S21 5G has more RAM: 8 GB vs 4 GB.
The Galaxy Xcover 5 is cheaper refurbished, from £60 compared with £171.33 for the Galaxy S21 5G.
The Galaxy S21 5G has a bigger battery: 4000 mAh vs 3000 mAh.
The Galaxy Xcover 5 has a higher-resolution main camera: 16 megapixels vs 12 megapixels.
Updates for the Galaxy S21 5G ended in Feb 2026. We don't have published update dates for the Galaxy Xcover 5.
Refurbished, the Galaxy S21 5G comes in 128GB and 256GB, and the Galaxy Xcover 5 in 64GB.
