Galaxy S21 5G vs iPhone 13
Shop Samsung Galaxy
Galaxy S21 5G
Starting at
£171.33£1,290.00 new
iPhone 13
Starting at
£249.06£599.00 newWhat's the difference between the Galaxy S21 5G and iPhone 13?
Galaxy S21 5G vs iPhone 13 comes down to the chipset, RAM and battery. Refurbished, the Galaxy S21 5G starts at £171.33, £77.73 less than the iPhone 13.
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, Apple A15 Bionic (5 nm) on the iPhone 13.
- The Galaxy S21 5G has more RAM: 8 GB vs 4 GB.
- The Galaxy S21 5G has a bigger battery: 4000 mAh vs 3240 mAh.
Galaxy S21 5G vs iPhone 13 specs
The Galaxy S21 5G and iPhone 13 both come from 2021 and offer solid performance and features, but they suit different preferences. The Galaxy S21 5G has a larger battery and more RAM, supporting longer use and smoother multitasking for Android users. Its screen refreshes at 120 Hz, benefiting those who value smooth scrolling and gaming. The iPhone 13 offers a slightly higher screen resolution and a higher megapixel front camera, appealing to those who prioritise sharper display and selfies. Storage options on the iPhone 13 go up to 512GB, making it a good pick for users needing extra space. Your choice depends on whether you want the Android experience with a faster display or iOS with more storage and a sharper front camera.
Galaxy S21 5G vs iPhone 13 price
Colour
Galaxy S21 5G vs iPhone 13 battery life and software updates
Durability focuses on battery capacity and operating system. Both phones come from 2021, but their battery sizes and operating systems offer different user experiences.
Battery Capacity
The Galaxy S21 5G has a 4000 mAh battery, which suits users who want longer use between charges. The iPhone 13's 3240 mAh battery offers solid daily use but may require more frequent charging for heavy users.
Operating System
The Galaxy S21 5G runs on Android, which offers flexibility and customisation options. The iPhone 13 runs iOS 15, providing a streamlined experience with Apple's ecosystem. Your choice depends on which operating system you prefer.
Battery
Foldable
Ip rating
OS at launch
Software updates
Wireless charging
Year of release
Galaxy S21 5G vs iPhone 13 performance
Performance covers chipset, RAM and storage options. Both devices have powerful processors but differ in RAM and storage capacities, which affect multitasking and space for apps and files.
Chipset
The Galaxy S21 5G comes with either the Exynos 2100 or Qualcomm Snapdragon 888, both built on 5 nm technology, offering strong performance for gaming and everyday tasks. The iPhone 13's Apple A15 Bionic chipset, also 5 nm, delivers efficient and fast processing suited to iOS.
RAM
With 8 GB of RAM, the Galaxy S21 5G keeps more apps open smoothly, which benefits multitasking. The iPhone 13 has 4 GB of RAM, which supports iOS optimisation and suits users focused on everyday use.
Storage Options
The Galaxy S21 5G is available with 128GB or 256GB of storage, fitting most users' needs. The iPhone 13 offers 128GB, 256GB, and a larger 512GB option, ideal for those who need more space for media and apps.
Chipset
RAM
Galaxy S21 5G vs iPhone 13 screen
Screen quality compares refresh rate, resolution, size and type. These factors influence how smooth and sharp the display looks for different activities.
Refresh Rate
The Galaxy S21 5G features a 120 Hz refresh rate, which makes scrolling and animations feel smoother. This suits users who watch videos or play games often. The iPhone 13 has a 60 Hz refresh rate, which is standard and works well for everyday use.
Resolution and Size
The Galaxy S21 5G has a 6.2 inch screen at 1080 x 2400 resolution, offering a slightly larger display area. The iPhone 13's 6.1 inch screen has a higher resolution of 1170 x 2532, providing a sharper image. Choose the Galaxy for more screen space or the iPhone for finer detail.
Screen Type
The Galaxy S21 5G uses Dynamic AMOLED 2X, which delivers vibrant colours and deep blacks, enhancing media viewing. The iPhone 13 has an OLED screen, known for accurate colours and contrast. Both provide quality displays for watching and browsing.
Refresh rate
Resolution
Screen size
Screen type
Galaxy S21 5G vs iPhone 13 camera
Audiovisual features include front and main cameras. These affect photo and video quality, especially for selfies and everyday photography.
Front Camera
The iPhone 13 has a 12 megapixel front camera, which captures more detail in selfies and video calls. The Galaxy S21 5G's 10 megapixel front camera still performs well for video chats and self-portraits but offers slightly fewer pixels.
Main Camera
Both phones have a 12 megapixel main camera, suitable for taking clear photos in most conditions. This makes either device a solid choice for everyday photography.
Front camera
Main camera
Galaxy S21 5G vs iPhone 13 size and design
Miscellaneous details cover connectivity, size, weight and SIM options. These affect how you use the phone daily and its physical feel.
SIM Card Setup
The Galaxy S21 5G supports dual physical SIM cards plus eSIM, which benefits users who want to separate work and personal numbers or use two networks. The iPhone 13 supports a physical SIM and eSIM, suitable for those who use one physical SIM with an additional digital option.
Connector Type
The Galaxy S21 5G uses a USB Type-C connector, common for many devices and accessories. The iPhone 13 uses the Lightning connector, which is standard for Apple products.
Dimensions and Weight
The Galaxy S21 5G measures 151.7 mm tall, 71.2 mm wide and 7.9 mm deep, weighing 169 g. The iPhone 13 is slightly smaller at 146.7 mm tall, 71.5 mm wide and 7.7 mm deep, with a weight of 174 g. These differences affect how the phones feel in your hand and pocket.
Network and Storage
Both devices support 5G networks and do not include an SD card slot for expandable storage. The Galaxy S21 5G comes unlocked and so does the iPhone 13, giving flexibility in choosing a carrier.
Carrier compatibility
Connector
Depth
Height
Mobile network
Release date
SD card slot
SIM card
Weight
Width
Galaxy S21 5G or iPhone 13: which should you buy?
Buy the Galaxy S21 5G if
- you want to spend less: it starts at £171.33, £77.73 less than the iPhone 13
- you want more RAM (8 GB vs 4 GB)
- you want a bigger battery (4000 mAh vs 3240 mAh)
Buy the iPhone 13 if
- you want a higher-resolution front camera (12 megapixels vs 10 megapixels)
- you want longer software support (supported, up to iOS 27 vs ended Feb 2026)
What our customers say
Customers who bought the Galaxy S21 5G from PhoneMart appreciate the phone's excellent condition, often describing it as looking like new with minimal or no marks. Many note the battery performs well, with some mentioning the battery was quickly restored to full capacity. The dual SIM option suits users who need separate lines, and the phone's condition and performance have met expectations repeatedly for those upgrading from older Samsung models or buying for family members.
For the iPhone 13, customers highlight the phone's like-new appearance and strong battery health, especially when ordering the new battery option. Buyers praise the ease of use and reliability of the iPhone 13, often choosing it for its smooth performance and quality condition. Some mention satisfaction with the screen and camera quality, noting the overall good value for a refurbished Apple device.
Both phones attract buyers who want dependable refurbished devices in excellent condition. The Galaxy S21 5G suits those who prefer Android with features like dual SIM, while the iPhone 13 appeals to users loyal to iOS and those who want larger storage and a sharper front camera.
Galaxy S21 5G vs iPhone 13 FAQs
Galaxy S21 5G vs iPhone 13 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, Apple A15 Bionic (5 nm) on the iPhone 13. The Galaxy S21 5G has more RAM: 8 GB vs 4 GB.
The Galaxy S21 5G is cheaper refurbished, from £171.33 compared with £249.06 for the iPhone 13.
The Galaxy S21 5G has a bigger battery: 4000 mAh vs 3240 mAh.
Both have the same main camera: 12 megapixels.
Updates for the Galaxy S21 5G ended in Feb 2026. The iPhone 13 is still supported and can run iOS 27.
Refurbished, the Galaxy S21 5G comes in 128GB and 256GB, and the iPhone 13 in 128GB, 256GB and 512GB.
