Galaxy S21 5G vs iPhone 14 Plus
Shop Samsung Galaxy
Galaxy S21 5G
Starting at
£171.33£1,290.00 new
iPhone 14 Plus
Starting at
£332.55£699.00 newWhat's the difference between the Galaxy S21 5G and iPhone 14 Plus?
Galaxy S21 5G vs iPhone 14 Plus comes down to the chipset, RAM and battery. Refurbished, the Galaxy S21 5G starts at £171.33, £161.22 less than the iPhone 14 Plus. The iPhone 14 Plus is the newer model, released in 2022.
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 on the iPhone 14 Plus.
- The Galaxy S21 5G has more RAM: 8 GB vs 6 GB.
- The iPhone 14 Plus has a bigger battery: 4323 mAh vs 4000 mAh.
Galaxy S21 5G vs iPhone 14 Plus specs
The Galaxy S21 5G and the iPhone 14 Plus differ in several key areas that suit different user needs. The Galaxy S21 5G offers a faster 120 Hz refresh rate and 8 GB of RAM, making it a good choice for smooth scrolling and keeping many apps open. The iPhone 14 Plus has a larger 6.7 inch screen with higher resolution and a slightly bigger battery, which suits those who want more screen space and longer battery life. The Galaxy uses Android and USB Type-C, while the iPhone runs iOS with a Lightning connector. The Galaxy supports dual physical SIMs plus eSIM, ideal for users needing multiple numbers, whereas the iPhone uses eSIM only. Storage options for the iPhone go up to 512GB, offering more space for media and apps. Choose based on your preferred system, screen size, and how you use your phone daily.
Galaxy S21 5G vs iPhone 14 Plus price
Colour
Galaxy S21 5G vs iPhone 14 Plus battery life and software updates
Durability covers battery capacity, software updates, and physical design aspects that affect daily reliability and use.
Battery Capacity
The iPhone 14 Plus has a 4323 mAh battery, slightly larger than the Galaxy S21 5G's 4000 mAh. This difference means the iPhone 14 Plus may offer longer usage between charges, which suits users who need extended battery life during the day.
Operating System
The Galaxy S21 5G runs Android, giving you access to a wide range of customisation options and apps from the Google ecosystem. The iPhone 14 Plus uses iOS, known for its integration with Apple services and consistent updates.
SIM Card Setup
The Galaxy S21 5G supports Dual Physical SIM plus eSIM, allowing two physical SIM cards alongside an eSIM. This setup benefits users who want to manage separate phone numbers or plans physically and digitally. The iPhone 14 Plus uses eSIM only, which suits users comfortable with digital SIM management.
Battery
Foldable
Software updates
Year of release
Galaxy S21 5G vs iPhone 14 Plus performance
Performance depends on chipset power, memory, and storage options. Both phones provide strong daily performance but differ in memory and storage capacities, influencing multitasking and file management.
RAM Amount
The Galaxy S21 5G includes 8 GB of RAM, while the iPhone 14 Plus has 6 GB. More RAM means the Galaxy is suited to users who keep many apps open or switch often between them without reloading.
Storage Options
The iPhone 14 Plus offers storage up to 512GB, giving more room for photos, videos, and apps. The Galaxy S21 5G comes in 128GB and 256GB versions, which suits users with moderate storage needs or who use cloud storage.
Chipset Types
The Galaxy S21 5G uses either the Exynos 2100 or Snapdragon 888 chipset, both built on 5 nm technology. The iPhone 14 Plus features the Apple A15 Bionic chip. Each chipset delivers strong performance for everyday use and apps.
Chipset
RAM
Galaxy S21 5G vs iPhone 14 Plus screen
Screen quality affects how you view media, read text, and interact with your phone. Differences in size, resolution, refresh rate, and screen type matter depending on your preferences for smoothness and screen space.
Screen Size and Resolution
The iPhone 14 Plus has a larger 6.7 inch screen with a resolution of 1284 x 2778, giving more room for video and reading. The Galaxy S21 5G has a 6.2 inch screen at 1080 x 2400 resolution, offering a more compact display that still delivers clear images.
Refresh Rate
The Galaxy S21 5G offers a 120 Hz refresh rate, making scrolling and animations appear smoother. This suits users who value fluid visuals during gaming or web browsing. The iPhone 14 Plus has a 60 Hz refresh rate, which is standard for many phones and suits everyday viewing.
Screen Technology
The Galaxy S21 5G uses Dynamic AMOLED 2X, while the iPhone 14 Plus features Super Retina XDR OLED. Both screen types provide vivid colours and deep contrast, supporting good viewing in different lighting conditions.
Refresh rate
Resolution
Screen size
Screen type
Galaxy S21 5G vs iPhone 14 Plus camera
Camera quality and front-facing cameras impact how you capture photos and video calls. Both phones have 12 megapixels on their main cameras but differ slightly on the front camera resolution.
Front Camera Resolution
The iPhone 14 Plus has a 12 megapixel front camera, offering sharper selfies and clearer video calls compared to the Galaxy S21 5G's 10 megapixel front camera. This suits users who prioritise front-facing photo detail.
Main Camera Similarity
Both phones have a 12 megapixel main camera, providing comparable photo resolution for everyday photography and video.
Front camera
Main camera
Galaxy S21 5G vs iPhone 14 Plus size and design
Other features include physical size, connectors, network compatibility, and weight. These influence comfort, convenience, and how you connect accessories.
Physical Size and Weight
The iPhone 14 Plus is taller and wider with a height of 160.8 mm and width of 78.1 mm, and weighs 150 g, making it lighter. The Galaxy S21 5G is smaller at 151.7 mm tall and 71.2 mm wide, but heavier at 169 g. Choose the Galaxy for a more compact feel or the iPhone for a larger screen in a lighter body.
Charging Connector
The Galaxy S21 5G uses a USB Type-C connector, common for many devices and accessories. The iPhone 14 Plus has a Lightning connector, which fits Apple-specific cables and chargers.
Mobile Network
Both phones support 5G networks for fast mobile data speeds, suitable for streaming and online use on the go.
Carrier compatibility
Connector
Depth
Height
Mobile network
SD card slot
SIM card
Weight
Width
Galaxy S21 5G or iPhone 14 Plus: which should you buy?
Buy the Galaxy S21 5G if
- you want to spend less: it starts at £171.33, £161.22 less than the iPhone 14 Plus
- you want more RAM (8 GB vs 6 GB)
- you want a smoother screen (120 Hz vs 60 Hz)
Buy the iPhone 14 Plus if
- you want a bigger battery (4323 mAh vs 4000 mAh)
- you want a bigger screen (6.7 inch vs 6.2 inch)
- you want a higher-resolution front camera (12 megapixels vs 10 megapixels)
What our customers say
Customers choosing the Galaxy S21 5G praise its excellent condition and reliability. Many report the phone looks like new with few or no marks and good battery life. Users appreciate the dual SIM option for managing multiple numbers, and the smooth performance with 8 GB RAM suits those who multitask. The phone's condition often exceeds expectations, and buyers highlight the quality of screen and body. Some note regional versions may affect features like Samsung Pay.
The iPhone 14 Plus is popular for its large screen and ease of use. Customers find the condition excellent, often noting the phone looks brand new even in fair condition. Battery life is reported as strong, lasting through a day despite varying battery health percentages. Users value the higher storage options and the sharp front camera. The iPhone's familiar iOS system and integration make setup simple for existing Apple users.
Both phones suit different users well. The Galaxy S21 5G fits those wanting a compact device with multiple SIMs and smooth screen performance. The iPhone 14 Plus appeals to people who prefer a larger display with longer battery and more storage. Both receive praise for condition and value from PhoneMart customers.
Galaxy S21 5G vs iPhone 14 Plus FAQs
Galaxy S21 5G vs iPhone 14 Plus 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 on the iPhone 14 Plus. The Galaxy S21 5G has more RAM: 8 GB vs 6 GB.
The Galaxy S21 5G is cheaper refurbished, from £171.33 compared with £332.55 for the iPhone 14 Plus.
The iPhone 14 Plus has a bigger battery: 4323 mAh vs 4000 mAh.
Both have the same main camera: 12 megapixels.
Updates for the Galaxy S21 5G ended in Feb 2026. The iPhone 14 Plus is still supported and can run iOS 27.
Refurbished, the Galaxy S21 5G comes in 128GB and 256GB, and the iPhone 14 Plus in 128GB, 256GB and 512GB.
