Galaxy S21 5G vs iPhone 14 Pro Max
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Galaxy S21 5G
Starting at
£171.33£1,125.00 new
iPhone 14 Pro Max
Starting at
£467.05£1,279.00 newWhat's the difference between the Galaxy S21 5G and iPhone 14 Pro Max?
Galaxy S21 5G vs iPhone 14 Pro Max comes down to the chipset, RAM and battery. Refurbished, the Galaxy S21 5G starts at £171.33, £295.72 less than the iPhone 14 Pro Max. The iPhone 14 Pro Max 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 A16 Bionic (4 nm) on the iPhone 14 Pro Max.
- The Galaxy S21 5G has more RAM: 8 GB vs 6 GB.
- The iPhone 14 Pro Max has a bigger battery: 4323 mAh vs 4000 mAh.
Galaxy S21 5G vs iPhone 14 Pro Max specs
The Galaxy S21 5G and iPhone 14 Pro Max each offer distinct strengths suited to different users. The Galaxy S21 5G is a compact option with a 6.2 inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X screen and 8 GB of RAM, suitable if you prefer Android and a smaller device that supports dual physical SIM cards. The iPhone 14 Pro Max has a larger 6.7 inch LTPO Super Retina XDR OLED display with higher resolution, a more powerful Apple A16 Bionic chip, and storage options up to 1TB, ideal if you want iOS, a bigger screen for media, and extra storage. Your choice depends on whether you value a larger screen and iOS or a smaller size and more RAM with Android.
Galaxy S21 5G vs iPhone 14 Pro Max price
Colour
Galaxy S21 5G vs iPhone 14 Pro Max battery life and software updates
Durability focuses on battery capacity, software support, operating system, and physical design. Both phones keep their software current and have non-foldable designs. Battery size and OS type cater to different user needs.
Battery Capacity
The iPhone 14 Pro Max has a 4323 mAh battery, slightly larger than the Galaxy S21 5G's 4000 mAh. This means the iPhone 14 Pro Max may offer longer battery life under similar usage, which can be important if you spend long hours away from charging. The Galaxy S21 5G still provides solid endurance for everyday use.
Operating System
The Galaxy S21 5G runs Android, offering flexibility and customization options suitable if you prefer Google's ecosystem. The iPhone 14 Pro Max uses iOS, known for its smooth integration with other Apple devices and regular updates.
Battery
Foldable
Ip rating
Software updates
Wireless charging
Year of release
Galaxy S21 5G vs iPhone 14 Pro Max performance
Performance depends on the chipset, RAM, and storage options available. These factors influence speed, multitasking, and how much data you can store on your device.
Processor Technology
The iPhone 14 Pro Max features the Apple A16 Bionic chip built on a 4 nm process, which typically offers efficient performance and power usage. The Galaxy S21 5G comes with either the Exynos 2100 or Qualcomm Snapdragon 888, both built on a 5 nm process.
Memory and Multitasking
The Galaxy S21 5G includes 8 GB of RAM, which helps keep multiple apps open and running smoothly. The iPhone 14 Pro Max has 6 GB of RAM, which iOS manages efficiently for most users. If you run many apps simultaneously, the extra RAM on the Galaxy might be noticeable.
Storage Options
The iPhone 14 Pro Max offers a wider range of storage: 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, and 1TB. This suits users who need substantial space for photos, videos, and apps. The Galaxy S21 5G stocks 128GB and 256GB, adequate for everyday use but with fewer high-capacity options.
Chipset
RAM
Galaxy S21 5G vs iPhone 14 Pro Max screen
Screen quality matters for viewing comfort, media enjoyment, and touch responsiveness. Both phones have 120 Hz refresh rates for smooth motion but differ in size, resolution, and display technology.
Screen Size
The iPhone 14 Pro Max has a larger 6.7 inch screen, providing more room for watching videos, gaming, or reading. The Galaxy S21 5G's 6.2 inch screen makes it more compact and easier to handle with one hand, suiting users who prefer smaller phones.
Resolution and Display Type
The iPhone 14 Pro Max offers a higher resolution of 1290 x 2796 pixels on an LTPO Super Retina XDR OLED screen, delivering sharp images and vibrant colours. The Galaxy S21 5G uses a 1080 x 2400 resolution Dynamic AMOLED 2X display, which provides bright and clear visuals suitable for most daily tasks. Users who watch high-definition content or want more screen real estate may prefer the iPhone.
Refresh rate
Resolution
Screen size
Screen type
Galaxy S21 5G vs iPhone 14 Pro Max camera
Audio and camera capabilities affect your experience with calls, selfies, and photography. Both devices provide strong camera options but differ in megapixel counts.
Front Camera Detail
The iPhone 14 Pro Max has a 12 megapixel front camera, capturing more detail in selfies compared to the Galaxy S21 5G's 10 megapixels. This can be useful if you often take self-portraits or video calls.
Main Camera Resolution
The iPhone 14 Pro Max features a 48 megapixel main camera, which captures more detail in photos, beneficial if you enjoy photography or want sharp images. The Galaxy S21 5G has a 12 megapixel main camera, which still produces quality photos suited for everyday use.
Front camera
Main camera
Galaxy S21 5G vs iPhone 14 Pro Max size and design
Other factors like connectivity, size, weight, and SIM options influence practical daily use and convenience.
SIM Card Setup
The Galaxy S21 5G supports dual physical SIM cards plus eSIM, ideal if you use two different phone numbers or travel frequently. The iPhone 14 Pro Max supports one physical SIM plus eSIM, which suits users with simpler SIM needs.
Physical Size and Weight
The Galaxy S21 5G measures 151.7 mm tall, 71.2 mm wide, and weighs 169 g, making it compact but slightly heavier. The iPhone 14 Pro Max is taller at 160.7 mm, wider at 77.6 mm, but lighter at 150 g. The iPhone's larger screen comes with a slightly bigger footprint but less weight.
Charging Connector
The Galaxy S21 5G uses a USB Type-C connector, a common standard on many devices. The iPhone 14 Pro Max uses Apple's Lightning connector, which may require specific cables and accessories.
Carrier compatibility
Connector
Depth
Height
Mobile network
Release date
SD card slot
SIM card
Weight
Width
Galaxy S21 5G or iPhone 14 Pro Max: which should you buy?
Buy the Galaxy S21 5G if
- you want to spend less: it starts at £171.33, £295.72 less than the iPhone 14 Pro Max
- you want more RAM (8 GB vs 6 GB)
- you want a lighter build (169 g vs 240 g)
Buy the iPhone 14 Pro Max 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 main camera (48 megapixels vs 12 megapixels)
What our customers say
Customers who chose the Galaxy S21 5G often praise its excellent condition and battery life, noting it looks like new or better than expected. Many appreciate the dual SIM functionality, especially for separating work and personal use or for travel. The phone's size suits those wanting a compact device, and users report smooth performance and good overall quality. Some customers mention minor limitations with regional features like Samsung Pay on US versions, but generally the device is well received for everyday use and reliability.
Reviews for the iPhone 14 Pro Max highlight its pristine condition, smooth operation, and strong battery health, with many customers happy to upgrade from earlier iPhones. Users find the phone fast and reliable with a large, bright screen that enhances media viewing. Some report minor cosmetic marks depending on condition level selected, but battery life and camera quality receive positive comments. The wide storage options also appeal to those needing ample space for apps and media.
Both phones suit buyers looking for refurbished models in good condition with recent software support. The Galaxy S21 5G fits users who want Android with dual SIM capabilities and a smaller phone. The iPhone 14 Pro Max is for those preferring a larger display, iOS ecosystem, and higher storage choices.
Galaxy S21 5G vs iPhone 14 Pro Max FAQs
Galaxy S21 5G vs iPhone 14 Pro Max 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 A16 Bionic (4 nm) on the iPhone 14 Pro Max. The Galaxy S21 5G has more RAM: 8 GB vs 6 GB.
The Galaxy S21 5G is cheaper refurbished, from £171.33 compared with £467.05 for the iPhone 14 Pro Max.
The iPhone 14 Pro Max has a bigger battery: 4323 mAh vs 4000 mAh.
The iPhone 14 Pro Max has a higher-resolution main camera: 48 megapixels vs 12 megapixels.
Updates for the Galaxy S21 5G ended in Feb 2026. The iPhone 14 Pro Max is still supported and can run iOS 27.
Refurbished, the Galaxy S21 5G comes in 128GB and 256GB, and the iPhone 14 Pro Max in 128GB, 256GB, 512GB and 1TB.
