Galaxy S21 5G vs iPhone SE (2022)
Shop Samsung Galaxy
Galaxy S21 5G
Starting at
£171.33£1,290.00 new
iPhone SE (2022)
Starting at
£113.85£429.00 newWhat's the difference between the Galaxy S21 5G and iPhone SE (2022)?
Galaxy S21 5G vs iPhone SE (2022) comes down to the chipset, RAM and screen size. Refurbished, the iPhone SE (2022) starts at £113.85, £57.48 less than the Galaxy S21 5G. The iPhone SE (2022) is the newer model, released in 2022.
Refurbished from
Chipset
RAM
Screen size
Screen type
Front camera
- Chipset: Exynos 2100 (5 nm), Qualcomm SM8350 Snapdragon 888 5G (5 nm) on the Galaxy S21 5G, Apple A15 Bionic on the iPhone SE (2022).
- The Galaxy S21 5G has more RAM: 8 GB vs 4 GB.
- The Galaxy S21 5G has a bigger screen: 6.2 inch vs 4.7 inch.
Galaxy S21 5G vs iPhone SE (2022) specs
The Galaxy S21 5G and the iPhone SE (2022) differ in screen size, RAM, and operating system. The Galaxy S21 5G offers a larger, higher resolution Dynamic AMOLED 2X screen suited to those who want more space for video and sharper visuals. It has 8 GB of RAM, which helps keep more apps active at once. The iPhone SE (2022) has a smaller Retina IPS LCD screen and 4 GB of RAM, fitting users who prefer a compact device with iOS. Buyers who want dual physical SIM cards may prefer the Galaxy S21 5G. The choice depends on your preference for screen size, operating system, and memory needs.
Galaxy S21 5G vs iPhone SE (2022) price
Colour
Galaxy S21 5G vs iPhone SE (2022) battery life and software updates
Durability includes the operating systems, update support, and physical design. The operating system differs, which affects app availability and interface.
Operating System
The Galaxy S21 5G runs Android, offering a wide range of apps and customisation. The iPhone SE (2022) uses iOS, which may appeal to users familiar with Apple devices or those who prefer its ecosystem. Your choice here depends on which system you prefer or already use.
Update Compatibility
This means you can keep your phone secure and access new features as they become available regardless of which model you choose.
Battery
Foldable
Ip rating
Software updates
Wireless charging
Year of release
Galaxy S21 5G vs iPhone SE (2022) performance
Chipset
RAM
Galaxy S21 5G vs iPhone SE (2022) screen
Screen quality matters for viewing experience. The Galaxy S21 5G provides a larger, higher resolution screen with a different display technology compared to the iPhone SE (2022).
Screen Size and Resolution
The Galaxy S21 5G has a 6.2 inch screen with a resolution of 1080 by 2400 pixels, offering more space and sharper detail. This suits users who watch videos or need a bigger display. The iPhone SE (2022) has a 4.7 inch display at 750 by 1334 pixels, which is easier to use one-handed and fits well in smaller pockets.
Screen Type
The Galaxy S21 5G uses Dynamic AMOLED 2X, which generally delivers deeper colours and higher contrast, enhancing video and photo viewing. The iPhone SE (2022) uses Retina IPS LCD, providing clear and accurate colours with a different visual character preferred by some users.
Refresh rate
Resolution
Screen size
Screen type
Galaxy S21 5G vs iPhone SE (2022) camera
Camera quality and front camera detail affect your photos and video calls. The main cameras on both devices have the same megapixel count, but the front cameras differ.
Front Camera
The Galaxy S21 5G features a 10 megapixel front camera, which may capture more detail in selfies and video calls. The iPhone SE (2022) has a 7 megapixel front camera, suitable for everyday use but with fewer pixels.
Main Camera
Both phones have a 12 megapixel main camera, meaning they offer similar resolution for standard photos. This is suitable for typical photography needs like casual snapshots and social media.
Front camera
Main camera
Galaxy S21 5G vs iPhone SE (2022) size and design
Other differences include size, weight, SIM options, and connectors. These factors affect how the phone fits in your hand, how you connect accessories, and your mobile network setup.
Size and Weight
The Galaxy S21 5G is larger at 151.7 mm tall, 71.2 mm wide, and 7.9 mm deep, weighing 169 g. The iPhone SE (2022) is smaller at 130 mm tall, 60 mm wide, and 7.3 mm deep, weighing 144 g. Choose the Galaxy S21 5G if you want a bigger device, or the iPhone SE if you prefer something more compact and lighter.
SIM Card Options
The Galaxy S21 5G supports dual physical SIM cards plus eSIM, which suits users who manage two phone numbers with physical SIMs. The iPhone SE (2022) supports one physical SIM card and an eSIM, fitting users with a simpler SIM setup.
Connector Type
The Galaxy S21 5G uses a USB Type-C connector, common for many Android devices and accessories. The iPhone SE (2022) uses Apple's Lightning connector, which works with many Apple accessories. Your choice may depend on your existing cables and chargers.
Storage Options
At PhoneMart, the Galaxy S21 5G is available in 128GB and 256GB versions, suitable for users needing more space for apps, photos, and files. The iPhone SE (2022) comes with 64GB, which fits everyday use but with less storage capacity.
Carrier compatibility
Connector
Depth
Height
Mobile network
SD card slot
SIM card
Weight
Width
Galaxy S21 5G or iPhone SE (2022): which should you buy?
Buy the Galaxy S21 5G if
- you want more RAM (8 GB vs 4 GB)
- you want a bigger screen (6.2 inch vs 4.7 inch)
- you want an OLED screen
Buy the iPhone SE (2022) if
- you want to spend less: it starts at £113.85, £57.48 less than the Galaxy S21 5G
- you want longer software support (supported, up to iOS 27 vs ended Feb 2026)
- you want a lighter build (144 g vs 169 g)
What our customers say
Customers buying the Galaxy S21 5G often say the phone looks like new and is in excellent condition. Many praise its screen quality and battery life, and some appreciate the dual SIM option for managing multiple numbers. The device is reported to work perfectly and suits those who want a larger screen and reliable performance. Some users mention minor signs of wear on fair condition phones but still recommend the quality offered by PhoneMart.
For the iPhone SE (2022), customers highlight that the phone runs smoothly and is easy to set up. Many note the smaller size suits them well, and the inclusion of 5G is appreciated for future use. The condition is typically described as very good or almost like new. Some users mention minor scratches, which they expected based on refurbishment grade, and a few note battery health concerns. Overall, it is seen as a compact, capable device for everyday use.
Both phones appeal to different users: the Galaxy S21 5G fits those wanting a bigger screen, more RAM, and flexible SIM options, while the iPhone SE (2022) suits buyers seeking a smaller device with iOS and 5G connectivity.
Galaxy S21 5G vs iPhone SE (2022) FAQs
Galaxy S21 5G vs iPhone SE (2022) comes down to the chipset, RAM and screen size. Chipset: Exynos 2100 (5 nm), Qualcomm SM8350 Snapdragon 888 5G (5 nm) on the Galaxy S21 5G, Apple A15 Bionic on the iPhone SE (2022). The Galaxy S21 5G has more RAM: 8 GB vs 4 GB.
The iPhone SE (2022) is cheaper refurbished, from £113.85 compared with £171.33 for the Galaxy S21 5G.
Both have the same main camera: 12 megapixels.
Updates for the Galaxy S21 5G ended in Feb 2026. The iPhone SE (2022) is still supported and can run iOS 27.
Refurbished, the Galaxy S21 5G comes in 128GB and 256GB, and the iPhone SE (2022) in 64GB.
