Galaxy S21 5G vs OnePlus 8 Pro
Shop Samsung Galaxy
Galaxy S21 5G
Starting at
£171.33£1,290.00 new
OnePlus 8 Pro
Starting at
£177.00What's the difference between the Galaxy S21 5G and OnePlus 8 Pro?
Galaxy S21 5G vs OnePlus 8 Pro comes down to the chipset, RAM and battery. Refurbished, the Galaxy S21 5G starts at £171.33, £5.67 less than the OnePlus 8 Pro. The Galaxy S21 5G is the newer model, released in 2021.
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, Qualcomm SM8250 Snapdragon 865 5G (7 nm+) on the OnePlus 8 Pro.
- The OnePlus 8 Pro has more RAM: 12 GB vs 8 GB.
- The OnePlus 8 Pro has a bigger battery: 4510 mAh vs 4000 mAh.
Galaxy S21 5G vs OnePlus 8 Pro specs
The Galaxy S21 5G and OnePlus 8 Pro cater to different user preferences. The OnePlus 8 Pro has a larger, higher resolution screen and more RAM, which suits users who prioritise screen detail and multitasking. The OnePlus 8 Pro also offers higher megapixel cameras and a bigger battery, which benefits photography enthusiasts and those who want longer battery capacity between charges. Both phones support 5G and dual SIM, but the Galaxy S21 5G adds eSIM support and weighs less, making it a lighter option for daily carry.
Galaxy S21 5G vs OnePlus 8 Pro price
Colour
Storage
- 128GBSold out
- 256GBSold out
Galaxy S21 5G vs OnePlus 8 Pro battery life and software updates
Durability includes battery size, software updates, and SIM options. These affect how long you can use the phone each day and how long it stays current with software improvements.
Battery Capacity
The OnePlus 8 Pro has a 4510 mAh battery, which offers more capacity than the Galaxy S21 5G's 4000 mAh. This suits users who need longer use between charges, such as heavy multimedia consumers or those who spend more time away from charging points.
SIM Card Options
The Galaxy S21 5G supports Dual Physical SIM plus eSIM, allowing flexibility for multiple mobile plans including a digital SIM. The OnePlus 8 Pro supports Dual Physical SIM only, which fits users who prefer physical SIM cards.
Battery
Foldable
Software updates
Year of release
Galaxy S21 5G vs OnePlus 8 Pro performance
Performance covers chipset, RAM, and storage options, all affecting speed, multitasking, and app storage. These matter if you use demanding apps or keep many apps open at once.
Chipset Efficiency
The Galaxy S21 5G uses newer 5 nm chipsets compared to the OnePlus 8 Pro's 7 nm+ chipset. The smaller manufacturing process may help the Galaxy S21 5G deliver efficiency and performance benefits in daily use, such as smoother app operation and better power management.
Memory Capacity
The OnePlus 8 Pro comes with 12 GB RAM, which is larger than the Galaxy S21 5G's 8 GB. This supports keeping more apps active in the background and can benefit users who multitask heavily or use memory-intensive applications.
Storage Options
Both phones are available in 128GB and 256GB storage sizes. This gives you room for apps, photos, and files depending on your storage needs.
Chipset
RAM
Galaxy S21 5G vs OnePlus 8 Pro screen
Screen quality affects how you view videos, photos, and read text. Size, resolution, and screen type all contribute to daily viewing comfort and clarity.
Screen Size and Resolution
The OnePlus 8 Pro has a larger 6.78 inch screen with a 1440 x 3168 resolution, providing a more spacious and sharper display. This suits users who watch a lot of video or want extra detail. The Galaxy S21 5G's 6.2 inch screen with 1080 x 2400 resolution offers a more compact, easy-to-handle size while still delivering clear visuals.
Screen Technology
The Galaxy S21 5G uses a Dynamic AMOLED 2X screen, while the OnePlus 8 Pro has a Fluid AMOLED screen. Both screen types provide vibrant colours and good contrast, supporting enjoyable viewing experiences.
Refresh rate
Resolution
Screen size
Screen type
Galaxy S21 5G vs OnePlus 8 Pro camera
Camera quality is important if you take photos or video calls. Front and main camera megapixels indicate image detail potential.
Front Camera Detail
The OnePlus 8 Pro offers a 16 megapixel front camera, which captures more detail for selfies and video calls than the Galaxy S21 5G's 10 megapixel front camera. This suits users who prioritise high-quality front-facing photos or clearer video chat.
Main Camera Resolution
The OnePlus 8 Pro has a 48 megapixel main camera, providing higher resolution images compared to the Galaxy S21 5G's 12 megapixel main camera. This benefits users who want detailed photography or plan to crop and edit photos.
Camera type
Front camera
Main camera
Galaxy S21 5G vs OnePlus 8 Pro size and design
Other features include physical size, weight, connectivity, and network support. These affect how the phone feels in your hand and what networks and accessories you can use.
Size and Weight
The Galaxy S21 5G is lighter at 169 g and slightly smaller in height and width, making it easier to carry and use one-handed. The OnePlus 8 Pro is heavier at 199 g and larger in dimensions, which may suit users who prefer a bigger device for media or typing.
Connectivity and Network
Both phones use USB Type-C connectors and support 5G networks, offering modern charging and fast mobile data. The Galaxy S21 5G is unlocked and includes eSIM support, while the OnePlus 8 Pro is unlocked but does not list eSIM.
SIM Card Setup
The Galaxy S21 5G supports Dual Physical SIM plus eSIM for flexible mobile plans, while the OnePlus 8 Pro supports Dual Physical SIM only, fitting users who prefer physical SIM cards.
Carrier compatibility
Connector
Depth
Height
Mobile network
SD card slot
SIM card
Weight
Width
Galaxy S21 5G or OnePlus 8 Pro: which should you buy?
Buy the Galaxy S21 5G if
- you want to spend less: it starts at £171.33, £5.67 less than the OnePlus 8 Pro
- you want a lighter build (169 g vs 199 g)
Buy the OnePlus 8 Pro if
- you want more RAM (12 GB vs 8 GB)
- you want a bigger battery (4510 mAh vs 4000 mAh)
- you want a bigger screen (6.78 inch vs 6.2 inch)
What our customers say
Customers choosing the Galaxy S21 5G praise its excellent condition and reliable battery performance. Many say the phone looks like new or better than expected, with some noting it has no marks or scratches. The Galaxy S21 5G is appreciated for its ease of use with dual SIM and eSIM options, and customers mention it works perfectly for their needs. Some buyers note the US version may have region-specific features but still find the phone high quality overall.
Users of the OnePlus 8 Pro mention good condition and quality, with several highlighting the phone looks almost mint or better than described. The larger RAM is noted by some customers, and while a few mention battery drain or heat, most find the phone works well for everyday use. The OnePlus 8 Pro is valued for its high specifications and ease of setup, even for those less familiar with technology.
The Galaxy S21 5G suits those wanting a lighter, compact phone with current software updates and flexible SIM options. The OnePlus 8 Pro fits users who want a larger screen, higher RAM, and detailed cameras, accepting a heavier device.
Galaxy S21 5G vs OnePlus 8 Pro FAQs
Galaxy S21 5G vs OnePlus 8 Pro 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, Qualcomm SM8250 Snapdragon 865 5G (7 nm+) on the OnePlus 8 Pro. The OnePlus 8 Pro has more RAM: 12 GB vs 8 GB.
The Galaxy S21 5G is cheaper refurbished, from £171.33 compared with £177 for the OnePlus 8 Pro.
The OnePlus 8 Pro has a bigger battery: 4510 mAh vs 4000 mAh.
The OnePlus 8 Pro has a higher-resolution main camera: 48 megapixels vs 12 megapixels.
Updates for the Galaxy S21 5G ended in Feb 2026. We don't have published update dates for the OnePlus 8 Pro.
Both come in 128GB and 256GB refurbished.
