Samsung Galaxy M21 2021 vs Galaxy A14: A Detailed Comparison

Choosing a budget-friendly Samsung phone can be tough. The Galaxy M21 2021 and Galaxy A14 are both strong contenders, offering compelling features at an affordable price. But which one reigns supreme? Let's dive into a detailed comparison to help you decide.

Phones Images

🏆 Quick Verdict

The Galaxy A14 generally edges out the M21 2021 thanks to its slightly newer chipset and potentially improved camera capabilities (depending on the A14 variant). However, the M21 2021 might offer a better value proposition depending on current pricing and availability.

PHONES
Phone Names	Samsung Galaxy M21 2021	Samsung Galaxy A14

Network
2G bands	GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900	GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G bands	HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100	HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100
4G bands	1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 38, 40, 41	1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41
Speed	HSPA, LTE	HSPA, LTE
Technology	GSM / HSPA / LTE	GSM / HSPA / LTE

Launch
Announced	2021, July 21	2023, February 28
Status	Available. Released 2021, July 26	Available. Released 2023, March 27

Body
Build	Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame	Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame
Dimensions	159 x 75.1 x 9 mm (6.26 x 2.96 x 0.35 in)	167.7 x 78 x 9.1 mm (6.60 x 3.07 x 0.36 in)
SIM	Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM	· Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM
Weight	192 g (6.77 oz)	201 g (7.09 oz)

Display
Resolution	1080 x 2340 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~403 ppi density)	1080 x 2408 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~400 ppi density)
Size	6.4 inches, 100.5 cm2 (~84.2% screen-to-body ratio)	6.6 inches, 104.9 cm2 (~80.2% screen-to-body ratio)
Type	Super AMOLED, 420 nits (peak)	PLS LCD

Platform
CPU	Octa-core (4x2.3 GHz Cortex-A73 & 4x1.7 GHz Cortex-A53)	Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55) - Version AOcta-core (4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55 & 4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) - Version B
Chipset	Exynos 9611 (10 nm)	Mediatek MT6769 Helio G80 (12 nm) - Version AExynos 850 (8 nm) - Version B
GPU	Mali-G72 MP3	Mali-G52 MC2
OS	Android 11, One UI 3.1 Core	Android 13, upgradable to Android 15, One UI 7

Memory
Card slot	microSDXC (dedicated slot)	microSDXC (dedicated slot)
Internal	64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM	64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM

Main Camera
Features	LED flash, panorama, HDR	LED flash, panorama, HDR
Single	-	13 MP, f/2.0, (wide)
Triple	48 MP, f/2.0, 26mm (wide), 1/2.0", 0.8µm, PDAF 8 MP, f/2.2, 123˚ (ultrawide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm Auxiliary lens	50 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), 1/2.75", 0.64µm, PDAF 5 MP, f/2.2, 17mm (ultrawide), 1/5.0", 1.12µm 2 MP (macro)
Video	4K@30fps, 1080p@30fps, 720p@240fps, gyro-EIS	1080p@30fps

Selfie camera
Features	HDR	-
Single	20 MP, f/2.2, 26mm (wide)	13 MP, f/2.0, 26mm (wide), 1/3.1", 1.12µm
Video	1080p@30fps	1080p@30fps

Sound
3.5mm jack	Yes	Yes
35mm jack	Yes	Yes
Loudspeaker	Yes	Yes

Comms
Bluetooth	5.0, A2DP, LE	5.1 or 5.3, A2DP, LE
NFC	Yes (market/region dependent)	Yes (market/region dependent)
Positioning	GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS	GPS, GALILEO, GLONASS, BDS, QZSS
Radio	FM radio, RDS, recording	Unspecified
USB	USB Type-C 2.0	USB Type-C 2.0
WLAN	Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct	Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct

Features
Sensors	Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass	Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass

Battery
Charging	15W wired	15W wired
Type	Li-Po 6000 mAh	Li-Po 5000 mAh

Misc
Colors	Charcoal Black, Arctic Blue	Black, Dark Red, Silver, Green
Models	SM-M215G, SM-M215G/DS	SM-A145F, SM-A145F/DSN, SM-A145M, SM-A145M/DS, SM-A145P, SM-A145R
Price	About 130 EUR	€ 85.76 / $ 147.60 / £ 79.95
SAR	0.47 W/kg (head)	-
SAR EU	-	0.46 W/kg (head) 1.37 W/kg (body)

Samsung Galaxy M21 2021

Large Super AMOLED display
Excellent battery life
Good value (when discounted)
Decent performance for everyday tasks

Older chipset
Slower charging
Less impressive camera compared to newer models
60Hz refresh rate

Samsung Galaxy A14

Potentially better performance (Exynos 850 variant)
Improved camera (50MP main sensor)
Slightly more modern design
90Hz refresh rate (potentially)

Helio G80 variant may not offer a significant performance boost
15W charging is slow
Can be slightly more expensive than the M21 2021

Display Comparison

Both phones feature large Super AMOLED displays, offering vibrant colors and deep blacks. The M21 2021 has a 6.6-inch display, while the A14 has a 6.6-inch display. Resolution is likely FHD+ on both. The A14 may have a slightly improved refresh rate (90Hz vs 60Hz on the M21 2021), offering smoother scrolling.

Camera Comparison

The M21 2021 typically features a 48MP main camera, an 8MP ultrawide, and a 2MP depth sensor. The A14 boasts a 50MP main camera, a 5MP ultrawide, and a 2MP macro lens. Image quality is likely to be better on the A14, especially in low light, due to the higher resolution main sensor and potentially improved image processing. Both offer decent selfie cameras.

Performance

The M21 2021 utilizes the Exynos 9611, a capable but older chipset. The A14 offers two variants: the Exynos 850 (8nm) and the Helio G80 (12nm). The Exynos 850 generally provides better performance than the Exynos 9611, while the Helio G80 is comparable or slightly slower. Gaming performance will be better on the Exynos 850 variant of the A14.

Battery Life

Both phones pack a large 6000mAh battery, promising excellent battery life. Charging is limited to 15W wired charging on both devices, so expect similar charging times.

Buying Guide

The Samsung Galaxy M21 2021 is a good choice for users prioritizing a large display and decent performance for everyday tasks, especially if found at a significantly discounted price. The Samsung Galaxy A14 is ideal for those seeking a more modern chipset, potentially better camera performance, and a slightly more contemporary design.