Choosing a new Samsung phone can be tough, especially with so many options available. Today, we're pitting the older Galaxy M21 2021 against the newer Galaxy F14 to see which one offers the best value and performance for your needs. Let's dive in!
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Samsung Galaxy F14 is the clear winner. Its newer Exynos 1330 chipset, faster charging, and improved efficiency offer a significantly better experience than the M21 2021, despite the M21's potential price advantage.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 38, 40, 41 | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 17, 20, 26, 28, 38, 40, 41, 66 |
| 5G bands | - | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41, 66, 77, 78 SA/NSA/Sub6 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE-А, 5G |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2021, July 21 | 2023, March 24 |
| Status | Available. Released 2021, July 26 | Available. Released 2023, March 30 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 5), plastic back, plastic frame |
| Dimensions | 159 x 75.1 x 9 mm (6.26 x 2.96 x 0.35 in) | 166.8 x 77.2 x 9.4 mm (6.57 x 3.04 x 0.37 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 192 g (6.77 oz) | 206 g (7.27 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | - | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 |
| 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 (~81.5% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | Super AMOLED, 420 nits (peak) | PLS LCD, 90Hz |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x2.3 GHz Cortex-A73 & 4x1.7 GHz Cortex-A53) | Octa-core (2x2.4 GHz Cortex-A78 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Exynos 9611 (10 nm) | Exynos 1330 (5 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G72 MP3 | Mali-G68 MP2 |
| OS | Android 11, One UI 3.1 Core | Android 13, One UI Core 5.1 |
| 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 |
|---|
| Dual | - | 50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), PDAF
2 MP (macro) |
| Features | LED flash, panorama, HDR | LED flash, panorama, HDR |
| 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 | - |
| 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, (wide) |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 5.2, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | Yes (market/region dependent) | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS, QZSS, NavIC |
| Radio | FM radio, RDS, recording | FM radio, recording |
| 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, gyro, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 15W wired | 25W wired |
| Type | Li-Po 6000 mAh | Li-Po 6000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Charcoal Black, Arctic Blue | Black, Green, Purple |
| Models | SM-M215G, SM-M215G/DS | SM-E146B, SM-E146B/DS |
| Price | About 130 EUR | About 150 EUR |
| SAR | 0.47 W/kg (head) | 0.69 W/kg (head) |
Samsung Galaxy M21 2021
- Massive 6000mAh battery
- Large Super AMOLED display
- Generally more affordable
- Expandable storage (microSD card slot)
- Older chipset (Exynos 9611)
- Slow 15W charging
- Less efficient processor
- Older software version
Samsung Galaxy F14
- Newer and more powerful chipset (Exynos 1330)
- Faster 25W charging
- Improved camera performance
- More efficient processor
- Modern design
- Potentially higher price
- Battery capacity slightly smaller (typically 6000mAh)
- May lack expandable storage (verify)
Display Comparison
Both phones feature large Super AMOLED displays, offering vibrant colors and deep blacks. The F14 likely has slightly improved brightness and color accuracy due to newer panel technology, but the difference is subtle. Both offer a comfortable viewing experience for media consumption.
Camera Comparison
While both phones offer a triple-camera setup, the F14's newer sensor and image processing algorithms likely result in better image quality, especially in low-light conditions. Expect more detail, better dynamic range, and more accurate colors from the F14's camera. The M21 2021's camera is still capable, but it shows its age.
Performance
This is where the F14 shines. The Exynos 1330 (5nm) is a significant upgrade over the Exynos 9611 (10nm) in the M21 2021. Expect noticeably faster app loading times, smoother multitasking, and better gaming performance on the F14. The F14's CPU architecture is also more efficient.
Battery Life
The M21 2021 typically has a 6000mAh battery, offering excellent battery life. However, the F14's more efficient chipset and 25W fast charging (vs. the M21's 15W) mean it can potentially offer similar or even better overall battery life and faster charging times.
Buying Guide
The Samsung Galaxy M21 2021 is a good option for budget-conscious users who prioritize a large display and decent battery life and don't need the latest performance. The Samsung Galaxy F14 is ideal for those seeking a smoother, more responsive experience, faster charging, and a more modern chipset, even if it means spending a bit more.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the Samsung Galaxy F14 worth the extra money compared to the M21 2021?
Yes, the F14's improved performance, faster charging, and better camera make it a worthwhile upgrade, especially if you value a smoother user experience.
❓ Does the Samsung Galaxy F14 have expandable storage?
It's best to verify the specific model you're purchasing, but many F14 variants do not offer expandable storage via microSD card.