The Samsung Galaxy M21 2021 and Galaxy F41 are both budget-friendly smartphones offering a compelling package. But with so many similarities, which one truly comes out on top? This comprehensive comparison will break down the key differences to help you make the right choice.
🏆 Quick Verdict
Ultimately, the M21 2021 and F41 are remarkably similar. The M21 2021 often edges out slightly due to potentially better availability and sometimes slightly more competitive pricing. Both offer excellent value for their price point, making the decision largely dependent on current deals and personal preference.
| 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, 8, 38, 40, 41 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2021, July 21 | 2020, October 08. Released 2020, October 16 |
| Status | Available. Released 2021, July 26 | Discontinued |
| 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) | 159.2 x 75.1 x 8.9 mm (6.27 x 2.96 x 0.35 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 192 g (6.77 oz) | 191 g (6.74 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 1080 x 2340 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~403 ppi density) | 1080 x 2340 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~403 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.4 inches, 100.5 cm2 (~84.2% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.4 inches, 100.5 cm2 (~84.1% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | Super AMOLED, 420 nits (peak) | Super AMOLED, 420 nits (peak) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x2.3 GHz Cortex-A73 & 4x1.7 GHz Cortex-A53) | Octa-core (4x2.3 GHz Cortex-A73 & 4x1.7 GHz Cortex-A53) |
| Chipset | Exynos 9611 (10 nm) | Exynos 9611 (10 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G72 MP3 | Mali-G72 MP3 |
| OS | Android 11, One UI 3.1 Core | Android 10, upgradable to Android 11, One UI 3.1 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM | 64GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM |
| | - | UFS 2.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| 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 | 64 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), 1/1.72", 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 | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30fps, gyro-EIS |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | HDR | HDR |
| Single | 20 MP, f/2.2, 26mm (wide) | 32 MP, f/2.0, 26mm (wide), 1/2.8", 0.8µm |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | Yes (market/region dependent) | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS |
| Radio | FM radio, RDS, recording | FM radio, RDS, 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 (rear-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, compass |
| | - | Virtual proximity sensing |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 15W wired | 15W wired |
| Type | Li-Po 6000 mAh | Li-Po 6000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Charcoal Black, Arctic Blue | Fusion Black, Fusion Blue, Fusion Green |
| Models | SM-M215G, SM-M215G/DS | SM-F415F/DS, SM-F415F |
| Price | About 130 EUR | About 200 EUR |
| SAR | 0.47 W/kg (head) | 0.38 W/kg (head) |
Samsung Galaxy M21 2021
- Potentially better software support
- Slightly more modern design
- Good value for money
- 15W charging is slow
- Performance isn't flagship-level
Samsung Galaxy F41
- Large 6000mAh battery
- Vibrant Super AMOLED display
- Competitive pricing
- 15W charging is slow
- Performance isn't flagship-level
Display Comparison
Both phones feature a 6.4-inch Super AMOLED display with a Full HD+ resolution. While the specifications are identical, subjective differences in panel quality and color calibration might exist. The M21 2021 might have a slightly more refined display, but the difference is minimal.
Camera Comparison
The Galaxy F41 boasts a 64MP main camera, while the M21 2021 also features a 48MP main camera. While megapixels aren't everything, the F41's larger sensor *could* potentially capture slightly more detail in well-lit conditions. Both offer similar ultrawide and depth sensors. Low-light performance is comparable.
Performance
Powered by the same Exynos 9611 chipset and Octa-core CPU, performance is virtually identical. Expect smooth everyday usage, but demanding games might require lower graphics settings. Both phones handle multitasking well, but don't expect flagship-level performance.
Battery Life
The Galaxy F41 has a larger 6000mAh battery compared to the M21 2021's 6000mAh battery. In real-world usage, battery life is very similar, easily lasting a full day with moderate use. Both phones support 15W wired charging, which is relatively slow.
Buying Guide
The Samsung Galaxy M21 2021 is ideal for users prioritizing a slightly more modern design and potentially better software support. The Galaxy F41 is a great choice for those seeking a large battery and a vibrant display, especially if it's available at a significantly lower price.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Are the cameras really that different?
While the F41 has a 64MP main sensor and the M21 2021 has a 48MP sensor, the difference in image quality is often minimal in everyday use. Both phones produce decent photos in good lighting.
❓ Which phone will get software updates for longer?
Generally, the M21 2021 might receive slightly longer software support, but both phones are likely to receive a few major Android updates and security patches.
