The Samsung Galaxy M21 was a popular budget phone, and the M21 2021 is a refresh. But are the changes significant enough to warrant the upgrade? This comparison dives deep into the specs, performance, and features to help you make the right choice.
🏆 Quick Verdict
Both phones share the same core chipset and performance. The M21 2021's primary advantage lies in its slightly updated software and potentially better availability, especially with a guaranteed 64GB/4GB RAM configuration. Ultimately, the M21 remains a solid choice if you can find it at a lower price.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 38, 40, 41 | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 38, 40, 41 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2021, July 21 | 2020, March 18. Released 2020, March 23 |
| Status | Available. Released 2021, July 26 | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 3), plastic back, plastic frame |
| Dimensions | 159 x 75.1 x 9 mm (6.26 x 2.96 x 0.35 in) | 159 x 75.1 x 8.9 mm (6.26 x 2.96 x 0.35 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 192 g (6.77 oz) | 188 g (6.63 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | - | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 |
| 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 (~84.2% 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 Core |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM | 64GB 4GB 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 | 48 MP, f/2.0, 26mm (wide), 1/2.0", 0.8µm, PDAF
8 MP, f/2.2, 12mm (ultrawide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm
Auxiliary lens |
| Video | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30fps, 720p@240fps, gyro-EIS | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30fps, 720p@240fps, gyro-EIS |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | HDR | HDR |
| Single | 20 MP, f/2.2, 26mm (wide) | 20 MP, f/2.2, 26mm (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 | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | Yes (market/region dependent) | Yes (market/region dependent) |
| 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, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 15W wired | 15W wired |
| Type | Li-Po 6000 mAh | Li-Po 6000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Charcoal Black, Arctic Blue | Midnight Blue, Raven Black |
| Models | SM-M215G, SM-M215G/DS | SM-M215F, SM-M215F/DS, SM-M215F/DSN |
| Price | About 130 EUR | About 190 EUR |
| SAR | 0.47 W/kg (head) | 0.47 W/kg (head) |
| Pricing |
|---|
| 64GB 4GB RAM | - | £ 279.99 |
| RENEWED | - | £ 129.00 |
Samsung Galaxy M21 2021
- Guaranteed 64GB/4GB RAM configuration
- Slightly updated software
- Large 6000mAh battery
- Vibrant Super AMOLED display
- 15W charging is slow
- Performance is not flagship-level
- May be slightly more expensive than the original M21
Samsung Galaxy M21
- Excellent value for money (if found at a discount)
- Large 6000mAh battery
- Vibrant Super AMOLED display
- Similar performance to the M21 2021
- May be harder to find new
- Software updates may be less frequent
- 15W charging is slow
Display Comparison
Both devices feature a 6.4-inch Super AMOLED display with a Full HD+ resolution (1080 x 2340 pixels). Expect vibrant colors, deep blacks, and excellent viewing angles on both. There are no significant differences in display quality between the two models.
Camera Comparison
The camera setup is largely the same: a triple rear camera system with a 48MP main sensor, an 8MP ultrawide lens, and a 2MP depth sensor. Image quality should be comparable in most conditions. Software optimizations in the M21 2021 might offer slightly improved processing, but the difference will be minimal.
Performance
Powered by the Exynos 9611 chipset and an Octa-core CPU, both phones offer similar performance for everyday tasks like browsing, social media, and light gaming. Don't expect flagship-level performance, but they're perfectly capable for their price range. RAM configurations may vary, but the 4GB/64GB option on the M21 2021 provides a more consistent experience.
Battery Life
Both phones pack a large 6000mAh battery, promising excellent battery life. Expect all-day usage with moderate use. Charging is handled via 15W wired charging on both devices, which is relatively slow by modern standards.
Buying Guide
The Samsung Galaxy M21 2021 is ideal for budget-conscious buyers who want a reliable Samsung phone with a large display and decent battery life, and value a guaranteed RAM/storage configuration. The original Samsung Galaxy M21 is a great pick if you're looking for the best possible value and can find it at a discounted price, as the core hardware is identical.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the Samsung Galaxy M21 2021 worth the upgrade over the original M21?
The upgrade is minor. The core hardware is the same. The M21 2021 offers a more consistent RAM/storage configuration and potentially slightly updated software, but the original M21 remains a great value if you can find it cheaper.
❓ What is the battery life like on both phones?
Both phones offer excellent battery life thanks to their 6000mAh batteries. Expect all-day usage with moderate use.
