The Samsung Galaxy M21 2021 and M31 Prime present a unique comparison challenge. Both devices are powered by the same Exynos 9611 chipset and share nearly identical core specifications. This review dissects the nuances between these two models, focusing on how market positioning and availability impact the user experience and overall value.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user, the Samsung Galaxy M31 Prime offers slightly better value if available at a lower price point. While both phones deliver comparable performance thanks to the Exynos 9611, the M31 Prime often benefits from more aggressive pricing, making it the more sensible choice for budget-conscious buyers.
| 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, 13, 17, 20, 26, 28, 38, 40, 41, 66 |
| EDGE | - | Yes |
| GPRS | - | Class 10 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2021, July 21 | 2020, October 14. Released 2020, October 17 |
| 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) | 159.2 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 |
|---|
| 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 (~84.1% 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, One UI 2.0 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Call records | - | Yes |
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM | 64GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM |
| Phonebook | - | Yes |
| | - | UFS 2.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash, panorama, HDR | LED flash, panorama, HDR |
| Quad | - | 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
5 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens |
| Single | - | 3.15 MP |
| 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 | 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 | 4K@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 |
|---|
| Games | - | Downloadable |
| Java | - | Yes |
| Messaging | - | SMS, MMS, Email, Push Email, IM |
| Sensors | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, compass |
| | - | Virtual proximity sensing |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 15W wired | 15W wired |
| Stand-by | - | Up to 150 h |
| Talk time | - | Up to 1 h 30 min |
| Type | Li-Po 6000 mAh | Li-Po 6000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Charcoal Black, Arctic Blue | Ocean Blue, Space Black, Iceberg Blue |
| Models | SM-M215G, SM-M215G/DS | SM-M315F/DS |
| Price | About 130 EUR | About 190 EUR |
| SAR | 0.47 W/kg (head) | 0.38 W/kg (head) |
Samsung Galaxy M21 2021
- Potentially more readily available in certain markets.
- Guaranteed software updates from Samsung (likely longer support).
- Identical performance to the M31 Prime due to the same chipset.
- Often priced higher than the M31 Prime for the same hardware.
- 15W charging is slow compared to competitors.
Samsung Galaxy M31 Prime
- Typically more affordable than the M21 2021.
- Larger 6000mAh battery for extended battery life.
- Identical performance to the M21 2021 due to the same chipset.
- May have shorter software update support.
- 15W charging is slow compared to competitors.
Display Comparison
Both the Galaxy M21 2021 and M31 Prime feature displays that prioritize size over cutting-edge technology. While specific panel details (like peak brightness in nits or color gamut coverage) aren't provided, the shared resolution suggests similar pixel densities. The absence of high refresh rate technology means users won't experience the smoother scrolling found on more premium devices. Bezels are likely comparable, reflecting the budget-oriented nature of both phones. Color accuracy will likely be typical for Samsung's mid-range offerings, leaning towards vibrant but not necessarily color-accurate for professional work.
Camera Comparison
Camera performance will be largely determined by software processing, as both phones likely utilize similar sensor configurations. The absence of details regarding sensor sizes and lens apertures makes a precise comparison difficult. However, given the market segment, we can assume the main sensors are in the 48MP-64MP range. The inclusion of a 2MP macro camera on both devices is largely a marketing tactic, offering limited practical benefit due to the low resolution and lack of autofocus. Image processing will likely prioritize vibrant colors and boosted contrast, typical of Samsung's camera software. OIS (Optical Image Stabilization) is unlikely to be present, impacting low-light photography.
Performance
The core of both devices is the Exynos 9611, a 10nm chipset featuring an octa-core CPU configuration with 4x2.3 GHz Cortex-A73 and 4x1.7 GHz Cortex-A53 cores. This means CPU performance will be virtually identical between the two phones. The GPU performance will also be the same. The lack of information regarding RAM speed (LPDDR4X is likely) prevents a deeper analysis of multitasking capabilities. Thermal management will be similar, and sustained performance under heavy load may be limited by the chipset's inherent thermal constraints. Users should expect adequate performance for everyday tasks and moderate gaming, but not flagship-level responsiveness.
Battery Life
Both the M21 2021 and M31 Prime support 15W wired charging. Battery capacity is not specified, but the M31 Prime is known to have a 6000mAh battery. The M21 2021 likely has a slightly smaller battery. The 15W charging speed is relatively slow compared to modern standards, meaning a full 0-100% charge will take over two hours. The larger battery in the M31 Prime will translate to longer screen-on time, making it the better choice for users who prioritize battery life over quick charging speeds.
Buying Guide
Buy the Samsung Galaxy M21 2021 if you prioritize finding a readily available device with guaranteed software updates from Samsung. Buy the Samsung Galaxy M31 Prime if you are focused on maximizing value for your money and can find it at a significantly lower price than the M21 2021, accepting potentially less frequent software updates depending on regional availability.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Does the Exynos 9611 in either phone struggle with demanding games like PUBG or Call of Duty?
The Exynos 9611 is a capable chipset for casual gaming, but it will likely struggle with demanding titles like PUBG or Call of Duty at high settings. Expect to lower graphics settings and potentially experience frame drops during intense gameplay. The chipset's thermal limitations may also lead to throttling after prolonged gaming sessions.
❓ Is the 2MP macro camera on either phone worth using?
The 2MP macro camera on both the M21 2021 and M31 Prime is largely a marketing feature. The low resolution and lack of autofocus result in images that lack detail and sharpness. It's best to rely on the main camera for most photography needs.
❓ How long does it take to fully charge either phone with the 15W charger?
With the included 15W charger, expect a full 0-100% charge to take approximately 2.5 to 3 hours. The M31 Prime's larger battery will take slightly longer to charge than the M21 2021.
❓ Will either phone receive Android 14 updates?
Software update support varies by region. The M21 2021 is more likely to receive longer software support from Samsung, but the M31 Prime may still receive updates depending on your carrier and region. Check Samsung's official website for the latest update information for your specific model and location.
