How is Samsung Galaxy S21 different from Galaxy S21+?

How is Samsung Galaxy S21 different from Galaxy S21+? video: GSMchoice.com via YouTube

We start with the obvious. Samsung Galaxy S21 and Galaxy S21+ differ in the size of the displays and external dimensions. However, these differences aren’t big - Samsung Galaxy S21+ is about a centimeter longer and a half centimeter wider than its smaller brother. Of course, their weight is also different - but the difference of 31 g is as small as in the case of the external dimensions. In practice - the difference in size will be felt primarily by owners of small hands or short fingers. For them, Samsung Galaxy S21 will be better, but I definitely prefer Galaxy S21+. Half an inch diagonal of the screen, however, makes a difference in the comfort of reading and operating.

The displays are of a similar class, but in the case of the Samsung Galaxy S21+ model, the larger diagonal with the resolution of the smaller model (FHD+) means lower pixel density - 393 vs 424 ppi. However, we do not look at the screens through a magnifying glass, and in everyday use it will be difficult to see the difference. You will also not notice it in the operation of fingerprint readers hidden from the screen. They are better than the previous Galaxy S - but still a bit lacking perfection.

Cameras, processors, memory versions - in Samsungu Galaxy S21 and Galaxy S21+ - are exactly the same, but another - quite obvious difference between these models - are the batteries. In Galaxy S21, the battery has a capacity of 4000 mAh, and in Galaxy S21+ - 4800 mAh. In practice, this will translate into slightly better battery performance in the Plus model. Part of the difference will be "consumed" by a slightly larger screen, of course, but there are chances that Galaxy S21+ will work a little longer than its smaller brother. The models also differ in the presence of the communication module in the Ultra Wide Band (UWB) standard. It will be used, among others via the Internet of Things, and only owners of the Plus model will benefit from it.

The last differences concern the appearance of the phones. Samsung Galaxy S21 has a back covered with Glasstic material, while in Galaxy S21+ we already have Gorilla Glass Victus. Subjectively - the glass model seems smoother, but the plastic version is nice and warm to the touch. The materials used also affect the perception of the colour - the shades differ slightly, although they have the same name. Personally - I would choose plastic as more practical. However, it has been established that the flagship cannot be plastic - so if you prefer glass, you have to pay extra for the larger model. Samsung Galaxy S21+, however, is available in three colours, while the Galaxy S21's colour range has been expanded with cute pink. The difference in the price of the models is EUR 200. Is it worth paying extra for a larger one? You'll get a glass back, a slightly larger battery - and a larger screen. The choice is yours. I would have forgotten - you will not find chargers in both sets;)

Comparison of the Galaxy S21 and Galaxy S21+ specifications
• A visual comparison of the sizes of the Galaxy S21 and Galaxy S21+
• Samsung Galaxy S21 specification
• Galaxy S21+ specification