29/09/2023
Phoebe Tucker

Samsung Galaxy S21 vs S22: Buy the Right One for You

Decided on a Samsung Galaxy for your next device? The Samsung S22 vs S21 are great value for money and as they're only a few years old, you're likely to bag a sweet deal, especially if you go refurbished. 

Keep reading to delve into the difference between S21 and S22 and hopefully, we'll make your decision that little bit easier!

In this blog:

Samsung Galaxy S21 vs S22

Design and display

With only a year between them, it's no surprise that the differences between the Samsung Galaxy S21 vs S22 are pretty minor.

In terms of design, the Galaxy S22 is slightly smaller. It is 146mm tall and has a 6.1-inch display, whereas the Galaxy S21 is 151.7mm tall with a 6.2-inch display. The S22 Plus is also 157.44mm tall with a 6.6-inch display and the S21 Plus is 161.5mm tall with a 6.7-inch display.

There is a premium feel to both Galaxy ranges, but the S22 is more compact and has a sleek finish. The S22 also has a glass back made out of Gorilla Glass Victus+ across all three models, making it more durable, whereas the S21 range opted for a plastic back instead.

We can't really compare Samsung S21 and S22 displays too much as the original and Plus models share the same Dynamic AMOLED 2x display, the only major difference is the S22 range has a brightness increase.

Processor and battery

When it comes to S21 vs S22 for the processor, the Samsung Galaxy S22 wins. But that's not to say the S21 range isn't fast and efficient. The Galaxy S21 range is powered by the Snapdragon 888 chip, whereas the S22 was upgraded to the Snapdragon 8 Gen 1. 

However, when you compare Samsung S21 and S22 batteries, it's surprising that the S21 range is bigger. You can count on the S21 range to get you through the day with a 4,000 mAh battery, whereas Samsung reduced the battery size of the S22 to 3,700 mAh. 

If we look at the S21 Plus vs S22 Plus, the S21 Plus is the winner with a whopping 4,800 mAh battery as the S22 Plus has a smaller 4,500 mAh battery. 

You'll be happy to know both the Samsung Galaxy S21 and S22 range support wireless charging, which is handy for long journeys and commuting. 

Camera 

Now this is the feature where the Galaxy S22 shines! The Galaxy S21 vs S22 camera similarities are they feature a triple-lens camera but that's it. 

If you're into photography or won't settle for anything less than the best, listen up. The S21 has incredible camera specs, including a 12MP wide, 12MP ultra-wide and 64MP telephoto camera with 3x zoom… so can it get better than this? Oh yes, it can!

Say hello to Hollywood worth pics! The S22 changed it up slightly and swapped the 12MP wide camera for a 50MP wide camera. Alongside a 12MP ultra-wide camera and 10MP telephoto camera with 3x optical zoom.

Samsung S21 Ultra vs S22 Ultra

Design and display

They're the biggest models from both ranges, let's dive into the differences between the S21 Ultra vs S22 Ultra. Firstly, the S21 Ultra has rounded corners and the S22 Ultra has right-angled corners. This is a tiny difference, but turn to the back of both devices and that's where the changes start to appear. 

The S21 Ultra has a large camera bump whereas the lenses on the Galaxy S22 Ultra are arranged separately. Plus, the S22 Ultra is definitely giving us Galaxy Note vibes, especially with the slot for the S pen stylus, which isn't available on the S21 Ultra. 

There isn't a size difference between S21 Ultra and S22 Ultra. Both models are 6.8 inches, however, the S22 Ultra has a Dynamic AMOLED QHD display and the S21 Ultra has an AMOLED QHD display. Both are fantastic quality but if you want that little bit more from your viewing experience, the S22 Ultra takes the win. 

Another difference between S21 Ultra and S22 Ultra is the colours. Unfortunately, you can only get the S21 Ultra in Phantom Silver or Phantom Black, which isn't appealing to those who like to go colourful. Rest assured, with the Galaxy S22 Ultra, you'll get to choose from Phantom Black, Phantom Silver, Green and Burgundy. They're still not the brightest, but at least you get a few more options. 

Processor and battery

If you're looking for a powerful device, you can't go wrong with both Ultra models. The S21 Ultra runs on a Snapdragon 888 chip and the S22 Ultra uses the Snapdragon 8 Gen 1. However, you'll get more RAM from the S21 Ultra, which goes up to 16GB but the S22 Ultra only has 12GB. 

We can't compare the S21 ultra and S22 ultra batteries either as both have a 5,000 mAh battery but the charging is different. The S21 Ultra allows 25W wired and 15W wireless charging, whereas the S22 Ultra enables 45W wired and 15W wireless charging. 

S Pen

The Galaxy S21 Ultra vs S22 Ultra both support the S pen, but there's a catch with the S21 Ultra… you have to pay for it and store it separately. You're practically getting more for your money with the Galaxy S22 Ultra as it comes with the S pen and has a holster for it too. 

Camera

The cameras on the Ultra models are some of the best by far and the Samsung S21 Ultra vs S22 Ultra are very similar, almost identical. They both share a 40MP selfie camera, 108MP main, 12MP ultra-wide, two telephoto cameras and even laser autofocus. The only main difference of the S22 Ultra has a larger micrometre sensor for more light on your photos and portrait photos have been improved with the AI Stereo Depth Map Function. 

Overview S22 vs S21

Made your decision on the Galaxy S21 vs S22 yet? If you want an all-round device that is fast, has a sufficient battery and creates excellent selfies then go for the Samsung Galaxy S21 range. 

But if you're looking to go all out on your next upgrade and won't settle for anything less than a powerhouse, then maybe the S22 Ultra is more your style.

With that said, cut the cost of your Samsung phone by going refurbished with us! Shop refurbished Galaxy S21 or browse our refurbished Galaxy S22 models and grab yourself some sweet savings.

Switch to a refurbished Samsung phone at the musicMagpie Store and get your hands on a huge range of models including, Samsung S22 Ultra, Samsung S21 Ultra and many more. You can even make your upgrade cheaper by trading in Samsung phone models too.

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