Looking for an honest Samsung Galaxy S21 5G vs Samsung Galaxy S22 Plus 5G comparison in 2026? We scored both smartphones on the same six-dimension framework — performance, battery, display, camera, design and value — using identical methodology, so the numbers below are directly comparable. In our overall scoring the Samsung Galaxy S22 Plus 5G comes out ahead 46/100 to 57/100 — a 11-point gap. The widest gap is in display, where the Samsung Galaxy S22 Plus 5G pulls noticeably ahead. On price the Samsung Galaxy S21 5G undercuts the Samsung Galaxy S22 Plus 5G by 79% ($133.99 vs $239.88), which materially changes the value calculus for budget-conscious buyers.

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Samsung Galaxy S22 Plus 5G edges out the Samsung Galaxy S21 5G in the smartphones category, especially in display quality (1750 nits vs 1300 nits), scoring 57 vs 46. If you want the better overall smartphones, Samsung Galaxy S22 Plus 5G is the recommended choice.
Picking Samsung Galaxy S22 Plus 5G over Samsung Galaxy S21 5G means trading these off.
$134
Scores are relative within the smartphonescategory. Percentages show each dimension's weight in the overall score. A difference of less than 0.5 points is considered a tie.
✓ Pros
✗ Cons
✓ Pros
✗ Cons
| Spec | Samsung Galaxy S21 5G | Samsung Galaxy S22 Plus 5GW |
|---|---|---|
| Display | 6.2" | 6.6"✓ |
| Display Type | Dynamic AMOLED 2X | — |
| Resolution | 2400 x 1080 pixels | — |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz |
| Brightness | 1300nits | 1750nits✓ |
| HDR | HDR10+ | — |
| Protection | Gorilla Glass Victus | — |
| Chipset | Snapdragon 888 | Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 |
| CPU | Octa-core (1x2.9 GHz & 3x2.80 GHz & 4x2.2 GHz) | — |
| GPU | Mali-G78 MP14 / Adreno 660 | — |
| RAM | 8GB | 8GB |
| Storage | 128GB | 128GB |
| Storage Options | 128GB, 256GB | — |
| Main Camera | 64MP✓ | 50MP |
| Aperture | f/1.8 | — |
| OIS | Yes | — |
| Video | 8K@24fps, 4K@60fps | — |
| Front Camera | 10MP | 10MP |
| Battery | 4000mAh | 4500mAh✓ |
| Charging | 25W | 45W✓ |
| Wireless Charging | 15W | — |
| OS | Android 11, upgradable to Android 14 | — |
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) | — |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.0 | — |
| NFC | Yes | — |
| USB | USB Type-C 3.2 | — |
| Water Resistance | IP68 | — |
| Biometrics | Ultrasonic fingerprint | — |
| Dimensions | 151.7 x 71.2 x 7.9 mm | — |
| Weight | 169g✓ | 195g |
| Colors | Phantom Gray, Phantom White, Phantom Violet, Phantom Pink | — |
| Price | 133.99$✓ | 239.88$ |
Buy Samsung Galaxy S21 5G if…
Choose the Samsung Galaxy S21 5G if budget is your top priority — it offers competitive specs at a lower price point.
Buy Samsung Galaxy S22 Plus 5G if…
Buy the Samsung Galaxy S22 Plus 5G if you want the best performance in this comparison. It scores higher overall and is the recommended choice for most buyers.
Samsung Galaxy S22 Plus 5G edges out the Samsung Galaxy S21 5G in the smartphones category, especially in display quality (1750 nits vs 1300 nits), scoring 57 vs 46. If you want the better overall smartphones, Samsung Galaxy S22 Plus 5G is the recommended choice.
No, Samsung Galaxy S22 Plus 5G scores higher (82 vs 71).
Samsung Galaxy S21 5G is cheaper at $133.99 vs $239.88 for the Samsung Galaxy S22 Plus 5G.
Choose the Samsung Galaxy S21 5G if budget is your top priority — it offers competitive specs at a lower price point.
Buy the Samsung Galaxy S22 Plus 5G if you want the best performance in this comparison. It scores higher overall and is the recommended choice for most buyers.
Samsung Galaxy S22 Plus 5G has a larger battery (4,500mAh vs 4,000mAh for the Samsung Galaxy S21 5G), which generally means longer use between charges.
Samsung Galaxy S22 Plus 5G has the larger display (6.6" vs 6.2").
Samsung Galaxy S21 5G has a higher-resolution main camera (64MP vs 50MP). Note that megapixels are one factor — sensor quality and processing also matter.
Samsung Galaxy S21 5G is lighter at 169g vs 195g.
Reviewed by VersusMatrix Editorial Team
Last updated: May 21, 2026
Methodology: AI-powered analysis of technical specifications from manufacturer data. Scores are calculated by comparing products across multiple dimensions and normalized relative to the full category database. Our editorial process is independent and not influenced by affiliate partnerships.