Samsung Galaxy M21 2021 vs Samsung Galaxy M31
The Samsung Galaxy M21 2021 (2021) runs on the Exynos 9611, while the Samsung Galaxy M31 (2020) runs on the Exynos 9611. By overall MobileRank rating, the Samsung Galaxy M31 leads — 45/100 vs 43/100 (a 2-point difference). Key differences: the main camera is 48 MP vs 64 MP; the Samsung Galaxy M31 has NFC for contactless payments, the Samsung Galaxy M21 2021 doesn't.
Profile comparison
Category scores
Samsung Galaxy M21 2021
Samsung Galaxy M31
What makes Samsung Galaxy M21 2021 better?
- Better portability (68/100 vs 55/100)
What makes Samsung Galaxy M31 better?
- Better main camera: 64MP vs 48MP
- Lighter: 191g vs 192g
- Better camera (48/100 vs 36/100)
Comparison verdict
Comparing the Samsung Galaxy M21 2021 vs the Samsung Galaxy M31, the Samsung Galaxy M31 scores 2 points higher (45/100 vs 43/100). In the "camera" category, the Samsung Galaxy M31 leads (48/100 vs 36/100). In the "performance" category, both devices are on the same level — 25/100. In the "display" category, both devices are on the same level — 83/100. In the "camera" category, the Samsung Galaxy M31 is a bit better (48/100 vs 36/100). In the "battery" category, both devices are on the same level — 51/100. In the "portability" category, the Samsung Galaxy M21 2021 is a bit better (68/100 vs 55/100).
Specs comparison
| Specification | Samsung Galaxy M21 2021 | Samsung Galaxy M31 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Processor | Exynos 9611 | Exynos 9611 | |
| AnTuTu | 355351 | 355351 | |
| Geekbench Single | 365 | 365 | |
| Geekbench Multi | 1107 | 1107 | |
| Display | 6.4" Super AMOLED | 6.4" Super AMOLED | |
| Resolution | 1080x2340 | 1080x2340 | |
| Refresh rate | — | — | |
| Battery | 6000 mAh | 6000 mAh | |
| Charging | 15W | 15W | |
| Main camera | 48 MP | 64 MP | |
| Ultrawide | 8 MP | 8 MP | |
| Front camera | 20 MP | 32 MP | |
| RAM | 4GB / 6GB | 6GB | |
| Storage | 64GB / 128GB | 64GB / 128GB | |
| OS | Android 11, One UI 3.1 Core | Android 10.0; One UI 2.0 | |
| Brightness (peak) | 420 nits | — | |
| NFC | no | yes | |
| Dimensions | — | 159.2×75.1×8.9 mm | |
| Weight | 192 g | 191 g | |
| Launch price | — | — |
Camera comparison
Samsung Galaxy M21 2021
- Main: 48MP f/2.0
- Ultrawide: 8MP
- Front: 20MP
Samsung Galaxy M31
- Main: 64MP f/1.8
- Ultrawide: 8MP
- Front: 32MP
Display comparison
Samsung Galaxy M21 2021
- 6.4" Super AMOLED
- Resolution: 1080x2340
- Refresh rate: —
Samsung Galaxy M31
- 6.4" Super AMOLED
- Resolution: 1080x2340
- Refresh rate: —
Battery and charging
Samsung Galaxy M21 2021
- 6000 mAh
- Wired: 15W
- No wireless charging
Samsung Galaxy M31
- 6000 mAh
- Wired: 15W
- No wireless charging
Overall performance score
We compared Samsung Galaxy M21 2021 and Samsung Galaxy M31, covering their specs and all relevant benchmarks.
Equal performance based on benchmark results.
Benchmarks
Detailed category analysis
performance
In the "performance" category, both devices are on the same level — 25/100.
display
In the "display" category, both devices are on the same level — 83/100.
camera
In the "camera" category, the Samsung Galaxy M31 is a bit better (48/100 vs 36/100).
battery
In the "battery" category, both devices are on the same level — 51/100.
portability
In the "portability" category, the Samsung Galaxy M21 2021 is a bit better (68/100 vs 55/100).
Frequently asked questions
Which is better: the Samsung Galaxy M21 2021 or the Samsung Galaxy M31?
The Samsung Galaxy M31 edges out the Samsung Galaxy M21 2021 by just 2 points — the two devices are very close in overall level.
What is the rating of the Samsung Galaxy M21 2021 and the Samsung Galaxy M31?
The Samsung Galaxy M21 2021 has a MobileRank rating of 43/100, the Samsung Galaxy M31 — 45/100.
Which has the better camera: the Samsung Galaxy M21 2021 or the Samsung Galaxy M31?
The Samsung Galaxy M31 leads on camera score (48/100 vs 36/100).
Should you choose the Samsung Galaxy M21 2021 over the Samsung Galaxy M31?
Neither model stands out enough to recommend it for a specific use case: the clearest difference is portability — better on the Samsung Galaxy M21 2021 (68/100 vs 55/100).