Samsung Galaxy M21 2021 vs Samsung Galaxy S26
The Samsung Galaxy M21 2021 (2021) runs on the Exynos 9611, while the Samsung Galaxy S26 (2026) runs on the Samsung Exynos 2600. By overall MobileRank rating, the Samsung Galaxy S26 leads — 74/100 vs 43/100 (a 31-point difference). Key differences: the Samsung Galaxy M21 2021 has the bigger battery (6000 mAh vs 4000); the main camera is 48 MP vs 50 MP; the Samsung Galaxy S26 is faster in AnTuTu (2,827,538 vs 355,351); the Samsung Galaxy S26 has NFC for contactless payments, the Samsung Galaxy M21 2021 doesn't; the Samsung Galaxy S26 is noticeably lighter (162g vs 192g).
Profile comparison
Category scores
Samsung Galaxy M21 2021
Samsung Galaxy S26
What makes Samsung Galaxy M21 2021 better?
- Bigger battery: 6000 vs 4000 mAh
- Longer battery life (51/100 vs 31/100)
- Better display (83/100 vs 81/100)
What makes Samsung Galaxy S26 better?
- Higher AnTuTu: 2827538 vs 355351
- Better Geekbench Single: 2880 vs 365
- Better Geekbench Multi: 9100 vs 1107
- Faster charging: 25W vs 15W
- Better main camera: 50MP vs 48MP
- Lighter: 162g vs 192g
- Higher performance (89/100 vs 25/100)
- Better camera (77/100 vs 36/100)
- Better portability (89/100 vs 68/100)
Comparison verdict
Comparing the Samsung Galaxy M21 2021 vs the Samsung Galaxy S26, the Samsung Galaxy S26 scores 31 points higher (74/100 vs 43/100). In the "performance" category, the Samsung Galaxy S26 leads (89/100 vs 25/100). In the "camera" category, the Samsung Galaxy S26 leads (77/100 vs 36/100). In the "battery" category, the Samsung Galaxy M21 2021 leads (51/100 vs 31/100). In the "performance" category, the Samsung Galaxy S26 significantly outperforms the Samsung Galaxy M21 2021 (89/100 vs 25/100). In the "display" category, the Samsung Galaxy M21 2021 and the Samsung Galaxy S26 are nearly equal (83/100 vs 81/100). In the "camera" category, the Samsung Galaxy S26 significantly outperforms the Samsung Galaxy M21 2021 (77/100 vs 36/100). In the "battery" category, the Samsung Galaxy M21 2021 notably outperforms the Samsung Galaxy S26 (51/100 vs 31/100). In the "portability" category, the Samsung Galaxy S26 notably outperforms the Samsung Galaxy M21 2021 (89/100 vs 68/100).
Specs comparison
| Specification | Samsung Galaxy M21 2021 | Samsung Galaxy S26 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Processor | Exynos 9611 | Samsung Exynos 2600 | |
| AnTuTu | 355351 | 2827538 | |
| Geekbench Single | 365 | 2880 | |
| Geekbench Multi | 1107 | 9100 | |
| Display | 6.4" Super AMOLED | 6.2" Dynamic AMOLED 2X | |
| Resolution | 1080x2340 | 2340x1080 | |
| Refresh rate | — | 120 Hz | |
| Battery | 6000 mAh | 4000 mAh | |
| Charging | 15W | 25W | |
| Wireless charging | 0W | 15W | |
| DXOMark (camera) | — | 146 | |
| Main camera | 48 MP | 50 MP | |
| Ultrawide | 8 MP | 12 MP | |
| Telephoto | 0 MP | 10 MP | |
| Front camera | 20 MP | 12 MP | |
| RAM | 4GB / 6GB | 12GB | |
| Storage | 64GB / 128GB | 128GB / 256GB / 512GB | |
| OS | Android 11, One UI 3.1 Core | Android 16 / One UI 8.5 | |
| Brightness (peak) | 420 nits | 2600 nits | |
| NFC | no | yes | |
| Protection | — | IP68 | |
| Dimensions | — | 158.4×75.8×7.3 mm | |
| Weight | 192 g | 162 g | |
| Launch price | — | $799 |
Camera comparison
Samsung Galaxy M21 2021
- Main: 48MP f/2.0
- Ultrawide: 8MP
- Front: 20MP
Samsung Galaxy S26
- Main: 50MP f/1.8
- Ultrawide: 12MP
- Telephoto: 10MP
- Front: 12MP
Display comparison
Samsung Galaxy M21 2021
- 6.4" Super AMOLED
- Resolution: 1080x2340
- Refresh rate: —
Samsung Galaxy S26
- 6.2" Dynamic AMOLED 2X
- Resolution: 2340x1080
- Refresh rate: 120 Hz
Battery and charging
Samsung Galaxy M21 2021
- 6000 mAh
- Wired: 15W
- No wireless charging
Samsung Galaxy S26
- 4000 mAh
- Wired: 25W
- Wireless: 15W
Overall performance score
We compared Samsung Galaxy M21 2021 and Samsung Galaxy S26, covering their specs and all relevant benchmarks.
Samsung Galaxy S26 leads Samsung Galaxy M21 2021 by 87.4% in our overall performance rating.
Benchmarks
Launch prices and where to check today's
Samsung Galaxy M21 2021
Price unknownDetailed category analysis
performance
In the "performance" category, the Samsung Galaxy S26 significantly outperforms the Samsung Galaxy M21 2021 (89/100 vs 25/100).
display
In the "display" category, the Samsung Galaxy M21 2021 and the Samsung Galaxy S26 are nearly equal (83/100 vs 81/100).
camera
In the "camera" category, the Samsung Galaxy S26 significantly outperforms the Samsung Galaxy M21 2021 (77/100 vs 36/100).
battery
In the "battery" category, the Samsung Galaxy M21 2021 notably outperforms the Samsung Galaxy S26 (51/100 vs 31/100).
portability
In the "portability" category, the Samsung Galaxy S26 notably outperforms the Samsung Galaxy M21 2021 (89/100 vs 68/100).
Frequently asked questions
Which is better: the Samsung Galaxy M21 2021 or the Samsung Galaxy S26?
The Samsung Galaxy S26 significantly outperforms the Samsung Galaxy M21 2021 by 31 points (74/100 vs 43/100).
What is the rating of the Samsung Galaxy M21 2021 and the Samsung Galaxy S26?
The Samsung Galaxy M21 2021 has a MobileRank rating of 43/100, the Samsung Galaxy S26 — 74/100.
Which has the better camera: the Samsung Galaxy M21 2021 or the Samsung Galaxy S26?
The Samsung Galaxy S26 leads on camera score (77/100 vs 36/100).
Which is more powerful: the Samsung Galaxy M21 2021 or the Samsung Galaxy S26?
The Samsung Galaxy S26 leads on performance (89/100 vs 25/100).
Should you choose the Samsung Galaxy M21 2021 over the Samsung Galaxy S26?
The Samsung Galaxy S26 is a better fit for gamers and power users.