Samsung Galaxy M21 vs Samsung Galaxy M31s
The Samsung Galaxy M21 (2020) runs on the Exynos 9611, while the Samsung Galaxy M31s (2020) runs on the Exynos 9611. By overall MobileRank rating, the Samsung Galaxy M31s leads — 45/100 vs 42/100 (a 3-point difference). Key differences: the main camera is 48 MP vs 64 MP; the Samsung Galaxy M31s has NFC for contactless payments, the Samsung Galaxy M21 doesn't; the Samsung Galaxy M21 is noticeably lighter (188g vs 203g).
Profile comparison
Category scores
Samsung Galaxy M21
Samsung Galaxy M31s
What makes Samsung Galaxy M21 better?
- Lighter: 188g vs 203g
- Better portability (57/100 vs 43/100)
What makes Samsung Galaxy M31s better?
- Faster charging: 25W vs 15W
- Better main camera: 64MP vs 48MP
- Better camera (50/100 vs 36/100)
- Longer battery life (52/100 vs 51/100)
Comparison verdict
Comparing the Samsung Galaxy M21 vs the Samsung Galaxy M31s, the Samsung Galaxy M31s scores 3 points higher (45/100 vs 42/100). In the "camera" category, the Samsung Galaxy M31s leads (50/100 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 M31s is a bit better (50/100 vs 36/100). In the "battery" category, the Samsung Galaxy M31s and the Samsung Galaxy M21 are nearly equal (52/100 vs 51/100). In the "portability" category, the Samsung Galaxy M21 is a bit better (57/100 vs 43/100).
Specs comparison
| Specification | Samsung Galaxy M21 | Samsung Galaxy M31s | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Processor | Exynos 9611 | Exynos 9611 | |
| AnTuTu | 355351 | 355351 | |
| Geekbench Single | 365 | 365 | |
| Geekbench Multi | 1107 | 1107 | |
| Display | 6.4" Super AMOLED | 6.5" Super AMOLED | |
| Resolution | 1080x2340 | 1080x2400 | |
| Refresh rate | — | — | |
| Battery | 6000 mAh | 6000 mAh | |
| Charging | 15W | 25W | |
| Main camera | 48 MP | 64 MP | |
| Ultrawide | 8 MP | 12 MP | |
| Front camera | 20 MP | 32 MP | |
| RAM | 4GB / 6GB | 6GB / 8GB | |
| Storage | 64GB / 128GB | 128GB | |
| OS | Android 10.0; One UI 2 | Android 10, One UI 2.0 | |
| Brightness (peak) | 420 nits | — | |
| NFC | no | yes | |
| Dimensions | 159.0×75.1×8.9 mm | 159.3×74.4×9.3 mm | |
| Weight | 188 g | 203 g | |
| Launch price | — | — |
Camera comparison
Samsung Galaxy M21
- Main: 48MP f/2.0
- Ultrawide: 8MP
- Front: 20MP
Samsung Galaxy M31s
- Main: 64MP f/1.8
- Ultrawide: 12MP
- Front: 32MP
Display comparison
Samsung Galaxy M21
- 6.4" Super AMOLED
- Resolution: 1080x2340
- Refresh rate: —
Samsung Galaxy M31s
- 6.5" Super AMOLED
- Resolution: 1080x2400
- Refresh rate: —
Battery and charging
Samsung Galaxy M21
- 6000 mAh
- Wired: 15W
- No wireless charging
Samsung Galaxy M31s
- 6000 mAh
- Wired: 25W
- No wireless charging
Overall performance score
We compared Samsung Galaxy M21 and Samsung Galaxy M31s, 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 M31s is a bit better (50/100 vs 36/100).
battery
In the "battery" category, the Samsung Galaxy M31s and the Samsung Galaxy M21 are nearly equal (52/100 vs 51/100).
portability
In the "portability" category, the Samsung Galaxy M21 is a bit better (57/100 vs 43/100).
Frequently asked questions
Which is better: the Samsung Galaxy M21 or the Samsung Galaxy M31s?
The Samsung Galaxy M31s edges out the Samsung Galaxy M21 by just 3 points — the two devices are very close in overall level.
What is the rating of the Samsung Galaxy M21 and the Samsung Galaxy M31s?
The Samsung Galaxy M21 has a MobileRank rating of 42/100, the Samsung Galaxy M31s — 45/100.
Which has the better camera: the Samsung Galaxy M21 or the Samsung Galaxy M31s?
The Samsung Galaxy M31s leads on camera score (50/100 vs 36/100).
Should you choose the Samsung Galaxy M21 over the Samsung Galaxy M31s?
Neither model stands out enough to recommend it for a specific use case: the clearest difference is camera — better on the Samsung Galaxy M31s (50/100 vs 36/100).