The Galaxy S21 is a 2021 flagship, which puts it firmly in pre-owned territory. New contract stock is unlikely, and its software-support window is at or near its end depending on the current Android release.
That matters more than the specification. The S21 remains a perfectly capable phone — good display, solid cameras, flagship chip for its year — but buying one on a 24-month contract means committing to a handset that may stop receiving updates during the term.
If you want it, buy it pre-owned and pair it with a flexible plan rather than signing a long contract.
Brand or model deal overview
| Consideration | What to expect |
|---|---|
| Display | 6.2-inch AMOLED, 120Hz — compact |
| Cameras | Triple system, capable in good light, dated in low light |
| Build | Aluminium frame; the standard model used a plastic back |
| Storage | 128GB and 256GB, not expandable |
| Battery | Five years of cycles — degraded unless replaced |
| Software support | At or near the end of its window — verify against the current Android release |
| S Pen | Supported on some S21 models via a separate accessory, not built in |
| Availability | Pre-owned or second-hand only, in practice |
This is a five-year-old flagship near the end of its support window. Verify the current software-support position before planning around it.
Compare by network
Network options
Networks do not carry five-year-old flagships on standard contracts. The realistic routes are:
Pre-owned handset plus SIM-only. Buy the phone separately and pair it with a SIM-only plan, which can be month-to-month. This avoids committing to 24 months on ageing hardware.
Certified pre-owned programmes. Where a provider runs one, older S-series models occasionally appear. Check condition, battery health and warranty.
A newer handset instead. At the monthly cost of an entry contract you can usually get a current A-series phone with full support life.
If buying privately, confirm the handset is unlocked and the IMEI has not been blacklisted.
Compare by budget
Budget options
Lowest outlay for a former flagship. A second-hand S21 with a prepaid or SIM-only plan is the cheapest route to this specific handset.
Lowest risk. Certified pre-owned from an established seller costs more but includes warranty and returns — worth it at this age.
Best two-year value. Almost certainly a current mid-range handset. Full support life, a new battery and a warranty, at a comparable monthly cost. See Samsung A35 contract deals.
Factor a battery replacement into any purchase where health is below roughly 85%.
Current and older alternatives
Alternative models
Samsung S22. The direct successor, one year newer, with more support remaining. See Samsung S22 contract deals.
Samsung S23. Two generations newer, meaningfully better battery and efficiency. See Samsung S23 contract deals.
Samsung A35 or A55. Current mid-range with full update life and a new battery. See Samsung A55 contract deals.
Samsung S24 FE. A newer Fan Edition at similar monthly pricing with far more life left. See S24 FE contract deals.
The straightforward assessment: the S21 was a good phone, but on a new two-year commitment its support window and battery age make it hard to recommend over a current mid-range handset.
What to check before applying
- Current software-support status — confirm with Samsung whether it still receives updates.
- Battery health percentage, in writing, and whether it has been replaced.
- Network lock — confirm the handset is unlocked.
- Blacklist status — verify the IMEI.
- Storage capacity — not expandable.
- Handset condition and any warranty offered.
- Total cost of the handset plus whatever plan you pair with it.
- Whether a month-to-month plan would suit better than a 24-month contract.
Any contract or SIM-only plan is subject to the provider’s checks — identification, proof of address, banking details, RICA registration, and possibly a credit and affordability assessment. Approval is not guaranteed.
FAQs
Can you still get a Samsung S21 on contract?
Very unlikely on a standard network contract. Where it appears it is through pre-owned channels. Check current listings rather than planning around availability.
Does the S21 still receive software updates?
It is at or near the end of Samsung’s support window for that generation. Confirm the current position before committing, particularly for a 24-month term.
Is a used S21 better than a new mid-range phone?
The S21 has a better chip and cameras. A current mid-range handset has a new battery, full warranty and years of updates remaining. For a two-year commitment the newer phone is usually the safer choice.
How is the battery after five years?
Degraded, unless replaced. Ask for the health figure and whether the battery is original, and budget for a replacement if it is low.
Does the S21 work with an S Pen?
Some S21 models support an S Pen as a separate accessory, but it is not built into the handset. Only Ultra models from the S22 generation onward have it integrated.
Is it safe to buy second-hand?
With checks — verify the IMEI is not blacklisted, confirm it is unlocked, check battery health and test the cameras. A seller offering warranty and returns reduces the risk considerably.
Is it worth repairing an S21?
Rarely, at current values. Screen repairs on this generation cost a significant fraction of what the handset is worth second-hand. Treat a cracked screen as likely ending the phone’s useful life rather than assuming you would fix it.
Can I still get accessories for it?
Cases and screen protectors remain widely available for popular older Galaxy models, though the selection thins over time. Charging accessories are standard USB-C, so those are not a concern.
Compare your options: see all Samsung contract deals, or browse contract deals South Africa.
Last updated: August 2026 — pricing, stock and availability can change.