Are these the same phone?

Yes. Both are the Samsung Galaxy S21+, a 6.7-inch 5G Android phone with a 2400 x 1080 OLED screen. The differences are storage, RAM, SIM setup and lock status, not the model.

Which has the better camera?

They are effectively the same camera system: wide, ultra wide and telephoto lenses with 8K video and a 10 MP front camera. The S21 plus listing quotes a 64 MP rear figure, which is the telephoto sensor on the S21+.

Is 12 GB RAM worth it over 8 GB?

For most shoppers, no. 8 GB RAM handles everyday apps and games on the S21+ fine. Choose the 12 GB version only if you keep many apps open or plan to keep the phone for several years.

Which is better for travel?

The S21 plus if you use local SIMs abroad, because it supports dual SIM with eSIM. The S21+ 5G is factory unlocked, so it accepts a local nano SIM, but you give up the second line.

Both are 2021 phones and are past Samsung's four-year OS update window, so neither gets new Android versions. The S21 plus with 256 GB storage and IP68 is the better long-term pick if you can find it at a fair price.

Is one worth the extra?

Pay more only for 256 GB storage, 12 GB RAM or dual SIM on the S21 plus. For a 128 GB, 8 GB RAM phone, buy whichever listing is cheaper and confirmed unlocked.

Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G SM-G996U - 128GB - Phantom Black Unlocked vs S21 plus

Both listings are the Galaxy S21+, so the real choice is condition, storage and price, not the model. The S21+ 5G listing is the safer buy for most people: it is explicitly factory unlocked, has a 10 MP front camera and 8 GB RAM, and its price is the one to check against the S21 plus listing. The S21 plus listing adds a 256 GB and 12 GB RAM option and dual SIM, so pick it only if you need more storage or RAM or a carrier-specific variant. Compare the latest prices for both before buying; the 128 GB versions are the same phone.

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