Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G (Unlocked) vs Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G SM-G996U - 128GB - Phantom Black Unlocked
These are the same phone: the Galaxy S21+ 5G in 128GB, unlocked. The real difference is condition and color. Product A is a restored Grade A unit in Phantom Violet; Product B is listed as factory unlocked in Phantom Black. Buy whichever costs less once you check both prices, since the hardware is identical.
Ask our shopping agent
Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G (Unlocked)
Choose the Galaxy S21+ (Phantom Violet) if you want a restored Grade A unit and violet is the color you prefer.
- Restored Grade A units are inspected and reported to work fully
- Phantom Violet is the color Samsung made exclusive to this model
- Cable included in the box
- Same 6.7-inch 120Hz OLED, 8GB RAM and 8K video as any S21+
- Restored, not new; some buyers report scratches
- No wall adapter in the box
- 128GB with no microSD slot
- Android updates for the S21+ end around early 2026
What separates them
| Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G (Unlocked) | Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G SM-G996U - 128GB - Phantom Black Unlocked | |
|---|---|---|
| Model | Galaxy S21+ 5G, model G996U | Galaxy S21+ 5G, model SM-G996U |
| Condition | Restored Grade A, minor cosmetic wear possible | Factory unlocked, condition not stated as restored |
| Color | Phantom Violet | Phantom Black |
| Display | 6.7-inch OLED, 2400 x 1080 | 6.7-inch OLED, 2400 x 1080 |
| Memory | 8GB RAM, 128GB storage | 8GB RAM, 128GB storage |
| Cameras | 12MP rear, 10MP front, 8K video | 12MP rear, 10MP front, 8K video |
| Charging | Fast and wireless charging, cable included, no wall adapter | Fast and wireless charging |
| Carriers | Unlocked for AT&T, T-Mobile, Verizon | Factory unlocked, GSM and CDMA |
Price history
- Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G (Unlocked): lowest $185.90 on Oct 31 at eBay.
- Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G SM-G996U - 128GB - Phantom Black Unlocked: lowest $364.40 on Oct 31 at Amazon.
Prices at every store
Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G (Unlocked)
- AmazonCheck price at Amazon
- eBayCheck price at eBay
- Techdaddyaccs.comCheck price at Techdaddyaccs.com
Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G SM-G996U - 128GB - Phantom Black Unlocked
- ElectronicsForceCheck price at ElectronicsForce
- AmazonCheck price at Amazon
- cellificationCheck price at cellification
Specs compared
| Spec | Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G (Unlocked) | Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G SM-G996U - 128GB - Phantom Black Unlocked |
|---|---|---|
| Operating System | Android | Android |
| Carrier | Unlocked | Unlocked |
| Display Resolution | 2400 x 1080 | 2400 x 1080 |
| Connector Type | USB C | USB C |
| Cellular Network | GSM, CDMA | GSM, CDMA |
| Color | Phantom Violet | Phantom Violet |
| With Wireless Charging | Yes | Yes |
| With Fast Charging | Yes | Yes |
| With OLED Display | Yes | Yes |
| Broadband Generation | 5G |
What reviewers say
Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G (Unlocked)
Owners of the S21+ generally rate it highly for its screen, cameras and reliable daily performance. Buyers of this restored listing often say the phone arrives looking new and works without problems, though some report scratches.
- Screen quality and smooth 120Hz scrolling
- Camera versatility, especially zoom and video
- Solid battery life for a full day
- Restored units often arrive looking like new
- Some restored units arrive with scratches
- No wall adapter included
- 128GB fills up quickly for heavy photographers
Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G SM-G996U - 128GB - Phantom Black Unlocked
Reviewers and owners generally praise the Galaxy S21+ for its display, battery life, and camera versatility, but some criticize the lack of a charger and microSD slot. Overall, it is considered a solid flagship phone, especially at its current discounted price.
Questions and answers
- Is there any real difference between these two?
- No. Both are the Galaxy S21+ 5G, model G996U, with 128GB storage and 8GB RAM. Only condition and color differ.
- Which one should I buy?
- Buy the cheaper one. If prices are close, take the factory-unlocked black unit unless you specifically want violet.
- Is a restored Grade A phone risky?
- Grade A means minor cosmetic wear but full function. Check the return window and battery health before you commit.
- How long will the S21+ keep getting updates?
- Samsung's four-year window for the S21 series ends around early 2026, so security patches are near the end.
- Does the S21+ still hold up in 2025?
- Yes for daily use. The Snapdragon 888, 120Hz OLED and 8K video are still capable, but the 4,800mAh battery will have degraded on any used unit.
- Does either come with a charger?
- Product A includes a charging cable but no wall adapter. Samsung stopped shipping adapters with the S21 series.
