The Samsung Galaxy A21s delivers the best value per euro of any budget phone you can buy refurbished in Ireland today — a €82 device with 5000 mAh battery and NFC that flagship rivals can’t match at twice the price.

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Display Size: 6.5 inches ·
Battery Capacity: 5000 mAh ·
RAM: 4 GB ·
Storage Options: 32 GB or 64 GB expandable ·
Refurbished Price: Under €200

Quick snapshot

1Confirmed facts
2What’s unclear
  • Exact end-of-life date for Samsung software support
  • Current new stock availability — most listings are refurbished
  • Colour and storage availability fluctuate daily
3Timeline signal
  • Released in 2020 — four-plus years old as of 2024 (SWOPiFY)
  • Back Market prices held steady near €86–€87 for 32GB since August 2025 (Back Market)
  • Refurbished market remains active with multiple Irish sellers (SWOPiFY)
4What’s next
  • Prices unlikely to drop further — already near floor for 32GB models
  • Stock of higher-storage variants (128GB) limited; may sell out
  • Consider alternatives if 5G connectivity becomes a requirement
Specification Value
Release Year 2020
Display 6.5 inches
Processor Octa-core
RAM 4 GB
Battery 5000 mAh
Camera 48 MP main

Is the Samsung Galaxy A21s worth buying?

For Ireland buyers watching their budget, the Galaxy A21s refurbished makes a strong case. The device hits a sweet spot: a large display, solid quad-camera setup, and NFC functionality — features you’d typically find on phones costing twice as much.

The 5000 mAh battery stands out as the A21s’s headline feature. That’s enough capacity to comfortably last a full day of heavy use without hunting for a charger. If you spend time on social media, navigation, or streaming, this endurance matters more than extra megapixels on paper.

Refurbished units priced under €200 represent genuine value. Back Market offers up to 70% savings compared to the original new price for devices in perfect condition (Back Market). Refurbed.ie lists the same phone with quad camera, 6.5″ display, and NFC functionality all included under €200 (Refurbed.ie).

For budget-focused Irish buyers, the Galaxy A21s refurbished delivers more phone per euro than any current new option under €200.

Pros and cons

Upsides

  • Outstanding battery life for daily use
  • Refurbished pricing under €200
  • NFC enabled for contactless payments
  • Expandable storage via microSD slot
  • Unlocked for any Irish network
  • 12-month warranties standard on Irish sales

Downsides

  • Software support winding down after 4+ years
  • No 5G connectivity
  • Camera performance drops in low-light conditions
  • Condition grades vary — buyer must verify before purchase

The implication: if your priority is battery life and NFC without breaking the bank, the A21s refurbished delivers. But for buyers expecting long-term software updates, the device’s age works against it.

Why this matters

Buyers who prioritise value over cutting-edge features should move fast — Wisetek’s €82.80 price on the 32GB model is the lowest floor the Irish market has seen, and stock of this particular listing may sell out within weeks.

Battery life strengths

The 5000 mAh cell in the Galaxy A21s ranks among the largest capacities you’ll find in any budget phone, new or refurbished. SWOPiFY confirms this specification across listings, describing the battery as a core selling point alongside the Exynos 850 processor (SWOPiFY).

What this means in practice: a full charge typically takes you through a workday without range anxiety. Heavy users — those running GPS, streaming video, or gaming — may need a top-up by evening, but the 15W charging support (confirmed by PhonesOnline.ie) helps you recover quickly (PhonesOnline.ie).

Heavy users will still need a top-up by evening, but the 5000 mAh battery removes range anxiety for most daily scenarios.

Value for refurbished buyers

Back Market defines its condition grades clearly: Fair means visible wear, Good means light signs of wear, and Excellent means barely-there wear or perfect condition — all 100% functional (Back Market). This transparency lets buyers trade off price versus cosmetic condition confidently.

For €139.99, GetLocal.ie lists the Galaxy A21s 32GB in Excellent Condition with a 12-month warranty (GetLocal.ie). That’s a meaningful premium over the €82–€87 floor, but buyers get warranty protection and verified condition grading in return.

Buyers should budget for at least Good condition if they want a device that looks presentable — Fair condition saves money but carries visible wear.

How old is a Samsung A21s?

Samsung released the Galaxy A21s in 2020 (SWOPiFY). That makes it over four years old as of 2024 — approaching the window where even mid-range Samsung phones start losing official software support.

The device shipped with Android 10 out of the box and has received several OS updates over its lifespan. However, Samsung’s track record with the A-series suggests security patches rather than major Android version jumps are the likely remaining updates.

The A21s’s age means buyers sacrifice long-term software support, but hardware capabilities remain adequate for everyday tasks in 2024.

Release date

Samsung launched the A21s in mid-2020, positioning it as a budget-friendly option with premium-leaning features — a large display, quad camera, and big battery. The timing placed it squarely in the post-pandemic smartphone market, where demand for affordable, long-lasting devices spiked.

Current relevance

For buyers who primarily need calls, messaging, social media, and navigation, the A21s remains fully capable. The 6.5-inch display holds up well against newer budget phones, and the 48 MP main camera still captures sharp photos in good lighting.

However, if future-proofing matters — 5G connectivity, the latest Android features, or multi-year security patches — the device’s age becomes a genuine drawback. Buyers should weigh the low price against the limited remaining lifespan.

The catch: a phone that costs €82–€140 isn’t going to receive the same software attention as a current-generation device. The trade-off is straightforward — save money now, accept limited updates.

Buyers prioritising future-proofing should look elsewhere — the A21s has already passed its peak update window.

Is the Samsung Galaxy A21s outdated?

“Outdated” depends on your use case. The Galaxy A21s still runs the apps most people need daily, and its hardware specs don’t feel sluggish for basic tasks. But compared to phones released in the past two years, the gap in processing power and camera technology becomes noticeable.

The Exynos 850 processor handles everyday operations competently — web browsing, social media, and streaming work without frustration. Where the A21s shows its age is in gaming and multitasking, where newer budget chips pull ahead.

The catch

The Galaxy A21s runs a 4G LTE modem only — no 5G connectivity. As Irish carriers expand 5G coverage, buyers who want future-proofing should factor this limitation into their decision. If 5G matters to you within the next 2–3 years, consider alternatives like the Galaxy A series newer models.

Software support status

Samsung typically supports its A-series phones for 2–3 years of Android updates plus regular security patches. The A21s, released in 2020, has likely reached or approached the end of its official update cycle. This doesn’t mean the phone stops working, but new Android versions and major features have probably stopped arriving.

Security patches should still appear for some time, though the exact end date varies. Buyers concerned about software longevity should check Samsung’s current support pages directly before purchase.

The A21s has reached the end of its official update cycle — security patches may continue, but no new Android versions will arrive.

Performance for daily tasks

For calling, texting, email, web browsing, and social media, the Galaxy A21s performs adequately in 2024. The 4GB RAM model (confirmed by SWOPiFY) handles app switching without constant reloads, and the 5000 mAh battery ensures you won’t be hunting for an outlet mid-afternoon.

The quad camera setup — 48 MP main lens plus ultrawide, macro, and depth sensors — delivers decent photos in bright conditions. Low-light photography is where the A21s falls behind newer budget phones, with more noise and less detail in dim environments.

The A21s handles daily tasks without frustration, but low-light photography reveals its age compared to newer budget competitors.

How much is a new Samsung Galaxy A21s?

Finding a genuinely new Galaxy A21s in 2024 is difficult — Samsung has largely moved production to newer A-series models. Most listings you’ll encounter are refurbished or pre-owned, which actually benefits budget buyers seeking value.

In some markets, original retail pricing hovered around K140,000+VAT equivalents, but those figures are largely historical now. The refurbished market has taken over as the primary source for this model.

New stock has dried up across Ireland — the A21s now exists almost exclusively in the refurbished market, which works in buyers’ favour for pricing.

New vs refurbished prices

New pricing for the A21s is effectively unavailable in Ireland now — BuyItDirect.ie previously sold refurbished units but shows the Galaxy A21s as out of stock (BuyItDirect.ie). This signals that new stock has dried up across most Irish retailers.

Refurbished prices range from €82.80 to €140 depending on retailer, condition, and storage size. Back Market’s April 2026 listings show 32GB starting at €87.00, while 128GB variants cost €129.00 (Back Market). This represents a floor that has held remarkably stable — Back Market showed €86.00 pricing as recently as August 2025, meaning only a €1 increase over eight months (Back Market).

Prices in Ireland

Irish buyers have multiple options within the €82–€140 range. Wisetek Store offers the lowest entry point at €82.80 for the 3GB RAM, 32GB storage model (Wisetek Store). PhonesOnline.ie sells the 32GB, 3GB RAM variant in Excellent Condition with microSD slot and 15W charging for a mid-range price point (PhonesOnline.ie).

Viberstore.ie groups the A21s in its phones-under-€250 category, highlighting fully tested, unlocked devices with warranty shipped from Dublin (Viberstore.ie). Goldenpages.ie references Mint+ as Ireland’s leading refurbished smartphone provider for Samsung devices like the A21s (Goldenpages.ie).

The pattern: Irish refurbished pricing clusters tightly between €82 and €140 for 32GB models, with 128GB variants commanding a €40–€47 premium. Delivery from Irish sellers typically arrives within days, and warranties up to 12 months provide buyer protection.

Irish buyers should stick with local refurbished sellers — the €63 price gap between Wisetek and GetLocal.ie reflects condition grading and warranty terms, not arbitrary variation.

How much is a second hand Samsung A21s worth?

The second-hand market for Galaxy A21s in Ireland reflects its budget positioning — values hover low because the phone itself costs so little even when refurbished. Trade-in sites and marketplace sellers compete with dedicated refurbishment retailers for buyers.

For sellers looking to trade in or resell, the A21s won’t fetch much — probably €30–€60 depending on condition and whether it includes original packaging. The low residual value works in buyers’ favour: the phone has essentially hit its floor price.

Sellers shouldn’t expect much for their A21s — the device’s low original value translates directly to minimal resale returns.

Trade-in values

Trade-in platforms like SellMyMobile occasionally list the Galaxy A21s, though these platforms more commonly feature higher-end Samsung models. The A21s’s low original value translates directly to low trade-in offers.

Back Market’s price floor of €87 for 32GB in Fair or Good condition effectively sets the market floor. Any used unit priced above that needs either better condition grading or included accessories to justify the premium.

Market prices for used units

Comparing across sources, the Galaxy A21s 32GB in Ireland trades between €82 and €140 depending on where you shop:

  • Wisetek Store: €82.80 (3GB RAM, 32GB, discounted from €92)
  • Back Market: €87.00 (32GB, physical SIM)
  • GetLocal.ie: €139.99 (32GB, Excellent Condition, 12-month warranty)

Back Market’s 64GB and 128GB options show varied availability — 128GB appears out of stock in some variants while 32GB remains consistently listed (Back Market). International options like DHGate list the same model at €146.03 including VAT, but with minimum order quantity requirements that make single-unit purchases impractical (DHGate).

Why this matters: Irish buyers should stick with local refurbished sellers. The price difference between local Irish vendors and international platforms like DHGate doesn’t justify the shipping times, import duties, and lack of warranty protection.

The trade-off

Back Market offers up to 70% savings compared to brand new for devices in perfect condition — but only if you buy from a seller with clear warranty terms. Wisetek and Back Market both provide warranties, while marketplace listings without protection leave you exposed to defective units.

Galaxy A21s Specifications

The Galaxy A21s spec sheet reads like a reasonable 2020 mid-range package: large display, quad camera, big battery, and enough RAM for everyday multitasking.

Component Specification
Display 6.5-inch PLS IPS LCD
Resolution 720 × 1600 pixels
Processor Exynos 850 (8nm)
RAM 3 GB / 4 GB
Storage 32 GB / 64 GB / 128 GB (expandable via microSD)
Rear Camera 48 MP main + 8 MP ultrawide + 2 MP macro + 2 MP depth
Front Camera 13 MP
Battery 5000 mAh (15W fast charging)
Connectivity 4G LTE, NFC, Bluetooth 5.0, Wi-Fi
SIM Dual SIM (some variants)
OS Android (varies by update status)

SWOPiFY’s listings confirm the Exynos 850 processor, 128GB storage option, 4GB RAM configuration, and 5000mAh battery across multiple refurbished units (SWOPiFY). PhonesOnline.ie adds specifics about the 32GB storage, 3GB RAM variant, and the microSD expansion slot that buyers can use to add more space cheaply (PhonesOnline.ie).

The NFC capability deserves special mention — it’s increasingly standard on Samsung phones but often omitted in ultra-budget new devices. The A21s delivers this feature even in its older generation, making it practical for contactless payments in Ireland.

The pattern: the A21s’s specs haven’t aged into uselessness. The 48 MP camera and NFC still function at full capability, and the 5000 mAh battery remains genuinely impressive even against newer competitors.

The A21s’s specs remain competitive for budget buyers — the 48 MP camera, NFC, and 5000 mAh battery outperform what you’d get from new phones at the same price point.

Where to buy Galaxy A21s in Ireland

Several Irish retailers specialize in refurbished phones, with the Galaxy A21s appearing consistently across their inventories. The key is matching your priority — price, condition guarantee, or warranty length — with the right seller.

  • Back Market: 32GB from €87.00, multiple condition grades, free delivery, current listings show 128GB at €129.00 (Back Market)
  • Wisetek Store: Lowest price at €82.80 for 32GB, Irish-based, up to 30% savings on refurbished phones (Wisetek Store)
  • Refurbed.ie: Under €200 with warranty, Irish-focused, emphasises sustainability (Refurbed.ie)
  • PhonesOnline.ie: Pre-owned Excellent Condition, 12-month warranty, ships with Dublin-based testing (PhonesOnline.ie)
  • Viberstore.ie: Phones under €250 category, fully tested, warranty included, shipped from Dublin (Viberstore.ie)

The UK market offers additional options — The Big Phone Store advertises up to 75% off on refurbished Galaxy A21s 5G, though this model differs slightly from the standard A21s and Ireland shipping terms may vary (The Big Phone Store).

What this means: Irish buyers have enough local options that importing from international platforms rarely makes sense. Stick with Irish vendors for faster delivery, clearer warranty terms, and easier returns if something goes wrong.

The upshot

The refurbished Galaxy A21s has settled into a stable market in Ireland. Prices for 32GB models have barely moved from €86–€87 since mid-2025, suggesting we’ve hit the floor. If you’re going to buy, there’s no compelling reason to wait — further drops are unlikely, and stock of better-condition units may tighten as existing inventory sells through.

Confirmed vs Uncertain

Based on research confidence calibration, the following claims are well-supported by verified facts:

Confirmed facts

  • Battery life outstanding (5000 mAh confirmed across multiple listings)
  • Refurbished under €200 across Irish retailers
  • 6.5-inch display standard
  • Released in 2020
  • Back Market 32GB currently at €87.00 (April 2026)
  • Wisetek 32GB at €82.80
  • 12-month warranties standard on Irish sales
  • NFC functionality present

Uncertain details

  • Exact end date for Samsung software support
  • Current new-stock availability (mostly refurbished at this point)
  • Specific colour availability at each retailer
  • Exact stock levels for 128GB variants

At perfect working condition, it’ll be up to 70% less than brand new.

— Back Market (refurbished retailer)

Save BIG on an unlocked refurbished Samsung Galaxy A21s 5G, expertly restored by our in-house specialists! Up to 75% off.

— The Big Phone Store (UK refurbished retailer)

Priced under €200, the fully renewed smartphone offers no less than a quad camera, 6.5″ display, up-to-date Android and even NFC functionality.

— Refurbed.ie (Irish refurbished platform)

Shop refurbished phones in Ireland with up to 30% savings.

— Wisetek Store (Irish refurbishment specialist)

For Ireland buyers watching their budget, the refurbished Galaxy A21s makes a compelling case if you prioritise battery life, NFC capability, and a sub-€200 price tag above cutting-edge software features. The device has aged into a budget niche rather than a flagship contender, but the value proposition for practical, everyday use remains strong. Shoppers who want 5G or long-term Android updates should look at newer alternatives; those who want the most phone for the least money will find the A21s refurbished fits the bill.

Frequently asked questions

What are the main specs of the Samsung Galaxy A21s?

The Galaxy A21s features a 6.5-inch display, 5000 mAh battery, Exynos 850 processor, 3–4 GB RAM, and storage options from 32 GB to 128 GB with microSD expansion. The quad camera setup includes a 48 MP main lens, 8 MP ultrawide, 2 MP macro, and 2 MP depth sensor.

Where can I buy a Galaxy A21s in Ireland?

Irish buyers can purchase refurbished Galaxy A21s units from Back Market, Wisetek Store, Refurbed.ie, PhonesOnline.ie, and Viberstore.ie. Prices range from €82.80 to €140 depending on storage and condition. Most Irish retailers offer 12-month warranties and free or low-cost delivery.

Does the Galaxy A21s support NFC?

Yes, the Galaxy A21s includes NFC functionality, making it suitable for contactless payments through Google Pay and other NFC-based services. This feature is confirmed across refurbished listings from multiple Irish retailers.

What is the battery life like on the Galaxy A21s?

The 5000 mAh battery provides excellent endurance for a budget phone, comfortably lasting a full day of heavy use. The 15W fast charging support helps you recharge relatively quickly when needed. SWOPiFY and PhonesOnline.ie both confirm this battery capacity across their listings.

Is the Samsung Galaxy A21s still supported with updates?

Samsung released the Galaxy A21s in 2020, which means official software support has likely ended or is winding down. While the phone still functions, major Android version updates have probably stopped. Security patches may continue for some time, but buyers expecting the latest Android features should consider newer models.

How does the Galaxy A21s compare to newer budget phones?

Compared to 2023–2024 budget phones, the A21s shows its age in processing power, camera performance in low light, and software currency. However, the 5000 mAh battery, NFC capability, and sub-€200 price still compete favourably with newer options if you prioritise affordability over cutting-edge features.

Can I expand storage on the Galaxy A21s?

Yes, the Galaxy A21s includes a microSD card slot that accepts cards up to 512 GB. This lets you add storage cheaply, making the 32 GB base model a viable option for buyers willing to spend €15–€25 on a memory card.


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Shoppers eyeing the Galaxy A21s in Ireland may find its enduring budget appeal confirmed in 2025 buying guide, stressing the 5000mAh battery and NFC perks.