Phone CheckerReal or copy?
Is that Samsung Galaxy S21 original?
Copies of the Galaxy S21 look right and even say Galaxy S21 in Settings. The hardware inside doesn't lie. Check it on the phone itself in 20 seconds, before you pay.
- 7 things a copy gets wrong
- 20 s on the phone itself
- 10 checked here
Real Galaxy S21 vs a copy
| A real Galaxy S21 | A typical copy | |
|---|---|---|
| Model code | ✓SM-G991 | ✕A different code, or "GALAXY S21" typed in its place |
| Processor | ✓Exynos 2100 or Snapdragon 888 | ✕A cheaper processor, whatever Settings names |
| Graphics chip | ✓Mali-G78 or Adreno 660 | ✕A cheaper chip: it can't be swapped, so it gives the phone away |
| RAM | ✓8 GB or more | ✕Less, whatever Settings says |
| Screen | ✓1080 or 720 px wide | ✕A lower resolution panel |
| Android | ✓11 or newer | ✕An older Android with a newer skin |
| Storage | ✓128 GB or 256 GB | ✕A made-up size: 512 GB on a phone that holds 16 |
Check one in 20 seconds
- Open the site on the phone you're buying. Type ogphonechecker.com into its browser, or scan our code with its camera.
- Tap "Check this phone". Keep the screen on while it reads the hardware.
- Read the verdict. Original, or exactly what doesn't match a real Galaxy S21. Then test the screen, cameras and sound, and that it's Google free.
Checked here
Checked in Lusaka.
Software: Android 11 and up
Genuine Galaxy S21s checked here were running Android 15. A Galaxy S21 showing Android older than 11 isn't what it says.
Galaxy S21 or Galaxy S21+?
Sellers mix these up, by mistake or on purpose. If the seller says one and the check says the other, believe the check.
| Galaxy S21 | Galaxy S21+ | |
|---|---|---|
| Model code | SM-G991 | SM-G996 |
| Processor | Exynos 2100 or Snapdragon 888 | Exynos 2100 or Snapdragon 888 |
| Graphics chip | Mali-G78 or Adreno 660 | Mali-G78 or Adreno 660 |
| RAM | 8 GB+ | 8 GB+ |
| Screen | 1080 px | 1080 px |
| Came with | Android 11 | Android 11 |
Questions people ask
What model number is the Galaxy S21?
A real Samsung Galaxy S21 reports SM-G991. In Chrome, Phone Checker reads it from the phone itself, so a copy can't hide behind Settings.
What processor does the Galaxy S21 have?
The Samsung Galaxy S21 runs on the Exynos 2100 or the Snapdragon 888, depending on where it was sold. A copy usually has a much cheaper chip inside, whatever Settings says. Phone Checker reads the graphics chip, which is part of the processor, so it tells them apart.
How much RAM does the Galaxy S21 have?
At least 8 GB in the smallest version sold. A copy often has less, whatever its Settings say.
Which Android versions does the Galaxy S21 run?
It came with Android 11. A version older than 11 means a different phone.
How do I know if my Galaxy S21 is original?
Open ogphonechecker.com on the phone itself and tap Check this phone. In about 20 seconds it compares the model code, graphics chip, RAM and screen with a real Galaxy S21, for free.