Samsung Galaxy A35 vs Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G

Our verdict: Neither phone sweeps the display: the Samsung Galaxy A35 is bigger at 6.6" while the Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G is sharper at 411 PPI. If the camera matters most, the Samsung Galaxy A35 has the edge at 50MP. If selfies matter, the Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G leads with a 32MP front-facing lens. At just 177g, the Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G is the more pocket-friendly option.

Expert Rating
3.8
8 reviews
3.9
10 reviews
Screen
6.6" 6.4"
Display
Super AMOLED Dynamic AMOLED 2X capacitive touchscreen
Resolution
1080 x 2340 1080 x 2400
Pixels Per Inch
390 411
Rear Camera
50 Megapixels 12 Megapixels
Front Camera
13 Megapixels 32 Megapixels
Chipset
Exynos 1380 (5 nm) Exynos 990
Storage
128GB, 256GB 128GB, 256GB
OS
Android 14 Android 12
SIM Type
Nano SIM Nano SIM
Connectivity
Up to 5G Up to 5G
Wi-Fi
802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6
Bluetooth
5.3 with A2DP, LE 5.0 with A2DP, LE
Dimensions
161.7 x 78 x 8.2 mm 159.8 x 74.5 x 8.4 mm
Weight
209 grams 177 grams
Water Resistance
IP67 - Dust and water resistant IP68 - Dust and water resistant over 1.5 meter and 30 minutes
Contracts
SIM-free
£159.99 £179.95
Samsung Galaxy A35 Samsung Galaxy A35 Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G
Expert Rating 3.8
8 reviews
3.9
10 reviews
Screen 6.6" 6.4"
Display Super AMOLED Dynamic AMOLED 2X capacitive touchscreen
Resolution 1080 x 2340 1080 x 2400
Pixels Per Inch 390 411
Rear Camera 50 Megapixels 12 Megapixels
Front Camera 13 Megapixels 32 Megapixels
Chipset Exynos 1380 (5 nm) Exynos 990
Storage 128GB, 256GB 128GB, 256GB
OS Android 14 Android 12
SIM Type Nano SIM Nano SIM
Connectivity Up to 5G Up to 5G
Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6
Bluetooth 5.3 with A2DP, LE 5.0 with A2DP, LE
Dimensions 161.7 x 78 x 8.2 mm 159.8 x 74.5 x 8.4 mm
Weight 209 grams 177 grams
Water Resistance IP67 - Dust and water resistant IP68 - Dust and water resistant over 1.5 meter and 30 minutes
Contracts
SIM-free £159.99 £179.95
Deals Deals

Frequently Asked Questions

Which has the better screen, the Samsung Galaxy A35 or Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G?

The Samsung Galaxy A35 has the bigger screen at 6.6" compared to the Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G's 6.4", the Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G has the sharper display at 411 pixels per inch versus 390, and the Samsung Galaxy A35 uses a Super AMOLED panel while the Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G has a Dynamic AMOLED 2X capacitive touchscreen.

Which has the better camera, the Samsung Galaxy A35 or Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G?

The Samsung Galaxy A35 features a 50 Megapixels rear camera, while the Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G has a 12 Megapixels rear camera. Both devices also have front-facing cameras for selfies and video calls.

Which is cheaper to buy SIM-free, the Samsung Galaxy A35 or Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G?

The Samsung Galaxy A35 is cheaper SIM-free, starting from £159.99.

What storage options are available for the Samsung Galaxy A35 and Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G?

The Samsung Galaxy A35 is available in 128GB, 256GB, while the Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G comes in 128GB, 256GB.

What processors do the Samsung Galaxy A35 and Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G use?

The Samsung Galaxy A35 is powered by the Exynos 1380 (5 nm), while the Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G uses the Exynos 990.

Which is easier to carry and hold, the Samsung Galaxy A35 or Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G?

The Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G is the more portable of the two — it's 32g lighter at 177 grams, it's also the more compact phone at 159.8 x 74.5 x 8.4 mm.

Which is more water resistant, the Samsung Galaxy A35 or Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G?

The Samsung Galaxy A35 is rated IP67 - Dust and water resistant, while the Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G is rated IP68 - Dust and water resistant over 1.5 meter and 30 minutes.

What operating system do the Samsung Galaxy A35 and Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G run?

The Samsung Galaxy A35 runs Android 14 and the Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G runs Android 12. This is one of the biggest factors when choosing between the two, as each ecosystem has its own apps, services and features.