Samsung Galaxy S21 vs Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G
Our Verdict: The Galaxy S21 FE 5G and Galaxy S21 came out side by side, the S21 5G as the top model and the S21 FE 5G as the more basic one. The S21 5G leads on camera hardware with a 64MP main sensor to the S21 FE 5G's 12MP, and the S21 FE 5G has the bigger battery of the two, 4500mAh against 4000mAh, which should mean longer between charges in day-to-day use. The S21 FE 5G has the bigger screen, 6.4" against 6.2". Only pay up for the S21 5G if you'll use what it offers; if not, the S21 FE 5G makes more sense.
Buying outright, the S21 FE 5G starts at £130 SIM-free.
10 reviews 3.9
10 reviews
Prices updated 13 July 2026
Samsung Galaxy S21
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Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G
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|
|---|---|---|
| Expert Rating | 4.1 10 reviews |
3.9 10 reviews |
| Screen | 6.2" | 6.4" |
| Display | Dynamic AMOLED 2X | Dynamic AMOLED 2X capacitive touchscreen |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2400 | 1080 x 2400 |
| Pixels Per Inch | 424 | 411 |
| Rear Camera | 64 Megapixels | 12 Megapixels |
| Front Camera | 10 Megapixels | 32 Megapixels |
| Chipset | Exynos 2100 | Exynos 990 |
| Battery | 4,000 mAh | 4,500 mAh |
| Storage | 128GB, 256GB | 128GB, 256GB |
| OS | Android 11 | 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 | 5.0 with A2DP, LE | 5.0 with A2DP, LE |
| Dimensions | 151.7 x 71.2 x 7.9 mm | 159.8 x 74.5 x 8.4 mm |
| Weight | 171 grams | 177 grams |
| Water Resistance | IP53 - dust and splash protection | IP68 - Dust and water resistant over 1.5 meter and 30 minutes |
| Contracts | - | - |
| SIM-free | £144.99 | £129.99 |
| Prices updated 13 July 2026 | ||
| Deals | Deals | |
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Frequently Asked Questions
Which has the better screen, the Samsung Galaxy S21 or Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G?
The Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G has the bigger screen at 6.4" compared to the Samsung Galaxy S21's 6.2", the Samsung Galaxy S21 has the sharper display at 424 pixels per inch versus 411, and the Samsung Galaxy S21 uses a Dynamic AMOLED 2X panel while the Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G has a Dynamic AMOLED 2X capacitive touchscreen.
Which has the better camera, the Samsung Galaxy S21 or Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G?
The Samsung Galaxy S21 features a 64 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 S21 or Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G?
The Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G is cheaper SIM-free, starting from £129.99.
What storage options are available for the Samsung Galaxy S21 and Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G?
The Samsung Galaxy S21 is available in 128GB, 256GB, while the Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G comes in 128GB, 256GB.
What processors do the Samsung Galaxy S21 and Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G use?
The Samsung Galaxy S21 is powered by the Exynos 2100, while the Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G uses the Exynos 990.
Which is easier to carry and hold, the Samsung Galaxy S21 or Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G?
The Samsung Galaxy S21 is the more portable of the two: it's 6g lighter at 171 grams, it's also the more compact phone at 151.7 x 71.2 x 7.9 mm, and is slimmer at 7.9mm thick.
Which is more water resistant, the Samsung Galaxy S21 or Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G?
The Samsung Galaxy S21 is rated IP53 - dust and splash protection, 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 S21 and Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G run?
The Samsung Galaxy S21 runs Android 11 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.