Samsung Galaxy S21 vs Samsung Galaxy S23 FE
Our Verdict: The Galaxy S21 and the Galaxy S23 FE are three years apart, which is enough for a real difference. The S21 5G has the better camera on paper, 64MP versus 50MP, and the S23 FE has the bigger battery of the two, 4500mAh against 4000mAh, which should mean longer between charges in day-to-day use. The S23 FE has the bigger screen at 6.4" against 6.2", while the S21 5G has the sharper one at 424 PPI, and the S21 5G is the lighter phone at 171g against 209g. If you're on the S21 5G, the S23 FE is a real step up, but only worth it if the changes above matter to you.
Buying outright, the S21 5G starts at £150 SIM-free.
12 reviews 3.7
13 reviews
Samsung Galaxy S21
|
Samsung Galaxy S23 FE
|
|
|---|---|---|
| Release Date | 29 January 2021 | 8 December 2023 |
| Expert Rating |
4.1 12 reviews |
3.7 13 reviews |
| Screen | 6.2" | 6.4" |
| Display | Dynamic AMOLED 2X | Dynamic AMOLED 2X |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2400 | 1080 x 2340 |
| Pixels Per Inch | 424 | 403 |
| Rear Camera | 64 Megapixels | 50 Megapixels |
| Front Camera | 10 Megapixels | 10 Megapixels |
| Chipset | Exynos 2100 | Exynos 2200 |
| Battery | 4,000 mAh | 4,500 mAh |
| Storage | 128GB, 256GB | 128GB, 256GB |
| OS | Android 11 | Android 13 |
| 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/6e |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 with A2DP, LE | 5.3 with A2DP, LE |
| Dimensions | 151.7 x 71.2 x 7.9 mm | 158 x 76.5 x 8.2 mm |
| Weight | 171 grams | 209 grams |
| Water Resistance | IP53 - dust and splash protection | IP53 - dust and splash protection |
| Contracts | - | - |
| SIM-free | £149.99 | £179.00 |
| Deals | Deals |
Cheapest Deals
Related Comparisons
Frequently Asked Questions
Which has the better screen, the Samsung Galaxy S21 or Samsung Galaxy S23 FE?
The Samsung Galaxy S23 FE 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 403, and both use Dynamic AMOLED 2X panels.
Which has the better camera, the Samsung Galaxy S21 or Samsung Galaxy S23 FE?
The Samsung Galaxy S21 features a 64 Megapixels rear camera, while the Samsung Galaxy S23 FE has a 50 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 S23 FE?
The Samsung Galaxy S21 is cheaper SIM-free, starting from £149.99.
What storage options are available for the Samsung Galaxy S21 and Samsung Galaxy S23 FE?
The Samsung Galaxy S21 is available in 128GB, 256GB, while the Samsung Galaxy S23 FE comes in 128GB, 256GB.
What processors do the Samsung Galaxy S21 and Samsung Galaxy S23 FE use?
The Samsung Galaxy S21 is powered by the Exynos 2100, while the Samsung Galaxy S23 FE uses the Exynos 2200.
Which is easier to carry and hold, the Samsung Galaxy S21 or Samsung Galaxy S23 FE?
The Samsung Galaxy S21 is the more portable of the two: it's 38g lighter at 171 grams, it's also the more compact phone at 151.7 x 71.2 x 7.9 mm.
Which is more water resistant, the Samsung Galaxy S21 or Samsung Galaxy S23 FE?
Both phones share the same water resistance rating of IP53 - dust and splash protection.
What operating system do the Samsung Galaxy S21 and Samsung Galaxy S23 FE run?
The Samsung Galaxy S21 runs Android 11 and the Samsung Galaxy S23 FE runs Android 13. This is one of the biggest factors when choosing between the two, as each ecosystem has its own apps, services and features.