Samsung Galaxy S21 vs Samsung Galaxy S24 FE
Our Verdict: If you've got the Galaxy S21, the Galaxy S24 FE is three years of updates on from it. The S21 5G leads on camera hardware with a 64MP main sensor to the S24 FE's 50MP, and the S24 FE packs the bigger battery, 4700mAh against 4000mAh, which usually means longer between charges. The S24 FE has the bigger screen at 6.7" 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 213g. The S24 FE is the better phone; upgrade from the S21 5G if you want the newer hardware, or hold on if yours still does the job.
If you'd rather pay up front, the S21 5G is the cheaper buy at £145 SIM-free.
10 reviews 3.9
10 reviews
Prices updated 28 July 2026
Samsung Galaxy S21
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Samsung Galaxy S24 FE
|
|
|---|---|---|
| Expert Rating | 4.1 10 reviews |
3.9 10 reviews |
| Screen | 6.2" | 6.7" |
| Display | Dynamic AMOLED 2X | Dynamic LTPO AMOLED 2X |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2400 | 1080 x 2340 |
| Pixels Per Inch | 424 | 385 |
| Rear Camera | 64 Megapixels | 50 Megapixels |
| Front Camera | 10 Megapixels | 12 Megapixels |
| Chipset | Exynos 2100 | Exynos 2400e (4 nm) |
| Battery | 4,000 mAh | 4,700 mAh |
| Storage | 128GB, 256GB | 128GB, 256GB |
| OS | Android 11 | Android |
| SIM Type | Nano SIM | nano-SIM and e-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 | 162 x 77.3 x 8 mm |
| Weight | 171 grams | 213 grams |
| Water Resistance | IP53 - dust and splash protection | IP68 - Dust and water resistant over 1.5 meter and 30 minutes |
| Contracts | - |
£54.83/mo
£30.00 upfront |
| SIM-free | £144.99 | £309.99 |
| Prices updated 28 July 2026 | ||
| Deals | Deals | |
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Frequently Asked Questions
Which has the better screen, the Samsung Galaxy S21 or Samsung Galaxy S24 FE?
The Samsung Galaxy S24 FE has the bigger screen at 6.7" compared to the Samsung Galaxy S21's 6.2", the Samsung Galaxy S21 has the sharper display at 424 pixels per inch versus 385, and the Samsung Galaxy S21 uses a Dynamic AMOLED 2X panel while the Samsung Galaxy S24 FE has a Dynamic LTPO AMOLED 2X.
Which has the better camera, the Samsung Galaxy S21 or Samsung Galaxy S24 FE?
The Samsung Galaxy S21 features a 64 Megapixels rear camera, while the Samsung Galaxy S24 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 S24 FE?
The Samsung Galaxy S21 is cheaper SIM-free, starting from £144.99.
What storage options are available for the Samsung Galaxy S21 and Samsung Galaxy S24 FE?
The Samsung Galaxy S21 is available in 128GB, 256GB, while the Samsung Galaxy S24 FE comes in 128GB, 256GB.
What processors do the Samsung Galaxy S21 and Samsung Galaxy S24 FE use?
The Samsung Galaxy S21 is powered by the Exynos 2100, while the Samsung Galaxy S24 FE uses the Exynos 2400e (4 nm).
Which is easier to carry and hold, the Samsung Galaxy S21 or Samsung Galaxy S24 FE?
The Samsung Galaxy S21 is the more portable of the two: it's 42g 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 S24 FE?
The Samsung Galaxy S21 is rated IP53 - dust and splash protection, while the Samsung Galaxy S24 FE 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 S24 FE run?
The Samsung Galaxy S21 runs Android 11 and the Samsung Galaxy S24 FE runs Android. This is one of the biggest factors when choosing between the two, as each ecosystem has its own apps, services and features.