Samsung Galaxy S21 vs Samsung Galaxy S26 FE
Our Verdict: The Galaxy S26 FE is six years newer than the Galaxy S21, and it shows in the specs. The S21 5G has a clearly higher-resolution main camera, 64MP against the S26 FE's 50MP, and the S26 FE has the bigger battery of the two, 4900mAh against 4000mAh, which should mean longer between charges in day-to-day use. The S26 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 193g. If you're on the S21 5G, the S26 FE is a real step up, but only worth it if the changes above matter to you.
Buying outright, the S21 5G starts at £145 SIM-free.
10 reviews 3.7
5 reviews
Samsung Galaxy S21
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Samsung Galaxy S26 FE
|
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|---|---|---|
| Expert Rating | 4.1 10 reviews |
3.7 5 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 2500 (3 nm) |
| Battery | 4,000 mAh | 4,900 mAh |
| Storage | 128GB, 256GB | 128GB, 256GB |
| OS | Android 11 | Android 17 |
| 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/7 |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 with A2DP, LE | 5.4, A2DP, LE |
| Dimensions | 151.7 x 71.2 x 7.9 mm | 161.3 x 76.6 x 7.4 mm |
| Weight | 171 grams | 193 grams |
| Water Resistance | IP53 - dust and splash protection | IP68 - Dust and water resistant over 1.5 meter and 30 minutes |
| Contracts | - |
£14.99/mo
£259.00 upfront |
| SIM-free | £144.99 | £697.00 |
| Deals | Deals |
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Frequently Asked Questions
Which has the better screen, the Samsung Galaxy S21 or Samsung Galaxy S26 FE?
The Samsung Galaxy S26 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 S26 FE has a Dynamic LTPO AMOLED 2X.
Which has the better camera, the Samsung Galaxy S21 or Samsung Galaxy S26 FE?
The Samsung Galaxy S21 features a 64 Megapixels rear camera, while the Samsung Galaxy S26 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 S26 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 S26 FE?
The Samsung Galaxy S21 is available in 128GB, 256GB, while the Samsung Galaxy S26 FE comes in 128GB, 256GB.
What processors do the Samsung Galaxy S21 and Samsung Galaxy S26 FE use?
The Samsung Galaxy S21 is powered by the Exynos 2100, while the Samsung Galaxy S26 FE uses the Exynos 2500 (3 nm).
Which is easier to carry and hold, the Samsung Galaxy S21 or Samsung Galaxy S26 FE?
The Samsung Galaxy S21 is the more portable of the two: it's 22g lighter at 171 grams, it's also the more compact phone at 151.7 x 71.2 x 7.9 mm, the Samsung Galaxy S26 FE is slimmer at 7.4mm thick.
Which is more water resistant, the Samsung Galaxy S21 or Samsung Galaxy S26 FE?
The Samsung Galaxy S21 is rated IP53 - dust and splash protection, while the Samsung Galaxy S26 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 S26 FE run?
The Samsung Galaxy S21 runs Android 11 and the Samsung Galaxy S26 FE runs Android 17. This is one of the biggest factors when choosing between the two, as each ecosystem has its own apps, services and features.