Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G vs Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra
Our Verdict: The Galaxy S21 FE 5G and Galaxy S21 Ultra launched together: the S21 FE 5G is the standard model and the S21 Ultra 5G the higher-end one. The S21 Ultra 5G leads on camera hardware with a 108MP main sensor to the S21 FE 5G's 12MP, plus a 40MP selfie camera against 32MP, and the S21 Ultra 5G has the stronger screen, bigger at 6.8" against 6.4" and sharper at 516 PPI. The S21 Ultra 5G goes up to 512GB of storage, where the S21 FE 5G tops out at 256GB, and the S21 FE 5G is the lighter phone at 177g against 228g. The S21 Ultra 5G is the one to have if you want what it adds, but the S21 FE 5G is the smarter buy if you'd rather keep the money.
Buying outright, the S21 FE 5G starts at £115 SIM-free.
10 reviews 4.4
10 reviews
Prices updated 3 July 2026
Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G
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Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra
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|---|---|---|
| Expert Rating | 3.9 10 reviews |
4.4 10 reviews |
| Screen | 6.4" | 6.8" |
| Display | Dynamic AMOLED 2X capacitive touchscreen | Dynamic AMOLED 2X capacitive touchscreen |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2400 | 1440 x 3200 |
| Pixels Per Inch | 411 | 516 |
| Rear Camera | 12 Megapixels | 108 Megapixels |
| Front Camera | 32 Megapixels | 40 Megapixels |
| Chipset | Exynos 990 | Exynos 2100 |
| Storage | 128GB, 256GB | 128GB, 256GB, 512GB |
| OS | Android 12 | Android 11 |
| 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 | 5.1 with A2DP, LE |
| Dimensions | 159.8 x 74.5 x 8.4 mm | 165.1 x 75.6 x 8.9 mm |
| Weight | 177 grams | 228 grams |
| Water Resistance | IP68 - Dust and water resistant over 1.5 meter and 30 minutes | IP68 - Dust and water resistant over 1.5 meter and 30 minutes |
| Contracts | - | - |
| SIM-free | £114.95 | £224.99 |
| Prices updated 3 July 2026 | ||
| Deals | Deals | |
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Frequently Asked Questions
Which has the better screen, the Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G or Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra?
The Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra has the bigger screen at 6.8" compared to the Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G's 6.4", the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra has the sharper display at 516 pixels per inch versus 411, and both use Dynamic AMOLED 2X capacitive touchscreen panels.
Which has the better camera, the Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G or Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra?
The Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G features a 12 Megapixels rear camera, while the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra has a 108 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 FE 5G or Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra?
The Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G is cheaper SIM-free, starting from £114.95.
What storage options are available for the Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G and Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra?
The Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G is available in 128GB, 256GB, while the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra comes in 128GB, 256GB, 512GB.
What processors do the Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G and Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra use?
The Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G is powered by the Exynos 990, while the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra uses the Exynos 2100.
Which is easier to carry and hold, the Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G or Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra?
The Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G is the more portable of the two: it's 51g lighter at 177 grams, it's also the more compact phone at 159.8 x 74.5 x 8.4 mm, and is slimmer at 8.4mm thick.
Which is more water resistant, the Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G or Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra?
Both phones share the same water resistance rating of IP68 - Dust and water resistant over 1.5 meter and 30 minutes.
What operating system do the Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G and Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra run?
The Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G runs Android 12 and the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra runs Android 11. This is one of the biggest factors when choosing between the two, as each ecosystem has its own apps, services and features.