Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G vs Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra

Our verdict: Screen lovers will prefer the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra and its 6.8" display running at 516 PPI. On paper, the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra wins the camera battle with 108MP on the rear. Up front, the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra wins with a 40MP selfie camera. Day-to-day comfort favours the Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G at 177g.

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
£209.99 £239.99
Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra
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 £209.99 £239.99
Deals Deals

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 £209.99.

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.