Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G vs Samsung Galaxy S23
Our Verdict: The Galaxy S23 is a couple of generations newer than the Galaxy S21 FE 5G, and it shows in the specs. The S23 5G has a dramatically higher-resolution main camera, 50MP against the S21 FE 5G's 12MP, and there's more battery in the S21 FE 5G, 4500mAh to 3900mAh, which should mean longer between charges in day-to-day use. The S21 FE 5G has the bigger screen, 6.4" against 6.1", and the S23 5G is the lighter phone at 167g against 177g. If you're on the S21 FE 5G, the S23 5G is a real step up, but only worth it if the changes above matter to you.
Buying outright, the S21 FE 5G starts at £165 SIM-free.
10 reviews 4.2
13 reviews
Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G
|
Samsung Galaxy S23
|
|
|---|---|---|
| Release Date | 11 January 2022 | 17 February 2023 |
| Expert Rating |
3.9 10 reviews |
4.2 13 reviews |
| Screen | 6.4" | 6.1" |
| Display | Dynamic AMOLED 2X capacitive touchscreen | Dynamic AMOLED 2X |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2400 | 1080 x 2340 |
| Pixels Per Inch | 411 | 422 |
| Rear Camera | 12 Megapixels | 50 Megapixels |
| Front Camera | 32 Megapixels | 12 Megapixels |
| Chipset | Exynos 990 | Qualcomm SM8550 Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 (4 nm) |
| Battery | 4,500 mAh | 3,900 mAh |
| Storage | 128GB, 256GB | 128GB, 256GB |
| OS | Android 12 | 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, A2DP, LE |
| Dimensions | 159.8 x 74.5 x 8.4 mm | 146.3 x 70.9 x 7.6 mm |
| Weight | 177 grams | 167 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 | - |
£20.99/mo
£19.00 upfront |
| SIM-free | £164.99 | £209.00 |
| Deals | Deals |
Cheapest Deals
Samsung Galaxy S23
£20.99 a month, £19 upfront.
Monthly payment will increase to £22.79 on 1 April 2027. Then to £24.59 on 1 April 2028.
Use code: SPOOKY10 (£10 off)
Related Comparisons
Frequently Asked Questions
Which has the better screen, the Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G or Samsung Galaxy S23?
The Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G has the bigger screen at 6.4" compared to the Samsung Galaxy S23's 6.1", the Samsung Galaxy S23 has the sharper display at 422 pixels per inch versus 411, and the Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G uses a Dynamic AMOLED 2X capacitive touchscreen panel while the Samsung Galaxy S23 has a Dynamic AMOLED 2X.
Which has the better camera, the Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G or Samsung Galaxy S23?
The Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G features a 12 Megapixels rear camera, while the Samsung Galaxy S23 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 FE 5G or Samsung Galaxy S23?
The Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G is cheaper SIM-free, starting from £164.99.
What storage options are available for the Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G and Samsung Galaxy S23?
The Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G is available in 128GB, 256GB, while the Samsung Galaxy S23 comes in 128GB, 256GB.
What processors do the Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G and Samsung Galaxy S23 use?
The Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G is powered by the Exynos 990, while the Samsung Galaxy S23 uses the Qualcomm SM8550 Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 (4 nm).
Which is easier to carry and hold, the Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G or Samsung Galaxy S23?
The Samsung Galaxy S23 is the more portable of the two: it's 10g lighter at 167 grams, it's also the more compact phone at 146.3 x 70.9 x 7.6 mm, and is slimmer at 7.6mm thick.
Which is more water resistant, the Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G or Samsung Galaxy S23?
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 S23 run?
The Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G runs Android 12 and the Samsung Galaxy S23 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.