Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G vs Samsung Galaxy S23 Plus
Our Verdict: The Galaxy S23 Plus 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 the S23+ 5G has the bigger screen at 6.6" against 6.4", while the S21 FE 5G has the sharper one at 411 PPI. The S23+ 5G offers up to 512GB of storage versus 256GB on the S21 FE 5G, and the S21 FE 5G is the lighter phone at 177g against 195g. 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 4.1
12 reviews
Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G
|
Samsung Galaxy S23 Plus
|
|
|---|---|---|
| Release Date | 11 January 2022 | 17 February 2023 |
| Expert Rating |
3.9 10 reviews |
4.1 12 reviews |
| Screen | 6.4" | 6.6" |
| Display | Dynamic AMOLED 2X capacitive touchscreen | Dynamic AMOLED 2X |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2400 | 1080 x 2340 |
| Pixels Per Inch | 411 | 390 |
| 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 | 4,700 mAh |
| Storage | 128GB, 256GB | 256GB, 512GB |
| 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/6 |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 with A2DP, LE | 5.3 with A2DP, LE |
| Dimensions | 159.8 x 74.5 x 8.4 mm | 157.8 x 76.2 x 7.6 mm |
| Weight | 177 grams | 195 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 | - |
£57.33/mo
£30.00 upfront |
| SIM-free | £164.99 | £269.99 |
| Deals | Deals |
Cheapest Deals
Related Comparisons
Frequently Asked Questions
Which has the better screen, the Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G or Samsung Galaxy S23 Plus?
The Samsung Galaxy S23 Plus has the bigger screen at 6.6" compared to the Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G's 6.4", the Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G has the sharper display at 411 pixels per inch versus 390, and the Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G uses a Dynamic AMOLED 2X capacitive touchscreen panel while the Samsung Galaxy S23 Plus has a Dynamic AMOLED 2X.
Which has the better camera, the Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G or Samsung Galaxy S23 Plus?
The Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G features a 12 Megapixels rear camera, while the Samsung Galaxy S23 Plus 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 Plus?
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 Plus?
The Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G is available in 128GB, 256GB, while the Samsung Galaxy S23 Plus comes in 256GB, 512GB.
What processors do the Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G and Samsung Galaxy S23 Plus use?
The Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G is powered by the Exynos 990, while the Samsung Galaxy S23 Plus 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 Plus?
The Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G is the more portable of the two: it's 18g lighter at 177 grams, it's also the more compact phone at 159.8 x 74.5 x 8.4 mm, the Samsung Galaxy S23 Plus is slimmer at 7.6mm thick.
Which is more water resistant, the Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G or Samsung Galaxy S23 Plus?
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 Plus run?
The Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G runs Android 12 and the Samsung Galaxy S23 Plus 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.