Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G vs Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra
Our Verdict: The Galaxy S23 Ultra is a couple of generations newer than the Galaxy S21 FE 5G, and it shows in the specs. The S23 Ultra 5G leads on camera hardware with a 200MP main sensor to the S21 FE 5G's 12MP, and the S23 Ultra 5G has the bigger battery of the two, 5000mAh against 4500mAh, which should mean longer between charges in day-to-day use. The S23 Ultra 5G has the stronger screen, bigger at 6.8" against 6.4" and sharper at 500 PPI, and the S23 Ultra 5G offers up to 512GB of storage versus 256GB on the S21 FE 5G. Coming from the S21 FE 5G, the S23 Ultra 5G is a genuine upgrade rather than a token one.
Buying outright, the S21 FE 5G starts at £165 SIM-free.
10 reviews 4.4
12 reviews
Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G
|
Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra
|
|
|---|---|---|
| Release Date | 11 January 2022 | 17 February 2023 |
| Expert Rating |
3.9 10 reviews |
4.4 12 reviews |
| Screen | 6.4" | 6.8" |
| Display | Dynamic AMOLED 2X capacitive touchscreen | Dynamic AMOLED 2X |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2400 | 1440 x 3080 |
| Pixels Per Inch | 411 | 500 |
| Rear Camera | 12 Megapixels | 200 Megapixels |
| Front Camera | 32 Megapixels | 12 Megapixels |
| Chipset | Exynos 990 | Qualcomm SM8550-AC Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 (4 nm) |
| Battery | 4,500 mAh | 5,000 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/6e |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 with A2DP, LE | 5.3, A2DP, LE |
| Dimensions | 159.8 x 74.5 x 8.4 mm | 163.4 x 78.1 x 8.9 mm |
| Weight | 177 grams | 233 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 | - |
£59.00/mo
£30.00 upfront |
| SIM-free | £164.99 | £349.99 |
| Deals | Deals |
Cheapest Deals
Related Comparisons
Frequently Asked Questions
Which has the better screen, the Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G or Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra?
The Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra has the bigger screen at 6.8" compared to the Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G's 6.4", the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra has the sharper display at 500 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 Ultra has a Dynamic AMOLED 2X.
Which has the better camera, the Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G or Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra?
The Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G features a 12 Megapixels rear camera, while the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra has a 200 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 Ultra?
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 Ultra?
The Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G is available in 128GB, 256GB, while the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra comes in 256GB, 512GB.
What processors do the Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G and Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra use?
The Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G is powered by the Exynos 990, while the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra uses the Qualcomm SM8550-AC Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 (4 nm).
Which is easier to carry and hold, the Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G or Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra?
The Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G is the more portable of the two: it's 56g 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 S23 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 S23 Ultra run?
The Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G runs Android 12 and the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra 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.