Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G vs Samsung Galaxy S24+

Our Verdict: The Galaxy S24+ is three years newer than the Galaxy S21 FE 5G, and it shows in the specs. The S24+ leads on camera hardware with a 50MP main sensor to the S21 FE 5G's 12MP, and the S24+ packs the bigger battery, 4900mAh against 4500mAh, which usually means longer between charges. The S24+ has the stronger screen, bigger at 6.7" against 6.4" and sharper at 509 PPI, and the S24+ offers up to 512GB of storage versus 256GB on the S21 FE 5G. If you're on the S21 FE 5G, the S24+ is a real step up, but only worth it if the changes above matter to you.

Buying outright, the S21 FE 5G starts at £130 SIM-free.

Expert Rating
3.9
10 reviews
4.2
12 reviews
Screen
6.4" 6.7"
Display
Dynamic AMOLED 2X capacitive touchscreen Dynamic LTPO AMOLED 2X
Resolution
1080 x 2400 1440 x 3088
Pixels Per Inch
411 509
Rear Camera
12 Megapixels 50 Megapixels
Front Camera
32 Megapixels 12 Megapixels
Chipset
Exynos 990 Qualcomm SM8650-AB Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 (4 nm)
Battery
4,500 mAh 4,900 mAh
Storage
128GB, 256GB 256GB, 512GB
OS
Android 12 Android
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/7
Bluetooth
5.0 with A2DP, LE 5.3 with A2DP, LE
Dimensions
159.8 x 74.5 x 8.4 mm 158.5 x 75.9 x 7.7 mm
Weight
177 grams 196 grams
Water Resistance
IP68 - Dust and water resistant over 1.5 meter and 30 minutes Not rated
Contracts
- £71.50/mo (£30.00 upfront)
SIM-free
£129.99 £329.99

Prices updated 28 July 2026

Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G Samsung Galaxy S24+ Samsung Galaxy S24+
Expert Rating 3.9
10 reviews
4.2
12 reviews
Screen 6.4" 6.7"
Display Dynamic AMOLED 2X capacitive touchscreen Dynamic LTPO AMOLED 2X
Resolution 1080 x 2400 1440 x 3088
Pixels Per Inch 411 509
Rear Camera 12 Megapixels 50 Megapixels
Front Camera 32 Megapixels 12 Megapixels
Chipset Exynos 990 Qualcomm SM8650-AB Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 (4 nm)
Battery 4,500 mAh 4,900 mAh
Storage 128GB, 256GB 256GB, 512GB
OS Android 12 Android
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/7
Bluetooth 5.0 with A2DP, LE 5.3 with A2DP, LE
Dimensions 159.8 x 74.5 x 8.4 mm 158.5 x 75.9 x 7.7 mm
Weight 177 grams 196 grams
Water Resistance IP68 - Dust and water resistant over 1.5 meter and 30 minutes Not rated
Contracts - £71.50/mo
£30.00 upfront
SIM-free £129.99 £329.99
Prices updated 28 July 2026
Deals Deals

Cheapest Deals

Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G
Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G

128GB

Graphite

Refurbished

From £129.99

Samsung Galaxy S24+
Samsung Galaxy S24+

12 Months

256GB

Onyx Black

Refurbished

5GB

Data

Unlimited

Unlimited

£71.50 per month, £30 upfront.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Which has the better screen, the Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G or Samsung Galaxy S24+?

The Samsung Galaxy S24+ has the bigger screen at 6.7" compared to the Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G's 6.4", the Samsung Galaxy S24+ has the sharper display at 509 pixels per inch versus 411, and the Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G uses a Dynamic AMOLED 2X capacitive touchscreen panel while the Samsung Galaxy S24+ has a Dynamic LTPO AMOLED 2X.

Which has the better camera, the Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G or Samsung Galaxy S24+?

The Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G features a 12 Megapixels rear camera, while the Samsung Galaxy S24+ 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 S24+?

The Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G is cheaper SIM-free, starting from £129.99.

What storage options are available for the Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G and Samsung Galaxy S24+?

The Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G is available in 128GB, 256GB, while the Samsung Galaxy S24+ comes in 256GB, 512GB.

What processors do the Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G and Samsung Galaxy S24+ use?

The Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G is powered by the Exynos 990, while the Samsung Galaxy S24+ uses the Qualcomm SM8650-AB Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 (4 nm).

Which is easier to carry and hold, the Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G or Samsung Galaxy S24+?

The Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G is the more portable of the two: it's 19g lighter at 177 grams, it's also the more compact phone at 159.8 x 74.5 x 8.4 mm, the Samsung Galaxy S24+ is slimmer at 7.7mm thick.

Which is more water resistant, the Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G or Samsung Galaxy S24+?

The Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G is rated IP68 - Dust and water resistant over 1.5 meter and 30 minutes, while the Samsung Galaxy S24+ is rated Not rated.

What operating system do the Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G and Samsung Galaxy S24+ run?

The Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G runs Android 12 and the Samsung Galaxy S24+ runs Android. This is one of the biggest factors when choosing between the two, as each ecosystem has its own apps, services and features.