Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G vs Samsung Galaxy S25
Our Verdict: If you've got the Galaxy S21 FE 5G, the Galaxy S25 is four years of updates on from it. The S25 has a far higher-resolution main camera, 50MP against the S21 FE 5G's 12MP, and the S21 FE 5G packs the bigger battery, 4500mAh against 4000mAh, which usually means longer between charges. The S25 goes up to 512GB of storage, where the S21 FE 5G tops out at 256GB, and the S21 FE 5G has the bigger screen, 6.4" against 6.2". The S25 is the better phone; upgrade from the S21 FE 5G if you want the newer hardware, or hold on if yours still does the job.
If you'd rather pay up front, the S21 FE 5G is the cheaper buy at £130 SIM-free.
10 reviews 4.1
11 reviews
Prices updated 25 July 2026
Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G
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Samsung Galaxy S25
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|---|---|---|
| Expert Rating | 3.9 10 reviews |
4.1 11 reviews |
| Screen | 6.4" | 6.2" |
| Display | Dynamic AMOLED 2X capacitive touchscreen | Dynamic LTPO AMOLED 2X |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2400 | 1080 x 2340 |
| Pixels Per Inch | 411 | 416 |
| Rear Camera | 12 Megapixels | 50 Megapixels |
| Front Camera | 32 Megapixels | 12 Megapixels |
| Chipset | Exynos 990 | Qualcomm SM8750-AB Snapdragon 8 Elite (3 nm) |
| Battery | 4,500 mAh | 4,000 mAh |
| Storage | 128GB, 256GB | 128GB, 256GB, 512GB |
| OS | Android 12 | Android 15 |
| SIM Type | Nano SIM | nano-SIM and e-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 | 5.4, A2DP, LE |
| Dimensions | 159.8 x 74.5 x 8.4 mm | 146.9 x 70.4 x 7.2 mm |
| Weight | 177 grams | 162 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 | - |
£22.00/mo
£20.00 upfront |
| SIM-free | £129.99 | £439.99 |
| Prices updated 25 July 2026 | ||
| Deals | Deals | |
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Frequently Asked Questions
Which has the better screen, the Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G or Samsung Galaxy S25?
The Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G has the bigger screen at 6.4" compared to the Samsung Galaxy S25's 6.2", both screens are similarly sharp at around 411 pixels per inch, and the Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G uses a Dynamic AMOLED 2X capacitive touchscreen panel while the Samsung Galaxy S25 has a Dynamic LTPO AMOLED 2X.
Which has the better camera, the Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G or Samsung Galaxy S25?
The Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G features a 12 Megapixels rear camera, while the Samsung Galaxy S25 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 S25?
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 S25?
The Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G is available in 128GB, 256GB, while the Samsung Galaxy S25 comes in 128GB, 256GB, 512GB.
What processors do the Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G and Samsung Galaxy S25 use?
The Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G is powered by the Exynos 990, while the Samsung Galaxy S25 uses the Qualcomm SM8750-AB Snapdragon 8 Elite (3 nm).
Which is easier to carry and hold, the Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G or Samsung Galaxy S25?
The Samsung Galaxy S25 is the more portable of the two: it's 15g lighter at 162 grams, it's also the more compact phone at 146.9 x 70.4 x 7.2 mm, and is slimmer at 7.2mm thick.
Which is more water resistant, the Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G or Samsung Galaxy S25?
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 S25 run?
The Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G runs Android 12 and the Samsung Galaxy S25 runs Android 15. This is one of the biggest factors when choosing between the two, as each ecosystem has its own apps, services and features.