Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G vs Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge
Our Verdict: The Galaxy S25 Edge is four years newer than the Galaxy S21 FE 5G, and it shows in the specs. The S25 Edge has the better camera on paper, 200MP versus 12MP, and there's more battery in the S21 FE 5G, 4500mAh to 3900mAh, which usually means longer between charges. The S25 Edge has the stronger screen, bigger at 6.7" against 6.4" and sharper at 513 PPI, and the S25 Edge offers up to 512GB of storage versus 256GB on the S21 FE 5G. Coming from the S21 FE 5G, the S25 Edge is a genuine upgrade rather than a token one.
Buying outright, the S21 FE 5G starts at £130 SIM-free.
10 reviews 3.8
11 reviews
Prices updated 25 July 2026
Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G
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Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge
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|---|---|---|
| Expert Rating | 3.9 10 reviews |
3.8 11 reviews |
| Screen | 6.4" | 6.7" |
| Display | Dynamic AMOLED 2X capacitive touchscreen | Dynamic AMOLED 2X |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2400 | 1440 x 3120 |
| Pixels Per Inch | 411 | 513 |
| Rear Camera | 12 Megapixels | 200 Megapixels |
| Front Camera | 32 Megapixels | 12 Megapixels |
| Chipset | Exynos 990 | Qualcomm SM8750-3-AB Snapdragon 8 Elite (3 nm) |
| Battery | 4,500 mAh | 3,900 mAh |
| Storage | 128GB, 256GB | 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 | 159 x 76 x 5.8 mm |
| Weight | 177 grams | 163 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 | - |
£28.29/mo
£29.00 upfront |
| SIM-free | £129.99 | £499.00 |
| 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 Edge?
The Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge has the bigger screen at 6.7" compared to the Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G's 6.4", the Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge has the sharper display at 513 pixels per inch versus 411, and the Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G uses a Dynamic AMOLED 2X capacitive touchscreen panel while the Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge has a Dynamic AMOLED 2X.
Which has the better camera, the Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G or Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge?
The Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G features a 12 Megapixels rear camera, while the Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge 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 S25 Edge?
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 Edge?
The Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G is available in 128GB, 256GB, while the Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge comes in 256GB, 512GB.
What processors do the Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G and Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge use?
The Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G is powered by the Exynos 990, while the Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge uses the Qualcomm SM8750-3-AB Snapdragon 8 Elite (3 nm).
Which is easier to carry and hold, the Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G or Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge?
It's a trade-off: the Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge is lighter but the Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G is more compact. It's 14g lighter at 163 grams, though the Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G is actually the more compact phone at 159.8 x 74.5 x 8.4 mm, the Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge is slimmer at 5.8mm thick.
Which is more water resistant, the Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G or Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge?
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 Edge run?
The Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G runs Android 12 and the Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge 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.