Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G vs Samsung Galaxy S26
Our Verdict: There's five years between the Galaxy S21 FE 5G and the Galaxy S26, so the Galaxy S26 is ahead on most things. The S26 leads on camera hardware with a 50MP main sensor to the S21 FE 5G's 12MP, and the S26 goes up to 512GB of storage, where the S21 FE 5G tops out at 256GB. The S26 is the lighter phone at 167g against 177g. The S26 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 £165 SIM-free.
10 reviews 3.9
11 reviews
Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G
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Samsung Galaxy S26
|
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|---|---|---|
| Expert Rating | 3.9 10 reviews |
3.9 11 reviews |
| Screen | 6.4" | 6.3" |
| Display | Dynamic AMOLED 2X capacitive touchscreen | Dynamic LTPO AMOLED 2X |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2400 | 1080 x 2340 |
| Pixels Per Inch | 411 | 409 |
| Rear Camera | 12 Megapixels | 50 Megapixels |
| Front Camera | 32 Megapixels | 12 Megapixels |
| Chipset | Exynos 990 | Qualcomm SM8850-AC Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 (3 nm) |
| Battery | 4,500 mAh | 4,300 mAh |
| Storage | 128GB, 256GB | 256GB, 512GB |
| OS | Android 12 | Android 16 |
| 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/7 |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 with A2DP, LE | 5.4, A2DP, LE |
| Dimensions | 159.8 x 74.5 x 8.4 mm | 149.6 x 71.7 x 7.2 mm |
| Weight | 177 grams | 167 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 | - |
£27.54/mo
£9.00 upfront |
| SIM-free | £164.99 | £649.99 |
| Deals | Deals |
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Frequently Asked Questions
Which has the better screen, the Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G or Samsung Galaxy S26?
The Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G has the bigger screen at 6.4" compared to the Samsung Galaxy S26's 6.3", 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 S26 has a Dynamic LTPO AMOLED 2X.
Which has the better camera, the Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G or Samsung Galaxy S26?
The Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G features a 12 Megapixels rear camera, while the Samsung Galaxy S26 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 S26?
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 S26?
The Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G is available in 128GB, 256GB, while the Samsung Galaxy S26 comes in 256GB, 512GB.
What processors do the Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G and Samsung Galaxy S26 use?
The Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G is powered by the Exynos 990, while the Samsung Galaxy S26 uses the Qualcomm SM8850-AC Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 (3 nm).
Which is easier to carry and hold, the Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G or Samsung Galaxy S26?
The Samsung Galaxy S26 is the more portable of the two: it's 10g lighter at 167 grams, it's also the more compact phone at 149.6 x 71.7 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 S26?
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 S26 run?
The Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G runs Android 12 and the Samsung Galaxy S26 runs Android 16. This is one of the biggest factors when choosing between the two, as each ecosystem has its own apps, services and features.