Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G vs Samsung Galaxy S26+
Our Verdict: The Galaxy S21 FE 5G and the Galaxy S26+ are four years apart, which is enough for a real difference. The S26+ has a massively higher-resolution main camera, 50MP against the S21 FE 5G's 12MP, and the S26+ packs the bigger battery, 4900mAh against 4500mAh, which usually means longer between charges. The S26+ has the stronger screen, bigger at 6.7" against 6.4" and sharper at 513 PPI, and storage goes higher on the S26+, up to 512GB against 256GB. Coming from the S21 FE 5G, the S26+ is a genuine upgrade rather than a token one.
Buying outright, the S21 FE 5G starts at £165 SIM-free.
10 reviews 4.0
15 reviews
Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G
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Samsung Galaxy S26+
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|---|---|---|
| Release Date | 11 January 2022 | 11 March 2026 |
| Expert Rating |
3.9 10 reviews |
4.0 15 reviews |
| Screen | 6.4" | 6.7" |
| Display | Dynamic AMOLED 2X capacitive touchscreen | Dynamic LTPO AMOLED 2X |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2400 | 1440 x 3120 |
| Pixels Per Inch | 411 | 513 |
| 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 | 4,900 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 | 158.4 x 75.8 x 7.3 mm |
| Weight | 177 grams | 190 grams |
| Water Resistance | IP68 - Dust and water resistant over 1.5 meter and 30 minutes | IP 68 |
| Contracts | - |
£11.95/mo
£579.00 upfront |
| SIM-free | £164.99 | £814.99 |
| 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 S26+ has the bigger screen at 6.7" compared to the Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G's 6.4", the Samsung Galaxy S26+ 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 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 S21 FE 5G is the more portable of the two: it's 13g lighter at 177 grams, it's also the more compact phone at 159.8 x 74.5 x 8.4 mm, the Samsung Galaxy S26+ is slimmer at 7.3mm thick.
Which is more water resistant, the Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G or Samsung Galaxy S26+?
The Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G is rated IP68 - Dust and water resistant over 1.5 meter and 30 minutes, while the Samsung Galaxy S26+ is rated IP 68.
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.