Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G vs Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra
Our Verdict: If you've got the Galaxy S21 FE 5G, the Galaxy S26 Ultra is five years of updates on from it. The S26 Ultra has the better camera on paper, 200MP versus 12MP, and the S26 Ultra has the bigger battery of the two, 5000mAh against 4500mAh, which usually means longer between charges. The S26 Ultra has the stronger screen, bigger at 6.9" against 6.4" and sharper at 498 PPI, and the S26 Ultra goes up to 1TB of storage, where the S21 FE 5G tops out at 256GB. If you're on the S21 FE 5G, the S26 Ultra is a real step up, but only worth it if the changes above matter to you.
If you'd rather pay up front, the S21 FE 5G is the cheaper buy at £165 SIM-free.
10 reviews 4.4
12 reviews
Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G
|
Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra
|
|
|---|---|---|
| Expert Rating | 3.9 10 reviews |
4.4 12 reviews |
| Screen | 6.4" | 6.9" |
| Display | Dynamic AMOLED 2X capacitive touchscreen | Dynamic LTPO AMOLED 2X |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2400 | 1440 x 3120 |
| Pixels Per Inch | 411 | 498 |
| Rear Camera | 12 Megapixels | 200 Megapixels |
| Front Camera | 32 Megapixels | 12 Megapixels |
| Chipset | Exynos 990 | Qualcomm SM8850-AC Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 (3 nm) |
| Battery | 4,500 mAh | 5,000 mAh |
| Storage | 128GB, 256GB | 256GB, 512GB, 1TB |
| OS | Android 12 | Android |
| 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 | 163.6 x 78.1 x 7.9 mm |
| Weight | 177 grams | 214 grams |
| Water Resistance | IP68 - Dust and water resistant over 1.5 meter and 30 minutes | IP68 dust tight and water resistant (immersible up to 1.5m for 30 min) |
| Contracts | - |
£37.29/mo
£29.00 upfront |
| SIM-free | £164.99 | £899.00 |
| Deals | Deals |
Cheapest Deals
Related Comparisons
Frequently Asked Questions
Which has the better screen, the Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G or Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra?
The Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra has the bigger screen at 6.9" compared to the Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G's 6.4", the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra has the sharper display at 498 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 Ultra has a Dynamic LTPO AMOLED 2X.
Which has the better camera, the Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G or Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra?
The Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G features a 12 Megapixels rear camera, while the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra 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 S26 Ultra?
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 Ultra?
The Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G is available in 128GB, 256GB, while the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra comes in 256GB, 512GB, 1TB.
What processors do the Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G and Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra use?
The Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G is powered by the Exynos 990, while the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra 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 Ultra?
The Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G is the more portable of the two: it's 37g 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 Ultra is slimmer at 7.9mm thick.
Which is more water resistant, the Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G or Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra?
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 Ultra is rated IP68 dust tight and water resistant (immersible up to 1.5m for 30 min).
What operating system do the Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G and Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra run?
The Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G runs Android 12 and the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra runs Android. This is one of the biggest factors when choosing between the two, as each ecosystem has its own apps, services and features.