Samsung Galaxy S21 Plus vs Samsung Galaxy S23 FE
Our Verdict: The Galaxy S23 FE is three years newer than the Galaxy S21 Plus, and it shows in the specs. The S21+ 5G has a noticeably higher-resolution main camera, 64MP against the S23 FE's 50MP, and the S21+ 5G has the bigger screen, 6.7" against 6.4". The S23 FE is the better phone; upgrade from the S21+ 5G if you want the newer hardware, or hold on if yours still does the job.
Buying outright, the S23 FE starts at £190 SIM-free.
10 reviews 3.7
13 reviews
Samsung Galaxy S21 Plus
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Samsung Galaxy S23 FE
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|---|---|---|
| Release Date | 29 January 2021 | 8 December 2023 |
| Expert Rating |
4.0 10 reviews |
3.7 13 reviews |
| Screen | 6.7" | 6.4" |
| Display | Dynamic AMOLED 2X | Dynamic AMOLED 2X |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2400 | 1080 x 2340 |
| Pixels Per Inch | 393 | 403 |
| Rear Camera | 64 Megapixels | 50 Megapixels |
| Front Camera | 10 Megapixels | 10 Megapixels |
| Chipset | Exynos 2100 | Exynos 2200 |
| Battery | 4,800 mAh | 4,500 mAh |
| Storage | 128GB, 256GB | 128GB, 256GB |
| OS | Android 11 | Android 13 |
| SIM Type | Standard SIM | Nano SIM |
| Connectivity | Up to 5G | Up to 5G |
| Wi-Fi | 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6e | 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6e |
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 5.3 with A2DP, LE |
| Dimensions | 161.4 x 75.6 x 7.8 mm | 158 x 76.5 x 8.2 mm |
| Weight | 202 grams | 209 grams |
| Water Resistance | IP68 - Dust and water resistant over 1.5 meter and 30 minutes | IP53 - dust and splash protection |
| Contracts | - | - |
| SIM-free | £209.99 | £189.99 |
| Deals | Deals |
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Frequently Asked Questions
Which has the better screen, the Samsung Galaxy S21 Plus or Samsung Galaxy S23 FE?
The Samsung Galaxy S21 Plus has the bigger screen at 6.7" compared to the Samsung Galaxy S23 FE's 6.4", the Samsung Galaxy S23 FE has the sharper display at 403 pixels per inch versus 393, and both use Dynamic AMOLED 2X panels.
Which has the better camera, the Samsung Galaxy S21 Plus or Samsung Galaxy S23 FE?
The Samsung Galaxy S21 Plus features a 64 Megapixels rear camera, while the Samsung Galaxy S23 FE 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 Plus or Samsung Galaxy S23 FE?
The Samsung Galaxy S23 FE is cheaper SIM-free, starting from £189.99.
What storage options are available for the Samsung Galaxy S21 Plus and Samsung Galaxy S23 FE?
The Samsung Galaxy S21 Plus is available in 128GB, 256GB, while the Samsung Galaxy S23 FE comes in 128GB, 256GB.
What processors do the Samsung Galaxy S21 Plus and Samsung Galaxy S23 FE use?
The Samsung Galaxy S21 Plus is powered by the Exynos 2100, while the Samsung Galaxy S23 FE uses the Exynos 2200.
Which is easier to carry and hold, the Samsung Galaxy S21 Plus or Samsung Galaxy S23 FE?
It's a trade-off: the Samsung Galaxy S21 Plus is lighter but the Samsung Galaxy S23 FE is more compact. It's 7g lighter at 202 grams, though the Samsung Galaxy S23 FE is actually the more compact phone at 158 x 76.5 x 8.2 mm, the Samsung Galaxy S21 Plus is slimmer at 7.8mm thick.
Which is more water resistant, the Samsung Galaxy S21 Plus or Samsung Galaxy S23 FE?
The Samsung Galaxy S21 Plus is rated IP68 - Dust and water resistant over 1.5 meter and 30 minutes, while the Samsung Galaxy S23 FE is rated IP53 - dust and splash protection.
What operating system do the Samsung Galaxy S21 Plus and Samsung Galaxy S23 FE run?
The Samsung Galaxy S21 Plus runs Android 11 and the Samsung Galaxy S23 FE runs Android 13. This is one of the biggest factors when choosing between the two, as each ecosystem has its own apps, services and features.