Samsung Galaxy S21 Plus vs Samsung Galaxy S26 FE
Our Verdict: The Galaxy S21 Plus and the Galaxy S26 FE are six years apart, which is enough for a real difference. The S21+ 5G leads on camera hardware with a 64MP main sensor to the S26 FE's 50MP, and the S26 FE is the lighter phone at 193g against 202g. If you're on the S21+ 5G, the S26 FE is a real step up, but only worth it if the changes above matter to you.
Buying outright, the S21+ 5G starts at £139 SIM-free.
10 reviews 3.7
5 reviews
Samsung Galaxy S21 Plus
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Samsung Galaxy S26 FE
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|---|---|---|
| Expert Rating | 4.0 10 reviews |
3.7 5 reviews |
| Screen | 6.7" | 6.7" |
| Display | Dynamic AMOLED 2X | Dynamic LTPO AMOLED 2X |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2400 | 1080 x 2340 |
| Pixels Per Inch | 393 | 385 |
| Rear Camera | 64 Megapixels | 50 Megapixels |
| Front Camera | 10 Megapixels | 12 Megapixels |
| Chipset | Exynos 2100 | Exynos 2500 (3 nm) |
| Battery | 4,800 mAh | 4,900 mAh |
| Storage | 128GB, 256GB | 128GB, 256GB |
| OS | Android 11 | Android 17 |
| SIM Type | Standard SIM | nano-SIM and e-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/7 |
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 5.4, A2DP, LE |
| Dimensions | 161.4 x 75.6 x 7.8 mm | 161.3 x 76.6 x 7.4 mm |
| Weight | 202 grams | 193 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 | - |
£14.99/mo
£259.00 upfront |
| SIM-free | £139.00 | £697.00 |
| Deals | Deals |
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Frequently Asked Questions
Which has the better screen, the Samsung Galaxy S21 Plus or Samsung Galaxy S26 FE?
Both phones have a similar screen size at around 6.7", both screens are similarly sharp at around 393 pixels per inch, and the Samsung Galaxy S21 Plus uses a Dynamic AMOLED 2X panel while the Samsung Galaxy S26 FE has a Dynamic LTPO AMOLED 2X.
Which has the better camera, the Samsung Galaxy S21 Plus or Samsung Galaxy S26 FE?
The Samsung Galaxy S21 Plus features a 64 Megapixels rear camera, while the Samsung Galaxy S26 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 S26 FE?
The Samsung Galaxy S21 Plus is cheaper SIM-free, starting from £139.00.
What storage options are available for the Samsung Galaxy S21 Plus and Samsung Galaxy S26 FE?
The Samsung Galaxy S21 Plus is available in 128GB, 256GB, while the Samsung Galaxy S26 FE comes in 128GB, 256GB.
What processors do the Samsung Galaxy S21 Plus and Samsung Galaxy S26 FE use?
The Samsung Galaxy S21 Plus is powered by the Exynos 2100, while the Samsung Galaxy S26 FE uses the Exynos 2500 (3 nm).
Which is easier to carry and hold, the Samsung Galaxy S21 Plus or Samsung Galaxy S26 FE?
It's a trade-off: the Samsung Galaxy S26 FE is lighter but the Samsung Galaxy S21 Plus is more compact. It's 9g lighter at 193 grams, though the Samsung Galaxy S21 Plus is actually the more compact phone at 161.4 x 75.6 x 7.8 mm, the Samsung Galaxy S26 FE is slimmer at 7.4mm thick.
Which is more water resistant, the Samsung Galaxy S21 Plus or Samsung Galaxy S26 FE?
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 Plus and Samsung Galaxy S26 FE run?
The Samsung Galaxy S21 Plus runs Android 11 and the Samsung Galaxy S26 FE runs Android 17. This is one of the biggest factors when choosing between the two, as each ecosystem has its own apps, services and features.