Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra vs Samsung Galaxy S23 FE
Our Verdict: There's three years between the Galaxy S21 Ultra and the Galaxy S23 FE, so the Galaxy S23 FE is ahead on most things. The S21 Ultra 5G has a considerably higher-resolution main camera, 108MP against the S23 FE's 50MP, plus a 40MP selfie camera against 10MP, and there's more battery in the S21 Ultra 5G, 5000mAh to 4500mAh, which should mean longer between charges in day-to-day use. The S21 Ultra 5G has the stronger screen, bigger at 6.8" against 6.4" and sharper at 516 PPI, and the S21 Ultra 5G goes up to 512GB of storage, where the S23 FE tops out at 256GB. If you're on the S21 Ultra 5G, the S23 FE is a real step up, but only worth it if the changes above matter to you.
If you'd rather pay up front, the S23 FE is the cheaper buy at £190 SIM-free.
10 reviews 3.7
13 reviews
Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra
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Samsung Galaxy S23 FE
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|---|---|---|
| Release Date | 29 January 2021 | 8 December 2023 |
| Expert Rating |
4.4 10 reviews |
3.7 13 reviews |
| Screen | 6.8" | 6.4" |
| Display | Dynamic AMOLED 2X capacitive touchscreen | Dynamic AMOLED 2X |
| Resolution | 1440 x 3200 | 1080 x 2340 |
| Pixels Per Inch | 516 | 403 |
| Rear Camera | 108 Megapixels | 50 Megapixels |
| Front Camera | 40 Megapixels | 10 Megapixels |
| Chipset | Exynos 2100 | Exynos 2200 |
| Battery | 5,000 mAh | 4,500 mAh |
| Storage | 128GB, 256GB, 512GB | 128GB, 256GB |
| OS | Android 11 | Android 13 |
| SIM Type | Nano SIM | Nano 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 |
| Bluetooth | 5.1 with A2DP, LE | 5.3 with A2DP, LE |
| Dimensions | 165.1 x 75.6 x 8.9 mm | 158 x 76.5 x 8.2 mm |
| Weight | 228 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 | £234.99 | £189.99 |
| Deals | Deals |
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Frequently Asked Questions
Which has the better screen, the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra or Samsung Galaxy S23 FE?
The Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra has the bigger screen at 6.8" compared to the Samsung Galaxy S23 FE's 6.4", the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra has the sharper display at 516 pixels per inch versus 403, and the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra uses a Dynamic AMOLED 2X capacitive touchscreen panel while the Samsung Galaxy S23 FE has a Dynamic AMOLED 2X.
Which has the better camera, the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra or Samsung Galaxy S23 FE?
The Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra features a 108 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 Ultra 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 Ultra and Samsung Galaxy S23 FE?
The Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra is available in 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, while the Samsung Galaxy S23 FE comes in 128GB, 256GB.
What processors do the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra and Samsung Galaxy S23 FE use?
The Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 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 Ultra or Samsung Galaxy S23 FE?
The Samsung Galaxy S23 FE is the more portable of the two: it's 19g lighter at 209 grams, it's also the more compact phone at 158 x 76.5 x 8.2 mm, and is slimmer at 8.2mm thick.
Which is more water resistant, the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra or Samsung Galaxy S23 FE?
The Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 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 Ultra and Samsung Galaxy S23 FE run?
The Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 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.