Galaxy A23 5G vs Galaxy S21 FE 5G
Shop Samsung Galaxy
Galaxy A23 5G
Starting at
£117.65£277.00 new
Galaxy S21 FE 5G
Starting at
£157.11£699.00 newWhat's the difference between the Galaxy A23 5G and Galaxy S21 FE 5G?
Galaxy A23 5G vs S21 FE 5G comes down to the chipset, battery and screen size. Refurbished, the Galaxy A23 5G starts at £117.65, £39.46 less than the Galaxy S21 FE 5G.
Refurbished from
Chipset
Battery
Screen size
Screen type
Main camera
- Chipset: Qualcomm SM6375 Snapdragon 695 5G (6 nm) on the Galaxy A23 5G, Qualcomm SM8350 Snapdragon 888 5G (5 nm), Exynos 2100 (5 nm) on the Galaxy S21 FE 5G.
- The Galaxy A23 5G has a bigger battery: 5000 mAh vs 4500 mAh.
- The Galaxy A23 5G has a bigger screen: 6.6 inch vs 6.4 inch.
Galaxy A23 5G vs Galaxy S21 FE 5G specs
The Galaxy A23 5G and Galaxy S21 FE 5G both run Android and support 5G, but they cater to different users. The Galaxy A23 5G offers a larger screen and bigger battery, suited for those who want longer use between charges and more display space for videos. It also has expandable storage and a higher resolution main camera, making it good for everyday tasks and photography with detail. The Galaxy S21 FE 5G provides a more advanced chipset, sharper front camera, and Dynamic AMOLED 2X screen, ideal for users looking for smoother performance, vibrant visuals, and higher quality selfies. Storage options are bigger on the S21 FE 5G, fitting those who need more space for apps and media.
Galaxy A23 5G vs Galaxy S21 FE 5G price
Colour
Galaxy A23 5G vs Galaxy S21 FE 5G battery life and software updates
Durability covers battery life, software updates, and physical design. Battery capacity and size differ between the two, which affects how long you can use the phone between charges.
Battery Capacity
The Galaxy A23 5G has a 5000 mAh battery, which means it offers longer use on a single charge, suitable if you often need your phone to last through a busy day. The Galaxy S21 FE 5G has a 4500 mAh battery, still enough for a full day but with slightly less capacity, favouring those who prioritise other features.
Software Updates
This means you can expect ongoing software improvements and security patches for both, keeping your phone up to date and secure.
Battery
Fast charging
Foldable
Ip rating
Software updates
Wireless charging
Year of release
Galaxy A23 5G vs Galaxy S21 FE 5G performance
Performance depends on the chipset, RAM, and storage options. Both phones have 6 GB of RAM, which is good for everyday multitasking and running common apps. The chipset and storage choices influence speed and capacity for your needs.
Chipset and Speed
The Galaxy S21 FE 5G uses a Qualcomm SM8350 Snapdragon 888 5G or Exynos 2100, both built on a 5 nm process, providing faster and more efficient performance. The Galaxy A23 5G has a Qualcomm SM6375 Snapdragon 695 5G built on 6 nm technology, offering reliable performance for everyday use. Choose the S21 FE 5G if you want smoother operation with demanding apps.
Storage Options
The Galaxy A23 5G comes with 64GB or 128GB storage, suitable for typical users who manage their files regularly. The Galaxy S21 FE 5G offers 128GB or 256GB, ideal if you keep many apps, photos, and videos on your phone. Storage on the S21 FE 5G is larger, fitting those with heavier usage.
Chipset
RAM
Galaxy A23 5G vs Galaxy S21 FE 5G screen
Screen quality affects your viewing experience for videos, browsing, and gaming. Both devices have 120 Hz refresh rates for smooth scrolling, but they differ in size, resolution, and panel technology.
Screen Size and Resolution
The Galaxy A23 5G has a larger 6.6 inch screen with a resolution of 1080 x 2408, providing a roomier display for watching videos or reading. The Galaxy S21 FE 5G has a slightly smaller 6.4 inch screen with a resolution of 1080 x 2340, offering a compact but still clear viewing area.
Screen Type
The Galaxy A23 5G uses a PLS LCD screen, which delivers good colour and brightness. The Galaxy S21 FE 5G features a Dynamic AMOLED 2X screen, known for deeper blacks and more vivid colours, making it well suited for users who want a richer visual experience.
Refresh rate
Resolution
Screen size
Screen type
Galaxy A23 5G vs Galaxy S21 FE 5G camera
Cameras and front-facing sensors matter if you take photos, record videos, or use video calls. Each device emphasises different strengths in camera resolution.
Front Camera
The Galaxy S21 FE 5G has a 32 megapixel front camera, capturing more detail in selfies and video calls. The Galaxy A23 5G offers an 8 megapixel front camera, which is suitable for basic selfie needs and video chats.
Main Camera
The Galaxy A23 5G has a 50 megapixel main camera, providing higher resolution photos that suit users wanting detailed shots. The Galaxy S21 FE 5G has a 12 megapixel main camera, which offers quality images with different camera features suited to varied photography styles.
Front camera
Main camera
Galaxy A23 5G vs Galaxy S21 FE 5G size and design
Other features affect convenience and everyday handling. This includes physical size, weight, SIM and storage flexibility, and network compatibility.
Physical Size and Weight
The Galaxy A23 5G is larger and heavier at 165.4 mm tall, 76.9 mm wide, and 197 g, making it better for users who prefer a bigger phone for viewing and handling. The Galaxy S21 FE 5G is more compact and lighter at 155.7 mm tall, 74.5 mm wide, and 177 g, which suits those wanting a smaller, easier-to-carry device.
Expandable Storage
The Galaxy A23 5G supports microSDXC cards, allowing you to add extra storage, which is useful if you store many photos or files. The Galaxy S21 FE 5G does not have a microSD slot, so storage capacity is fixed to the internal options.
SIM and Network
Both phones use dual physical SIM cards and support 5G networks, giving you flexibility in mobile plans and fast connectivity regardless of which device you choose.
Carrier compatibility
Connector
Depth
Height
Mobile network
Release date
SD card slot
SIM card
Weight
Width
Galaxy A23 5G or Galaxy S21 FE 5G: which should you buy?
Buy the Galaxy A23 5G if
- you want to spend less: it starts at £117.65, £39.46 less than the Galaxy S21 FE 5G
- you want a bigger battery (5000 mAh vs 4500 mAh)
- you want a bigger screen (6.6 inch vs 6.4 inch)
Buy the Galaxy S21 FE 5G if
- you want an OLED screen
- you want a higher-resolution front camera (32 megapixels vs 8 megapixels)
- you want longer software support (until Jan 2027 vs ended Oct 2026)
What our customers say
Customers who choose the Galaxy A23 5G often praise its value and condition, noting it feels like a brand new phone and suits everyday needs well. They highlight the phone's size as comfortable and the device as quick enough for routine use. Some mention the battery lasts well, while a few note it drains faster with heavy use. The camera quality and expandable storage receive positive mention, with users happy to add memory cards. Setup is generally described as easy, even for less tech-savvy buyers.
Galaxy S21 FE 5G customers appreciate the smooth performance and premium feel of the phone. The higher resolution front camera is a common highlight, especially for selfies. Users find the battery lasts through the day and the phone handles apps and games smoothly. While most report excellent condition with minor marks, a few mention issues with charging ports or connectivity. The device's compact size and vibrant screen impress many, making it popular for those wanting a more feature-rich refurbished phone.
Both devices suit different users well. The Galaxy A23 5G is ideal for those who want a larger screen, longer battery life, and expandable storage at a lower price. The Galaxy S21 FE 5G fits buyers who prioritise performance, camera quality, and a vivid display in a lighter, smaller phone.
Galaxy A23 5G vs Galaxy S21 FE 5G FAQs
Galaxy A23 5G vs S21 FE 5G comes down to the chipset, battery and screen size. Chipset: Qualcomm SM6375 Snapdragon 695 5G (6 nm) on the Galaxy A23 5G, Qualcomm SM8350 Snapdragon 888 5G (5 nm), Exynos 2100 (5 nm) on the Galaxy S21 FE 5G. The Galaxy A23 5G has a bigger battery: 5000 mAh vs 4500 mAh.
The Galaxy A23 5G is cheaper refurbished, from £117.65 compared with £157.11 for the Galaxy S21 FE 5G.
The Galaxy A23 5G has a bigger battery: 5000 mAh vs 4500 mAh.
The Galaxy A23 5G has a higher-resolution main camera: 50 megapixels vs 12 megapixels.
Updates for the Galaxy A23 5G ended in Oct 2026. The Galaxy S21 FE 5G gets updates until Jan 2027.
Refurbished, the Galaxy A23 5G comes in 64GB and 128GB, and the Galaxy S21 FE 5G in 128GB and 256GB.
