Galaxy A52 5G vs Galaxy S21 FE 5G
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Galaxy A52 5G
Starting at
£136.62£399.00 new
Galaxy S21 FE 5G
Starting at
£157.11£699.00 newWhat's the difference between the Galaxy A52 5G and Galaxy S21 FE 5G?
Galaxy A52 5G vs S21 FE 5G comes down to the chipset, screen size and screen type. Refurbished, the Galaxy A52 5G starts at £136.62, £20.49 less than the Galaxy S21 FE 5G. The Galaxy S21 FE 5G is the newer model, released in 2022.
Refurbished from
Chipset
Screen size
Screen type
Main camera
Software updates
- Chipset: Qualcomm SM7225 Snapdragon 750G 5G (8 nm) on the Galaxy A52 5G, Qualcomm SM8350 Snapdragon 888 5G (5 nm), Exynos 2100 (5 nm) on the Galaxy S21 FE 5G.
- Screen size: 6.5 inch on the Galaxy A52 5G, 6.4 inch on the Galaxy S21 FE 5G.
- Screen type: Super AMOLED on the Galaxy A52 5G, Dynamic AMOLED 2X on the Galaxy S21 FE 5G.
Galaxy A52 5G vs Galaxy S21 FE 5G specs
The Galaxy A52 5G and the Galaxy S21 FE 5G both offer 5G connectivity and 6 GB of RAM, but they differ in several ways that suit different needs. The Galaxy A52 5G has a larger 6.5 inch Super AMOLED screen with a higher resolution, while the Galaxy S21 FE 5G has a slightly smaller 6.4 inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display. The S21 FE 5G uses a more advanced Snapdragon 888 or Exynos 2100 chipset, making it better for performance-heavy tasks. The A52 5G has a higher megapixel main camera and includes a 3.5mm headphone jack plus microSD card support, which the S21 FE 5G does not. The S21 FE 5G offers dual physical SIM slots and more storage options. Choose the Galaxy A52 5G for a bigger screen and expandable storage, and the Galaxy S21 FE 5G for stronger performance and dual SIM support.
Galaxy A52 5G vs Galaxy S21 FE 5G price
Colour
Galaxy A52 5G vs Galaxy S21 FE 5G battery life and software updates
Durability here focuses on battery capacity, software updates, and basic physical features. Both devices are similar in battery and software support, with no foldable screens or different operating systems to consider.
Battery Capacity
Both the Galaxy A52 5G and Galaxy S21 FE 5G have a 4500 mAh battery. This means you can expect comparable battery life from either device, suitable for most daily uses without frequent recharging.
Battery
Fast charging
Foldable
Ip rating
Software updates
Wireless charging
Year of release
Galaxy A52 5G vs Galaxy S21 FE 5G performance
Performance differences mainly come down to the chipset and storage options available. Both have the same RAM, but the chipsets and storage choices vary.
Chipset Power
The Galaxy A52 5G runs on the Qualcomm SM7225 Snapdragon 750G 5G chipset, built on an 8 nm process, suitable for everyday tasks and moderate multitasking. The Galaxy S21 FE 5G offers either the Snapdragon 888 5G or Exynos 2100, both built on 5 nm technology, which provide more processing power for demanding apps and smoother performance overall.
Storage Options
The Galaxy A52 5G is stocked with 128GB of storage, which suits general use. The Galaxy S21 FE 5G comes in 128GB and 256GB variants, giving you more space for apps, media, and files if needed.
Chipset
RAM
Galaxy A52 5G vs Galaxy S21 FE 5G screen
Screen quality affects viewing experience for videos, browsing, and gaming. Both phones support a 120 Hz refresh rate, which makes animations and scrolling smoother.
Screen Size and Resolution
The Galaxy A52 5G has a 6.5 inch screen with a resolution of 1080 x 2400 pixels, offering a slightly larger and taller display ideal for watching videos and reading. The Galaxy S21 FE 5G has a 6.4 inch screen at 1080 x 2340 pixels, a bit smaller but still spacious for everyday use.
Screen Technology
The Galaxy A52 5G uses a Super AMOLED screen, which delivers vibrant colours and good contrast. The Galaxy S21 FE 5G has a Dynamic AMOLED 2X screen, which typically provides brighter images and improved colour accuracy, beneficial in bright conditions or for media consumption.
Refresh rate
Resolution
Screen size
Screen type
Galaxy A52 5G vs Galaxy S21 FE 5G camera
Camera and front camera differences suit different photography needs, while front cameras are the same.
Main Camera Detail
The Galaxy A52 5G offers a 64 megapixel main camera, which captures higher detail in photos, useful if you want sharper images or plan to crop pictures. The Galaxy S21 FE 5G has a 12 megapixel main camera, which may focus on other aspects like colour accuracy or low-light performance.
Front Camera
Both phones have a 32 megapixel front camera, suitable for high-resolution selfies and video calls.
Front camera
Main camera
Galaxy A52 5G vs Galaxy S21 FE 5G size and design
Other features cover connectivity, physical size, and expandability, which can affect daily convenience and preferences.
Headphone Jack and Expandable Storage
The Galaxy A52 5G includes a 3.5mm headphone jack and supports microSDXC cards, making it easier to use wired headphones and expand storage. The Galaxy S21 FE 5G does not have a headphone jack or microSD card slot.
SIM Cards
The Galaxy A52 5G supports a single physical SIM card. The Galaxy S21 FE 5G supports dual physical SIM cards, useful if you want to manage two phone numbers on one device.
Size and Weight
The Galaxy A52 5G is slightly larger and heavier at 159.9 mm height, 75.1 mm width, and 189 g weight. The Galaxy S21 FE 5G measures 155.7 mm in height, 74.5 mm in width, and weighs 177 g, making it a bit lighter and more compact in hand.
Connector Type
The Galaxy A52 5G has both USB-C and a 3.5mm jack, while the Galaxy S21 FE 5G has a USB Type-C connector only.
Carrier compatibility
Connector
Depth
Height
Mobile network
Release date
SD card slot
SIM card
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Width
Galaxy A52 5G or Galaxy S21 FE 5G: which should you buy?
Buy the Galaxy A52 5G if
- you want to spend less: it starts at £136.62, £20.49 less than the Galaxy S21 FE 5G
- you want a higher-resolution main camera (64 megapixels vs 12 megapixels)
- you want a headphone jack
Buy the Galaxy S21 FE 5G if
- you want longer software support (until Jan 2027 vs ended Mar 2025)
- you want a lighter build (177 g vs 189 g)
What our customers say
Customers of the Galaxy A52 5G report a mix of experiences with the device condition. Some find the phone looks like new and works perfectly, appreciating the battery life and ease of use despite not being tech-savvy. Others mention issues such as camera failures, moisture warnings on charging ports, and worn ports or cracks. Overall, many customers are satisfied with the phone's performance and appearance, but a few have encountered condition or battery concerns.
For the Galaxy S21 FE 5G, customers mostly highlight satisfaction with the phone's condition, describing it as excellent or with only minor scratches that do not affect usability. Buyers appreciate the phone for varied uses including gifts for family members and first phones for children. Some reports mention minor issues like incompatible cords or small screen scratches, while others note charging or WiFi problems. Despite a few negative experiences, many customers find the phone works well and looks nearly new.
The Galaxy A52 5G suits those looking for a phone with a larger screen and headphone jack, and who prioritise a detailed main camera. The Galaxy S21 FE 5G fits users who want a lighter, more compact phone with dual SIM support and a powerful chipset for demanding apps.
Galaxy A52 5G vs Galaxy S21 FE 5G FAQs
Galaxy A52 5G vs S21 FE 5G comes down to the chipset, screen size and screen type. Chipset: Qualcomm SM7225 Snapdragon 750G 5G (8 nm) on the Galaxy A52 5G, Qualcomm SM8350 Snapdragon 888 5G (5 nm), Exynos 2100 (5 nm) on the Galaxy S21 FE 5G. Screen size: 6.5 inch on the Galaxy A52 5G, 6.4 inch on the Galaxy S21 FE 5G.
The Galaxy A52 5G is cheaper refurbished, from £136.62 compared with £157.11 for the Galaxy S21 FE 5G.
Both have the same battery: 4500 mAh.
The Galaxy A52 5G has a higher-resolution main camera: 64 megapixels vs 12 megapixels.
Updates for the Galaxy A52 5G ended in Mar 2025. The Galaxy S21 FE 5G gets updates until Jan 2027.
The Galaxy S21 FE 5G adds longer software support (until Jan 2027 vs ended Mar 2025) and a lighter build (177 g vs 189 g). Refurbished, it costs £20.49 more (from £157.11 vs £136.62).
Refurbished, the Galaxy A52 5G comes in 128GB, and the Galaxy S21 FE 5G in 128GB and 256GB.
