Galaxy S20 FE 5G vs Galaxy S21 5G
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Galaxy S20 FE 5G
Starting at
£163.65£699.00 new
Galaxy S21 5G
Starting at
£171.33£1,290.00 newWhat's the difference between the Galaxy S20 FE 5G and Galaxy S21 5G?
Galaxy S20 FE 5G vs S21 5G comes down to the chipset, RAM and battery. Refurbished, the Galaxy S20 FE 5G starts at £163.65, £7.68 less than the Galaxy S21 5G. The Galaxy S21 5G is the newer model, released in 2021.
Refurbished from
Chipset
RAM
Battery
Screen size
Screen type
- Chipset: Qualcomm SM8250 Snapdragon 865 5G (7 nm+) on the Galaxy S20 FE 5G, Exynos 2100 (5 nm), Qualcomm SM8350 Snapdragon 888 5G (5 nm) on the Galaxy S21 5G.
- The Galaxy S21 5G has more RAM: 8 GB vs 6 GB.
- The Galaxy S20 FE 5G has a bigger battery: 4500 mAh vs 4000 mAh.
Galaxy S20 FE 5G vs Galaxy S21 5G specs
The Galaxy S20 FE 5G and Galaxy S21 5G differ in several key areas that suit different needs. The S20 FE 5G has a larger battery capacity and supports microSDXC cards for expanded storage, making it suitable for users who prioritise longer battery life and extra storage. Its smaller and lighter design suits those wanting a more compact phone. The S20 FE 5G has a bigger and Super AMOLED screen, while the S21 5G uses Dynamic AMOLED 2X technology on a slightly smaller display. The front camera on the S20 FE 5G captures higher megapixels, which may benefit selfie enthusiasts. Both are unlocked and support 5G, with the S21 offering eSIM in addition to dual physical SIMs.
Galaxy S20 FE 5G vs Galaxy S21 5G price
Colour
Galaxy S20 FE 5G vs Galaxy S21 5G battery life and software updates
Durability covers battery size, software updates and physical design. These affect how long the phone lasts during the day and how current the software remains.
Battery Capacity
The Galaxy S20 FE 5G has a 4500 mAh battery, which is larger than the Galaxy S21 5G's 4000 mAh. This means the S20 FE 5G may offer longer use between charges, appealing to users who need extended battery life for all-day use.
Battery
Foldable
Software updates
Year of release
Galaxy S20 FE 5G vs Galaxy S21 5G performance
Performance depends on chipset power, memory and storage options. These influence how smoothly the phone runs apps and handles multitasking.
Chipset Options
The Galaxy S21 5G comes with newer chipset options using a 5 nm process, while the Galaxy S20 FE 5G has a chipset built on a 7 nm+ process. This can affect processing efficiency and speed, making the S21 5G well-suited for users who want a more responsive experience.
RAM Capacity
With 8 GB of RAM, the Galaxy S21 5G keeps everyday apps running smoothly and supports better multitasking compared to the Galaxy S20 FE 5G's 6 GB. This suits users who frequently switch between multiple apps.
Storage Options
Both devices offer 128GB and 256GB storage options. This allows flexibility depending on how much space you need for apps, photos and files.
Chipset
RAM
Galaxy S20 FE 5G vs Galaxy S21 5G screen
Screen quality includes size, resolution, refresh rate and panel technology. These factors affect viewing comfort and image clarity.
Screen Size and Type
The Galaxy S20 FE 5G has a larger 6.5 inch Super AMOLED screen, providing a roomier display ideal for watching videos and browsing. The Galaxy S21 5G has a 6.2 inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X screen, which may offer improved colour and brightness, suiting those who prefer a compact yet vivid display.
Resolution and Refresh Rate
Both phones share the same 1080 x 2400 resolution and 120 Hz refresh rate. This means you get smooth motion and clear visuals on either device.
Refresh rate
Resolution
Screen size
Screen type
Galaxy S20 FE 5G vs Galaxy S21 5G camera
Audiovisual specs focus on camera performance, important for photography and video calls.
Front Camera Megapixels
The Galaxy S20 FE 5G has a 32 megapixel front camera, capturing more detail in selfies and video calls. The Galaxy S21 5G has a 10 megapixel front camera, which still provides good quality for everyday use.
Main Camera
Both phones have a 12 megapixel main camera, delivering similar image resolution for general photography.
Camera type
Front camera
Main camera
Galaxy S20 FE 5G vs Galaxy S21 5G size and design
Miscellaneous features include size, weight, SIM options and expandability, impacting daily convenience and flexibility.
Size and Weight
The Galaxy S21 5G is smaller and lighter at 151.7 mm tall, 71.2 mm wide and 169 g, compared to the Galaxy S20 FE 5G at 159.8 mm tall, 74.5 mm wide and 190 g. This makes the S21 5G easier to hold and carry for those who prefer compact devices.
Expandable Storage
The Galaxy S20 FE 5G supports microSDXC cards, allowing you to add more storage as needed. The Galaxy S21 5G does not have this option, so you would rely on built-in storage.
SIM Options
The Galaxy S21 5G offers Dual Physical SIM plus eSIM support, giving extra flexibility for managing multiple numbers or plans. The Galaxy S20 FE 5G supports Dual Physical SIM only.
Carrier compatibility
Connector
Depth
Height
Mobile network
SD card slot
SIM card
Weight
Width
Galaxy S20 FE 5G or Galaxy S21 5G: which should you buy?
Buy the Galaxy S20 FE 5G if
- you want to spend less: it starts at £163.65, £7.68 less than the Galaxy S21 5G
- you want a bigger battery (4500 mAh vs 4000 mAh)
- you want a bigger screen (6.5 inch vs 6.2 inch)
Buy the Galaxy S21 5G if
- you want more RAM (8 GB vs 6 GB)
- you want a lighter build (169 g vs 190 g)
What our customers say
Customers who chose the Galaxy S20 FE 5G often praise its excellent condition and value. Many highlight the bright, high-quality screen and smooth performance. The larger battery is noted for lasting all day without problems, and the ability to use an SD card for extra storage is appreciated. Some users mention easy setup and fast app transfers. The phone's solid feel and lack of scratches make it feel almost new, with several recommending it for those wanting a good, reliable device with a larger screen.
Buyers of the Galaxy S21 5G frequently comment on the phone's excellent condition and near-new appearance. The compact size and lighter weight suit those looking for a smaller device. Customers mention smooth performance and good battery life, with many using the dual SIM or eSIM options for flexibility. The phone's screen quality and overall feel are praised, with some noting minor signs of wear on fair condition models but no impact on usability. Many users recommend the S21 5G for those wanting a reliable, well-performing phone in a smaller form.
Overall, the Galaxy S20 FE 5G fits well for users prioritising battery life, a larger screen and expandable storage. The Galaxy S21 5G suits those who prefer a smaller, lighter phone with more RAM and the latest software updates.
Galaxy S20 FE 5G vs Galaxy S21 5G FAQs
Galaxy S20 FE 5G vs S21 5G comes down to the chipset, RAM and battery. Chipset: Qualcomm SM8250 Snapdragon 865 5G (7 nm+) on the Galaxy S20 FE 5G, Exynos 2100 (5 nm), Qualcomm SM8350 Snapdragon 888 5G (5 nm) on the Galaxy S21 5G. The Galaxy S21 5G has more RAM: 8 GB vs 6 GB.
The Galaxy S20 FE 5G is cheaper refurbished, from £163.65 compared with £171.33 for the Galaxy S21 5G.
The Galaxy S20 FE 5G has a bigger battery: 4500 mAh vs 4000 mAh.
Both have the same main camera: 12 megapixels.
Updates for the Galaxy S20 FE 5G ended in Nov 2025. Updates for the Galaxy S21 5G ended in Feb 2026.
The Galaxy S21 5G adds more RAM (8 GB vs 6 GB) and a lighter build (169 g vs 190 g). Refurbished, it costs £7.68 more (from £171.33 vs £163.65).
Both come in 128GB and 256GB refurbished.
