Galaxy S20 FE vs Galaxy S21 5G
Shop Samsung Galaxy
Galaxy S20 FE
Starting at
£159.05£779.00 new
Galaxy S21 5G
Starting at
£171.33£1,290.00 newWhat's the difference between the Galaxy S20 FE and Galaxy S21 5G?
Galaxy S20 FE vs S21 5G comes down to the RAM, battery and screen size. Refurbished, the Galaxy S20 FE starts at £159.05, £12.28 less than the Galaxy S21 5G. The Galaxy S21 5G is the newer model, released in 2021.
Refurbished from
RAM
Battery
Screen size
Screen type
Front camera
- The Galaxy S21 5G has more RAM: 8 GB vs 6 GB.
- The Galaxy S20 FE has a bigger battery: 4500 mAh vs 4000 mAh.
- The Galaxy S20 FE has a bigger screen: 6.5 inch vs 6.2 inch.
Galaxy S20 FE vs Galaxy S21 5G specs
The Galaxy S20 FE and Galaxy S21 5G differ in several ways that suit different users. The Galaxy S20 FE offers a larger screen and bigger battery capacity, making it good for those who want more display space and longer battery life. It also supports expandable storage via microSDXC and has a high-resolution front camera, ideal for detailed selfies. The Galaxy S21 5G is lighter and smaller with a Dynamic AMOLED 2X screen for potentially richer colours and contrast. It includes 5G connectivity and supports dual physical SIM plus eSIM, fitting users who need faster mobile networks and multiple SIMs.
Galaxy S20 FE vs Galaxy S21 5G price
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Galaxy S20 FE vs Galaxy S21 5G battery life and software updates
Durability covers battery size, software updates, and operating system support.
Battery Capacity
The Galaxy S20 FE has a 4500 mAh battery, which suits users who want longer battery life for all-day use. The Galaxy S21 5G has a 4000 mAh battery, which is slightly smaller but still sufficient for typical daily tasks. If battery endurance is a priority, the S20 FE offers more capacity to draw from.
Battery
Foldable
Ip rating
Software updates
Wireless charging
Year of release
Galaxy S20 FE vs Galaxy S21 5G performance
Chipset
RAM
Galaxy S20 FE vs Galaxy S21 5G screen
Screen quality impacts how you view content and interact with your phone. Both devices share some specs but differ in screen size and panel technology, which influence display experience and comfort.
Screen Size
The Galaxy S20 FE has a 6.5 inch screen, providing more space for watching videos, browsing, and gaming. The Galaxy S21 5G features a slightly smaller 6.2 inch screen, which may be easier to handle and fit in pockets.
Screen Type
The Galaxy S20 FE uses a Super AMOLED screen that delivers bright colours and good contrast. The Galaxy S21 5G has a Dynamic AMOLED 2X screen, which is a newer technology offering potentially richer colours and deeper contrast, enhancing viewing quality for photos and videos.
Refresh Rate and Resolution
Both phones have a 120 Hz refresh rate and a resolution of 1080 x 2400, resulting in smooth scrolling and sharp images. This means both devices provide visually fluid and clear screens for everyday use.
Refresh rate
Resolution
Screen size
Screen type
Galaxy S20 FE vs Galaxy S21 5G camera
Audiovisual features affect photo quality and video calls. The two devices have similar main camera specs but differ in front camera resolution.
Front Camera Resolution
The Galaxy S20 FE has a 32 megapixel front camera, which captures more detail in selfies and video calls. This suits users who prioritise high-quality self-portraits. The Galaxy S21 5G has a 10 megapixel front camera, which is still good for everyday video chats and selfies but with fewer pixels.
Main Camera Quality
Both the Galaxy S20 FE and Galaxy S21 5G have a 12 megapixel main camera. This means they both offer similar capabilities for general photography, capturing standard quality images in a range of conditions.
Camera type
Front camera
Main camera
Galaxy S20 FE vs Galaxy S21 5G size and design
Other features include network support, physical design, SIM options, and storage expandability. These differences affect connectivity, device handling, and how you manage storage.
Mobile Network and SIM Options
The Galaxy S21 5G supports 5G networks, offering faster mobile data speeds where available. It also supports dual physical SIM cards plus eSIM, which is useful if you need multiple phone numbers or data plans. The Galaxy S20 FE supports 4G and a single physical SIM card, fitting users with simpler connectivity needs.
Storage Expansion
The Galaxy S20 FE includes a microSDXC card slot, allowing you to expand storage beyond the built-in 128GB or 256GB options. This suits those who want additional space for media or apps. The Galaxy S21 5G does not have expandable storage, relying on internal capacity.
Device Dimensions and Weight
The Galaxy S21 5G is smaller and lighter at 151.7 mm tall, 71.2 mm wide, and 169 g in weight, making it easier to carry and hold. The Galaxy S20 FE measures 159.8 mm tall, 74.5 mm wide, and weighs 190 g, providing a larger footprint and a bit more heft.
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Galaxy S20 FE or Galaxy S21 5G: which should you buy?
Buy the Galaxy S20 FE if
- you want to spend less: it starts at £159.05, £12.28 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 5G
- you want a lighter build (169 g vs 190 g)
What our customers say
Customers say the Galaxy S20 FE often looks like new and performs well for everyday use. Many praise its excellent condition and ease of setup, with some noting the screen quality as better than expected. However, a few customers mention mixed experiences with battery life, with some finding it short lasting or encountering battery issues. The device appears popular for general use and as a reliable phone.
The Galaxy S21 5G receives praise for its condition and performance, with many customers reporting it looks nearly perfect and works smoothly without problems. The battery condition is often described as excellent, supporting good daily use. Customers appreciate the phone's lighter weight and dual SIM capabilities, which fit various lifestyles. Some mention minor signs of wear, but overall the phone is highly regarded for quality and reliability.
Both phones suit different needs: the Galaxy S20 FE appeals to those wanting a larger screen and expandable storage, while the Galaxy S21 5G fits users prioritising a lighter device, 5G connectivity, and dual SIM support.
Galaxy S20 FE vs Galaxy S21 5G FAQs
Galaxy S20 FE vs S21 5G comes down to the RAM, battery and screen size. The Galaxy S21 5G has more RAM: 8 GB vs 6 GB. The Galaxy S20 FE has a bigger battery: 4500 mAh vs 4000 mAh.
The Galaxy S20 FE is cheaper refurbished, from £159.05 compared with £171.33 for the Galaxy S21 5G.
The Galaxy S20 FE has a bigger battery: 4500 mAh vs 4000 mAh.
Both have the same main camera: 12 megapixels.
Updates for the Galaxy S20 FE 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), 5G and a lighter build (169 g vs 190 g). Refurbished, it costs £12.28 more (from £171.33 vs £159.05).
Both come in 128GB and 256GB refurbished.
