Galaxy S21 5G vs Galaxy S21 FE 5G
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Galaxy S21 5G
Starting at
£171.33£1,290.00 new
Galaxy S21 FE 5G
Starting at
£157.11£699.00 newWhat's the difference between the Galaxy S21 5G and Galaxy S21 FE 5G?
Galaxy S21 5G vs FE 5G comes down to the chipset, RAM and battery. Refurbished, the Galaxy S21 FE 5G starts at £157.11, £14.22 less than the Galaxy S21 5G. The Galaxy S21 FE 5G is the newer model, released in 2022.
Refurbished from
Chipset
RAM
Battery
Screen size
Front camera
- Chipset: Exynos 2100 (5 nm), Qualcomm SM8350 Snapdragon 888 5G (5 nm) on the Galaxy S21 5G, Qualcomm SM8350 Snapdragon 888 5G (5 nm), Exynos 2100 (5 nm) on the Galaxy S21 FE 5G.
- The Galaxy S21 5G has more RAM: 8 GB vs 6 GB.
- The Galaxy S21 FE 5G has a bigger battery: 4500 mAh vs 4000 mAh.
Galaxy S21 5G vs Galaxy S21 FE 5G specs
The Galaxy S21 5G and Galaxy S21 FE 5G share many features but differ in ways that suit different users. The Galaxy S21 FE 5G offers a larger 6.4 inch screen with a slightly lower resolution, a bigger 4500 mAh battery, and a higher resolution 32 megapixel front camera, making it a good choice for those who value screen size, battery life, and selfie detail. The Galaxy S21 5G has more RAM at 8 GB, which helps keep apps running smoothly. It also has a smaller, more compact size and includes dual physical SIM plus eSIM support, which may suit users wanting more flexible SIM options. Both are unlocked 5G phones with similar core features but appeal to different needs.
Galaxy S21 5G vs Galaxy S21 FE 5G price
Colour
Galaxy S21 5G vs Galaxy S21 FE 5G battery life and software updates
Battery capacity and software updates are key factors in durability alongside basic OS support.
Battery Capacity
The Galaxy S21 FE 5G has a 4500 mAh battery, which offers more capacity than the Galaxy S21 5G's 4000 mAh. This means the S21 FE 5G is better suited for longer use between charges, especially for users who rely on their phone throughout the day without frequent charging.
Software Updates
This ensures that users of either phone can keep their device up to date with security patches and new features offered by Android.
Battery
Fast charging
Foldable
Ip rating
Software updates
Wireless charging
Year of release
Galaxy S21 5G vs Galaxy S21 FE 5G performance
Performance depends on chipset and RAM. Both devices share the same chipset types, but they differ in RAM capacity, which affects multitasking and app performance.
Chipset Options
Both phones use the Qualcomm SM8350 Snapdragon 888 5G and Exynos 2100 chipsets, manufactured on a 5 nm process. This means they offer similar processing power and efficiency, with performance suited to everyday use and demanding apps.
RAM Amount
The Galaxy S21 5G has 8 GB of RAM, which helps keep more apps open and running smoothly in the background. The Galaxy S21 FE 5G comes with 6 GB of RAM, which is still suitable for everyday tasks but may be better for those who use fewer apps simultaneously.
Storage Choices
Both devices are available in 128GB and 256GB storage options. This provides ample space for apps, photos, and files, making either device flexible for different storage needs.
Chipset
RAM
Galaxy S21 5G vs Galaxy S21 FE 5G screen
Screen size and resolution influence how content displays and how comfortable the phone is to handle. Both have Dynamic AMOLED 2X screens with the same refresh rate, but the Galaxy S21 FE 5G has a larger display.
Screen Size
The Galaxy S21 FE 5G features a 6.4 inch screen, offering more room for watching videos, browsing, and gaming. The Galaxy S21 5G has a smaller 6.2 inch screen, which makes it easier to use with one hand and carry comfortably.
Resolution
The Galaxy S21 5G has a resolution of 1080 x 2400 pixels, which is slightly taller compared to the 1080 x 2340 pixels of the Galaxy S21 FE 5G. This means the S21 5G offers a marginally taller display area, which some users may notice when reading or scrolling.
Refresh Rate and Screen Type
Both phones use Dynamic AMOLED 2X displays with a 120 Hz refresh rate. This combination delivers vibrant colours and smooth motion, suitable for gaming and video playback on either device.
Refresh rate
Resolution
Screen size
Screen type
Galaxy S21 5G vs Galaxy S21 FE 5G camera
Camera quality is important for photography and video calls. Both phones have the same main camera resolution, but the front camera differs significantly.
Front Camera Detail
The Galaxy S21 FE 5G has a 32 megapixel front camera, which captures more detail for selfies and video calls. The Galaxy S21 5G has a 10 megapixel front camera, suitable for everyday selfies and video chats but with fewer pixels.
Main Camera
Both phones have a 12 megapixel main camera, making them equally capable of taking clear photos and videos in a variety of lighting conditions.
Front camera
Main camera
Galaxy S21 5G vs Galaxy S21 FE 5G size and design
Size, weight, SIM options, and connectivity are practical considerations that affect comfort and flexibility of use.
Physical Dimensions and Weight
The Galaxy S21 FE 5G is larger at 155.7 mm tall and 74.5 mm wide, weighing 177 g. The Galaxy S21 5G is more compact at 151.7 mm tall and 71.2 mm wide, weighing 169 g. The smaller size of the S21 5G suits those who prefer a phone that fits more easily in hand or pocket.
SIM Card Compatibility
The Galaxy S21 5G supports Dual Physical SIM and eSIM, offering more options for users who want to use multiple numbers or carriers. The Galaxy S21 FE 5G supports Dual Physical SIM only.
Carrier and Network
Both devices are unlocked and support 5G networks. This means they can be used with any compatible carrier, providing fast mobile data speeds where 5G is available.
Connector Type
Both phones use a USB Type-C connector for charging and data transfer, a common standard that works with many accessories.
Carrier compatibility
Connector
Depth
Height
Mobile network
Release date
SD card slot
SIM card
Weight
Width
Galaxy S21 5G or Galaxy S21 FE 5G: which should you buy?
Buy the Galaxy S21 5G if
- you want more RAM (8 GB vs 6 GB)
- you want a lighter build (169 g vs 177 g)
Buy the Galaxy S21 FE 5G if
- you want to spend less: it starts at £157.11, £14.22 less than the Galaxy S21 5G
- you want a bigger battery (4500 mAh vs 4000 mAh)
- you want a bigger screen (6.4 inch vs 6.2 inch)
What our customers say
Customers of the Galaxy S21 5G consistently praise its condition, often noting it looks like new or in excellent shape. Many mention the battery life is good and the phone performs well, with smooth operation and no problems after purchase. The dual SIM plus eSIM support is valued by some users for managing multiple lines. Overall, customers find the phone reliable and well suited to everyday use, with several repeat buyers recommending it to others.
Reviews for the Galaxy S21 FE 5G are more mixed but show many customers are happy with the phone's condition and performance. Some appreciate the larger screen and detailed front camera, particularly for younger users or as a gift. However, there are reports of issues such as charging problems and connectivity faults, which affected a minority of buyers. Many users are satisfied with the phone's value and appearance, especially when using a case to cover minor marks.
The Galaxy S21 5G suits buyers who want a compact phone with more RAM and flexible SIM options. The Galaxy S21 FE 5G fits those who prefer a larger screen, longer battery life, and higher resolution front camera for selfies.
Galaxy S21 5G vs Galaxy S21 FE 5G FAQs
Galaxy S21 5G vs FE 5G comes down to the chipset, RAM and battery. Chipset: Exynos 2100 (5 nm), Qualcomm SM8350 Snapdragon 888 5G (5 nm) on the Galaxy S21 5G, Qualcomm SM8350 Snapdragon 888 5G (5 nm), Exynos 2100 (5 nm) on the Galaxy S21 FE 5G. The Galaxy S21 5G has more RAM: 8 GB vs 6 GB.
The Galaxy S21 FE 5G is cheaper refurbished, from £157.11 compared with £171.33 for the Galaxy S21 5G.
The Galaxy S21 FE 5G has a bigger battery: 4500 mAh vs 4000 mAh.
Both have the same main camera: 12 megapixels.
Updates for the Galaxy S21 5G ended in Feb 2026. The Galaxy S21 FE 5G gets updates until Jan 2027.
The Galaxy S21 FE 5G adds a bigger battery (4500 mAh vs 4000 mAh), a bigger screen (6.4 inch vs 6.2 inch) and a higher-resolution front camera (32 megapixels vs 10 megapixels). Refurbished, it costs £14.22 less (from £157.11 vs £171.33).
Both come in 128GB and 256GB refurbished.
