Galaxy S21 5G vs Galaxy Z Flip3 5G
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Galaxy S21 5G
Starting at
£171.33£1,290.00 new
Galaxy Z Flip3 5G
Starting at
£229.00What's the difference between the Galaxy S21 5G and Galaxy Z Flip3 5G?
Galaxy S21 5G vs Z Flip3 5G comes down to the chipset, battery and screen size. Refurbished, the Galaxy S21 5G starts at £171.33, £57.67 less than the Galaxy Z Flip3 5G.
Refurbished from
Chipset
Battery
Screen size
Screen type
Software updates
- Chipset: Exynos 2100 (5 nm), Qualcomm SM8350 Snapdragon 888 5G (5 nm) on the Galaxy S21 5G, Qualcomm SM8350 Snapdragon 888 5G (5 nm) on the Galaxy Z Flip3 5G.
- The Galaxy S21 5G has a bigger battery: 4000 mAh vs 3300 mAh.
- The Galaxy Z Flip3 5G has a bigger screen: 6.7 inch vs 6.2 inch.
Galaxy S21 5G vs Galaxy Z Flip3 5G specs
The Galaxy S21 5G and Galaxy Z Flip3 5G both run Android and support 5G, but they offer different experiences suited to different users. The Galaxy S21 5G has a larger battery and a more traditional design, while the Galaxy Z Flip3 5G features a foldable screen and a slightly larger display. Both come with 8 GB of RAM and similar camera setups. If you prefer a straightforward smartphone with longer battery capacity, the Galaxy S21 5G fits well. If you want a distinctive foldable device with a bigger screen and a 3.5mm headphone jack, the Galaxy Z Flip3 5G is made for you.
Galaxy S21 5G vs Galaxy Z Flip3 5G price
Colour
- GreyStarting at £171.33
- BlackStarting at £201.60
- PurpleStarting at £171.33
- SilverStarting at £171.33
- WhiteStarting at £180.33
- PinkStarting at £171.33
- BlackSold out
- GreenSold out
- BeigeSold out
- PurpleSold out
- WhiteSold out
- PinkSold out
Storage
- 128GBSold out
- 256GBSold out
Galaxy S21 5G vs Galaxy Z Flip3 5G battery life and software updates
Durability covers battery life, physical design, and software support.
Battery Capacity
The Galaxy S21 5G has a 4000 mAh battery, which offers more capacity compared to the Galaxy Z Flip3 5G's 3300 mAh. This means the S21 5G may provide longer usage between charges, which suits users who need extended battery life throughout the day.
Foldable Design
The Galaxy Z Flip3 5G features a foldable screen, allowing it to fold in half for compactness. This design suits users looking for a phone that can fit easily in smaller pockets or bags and who enjoy the novelty of a foldable screen. The Galaxy S21 5G has a traditional non-foldable design for those who prefer a standard smartphone shape.
Software Updates
This ensures ongoing improvements, security patches, and new features are available for each phone.
Battery
Foldable
Ip rating
Software updates
Year of release
Galaxy S21 5G vs Galaxy Z Flip3 5G performance
Performance relates to the chipset, RAM, and storage options available. Both phones offer similar RAM and storage choices, but differ slightly in chipset options.
Processor Options
The Galaxy S21 5G comes with either the Exynos 2100 or the Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 chipset, both built on a 5 nm process. The Galaxy Z Flip3 5G uses the Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 chipset only. Both chipsets provide strong performance for everyday tasks, gaming, and multitasking.
Memory and Storage
Both phones include 8 GB of RAM, which helps keep apps running smoothly and supports multitasking. Storage options for both devices include 128GB and 256GB, giving enough space for apps, photos, and media without needing an SD card.
Chipset
RAM
Galaxy S21 5G vs Galaxy Z Flip3 5G screen
Screen quality affects how you view content and interact with your phone. The Galaxy S21 5G and Galaxy Z Flip3 5G both offer high refresh rates but differ in screen size and format.
Screen Size and Resolution
The Galaxy S21 5G has a 6.2 inch screen with a 1080 x 2400 resolution, while the Galaxy Z Flip3 5G's screen is larger at 6.7 inches with a 1080 x 2640 resolution. The bigger screen on the Z Flip3 5G provides more room for video, browsing, and apps, which suits users who want a larger display experience.
Screen Technology and Refresh Rate
Both phones use Dynamic AMOLED 2X screens and support a 120 Hz refresh rate. This means smooth scrolling and fluid animations for both devices. The Galaxy Z Flip3 5G's screen is foldable, offering flexibility in how you use the display.
Refresh rate
Resolution
Screen size
Screen type
Galaxy S21 5G vs Galaxy Z Flip3 5G camera
Audiovisual features include cameras and front-facing cameras which impact photo quality and video calls. Both phones have matching camera specifications.
Camera Capabilities
Each phone has a 12 megapixel main camera and a 10 megapixel front camera. This means both devices can capture photos with similar detail and quality, suitable for everyday photography and video calls.
Camera type
Front camera
Main camera
Galaxy S21 5G vs Galaxy Z Flip3 5G size and design
Miscellaneous features cover size, weight, connectors, SIM options, and carrier compatibility. These affect usability and convenience for different users.
Connectivity and SIM Options
Both phones are unlocked and support 5G networks. The Galaxy S21 5G supports Dual Physical SIM plus eSIM, which suits users who want two physical SIM cards for work and personal use. The Galaxy Z Flip3 5G supports one Physical SIM plus eSIM.
Connectors
The Galaxy S21 5G uses a USB Type-C connector, while the Galaxy Z Flip3 5G offers both USB-C and a 3.5mm headphone jack. The headphone jack is useful for those who prefer wired headphones without needing an adapter.
Physical Dimensions and Weight
The Galaxy S21 5G measures 151.7 mm tall, 71.2 mm wide, and 7.9 mm deep, weighing 169 g. The Galaxy Z Flip3 5G is 16.6 cm tall, 7.22 cm wide, and 0.69 cm deep, weighing 183 g. The Z Flip3 5G's folding design affects its thickness when folded, and it is slightly heavier, which may matter if pocket fit and weight are priorities.
Carrier compatibility
Connector
Depth
Height
Mobile network
SD card slot
SIM card
Weight
Width
Galaxy S21 5G or Galaxy Z Flip3 5G: which should you buy?
Buy the Galaxy S21 5G if
- you want to spend less: it starts at £171.33, £57.67 less than the Galaxy Z Flip3 5G
- you want a bigger battery (4000 mAh vs 3300 mAh)
- you want a lighter build (169 g vs 183 g)
Buy the Galaxy Z Flip3 5G if
- you want a bigger screen (6.7 inch vs 6.2 inch)
- you want a headphone jack
What our customers say
Customers say the Galaxy S21 5G looks like new and is in excellent condition. Many mention that the phone's battery life is good and the phones arrive with few or no marks. Buyers appreciate the smooth performance and the convenience of using dual SIM cards. Several customers have bought multiple phones from PhoneMart and recommend the site, noting that the refurbished condition feels like brand new. Some comments mention US model differences affecting Samsung Pay and features.
For the Galaxy Z Flip3 5G, customers find the phone clear and responsive with no major issues transferring data from other devices. Many highlight the phone's unique foldable design and good condition, though battery life is noted as shorter, which some users expect given the phone's thin build. A few customers mention issues with locked US models and screen protectors bending when the phone folds.
The Galaxy S21 5G suits buyers who want a reliable, traditional smartphone with strong battery life and dual SIM support. The Galaxy Z Flip3 5G is aimed at those who want a foldable phone with a larger screen and headphone jack, accepting a smaller battery and unique form factor.
Galaxy S21 5G vs Galaxy Z Flip3 5G FAQs
Galaxy S21 5G vs Z Flip3 5G comes down to the chipset, battery and screen size. Chipset: Exynos 2100 (5 nm), Qualcomm SM8350 Snapdragon 888 5G (5 nm) on the Galaxy S21 5G, Qualcomm SM8350 Snapdragon 888 5G (5 nm) on the Galaxy Z Flip3 5G. The Galaxy S21 5G has a bigger battery: 4000 mAh vs 3300 mAh.
The Galaxy S21 5G is cheaper refurbished, from £171.33 compared with £229 for the Galaxy Z Flip3 5G.
The Galaxy S21 5G has a bigger battery: 4000 mAh vs 3300 mAh.
Both have the same main camera: 12 megapixels.
Updates for the Galaxy S21 5G ended in Feb 2026. Updates for the Galaxy Z Flip3 5G ended in Sep 2026.
Both come in 128GB and 256GB refurbished.
