Galaxy S21 5G vs Galaxy Z Flip4
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Galaxy S21 5G
Starting at
£171.33£1,290.00 new
Galaxy Z Flip4
Starting at
£230.00What's the difference between the Galaxy S21 5G and Galaxy Z Flip4?
Galaxy S21 5G vs Z Flip4 comes down to the chipset, battery and screen size. Refurbished, the Galaxy S21 5G starts at £171.33, £58.67 less than the Galaxy Z Flip4. The Galaxy Z Flip4 is the newer model, released in 2022.
Refurbished from
Chipset
Battery
Screen size
Software updates
Weight
- Chipset: Exynos 2100 (5 nm), Qualcomm SM8350 Snapdragon 888 5G (5 nm) on the Galaxy S21 5G, Qualcomm SM8475 Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 (4 nm) on the Galaxy Z Flip4.
- The Galaxy S21 5G has a bigger battery: 4000 mAh vs 3700 mAh.
- The Galaxy Z Flip4 has a bigger screen: 6.7 inch vs 6.2 inch.
Galaxy S21 5G vs Galaxy Z Flip4 specs
The Galaxy S21 5G and Galaxy Z Flip4 differ in design and some technical features that suit different users. The Galaxy S21 5G offers a larger battery capacity and dual physical SIM support, which is useful for those who need two separate SIM cards. The Galaxy Z Flip4 features a larger and taller screen that is ideal for viewing more content at once. It also has a more recent chipset and a wider range of storage options, including a 512GB model, which benefits users needing extra space or faster performance. Both phones share the same RAM and camera specifications, making them comparable for everyday use and photography. The choice depends on whether you prefer a classic smartphone form or a foldable design with a larger display.
Galaxy S21 5G vs Galaxy Z Flip4 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
- BlueSold out
- GreySold out
- RedSold out
- Dark purpleSold out
- Rose GoldSold out
- YellowSold out
- GreenSold out
- WhiteSold out
Storage
- 128GBSold out
- 256GBSold out
- 512GBSold out
Galaxy S21 5G vs Galaxy Z Flip4 battery life and software updates
Durability covers battery size, operating system, and release year. These details affect how long the phone can run and the software it uses.
Battery Capacity
The Galaxy S21 5G has a 4000 mAh battery, which offers more capacity than the Galaxy Z Flip4's 3700 mAh. This means the S21 5G may provide longer usage between charges, which suits users who need extended battery life for daily activities.
Operating System Versions
Android 12 on the Flip4 may offer newer features and improvements that appeal to users wanting a more recent software experience.
Release Year
The Galaxy S21 5G was released in 2021, while the Galaxy Z Flip4 came out in 2022.
Battery
Foldable
Ip rating
OS at launch
Software updates
Year of release
Galaxy S21 5G vs Galaxy Z Flip4 performance
Performance depends on the chipset, RAM, and storage options. These affect speed, multitasking, and how much data you can keep on your device.
Chipset Differences
The Galaxy Z Flip4 uses the Qualcomm SM8475 Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 built on a 4 nm process, while the Galaxy S21 5G uses either the Exynos 2100 or Qualcomm SM8350 Snapdragon 888 5G, both built on 5 nm. The Flip4's chipset may deliver improved efficiency and speed, suiting users who want the latest processor technology.
RAM Capacity
Both devices have 8 GB of RAM, which keeps everyday apps running smoothly and supports multitasking for most users.
Storage Options
The Galaxy Z Flip4 offers up to 512GB of storage, with options at 128GB and 256GB as well. The Galaxy S21 5G is available with 128GB and 256GB. The Flip4 suits users who need extra space for apps media or files.
Chipset
RAM
Galaxy S21 5G vs Galaxy Z Flip4 screen
Screen quality covers size, resolution, refresh rate, and type. These affect how much you see, image clarity, and smoothness of motion on screen.
Screen Size and Resolution
The Galaxy Z Flip4 has a 6.7 inch screen with a resolution of 1080 x 2640 pixels, which is larger and taller than the Galaxy S21 5G's 6.2 inch screen and 1080 x 2400 resolution. The Flip4 suits users who prefer a bigger display for watching videos and browsing.
Refresh Rate and Screen Type
Both phones feature a 120 Hz refresh rate and Dynamic AMOLED 2X screens. This means the display will be smooth and vibrant on both devices, supporting fluid motion and vivid colours.
Refresh rate
Resolution
Screen size
Screen type
Galaxy S21 5G vs Galaxy Z Flip4 camera
Audiovisual specs include front and main cameras. Both devices have similar megapixel counts that provide clear images for selfies and photos.
Camera Megapixels
Both the Galaxy S21 5G and Galaxy Z Flip4 have a 10 megapixel front camera and a 12 megapixel main camera. This means both phones capture similar levels of detail for selfies and main photos, suitable for everyday photography needs.
Front camera
Main camera
Galaxy S21 5G vs Galaxy Z Flip4 size and design
Miscellaneous features include network compatibility, SIM options, physical size, weight, and connectors. These aspects affect convenience, portability, and connectivity.
SIM Card Support
The Galaxy S21 5G supports Dual Physical SIM and eSIM, which is useful for users who want two separate physical SIM cards. The Galaxy Z Flip4 supports a single Physical SIM plus eSIM, which fits users with simpler SIM needs.
Physical Dimensions and Weight
The Galaxy S21 5G measures 151.7 mm in height, 71.2 mm in width, and 7.9 mm in depth, weighing 169 g. The Galaxy Z Flip4 measures 165.2 mm in height, 71.9 mm in width, and 6.9 mm in depth, weighing 187 g. The Flip4 is taller and slightly heavier, which suits those who prefer a larger device with a bit more heft.
Connector Type
The Galaxy S21 5G has a USB Type-C connector, while the Galaxy Z Flip4 uses USB Type-C 2.0. Both support common USB-C standards but the Flip4's version is specified.
Carrier and Network
Both devices are unlocked and support 5G networks, providing flexibility in choosing a mobile carrier and access to fast mobile internet.
SD Card Slot
Neither device includes an SD card slot, so storage expansion via memory cards is not possible.
Carrier compatibility
Connector
Depth
Height
Mobile network
Release date
SD card slot
SIM card
Weight
Width
Galaxy S21 5G or Galaxy Z Flip4: which should you buy?
Buy the Galaxy S21 5G if
- you want to spend less: it starts at £171.33, £58.67 less than the Galaxy Z Flip4
- you want a bigger battery (4000 mAh vs 3700 mAh)
- you want a lighter build (169 g vs 187 g)
Buy the Galaxy Z Flip4 if
- you want a bigger screen (6.7 inch vs 6.2 inch)
- you want longer software support (until Aug 2027 vs ended Feb 2026)
What our customers say
Customers say the Galaxy S21 5G looks like new and is in excellent condition, with many remarking on the pristine state and strong battery life. The phone is praised for its reliability and smooth performance. Users appreciate the dual SIM option for managing different lines and find the phone well suited for everyday use. The device is noted for being free of scratches in many cases and having battery health that holds up well.
Reviews of the Galaxy Z Flip4 mention a very good screen quality and a device that looks brand new when in excellent condition. Some customers appreciate the foldable design and the larger display size. There are mentions of battery life being acceptable for moderate use, though some report quicker battery drain. The phone's unique form factor is liked by users who want a concealed screen or a phone that fits differently in pockets or on lanyards. However, some customers have experienced issues with screen faults or battery condition that affect performance.
The Galaxy S21 5G suits users wanting a classic smartphone with reliable battery life and dual SIM support. The Galaxy Z Flip4 appeals to those interested in a larger screen and foldable design, with more storage options and a newer chipset. Both devices deliver good camera quality and smooth screen refresh rates for everyday use.
Galaxy S21 5G vs Galaxy Z Flip4 FAQs
Galaxy S21 5G vs Z Flip4 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 SM8475 Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 (4 nm) on the Galaxy Z Flip4. The Galaxy S21 5G has a bigger battery: 4000 mAh vs 3700 mAh.
The Galaxy S21 5G is cheaper refurbished, from £171.33 compared with £230 for the Galaxy Z Flip4.
The Galaxy S21 5G has a bigger battery: 4000 mAh vs 3700 mAh.
Both have the same main camera: 12 megapixels.
Updates for the Galaxy S21 5G ended in Feb 2026. The Galaxy Z Flip4 gets updates until Aug 2027.
The Galaxy Z Flip4 adds a bigger screen (6.7 inch vs 6.2 inch) and longer software support (until Aug 2027 vs ended Feb 2026). Refurbished, it costs £58.67 more (from £230 vs £171.33).
Refurbished, the Galaxy S21 5G comes in 128GB and 256GB, and the Galaxy Z Flip4 in 128GB, 256GB and 512GB.
