Galaxy S21 5G vs Galaxy Z Fold3 5G
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Galaxy S21 5G
Starting at
£171.33£1,290.00 new
Galaxy Z Fold3 5G
Starting at
£341.28What's the difference between the Galaxy S21 5G and Galaxy Z Fold3 5G?
Galaxy S21 5G vs Z Fold3 5G comes down to the chipset, RAM and battery. Refurbished, the Galaxy S21 5G starts at £171.33, £169.95 less than the Galaxy Z Fold3 5G.
Refurbished from
Chipset
RAM
Battery
Screen size
Screen type
- 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 Fold3 5G.
- The Galaxy Z Fold3 5G has more RAM: 12 GB vs 8 GB.
- The Galaxy Z Fold3 5G has a bigger battery: 4400 mAh vs 4000 mAh.
Galaxy S21 5G vs Galaxy Z Fold3 5G specs
The Galaxy S21 5G and Galaxy Z Fold3 5G both offer strong performance and features from 2021, but they suit different needs. The Galaxy S21 5G is lighter and has 8 GB of RAM, ideal for everyday use with a compact 6.2 inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X screen. The Galaxy Z Fold3 5G has a larger foldable 7.6 inch screen, more RAM at 12 GB, and a bigger 4400 mAh battery, making it better for multitasking and media consumption. Storage options differ too, with the S21 offering 128GB and 256GB, and the Z Fold3 starting at 256GB up to 512GB. The Z Fold3 is heavier and offers a unique foldable experience, suited to users who want a larger display and extra memory for more demanding tasks.
Galaxy S21 5G vs Galaxy Z Fold3 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
- SilverSold out
Storage
- 256GBSold out
- 512GBSold out
Galaxy S21 5G vs Galaxy Z Fold3 5G battery life and software updates
Durability covers battery capacity, operating system, and release year. Both phones launched in 2021 and run Android, but their battery sizes differ, which affects how long they last between charges.
Battery Capacity
The Galaxy S21 5G has a 4000 mAh battery, suitable for a full day of typical use. The Galaxy Z Fold3 5G offers a larger 4400 mAh battery, which can support its bigger foldable screen and extra memory. This means the Z Fold3 is likely better for users who spend more time on their phones or use power-intensive apps.
Operating System
This ensures a familiar and flexible software experience across both phones.
Battery
Foldable
OS at launch
Software updates
Year of release
Galaxy S21 5G vs Galaxy Z Fold3 5G performance
Performance depends on chipset, RAM, and storage. Both phones use high-end Snapdragon 888 5G chipsets, but the Galaxy S21 5G also comes with an Exynos 2100 variant. They differ in RAM and storage options, affecting multitasking and space for apps and files.
Chipset Options
The Galaxy S21 5G is available with either the Exynos 2100 or the Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 5G chipset, giving some variation depending on the model. The Galaxy Z Fold3 5G uses the Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 5G, offering consistent performance for demanding tasks.
RAM for Multitasking
The Galaxy S21 5G comes with 8 GB of RAM, which keeps everyday apps running smoothly. The Galaxy Z Fold3 5G offers 12 GB of RAM, better suited for users who want to keep many apps open at once or use more memory-intensive programs.
Storage Capacities
Galaxy S21 5G storage starts at 128GB and goes up to 256GB, fitting most everyday needs. The Galaxy Z Fold3 5G offers larger storage options of 256GB and 512GB, ideal for users with bigger media libraries or who store many files and apps.
Chipset
RAM
Galaxy S21 5G vs Galaxy Z Fold3 5G screen
Screen quality is a key difference. Both phones have 120 Hz refresh rates for smooth visuals, but their screen size and resolution vary significantly. This affects how much you see and how immersive the experience feels.
Screen Size
The Galaxy S21 5G has a 6.2 inch screen, compact and easy to use one-handed. The Galaxy Z Fold3 5G features a much larger 7.6 inch foldable screen, offering more space for multitasking, watching videos, or reading documents.
Resolution Detail
The Galaxy S21 5G screen has a resolution of 1080 x 2400 pixels, providing clear and sharp images on a smaller display. The Galaxy Z Fold3 5G's 1768 x 2208 resolution on its foldable screen means more pixels are spread over a larger area, which helps keep images and text detailed despite the bigger size.
Screen Technology
Both phones use Dynamic AMOLED 2X technology, but the Galaxy Z Fold3 5G's screen is foldable, which introduces a different kind of flexibility. This suits users who want a tablet-like experience in a device that folds to a more pocketable size.
Refresh rate
Resolution
Screen size
Screen type
Galaxy S21 5G vs Galaxy Z Fold3 5G camera
Front camera
Main camera
Galaxy S21 5G vs Galaxy Z Fold3 5G size and design
Other features like network compatibility, SIM support, and weight also influence daily use and convenience. Both phones support 5G and come unlocked, but they differ in SIM options and weight.
SIM Card Options
The Galaxy S21 5G supports dual physical SIM cards plus eSIM, which is useful if you want to manage two physical phone lines alongside a digital one. The Galaxy Z Fold3 5G supports one physical SIM plus eSIM, which is suitable for users with fewer physical SIM needs.
Weight and Handling
Weighing 169 g, the Galaxy S21 5G is lighter and more comfortable for those who prefer a phone that is easy to carry and use with one hand. The Galaxy Z Fold3 5G is heavier at 271 g, reflecting its foldable design and larger screen, which might appeal to users prioritising screen space over pocketability.
Connectivity and Storage Expansion
Both phones use USB Type-C connectors and do not include an SD card slot, so storage depends on the internal options you choose. This means you should consider your storage needs carefully before choosing either device.
Carrier compatibility
Connector
Depth
Height
Mobile network
Release date
SD card slot
SIM card
Weight
Width
Galaxy S21 5G or Galaxy Z Fold3 5G: which should you buy?
Buy the Galaxy S21 5G if
- you want to spend less: it starts at £171.33, £169.95 less than the Galaxy Z Fold3 5G
- you want a lighter build (169 g vs 271 g)
Buy the Galaxy Z Fold3 5G if
- you want more RAM (12 GB vs 8 GB)
- you want a bigger battery (4400 mAh vs 4000 mAh)
- you want a bigger screen (7.6 inch vs 6.2 inch)
What our customers say
Customers who bought the Galaxy S21 5G praise its condition and quality, often noting the phones look like new and perform well. Many mention the battery life as good and the screen quality as excellent. Some appreciate the dual SIM support for managing separate lines. Overall, buyers find the phone reliable and suitable for everyday use. Some note minor points such as regional software features.
Reviews for the Galaxy Z Fold3 5G highlight satisfaction with the phone's condition and functionality. Users like the larger foldable screen for ease of use and media. The phone is described as good quality and easy to set up. Some mention the battery does not last as long as previous purchases, but overall the device performs well and meets expectations for a foldable phone.
Both devices suit different customers: the Galaxy S21 5G appeals to those wanting a lighter, straightforward smartphone with solid performance and good battery life, while the Galaxy Z Fold3 5G fits users looking for a larger, foldable screen and more memory for multitasking.
Galaxy S21 5G vs Galaxy Z Fold3 5G FAQs
Galaxy S21 5G vs Z Fold3 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) on the Galaxy Z Fold3 5G. The Galaxy Z Fold3 5G has more RAM: 12 GB vs 8 GB.
The Galaxy S21 5G is cheaper refurbished, from £171.33 compared with £341.28 for the Galaxy Z Fold3 5G.
The Galaxy Z Fold3 5G has a bigger battery: 4400 mAh vs 4000 mAh.
Updates for the Galaxy S21 5G ended in Feb 2026. Updates for the Galaxy Z Fold3 5G ended in Sep 2026.
Refurbished, the Galaxy S21 5G comes in 128GB and 256GB, and the Galaxy Z Fold3 5G in 256GB and 512GB.
