Galaxy S21 5G vs Galaxy Z Fold4
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Galaxy S21 5G
Starting at
£171.33£1,290.00 new
Galaxy Z Fold4
Starting at
£419.00What's the difference between the Galaxy S21 5G and Galaxy Z Fold4?
Galaxy S21 5G vs Z Fold4 comes down to the chipset, RAM and battery. Refurbished, the Galaxy S21 5G starts at £171.33, £247.67 less than the Galaxy Z Fold4. The Galaxy Z Fold4 is the newer model, released in 2022.
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, Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 SM8475 (4 nm) on the Galaxy Z Fold4.
- The Galaxy Z Fold4 has more RAM: 12 GB vs 8 GB.
- The Galaxy Z Fold4 has a bigger battery: 4400 mAh vs 4000 mAh.
Galaxy S21 5G vs Galaxy Z Fold4 specs
The Galaxy S21 5G and Galaxy Z Fold4 offer different experiences suited to distinct needs. The Galaxy S21 5G is a more compact phone with a 6.2 inch screen and 8 GB of RAM, ideal for everyday use and easy handling. The Galaxy Z Fold4 has a foldable 7.6 inch screen and 12 GB of RAM, making it well suited for multitasking and immersive viewing. The Z Fold4 also has a larger battery and a higher resolution main camera for detailed photos, while the S21 5G has a higher resolution front camera for selfies. The Fold4 is heavier and larger but suited to those who want a versatile, feature-rich device. The S21 5G fits buyers looking for a straightforward, reliable handset with solid performance.
Galaxy S21 5G vs Galaxy Z Fold4 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
- Dark redSold out
- BeigeSold out
- GreySold out
- GraySold out
Storage
- 256GBSold out
- 512GBSold out
- 1TBSold out
Galaxy S21 5G vs Galaxy Z Fold4 battery life and software updates
Durability covers battery, software updates, and physical design.
Battery Capacity
The Galaxy S21 5G has a 4000 mAh battery, which supports a full day of typical use. The Galaxy Z Fold4's 4400 mAh battery offers extra capacity that suits users who need longer battery life, especially when using the larger screen or multitasking.
Foldable Design
The Galaxy Z Fold4 features a foldable screen, allowing it to expand from a phone-sized device to a larger tablet-sized display. This suits users wanting a device that adapts for more screen space. The Galaxy S21 5G is a traditional phone shape, which makes it easier to carry and handle for those preferring a simpler form.
Battery
Fast charging
Foldable
Ip rating
Software updates
Wireless charging
Year of release
Galaxy S21 5G vs Galaxy Z Fold4 performance
Performance focuses on the processor, memory, and storage options. These affect app speed, multitasking, and storage space for files and apps.
Processor and RAM
The Galaxy S21 5G comes with 8 GB of RAM and options for either the Exynos 2100 or Snapdragon 888 chipset, which keep everyday apps running smoothly. The Galaxy Z Fold4 offers 12 GB of RAM and a Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 chipset, providing more memory and a newer processor for users who run multiple apps at once or demand higher performance.
Storage Capacity
The Galaxy S21 5G is available with 128GB or 256GB of storage, suitable for regular app use and media storage. The Galaxy Z Fold4 offers higher storage options of 256GB, 512GB, and 1TB, which is ideal for users who keep large files, videos, or many apps on their device.
Chipset
RAM
Galaxy S21 5G vs Galaxy Z Fold4 screen
Screen quality involves size, resolution, refresh rate, and display type. These affect how much you see on screen and how smooth visuals appear.
Screen Size and Type
The Galaxy S21 5G has a 6.2 inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X screen, which is compact and bright for everyday use. The Galaxy Z Fold4's foldable Dynamic AMOLED 2X screen measures 7.6 inches when unfolded, offering a much larger display space that suits watching videos, reading, or multitasking.
Resolution
The Galaxy S21 5G screen has a resolution of 1080 by 2400 pixels, providing clear visuals on a smaller screen. The Galaxy Z Fold4 has a resolution of 1812 by 2176 pixels, which offers more detail and sharper images across its wider, foldable display.
Refresh Rate
Both phones have a 120 Hz refresh rate, meaning both deliver smooth motion and scrolling, which benefits gaming, video playback, and general responsiveness.
Refresh rate
Resolution
Screen size
Screen type
Galaxy S21 5G vs Galaxy Z Fold4 camera
Audiovisual features focus on camera capabilities, which affect photo quality and video calls.
Front Camera
The Galaxy S21 5G includes a 10 megapixel front camera, suitable for clear and detailed selfies or video calls. The Galaxy Z Fold4 has a 4 megapixel front camera, which may suit users who prioritise other features over front camera resolution.
Main Camera
The Galaxy S21 5G features a 12 megapixel main camera, which delivers good image quality for everyday photography. The Galaxy Z Fold4's 50 megapixel main camera captures more detail, making it suitable for users who want higher resolution photos.
Front camera
Main camera
Galaxy S21 5G vs Galaxy Z Fold4 size and design
Miscellaneous specs cover size, weight, network compatibility, and physical features. These influence how the phone feels, fits in your hand, and connects to networks.
Size 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. This makes it easier to handle and pocket. The Galaxy Z Fold4 is larger and heavier at 155.1 mm height, 130.1 mm width, 6.3 mm depth, and 263 g weight, reflecting its foldable design and larger screen.
Network and SIM
Both phones are unlocked and support 5G networks. Each supports dual physical SIM cards and eSIM, providing flexibility for users who need multiple numbers or carriers.
Connectivity
Both devices use USB Type-C connectors for charging and data transfer, which is common and widely supported.
Carrier compatibility
Connector
Depth
Height
Mobile network
Release date
SD card slot
SIM card
Weight
Width
Galaxy S21 5G or Galaxy Z Fold4: which should you buy?
Buy the Galaxy S21 5G if
- you want to spend less: it starts at £171.33, £247.67 less than the Galaxy Z Fold4
- you want a higher-resolution front camera (10 megapixels vs 4 megapixels)
- you want a lighter build (169 g vs 263 g)
Buy the Galaxy Z Fold4 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 praise the Galaxy S21 5G for its excellent condition and reliability. Many say the phone looks like new with no scratches and a battery that holds charge well. Users appreciate the dual SIM option for managing work and personal calls or internet access. The device is described as easy to use and in excellent shape, with some customers noting that it works perfectly for everyday needs. A few mention minor issues with region-specific features but overall the S21 5G is seen as a dependable choice for those wanting a straightforward smartphone.
Galaxy Z Fold4 customers report being very happy with the device's condition, often noting that it looks almost new even when purchased in fair condition. The foldable screen is mostly flawless with only minor signs of wear such as a visible crease or small scratches that are hard to notice. Battery life is praised for lasting a full day and the phone's speed and graphics impress users. Some mention the phone feels warm at times but overall it is described as a great upgrade with a clean, powerful performance. Buyers value the Z Fold4 for its large screen and multitasking ability.
Both phones suit different users well. The Galaxy S21 5G fits those wanting a compact, reliable smartphone with solid everyday performance. The Galaxy Z Fold4 is ideal for people who want a larger, foldable screen and extra memory for multitasking or detailed photography.
Galaxy S21 5G vs Galaxy Z Fold4 FAQs
Galaxy S21 5G vs Z Fold4 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, Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 SM8475 (4 nm) on the Galaxy Z Fold4. The Galaxy Z Fold4 has more RAM: 12 GB vs 8 GB.
The Galaxy S21 5G is cheaper refurbished, from £171.33 compared with £419 for the Galaxy Z Fold4.
The Galaxy Z Fold4 has a bigger battery: 4400 mAh vs 4000 mAh.
The Galaxy Z Fold4 has a higher-resolution main camera: 50 megapixels vs 12 megapixels.
Updates for the Galaxy S21 5G ended in Feb 2026. The Galaxy Z Fold4 gets updates until Aug 2027.
The Galaxy Z Fold4 adds more RAM (12 GB vs 8 GB), a bigger battery (4400 mAh vs 4000 mAh) and a bigger screen (7.6 inch vs 6.2 inch). Refurbished, it costs £247.67 more (from £419 vs £171.33).
Refurbished, the Galaxy S21 5G comes in 128GB and 256GB, and the Galaxy Z Fold4 in 256GB, 512GB and 1TB.
