Galaxy S21 FE 5G vs Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G
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Galaxy S21 FE 5G
Starting at
£157.11£699.00 new
Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G
Starting at
£268.86£1,316.00 newWhat's the difference between the Galaxy S21 FE 5G and Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G?
Galaxy S21 FE 5G vs Ultra 5G comes down to the chipset, RAM and battery. Refurbished, the Galaxy S21 FE 5G starts at £157.11, £111.75 less than the Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G. The Galaxy S21 FE 5G is the newer model, released in 2022.
Refurbished from
Chipset
RAM
Battery
Screen size
Main camera
- Chipset: Qualcomm SM8350 Snapdragon 888 5G (5 nm), Exynos 2100 (5 nm) on the Galaxy S21 FE 5G, Exynos 2100 (5 nm), Qualcomm SM8350 Snapdragon 888 5G (5 nm) on the Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G.
- The Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G has more RAM: 12 GB vs 6 GB.
- The Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G has a bigger battery: 5000 mAh vs 4500 mAh.
Galaxy S21 FE 5G vs Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G specs
The Galaxy S21 FE 5G and Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G both run Android and support 5G networks, but they differ in size, screen resolution, camera power, memory, and battery capacity. The Galaxy S21 FE 5G suits those who want a lighter, more compact phone with good battery life and solid everyday performance. The Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G fits buyers who prefer a larger, higher-resolution screen, more RAM for multitasking, and advanced camera capabilities, including a high megapixel main camera. Storage options also differ, with the Ultra offering a larger 512GB choice.
Galaxy S21 FE 5G vs Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G price
Colour
Galaxy S21 FE 5G vs Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G battery life and software updates
Durability covers battery capacity, software updates, physical design, and network compatibility. Differences here affect how long the phone lasts on a single charge and how it handles SIM cards.
Battery Capacity
The Galaxy S21 FE 5G has a 4500 mAh battery, which suits users who need solid daily endurance without a very large phone. The Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G comes with a 5000 mAh battery, better for those who want longer usage between charges, especially useful with its bigger screen and higher resolution.
SIM Card Options
The Galaxy S21 FE 5G supports Dual Physical SIM cards, convenient for users managing two separate phone numbers physically. The Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G offers one Physical SIM plus an eSIM, which provides flexibility for digital SIM use alongside a physical card.
Battery
Fast charging
Foldable
Ip rating
Software updates
Wireless charging
Year of release
Galaxy S21 FE 5G vs Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G performance
Performance involves the chipset, RAM, and storage options. These impact speed, multitasking, and how much data and apps you can keep on the device.
Chipset Variants
Both phones use the same chipsets: Qualcomm SM8350 Snapdragon 888 5G (5 nm) and Exynos 2100 (5 nm). This means performance differences will come down to memory and software optimization rather than processor power.
RAM for Multitasking
The Galaxy S21 FE 5G has 6 GB RAM, which handles everyday apps and tasks smoothly. The Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G doubles this with 12 GB RAM, better suited for heavy multitasking, running more apps at once, or more demanding software.
Storage Choices
The Galaxy S21 FE 5G comes in 128GB and 256GB storage options, fitting typical users who store photos, apps, and media. The Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G adds a 512GB option for users needing more space for large files or extensive media libraries.
Chipset
RAM
Galaxy S21 FE 5G vs Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G screen
Screen quality affects viewing experience, with size, resolution, and refresh rate playing key roles. Both phones have excellent display technology but differ in scale and detail.
Screen Size
The Galaxy S21 FE 5G offers a 6.4 inch screen, which is comfortable for one-handed use and fits easily in most pockets. The Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G has a larger 6.8 inch screen, ideal if you prefer more space for watching videos or working on the go.
Resolution and Detail
The Galaxy S21 FE 5G features a 1080 x 2340 resolution, providing clear and sharp images for most uses. The Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G's 1440 x 3200 resolution delivers higher detail and sharper text, suited to users who want the finest image quality.
Refresh Rate
Both phones have a 120 Hz refresh rate, which makes scrolling and animations look smooth and responsive, beneficial for gaming and general navigation.
Refresh rate
Resolution
Screen size
Screen type
Galaxy S21 FE 5G vs Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G camera
Camera quality is key for capturing photos and videos. Differences in megapixels here influence the level of detail and clarity each phone can deliver.
Front Camera Detail
The Galaxy S21 FE 5G has a 32 megapixel front camera, good for selfies and video calls with solid detail. The Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G's 40 megapixel front camera offers more detail, useful if you want sharper self-portraits or clearer video chats.
Main Camera Power
The Galaxy S21 FE 5G's main camera is 12 megapixels, suitable for everyday photography and video. The Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G's main camera has a much higher 108 megapixels, appealing to users who prioritise capturing fine detail and professional-style photos.
Camera type
Front camera
Main camera
Galaxy S21 FE 5G vs Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G size and design
This section covers physical size, weight, SIM capabilities, and other practical differences that affect everyday handling and use.
Weight and Size
The Galaxy S21 FE 5G weighs 177 g and measures 155.7 mm in height and 74.5 mm in width, making it lighter and easier to carry. The Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G is heavier at 227 g and larger at 165.1 mm height and 75.6 mm width, which suits those who prefer a substantial phone with a larger screen.
Connector Type
Both phones use USB Type-C connectors, standard for charging and data transfer.
SIM Card Formats
The Galaxy S21 FE 5G uses Dual Physical SIM cards, which is straightforward for users with two physical numbers. The Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G supports one Physical SIM plus an eSIM, offering flexibility for digital SIM use.
Carrier compatibility
Connector
Depth
Height
Mobile network
Release date
SD card slot
SIM card
Weight
Width
Galaxy S21 FE 5G or Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G: which should you buy?
Buy the Galaxy S21 FE 5G if
- you want to spend less: it starts at £157.11, £111.75 less than the Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G
- you want longer software support (until Jan 2027 vs ended Feb 2026)
- you want a lighter build (177 g vs 227 g)
Buy the Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G if
- you want more RAM (12 GB vs 6 GB)
- you want a bigger battery (5000 mAh vs 4500 mAh)
- you want a bigger screen (6.8 inch vs 6.4 inch)
What our customers say
Customers who chose the Galaxy S21 FE 5G often comment on its condition and value for money. Many say the phone looks almost new despite being refurbished and that it works well for everyday use. Some bought it as a gift or for family members, highlighting its suitability as a reliable everyday device. A few have raised issues with charging or connectivity, but most appreciate the phone's performance and condition.
Reviews for the Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G emphasise its excellent condition and performance, with many saying the phone looks like new even in refurbished form. Customers highlight the phone's speed, reliability, and screen quality. Some mention its suitability as a sustainable choice compared to buying new. A few reports note issues with battery or condition, but the majority praise the phone's quality and service.
The Galaxy S21 FE 5G suits buyers wanting a capable, lighter phone for everyday tasks, while the Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G fits those who want a premium screen, advanced camera, and higher memory for multitasking or media.
Galaxy S21 FE 5G vs Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G FAQs
Galaxy S21 FE 5G vs Ultra 5G comes down to the chipset, RAM and battery. Chipset: Qualcomm SM8350 Snapdragon 888 5G (5 nm), Exynos 2100 (5 nm) on the Galaxy S21 FE 5G, Exynos 2100 (5 nm), Qualcomm SM8350 Snapdragon 888 5G (5 nm) on the Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G. The Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G has more RAM: 12 GB vs 6 GB.
The Galaxy S21 FE 5G is cheaper refurbished, from £157.11 compared with £268.86 for the Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G.
The Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G has a bigger battery: 5000 mAh vs 4500 mAh.
The Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G has a higher-resolution main camera: 108 megapixels vs 12 megapixels.
The Galaxy S21 FE 5G gets updates until Jan 2027. Updates for the Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G ended in Feb 2026.
The Galaxy S21 FE 5G adds longer software support (until Jan 2027 vs ended Feb 2026) and a lighter build (177 g vs 227 g). Refurbished, it costs £111.75 less (from £157.11 vs £268.86).
Refurbished, the Galaxy S21 FE 5G comes in 128GB and 256GB, and the Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G in 128GB, 256GB and 512GB.
