Galaxy S21 FE 5G vs Galaxy S23
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Galaxy S21 FE 5G
Starting at
£157.11£699.00 new
Galaxy S23
Starting at
£235.29£1,019.00 newWhat's the difference between the Galaxy S21 FE 5G and Galaxy S23?
Galaxy S21 FE 5G vs S23 comes down to the chipset, RAM and battery. Refurbished, the Galaxy S21 FE 5G starts at £157.11, £78.18 less than the Galaxy S23. The Galaxy S23 is the newer model, released in 2023.
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, Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 for Galaxy on the Galaxy S23.
- The Galaxy S23 has more RAM: 8 GB vs 6 GB.
- The Galaxy S21 FE 5G has a bigger battery: 4500 mAh vs 3900 mAh.
Galaxy S21 FE 5G vs Galaxy S23 specs
The Galaxy S21 FE 5G and Galaxy S23 both offer solid Android experiences with 5G support and Dynamic AMOLED 2X screens at a 120 Hz refresh rate. The Galaxy S21 FE 5G has a larger 6.4 inch display and a bigger 4500 mAh battery, making it suitable for those who prefer a larger screen and longer battery capacity. The Galaxy S23 offers a more powerful Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chipset, 8 GB of RAM, and a higher-resolution 50 megapixel main camera, which benefits users prioritising speed, multitasking, and detailed photos. The S23 is also lighter and slightly smaller, fitting better in one hand. Storage options extend up to 512GB on the S23, ideal for those needing more space.
Galaxy S21 FE 5G vs Galaxy S23 price
Colour
Galaxy S21 FE 5G vs Galaxy S23 battery life and software updates
Durability covers battery capacity, software support, and physical design. These factors influence how long the phone lasts on a charge and how it fits into your daily routine.
Battery Capacity
The Galaxy S21 FE 5G has a 4500 mAh battery, which is larger than the Galaxy S23's 3900 mAh. This means the S21 FE 5G could be better for users who want longer battery life between charges, especially if you often use your phone away from power sources.
Software Updates
You can expect ongoing software support and security improvements for either phone.
Battery
Fast charging
Foldable
Ip rating
Software updates
Wireless charging
Year of release
Galaxy S21 FE 5G vs Galaxy S23 performance
Performance depends on the chipset, RAM, and storage. These aspects affect speed, multitasking, and how much data you can keep on your phone.
Processor
The Galaxy S23 includes the Qualcomm SM8550-AC Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 (4 nm) chipset, which is a newer design compared to the Galaxy S21 FE 5G's Qualcomm SM8350 Snapdragon 888 5G or Exynos 2100 (5 nm). This means the S23 delivers faster and more efficient processing, suitable for running demanding apps and smoother overall performance.
Memory
With 8 GB of RAM, the Galaxy S23 keeps everyday apps running smoothly and handles multitasking with ease. The Galaxy S21 FE 5G has 6 GB of RAM, which suits everyday use and lighter multitasking.
Storage Options
The Galaxy S21 FE 5G comes in 128GB and 256GB options. The Galaxy S23 offers the same 128GB and 256GB choices plus a 512GB option. This extra capacity on the S23 benefits users who store large files, photos, or apps directly on their phone.
Chipset
RAM
Galaxy S21 FE 5G vs Galaxy S23 screen
Screen quality influences your viewing experience for videos, browsing, and gaming. Both phones share similar technology, but size differs.
Screen Size
The Galaxy S21 FE 5G has a 6.4 inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X screen, providing a larger display area for watching videos and browsing. The Galaxy S23's screen is 6.1 inches, which offers a more compact feel that may suit those preferring a smaller phone that is easier to use one-handed.
Refresh Rate and Resolution
Both phones feature a 120 Hz refresh rate and a resolution of 1080 x 2340 pixels. This means smooth scrolling and clear detail on either device.
Refresh rate
Resolution
Screen size
Screen type
Galaxy S21 FE 5G vs Galaxy S23 camera
Audiovisual features include cameras and front-facing sensors, which impact photo quality and video calls.
Front Camera
The Galaxy S21 FE 5G offers a 32 megapixel front camera, suited for detailed selfies and video calls. The Galaxy S23 has a 12 megapixel front camera, which still delivers quality images for everyday use.
Main Camera
The Galaxy S23 has a 50 megapixel main camera, capturing more detail in your photos compared to the Galaxy S21 FE 5G's 12 megapixel main camera. This makes the S23 a good choice for users who prioritise photography.
Camera type
Front camera
Main camera
Galaxy S21 FE 5G vs Galaxy S23 size and design
Miscellaneous features relate to size, weight, SIM options, and connectivity, which affect comfort and compatibility.
Size and Weight
The Galaxy S21 FE 5G measures 155.7 mm in height, 74.5 mm in width, and 7.9 mm in depth, weighing 177 g. The Galaxy S23 is slightly smaller at 146.3 mm tall, 70.9 mm wide, and 7.6 mm deep, weighing 168 g. The S23's lighter and more compact design suits users who want a phone that is easier to hold and carry.
SIM Card
The Galaxy S21 FE 5G supports Dual Physical SIM cards, which is helpful if you use two separate SIMs. The Galaxy S23 supports one Physical SIM and one eSIM, which offers flexibility if you want to switch carriers without changing physical SIM cards.
Connectivity and Storage Expansion
Both phones are unlocked and support 5G networks. Neither phone has an SD card slot for additional storage.
Connector Type
The Galaxy S21 FE 5G uses a USB Type-C connector, while the Galaxy S23 uses a USB-C connector. Both support standard USB-C accessories.
Carrier compatibility
Connector
Depth
Height
Mobile network
Release date
SD card slot
SIM card
Weight
Width
Galaxy S21 FE 5G or Galaxy S23: which should you buy?
Buy the Galaxy S21 FE 5G if
- you want to spend less: it starts at £157.11, £78.18 less than the Galaxy S23
- you want a bigger battery (4500 mAh vs 3900 mAh)
- you want a bigger screen (6.4 inch vs 6.1 inch)
Buy the Galaxy S23 if
- you want more RAM (8 GB vs 6 GB)
- you want a higher-resolution main camera (50 megapixels vs 12 megapixels)
- you want longer software support (until Feb 2028 vs until Jan 2027)
What our customers say
Customers who chose the Galaxy S21 FE 5G appreciate its condition and value, often noting it looks almost new despite being refurbished. Many mention satisfaction with the screen and battery, saying it works well for family members or as a first phone for children. Some users highlight minor scratches or small flaws consistent with fair condition, but overall the phone is seen as reliable and good for everyday use.
Those who bought the Galaxy S23 praise its speed, camera quality, and battery life. The phone often looks nearly new, and users mention it runs apps smoothly and handles multitasking well. Reviewers also appreciate the clear screen and strong performance, with many noting the phone is suitable for demanding tasks and photography. The S23's size and condition make it a popular choice for those wanting a compact, high-performing device.
Both phones suit different needs: the Galaxy S21 FE 5G is favoured for its larger screen and battery, making it a practical choice for everyday users or families. The Galaxy S23 fits buyers prioritising performance, camera detail, and a lighter, smaller phone.
Galaxy S21 FE 5G vs Galaxy S23 FAQs
Galaxy S21 FE 5G vs S23 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, Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 for Galaxy on the Galaxy S23. The Galaxy S23 has more RAM: 8 GB vs 6 GB.
The Galaxy S21 FE 5G is cheaper refurbished, from £157.11 compared with £235.29 for the Galaxy S23.
The Galaxy S21 FE 5G has a bigger battery: 4500 mAh vs 3900 mAh.
The Galaxy S23 has a higher-resolution main camera: 50 megapixels vs 12 megapixels.
The Galaxy S21 FE 5G gets updates until Jan 2027. The Galaxy S23 gets updates until Feb 2028.
The Galaxy S23 adds more RAM (8 GB vs 6 GB), a higher-resolution main camera (50 megapixels vs 12 megapixels) and longer software support (until Feb 2028 vs until Jan 2027). Refurbished, it costs £78.18 more (from £235.29 vs £157.11).
Refurbished, the Galaxy S21 FE 5G comes in 128GB and 256GB, and the Galaxy S23 in 128GB, 256GB and 512GB.
