Galaxy S21 FE 5G vs Galaxy S23 FE
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Galaxy S21 FE 5G
Starting at
£157.11£699.00 new
Galaxy S23 FE
Starting at
£205.00£605.75 newWhat's the difference between the Galaxy S21 FE 5G and Galaxy S23 FE?
Galaxy S21 FE 5G vs S23 FE comes down to the chipset, RAM and front camera. Refurbished, the Galaxy S21 FE 5G starts at £157.11, £47.89 less than the Galaxy S23 FE. The Galaxy S23 FE is the newer model, released in 2023.
Refurbished from
Chipset
RAM
Front camera
Software updates
Weight
- Chipset: Qualcomm SM8350 Snapdragon 888 5G (5 nm), Exynos 2100 (5 nm) on the Galaxy S21 FE 5G, Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 (4nm) / Exynos 2200 (4nm) on the Galaxy S23 FE.
- The Galaxy S23 FE has more RAM: 8 GB vs 6 GB.
- The Galaxy S21 FE 5G has a higher-resolution front camera: 32 megapixels vs 10 megapixels.
Galaxy S21 FE 5G vs Galaxy S23 FE specs
The Galaxy S21 FE 5G and Galaxy S23 FE are both solid smartphones with many shared features like screen size and resolution, battery capacity, and unlocked 5G connectivity. The Galaxy S23 FE offers more RAM and a newer chipset, which suits users who want smoother multitasking and more power for demanding apps. The Galaxy S21 FE 5G has a higher resolution front camera, making it a better choice if you prioritise detailed selfies. The S23 FE supports eSIM alongside dual physical SIMs, which adds flexibility for mobile plans. Weight and size differences are minor but may be noticeable if you prefer a lighter phone. Both phones lack expandable storage but come in the same storage options of 128GB and 256GB.
Galaxy S21 FE 5G vs Galaxy S23 FE price
Colour
Galaxy S21 FE 5G vs Galaxy S23 FE battery life and software updates
Both the Galaxy S21 FE 5G and Galaxy S23 FE offer solid durability features including battery capacity and software updates. Their shared battery size means similar endurance for everyday use.
Battery Capacity
Both the Galaxy S21 FE 5G and Galaxy S23 FE have a 4500 mAh battery. This capacity should provide comparable battery life for typical daily activities such as web browsing, video playback, and calls.
Software Updates
This means each phone can run current apps and security features, keeping them secure and functional over time.
Battery
Fast charging
Foldable
Ip rating
Software updates
Wireless charging
Year of release
Galaxy S21 FE 5G vs Galaxy S23 FE performance
Performance differs mainly in chipset and RAM. The Galaxy S23 FE features newer chipsets and more RAM, which suits users wanting smoother performance especially with multitasking and demanding apps.
Chipset Technology
The Galaxy S21 FE 5G uses either the Snapdragon 888 5G (5 nm) or Exynos 2100 (5 nm), while the Galaxy S23 FE uses Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 (4 nm) or Exynos 2200 (4 nm). The S23 FE's chipsets use a smaller 4 nm process, which typically offers improved efficiency and performance.
Memory Size
The Galaxy S21 FE 5G comes with 6 GB of RAM, while the Galaxy S23 FE has 8 GB. The additional RAM in the S23 FE helps keep more apps open and running smoothly, which benefits users who multitask frequently.
Storage Options
Both phones come with storage options of 128GB and 256GB. This range suits users who want adequate space for apps, photos, and media without expandable storage.
Chipset
RAM
Galaxy S21 FE 5G vs Galaxy S23 FE screen
The screen quality in both phones is very similar, sharing the same size, resolution, and AMOLED technology, which is great for vibrant colours and sharp images.
Display Size and Resolution
Both phones have a 6.4 inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X screen with a resolution of 1080 x 2340. This combination offers a bright and detailed viewing experience suitable for video streaming and everyday use.
Refresh rate
Resolution
Screen size
Screen type
Galaxy S21 FE 5G vs Galaxy S23 FE camera
Camera type
Front camera
Main camera
Galaxy S21 FE 5G vs Galaxy S23 FE size and design
Several differences in connectivity and physical design may influence your choice depending on your preferences for SIM usage and device dimensions.
SIM Card Compatibility
The Galaxy S21 FE 5G supports Dual Physical SIM cards, while the Galaxy S23 FE supports Dual Physical SIM cards plus eSIM. The eSIM option in the S23 FE provides more flexibility for managing multiple plans without needing a physical SIM card.
Device Dimensions 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 FE is slightly taller at 158 mm, wider at 76.5 mm, and deeper at 8.2 mm, with a weight of 209 g. If you prefer a lighter phone for easier handling, the S21 FE 5G might suit you better.
Connectors
Both phones use USB Type-C connectors, which is standard for charging and data transfer.
Carrier compatibility
Connector
Depth
Height
Mobile network
Release date
SD card slot
SIM card
Weight
Width
Galaxy S21 FE 5G or Galaxy S23 FE: which should you buy?
Buy the Galaxy S21 FE 5G if
- you want to spend less: it starts at £157.11, £47.89 less than the Galaxy S23 FE
- you want a higher-resolution front camera (32 megapixels vs 10 megapixels)
- you want a lighter build (177 g vs 209 g)
Buy the Galaxy S23 FE if
- you want more RAM (8 GB vs 6 GB)
- you want longer software support (until Oct 2028 vs until Jan 2027)
What our customers say
Customers of the Galaxy S21 FE 5G often praise the phone for looking nearly new even when bought refurbished. They appreciate the solid condition for the price and mention the phone works well for everyday use. Some customers highlight the phone's good screen and battery, making it suitable for gifts or as a reliable daily device. A few mention issues like charging port faults or connectivity problems, but positive reviews note how well the phone performs for family members and younger users.
The Galaxy S23 FE receives high marks for its excellent condition and performance. Customers note the phone looks brand new and runs smoothly with no glitches. The extra RAM and newer chipset are reflected in reports of faster performance and better multitasking. Users enjoy the larger storage options and comment on the phone's bright screen and solid battery life. Some mention the phone can get warm during use, and a few note minor issues with charging port cleanliness, but overall satisfaction is high.
Choosing between these two phones depends on your priorities. If you value a higher resolution front camera and a lighter device, the Galaxy S21 FE 5G is a good fit. If you want more memory and a newer chipset for smoother performance and eSIM flexibility, the Galaxy S23 FE may suit you better.
Galaxy S21 FE 5G vs Galaxy S23 FE FAQs
Galaxy S21 FE 5G vs S23 FE comes down to the chipset, RAM and front camera. Chipset: Qualcomm SM8350 Snapdragon 888 5G (5 nm), Exynos 2100 (5 nm) on the Galaxy S21 FE 5G, Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 (4nm) / Exynos 2200 (4nm) on the Galaxy S23 FE. The Galaxy S23 FE has more RAM: 8 GB vs 6 GB.
The Galaxy S21 FE 5G is cheaper refurbished, from £157.11 compared with £205 for the Galaxy S23 FE.
Both have the same battery: 4500 mAh.
The Galaxy S21 FE 5G gets updates until Jan 2027. The Galaxy S23 FE gets updates until Oct 2028.
The Galaxy S23 FE adds more RAM (8 GB vs 6 GB) and longer software support (until Oct 2028 vs until Jan 2027). Refurbished, it costs £47.89 more (from £205 vs £157.11).
Both come in 128GB and 256GB refurbished.
