Galaxy S21 FE 5G vs Galaxy Z Flip3 5G
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Galaxy S21 FE 5G
Starting at
£157.11£699.00 new
Galaxy Z Flip3 5G
Starting at
£229.00What's the difference between the Galaxy S21 FE 5G and Galaxy Z Flip3 5G?
Galaxy S21 FE 5G vs Z Flip3 5G comes down to the chipset, RAM and battery. Refurbished, the Galaxy S21 FE 5G starts at £157.11, £71.89 less than the Galaxy Z Flip3 5G. The Galaxy S21 FE 5G is the newer model, released in 2022.
Refurbished from
Chipset
RAM
Battery
Screen size
Screen type
- Chipset: Qualcomm SM8350 Snapdragon 888 5G (5 nm), Exynos 2100 (5 nm) on the Galaxy S21 FE 5G, Qualcomm SM8350 Snapdragon 888 5G (5 nm) on the Galaxy Z Flip3 5G.
- The Galaxy Z Flip3 5G has more RAM: 8 GB vs 6 GB.
- The Galaxy S21 FE 5G has a bigger battery: 4500 mAh vs 3300 mAh.
Galaxy S21 FE 5G vs Galaxy Z Flip3 5G specs
The Galaxy S21 FE 5G and Galaxy Z Flip3 5G offer distinct experiences suited to different users. The Galaxy S21 FE 5G delivers a larger battery and higher front camera resolution, which helps if you want longer use and detailed selfies. It has 6 GB RAM and comes in two storage options. The Galaxy Z Flip3 5G stands out with its foldable 6.7 inch screen and 8 GB RAM, which suits those who want a unique design and more memory for apps. The Z Flip3 also provides a headphone jack and supports eSIM alongside a physical SIM. Both run Android and support 5G, but their features appeal to different priorities like screen style, battery life, and memory needs.
Galaxy S21 FE 5G vs Galaxy Z Flip3 5G price
Colour
- GreyStarting at £157.11
- GreenStarting at £172.04
- PurpleStarting at £188.49
- Dark BlueStarting at £195.84
- WhiteStarting at £189.75
- BlackSold out
- GreenSold out
- BeigeSold out
- PurpleSold out
- WhiteSold out
- PinkSold out
Storage
- 128GBSold out
- 256GBSold out
Galaxy S21 FE 5G vs Galaxy Z Flip3 5G battery life and software updates
Durability covers battery capacity, software updates, and the device's build features. These factors affect daily use, from how long the phone lasts unplugged to the type of design you prefer.
Battery Capacity
The Galaxy S21 FE 5G has a 4500 mAh battery which offers longer usage between charges. This suits users who need extended screen-on time without frequent recharging. The Galaxy Z Flip3 5G has a smaller 3300 mAh battery, reflecting a more compact design that might require more frequent charging.
Foldable Design
The Galaxy Z Flip3 5G is foldable, offering a unique compact form when closed and a larger screen when open. This design suits those who value portability and a distinctive look. The Galaxy S21 FE 5G is not foldable, providing a traditional smartphone shape for straightforward daily use.
Battery
Fast charging
Foldable
Ip rating
Software updates
Wireless charging
Year of release
Galaxy S21 FE 5G vs Galaxy Z Flip3 5G performance
Performance depends on the chipset, memory, and storage options. These affect speed, multitasking, and how much data you can keep on the phone.
RAM Size
The Galaxy Z Flip3 5G has 8 GB of RAM, which helps keep more apps open and running smoothly at once. This suits users who multitask or use demanding apps. The Galaxy S21 FE 5G has 6 GB of RAM, which is still well suited for everyday use and most apps.
Chipset Options
The Galaxy S21 FE 5G offers two chipset options: the Qualcomm SM8350 Snapdragon 888 5G and the Exynos 2100. The Galaxy Z Flip3 5G uses the Qualcomm SM8350 Snapdragon 888 5G. Both chipsets support 5G and provide strong performance for typical smartphone tasks.
Storage Variants
Both phones are available with 128GB or 256GB of storage. This allows choices based on how much space you need for apps, photos, and files.
Chipset
RAM
Galaxy S21 FE 5G vs Galaxy Z Flip3 5G screen
Screen quality includes size, resolution, refresh rate, and type. These features influence viewing comfort, image clarity, and the feel of using the phone.
Screen Size and Type
The Galaxy Z Flip3 5G has a 6.7 inch foldable Dynamic AMOLED 2X screen, providing a large and flexible display that suits those who enjoy immersive media or multitasking on a bigger screen. The Galaxy S21 FE 5G has a 6.4 inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X screen with a fixed design, offering a solid viewing experience in a more conventional form.
Resolution
The Galaxy Z Flip3 5G has a resolution of 1080 x 2640, which is slightly taller and sharper than the Galaxy S21 FE 5G at 1080 x 2340. This means the Z Flip3's screen can show a bit more vertical content, useful for reading or browsing.
Refresh Rate
Both phones have a 120 Hz refresh rate, resulting in smooth scrolling and animations that enhance daily interaction.
Refresh rate
Resolution
Screen size
Screen type
Galaxy S21 FE 5G vs Galaxy Z Flip3 5G camera
Audiovisual features like cameras affect photography and video calls. Front camera resolution is important for selfies and video chats, while the main camera handles most photos.
Front Camera Resolution
The Galaxy S21 FE 5G has a 32 megapixel front camera, which captures more detail for selfies and video calls. This suits users who prioritise higher resolution for their self-portraits. The Galaxy Z Flip3 5G has a 10 megapixel front camera, still capable but with fewer pixels.
Main Camera
Both phones have a 12 megapixel main camera, suitable for everyday photos and videos.
Camera type
Front camera
Main camera
Galaxy S21 FE 5G vs Galaxy Z Flip3 5G size and design
Miscellaneous features include connectivity options, physical dimensions, SIM support, and ports. These affect how you use the phone daily and what accessories you can connect.
SIM Card Support
The Galaxy S21 FE 5G supports Dual Physical SIM cards, ideal if you want to use two separate SIM cards without eSIM. The Galaxy Z Flip3 5G supports one Physical SIM plus eSIM, giving flexibility for combining a physical SIM with a digital SIM option.
Connector and Headphone Jack
The Galaxy Z Flip3 5G includes a USB-C port. It does not have a 3.5mm headphone jack. The Galaxy S21 FE 5G has a USB Type-C connector but no headphone jack, so wired audio needs a USB-C or Bluetooth connection.
Physical Size and Weight
The Galaxy Z Flip3 5G is 166 mm tall, 72.2 mm wide, 6.9 mm deep, and weighs 183 g. The Galaxy S21 FE 5G measures 155.7 mm tall, 74.5 mm wide, 7.9 mm deep, and weighs 177 g. The Z Flip3's foldable design results in a slightly taller and heavier device while the S21 FE is a bit slimmer and lighter.
Carrier compatibility
Connector
Depth
Height
Mobile network
Release date
SD card slot
SIM card
Weight
Width
Galaxy S21 FE 5G or Galaxy Z Flip3 5G: which should you buy?
Buy the Galaxy S21 FE 5G if
- you want to spend less: it starts at £157.11, £71.89 less than the Galaxy Z Flip3 5G
- you want a bigger battery (4500 mAh vs 3300 mAh)
- you want a higher-resolution front camera (32 megapixels vs 10 megapixels)
Buy the Galaxy Z Flip3 5G if
- you want more RAM (8 GB vs 6 GB)
- you want a bigger screen (6.7 inch vs 6.4 inch)
- you want a headphone jack
What our customers say
Customers of the Galaxy S21 FE 5G appreciate its condition and reliability. Many say it looks like new or has only minor scratches that do not affect use, which suits those wanting a clean refurbished phone. Positive comments highlight the phone working well for family members of different ages, including children and elderly users. Some users find the front camera and battery life satisfactory. A few negative reviews mention issues with charging ports and WiFi but the majority value the device's performance and condition.
The Galaxy Z Flip3 5G customers enjoy the phone's clear screen and responsiveness. Many find transferring data easy and like the foldable design. Several mention the battery life is shorter which aligns with the smaller battery capacity. Some customers note problems with screen protectors bending and difficulties with carrier unlocking. Overall users appreciate the phone's look and performance especially the unique foldable feature.
Both devices suit different needs: the Galaxy S21 FE 5G appeals to those who want a straightforward smartphone with a higher resolution front camera and longer battery life while the Galaxy Z Flip3 5G suits users looking for a foldable phone with more RAM.
Galaxy S21 FE 5G vs Galaxy Z Flip3 5G FAQs
Galaxy S21 FE 5G vs Z Flip3 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, Qualcomm SM8350 Snapdragon 888 5G (5 nm) on the Galaxy Z Flip3 5G. The Galaxy Z Flip3 5G has more RAM: 8 GB vs 6 GB.
The Galaxy S21 FE 5G is cheaper refurbished, from £157.11 compared with £229 for the Galaxy Z Flip3 5G.
The Galaxy S21 FE 5G has a bigger battery: 4500 mAh vs 3300 mAh.
Both have the same main camera: 12 megapixels.
The Galaxy S21 FE 5G gets updates until Jan 2027. Updates for the Galaxy Z Flip3 5G ended in Sep 2026.
The Galaxy S21 FE 5G adds a bigger battery (4500 mAh vs 3300 mAh), a higher-resolution front camera (32 megapixels vs 10 megapixels) and longer software support (until Jan 2027 vs ended Sep 2026). Refurbished, it costs £71.89 less (from £157.11 vs £229).
Both come in 128GB and 256GB refurbished.
