Galaxy S21 FE 5G vs Galaxy Z Flip5
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Galaxy S21 FE 5G
Starting at
£157.11£699.00 new
Galaxy Z Flip5
Starting at
£266.00What's the difference between the Galaxy S21 FE 5G and Galaxy Z Flip5?
Galaxy S21 FE 5G vs Z Flip5 comes down to the chipset, RAM and battery. Refurbished, the Galaxy S21 FE 5G starts at £157.11, £108.89 less than the Galaxy Z Flip5. The Galaxy Z Flip5 is the newer model, released in 2023.
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 SM8550-AC Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 (4 nm) on the Galaxy Z Flip5.
- The Galaxy Z Flip5 has more RAM: 8 GB vs 6 GB.
- The Galaxy S21 FE 5G has a bigger battery: 4500 mAh vs 3700 mAh.
Galaxy S21 FE 5G vs Galaxy Z Flip5 specs
The Galaxy S21 FE 5G and Galaxy Z Flip5 differ in design, performance, and features suited to different users. The Galaxy S21 FE 5G offers a larger battery and a higher resolution front camera, making it a good choice if you want longer battery life and detailed selfies. The Galaxy Z Flip5 features a foldable screen for a compact form and a newer chipset with more RAM, suited to those who value a modern design and smoother multitasking. Storage options vary with the S21 FE 5G available up to 256GB and the Z Flip5 up to 512GB. Both run Android and support 5G, but their different screen sizes and foldability suit different preferences for portability and media use.
Galaxy S21 FE 5G vs Galaxy Z Flip5 price
Colour
- GreyStarting at £157.11
- GreenStarting at £172.04
- PurpleStarting at £188.49
- Dark BlueStarting at £195.84
- WhiteStarting at £189.75
- YellowSold out
- BlueSold out
- BeigeSold out
- GreySold out
- GreenSold out
- PurpleSold out
Storage
- 256GBSold out
- 512GBSold out
Galaxy S21 FE 5G vs Galaxy Z Flip5 battery life and software updates
Durability covers battery capacity, software updates, and physical design. The foldable Galaxy Z Flip5 offers a different form factor from the Galaxy S21 FE 5G, which has a larger battery to support longer use between charges.
Battery Capacity
The Galaxy S21 FE 5G has a 4500 mAh battery, which is larger than the Galaxy Z Flip5's 3700 mAh. This means the S21 FE 5G is suited for users who prioritise longer battery life for extended daily use without frequent charging.
Foldable Design
The Galaxy Z Flip5 features a foldable screen, allowing it to fold into a more compact shape. This suits users who want a phone that fits easily in smaller pockets or bags and enjoy the novelty of a folding display.
Battery
Fast charging
Foldable
Ip rating
Software updates
Wireless charging
Year of release
Galaxy S21 FE 5G vs Galaxy Z Flip5 performance
Performance depends on chipset, RAM, and storage options. The Galaxy Z Flip5 offers newer technology and more memory, which benefits users running multiple apps or demanding tasks.
Chipset
The Galaxy Z Flip5 uses the Qualcomm SM8550-AC Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 (4 nm), a newer chipset compared to the Galaxy S21 FE 5G's Qualcomm SM8350 Snapdragon 888 5G or Exynos 2100 (both 5 nm). This means the Z Flip5 is suited to users who want faster processing and improved efficiency.
RAM
With 8 GB of RAM, the Galaxy Z Flip5 keeps more apps open and supports smoother multitasking than the Galaxy S21 FE 5G's 6 GB. This benefits users who use multiple apps simultaneously or heavier software.
Storage Options
The Galaxy S21 FE 5G comes with 128 GB or 256 GB of storage, suitable for everyday use. The Galaxy Z Flip5 offers 256 GB and 512 GB options, which suits users who store more files, apps, and media directly on their phone.
Chipset
RAM
Galaxy S21 FE 5G vs Galaxy Z Flip5 screen
Screen quality affects daily viewing and interaction. Both devices have 120 Hz refresh rates for smooth visuals but differ in size, resolution, and design.
Screen Size and Type
The Galaxy Z Flip5 has a 6.7 inch foldable Dynamic AMOLED 2X screen, offering a larger viewing area that folds for compactness. The Galaxy S21 FE 5G has a 6.4 inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X screen, suitable for users who prefer a traditional flat display.
Resolution
The Galaxy Z Flip5's screen resolution is 1080 x 2640, slightly taller than the Galaxy S21 FE 5G's 1080 x 2340. This means the Z Flip5 displays more vertical content, useful for scrolling through feeds or reading longer articles.
Refresh Rate
Both devices offer a 120 Hz refresh rate, providing smooth motion and responsiveness for gaming, video playback, and general navigation.
Refresh rate
Resolution
Screen size
Screen type
Galaxy S21 FE 5G vs Galaxy Z Flip5 camera
Audiovisual features focus on camera capabilities. Both phones have the same main camera resolution but differ in front camera detail, which affects selfie quality.
Front Camera
The Galaxy S21 FE 5G has a 32 megapixel front camera, capturing more detail in selfies and video calls. This suits users who prioritise high-resolution front-facing photos.
Main Camera
Both devices have a 12 megapixel main camera, offering similar photo resolution for everyday photography needs.
Front camera
Main camera
Galaxy S21 FE 5G vs Galaxy Z Flip5 size and design
Miscellaneous specs cover physical dimensions, SIM options, and connectivity. These details help decide which phone fits your lifestyle and preferences.
SIM Card Options
The Galaxy S21 FE 5G supports dual physical SIM cards, which is useful for users who want to separate work and personal numbers with physical SIMs. The Galaxy Z Flip5 uses one physical SIM and an eSIM, suited to those who prefer digital SIM flexibility.
Physical Size and Weight
The Galaxy Z Flip5 measures 165.1 mm in height, 71.9 mm in width, and 6.9 mm in depth with a weight of 187 g, reflecting its foldable design. The Galaxy S21 FE 5G is 155.7 mm tall, 74.5 mm wide, 7.9 mm deep, and weighs 177 g, offering a slightly lighter and more traditional form factor.
Network and Connectivity
Both phones are unlocked, support 5G networks, and use USB Type-C connectors, providing broad carrier compatibility and modern charging options.
Carrier compatibility
Connector
Depth
Height
Mobile network
Release date
SD card slot
SIM card
Weight
Width
Galaxy S21 FE 5G or Galaxy Z Flip5: which should you buy?
Buy the Galaxy S21 FE 5G if
- you want to spend less: it starts at £157.11, £108.89 less than the Galaxy Z Flip5
- you want a bigger battery (4500 mAh vs 3700 mAh)
- you want a higher-resolution front camera (32 megapixels vs 10 megapixels)
Buy the Galaxy Z Flip5 if
- you want more RAM (8 GB vs 6 GB)
- you want a bigger screen (6.7 inch vs 6.4 inch)
- you want longer software support (until Aug 2028 vs until Jan 2027)
What our customers say
Customers of the Galaxy S21 FE 5G report satisfaction with the phone's condition and performance. Many mention it looks almost new even in fair condition and praise its functionality for everyday use, including for children or as a replacement device. Some customers note minor scratches or small issues but appreciate the overall value.
Galaxy Z Flip5 customers appreciate the phone's foldable design and compactness, noting it fits well in small bags and feels high quality. The condition often appears excellent or mint, with users happy to recommend it. Some users mention the battery needs more frequent charging, reflecting the smaller capacity. The phone's smooth performance and modern design are highlighted, along with the usefulness of the foldable screen. A few mention minor screen glitches that can occur after extended use.
Both devices suit different users: the Galaxy S21 FE 5G is praised for reliable everyday use and detailed front camera, making it good for those valuing battery life and selfie quality. The Galaxy Z Flip5 appeals to those who want a stylish, compact foldable device with strong performance and more RAM.
Galaxy S21 FE 5G vs Galaxy Z Flip5 FAQs
Galaxy S21 FE 5G vs Z Flip5 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 SM8550-AC Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 (4 nm) on the Galaxy Z Flip5. The Galaxy Z Flip5 has more RAM: 8 GB vs 6 GB.
The Galaxy S21 FE 5G is cheaper refurbished, from £157.11 compared with £266 for the Galaxy Z Flip5.
The Galaxy S21 FE 5G has a bigger battery: 4500 mAh vs 3700 mAh.
Both have the same main camera: 12 megapixels.
The Galaxy S21 FE 5G gets updates until Jan 2027. The Galaxy Z Flip5 gets updates until Aug 2028.
The Galaxy Z Flip5 adds more RAM (8 GB vs 6 GB), a bigger screen (6.7 inch vs 6.4 inch) and longer software support (until Aug 2028 vs until Jan 2027). Refurbished, it costs £108.89 more (from £266 vs £157.11).
Refurbished, the Galaxy S21 FE 5G comes in 128GB and 256GB, and the Galaxy Z Flip5 in 256GB and 512GB.
