Galaxy S21 FE 5G vs Galaxy Z Fold3 5G
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Galaxy S21 FE 5G
Starting at
£157.11£699.00 new
Galaxy Z Fold3 5G
Starting at
£341.28What's the difference between the Galaxy S21 FE 5G and Galaxy Z Fold3 5G?
Galaxy S21 FE 5G vs Z Fold3 5G comes down to the chipset, RAM and battery. Refurbished, the Galaxy S21 FE 5G starts at £157.11, £184.17 less than the Galaxy Z Fold3 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 Fold3 5G.
- The Galaxy Z Fold3 5G has more RAM: 12 GB vs 6 GB.
- The Galaxy S21 FE 5G has a bigger battery: 4500 mAh vs 4400 mAh.
Galaxy S21 FE 5G vs Galaxy Z Fold3 5G specs
The Galaxy S21 FE 5G and Galaxy Z Fold3 5G are both strong choices for different needs. The Galaxy S21 FE 5G suits everyday use with a simpler design, a 6.4 inch screen, and lighter weight. It offers either 128GB or 256GB storage and 6 GB RAM, making it practical for most daily tasks. The Galaxy Z Fold3 5G stands out with a much larger 7.6 inch foldable screen and 12 GB RAM, ideal if you want more screen space for multitasking or media. It also offers larger storage options up to 512GB. Battery capacities and 5G support are close, but the Fold3 is heavier. Your choice depends on whether you prefer a more traditional phone or a device with a spacious foldable display and extra memory.
Galaxy S21 FE 5G vs Galaxy Z Fold3 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
- SilverSold out
Storage
- 256GBSold out
- 512GBSold out
Galaxy S21 FE 5G vs Galaxy Z Fold3 5G battery life and software updates
Durability covers battery size, operating system, and release year. These affect how long the phone runs between charges, what software it uses, and when it was launched.
Battery Capacity
The Galaxy S21 FE 5G has a 4500 mAh battery, slightly larger than the Galaxy Z Fold3 5G's 4400 mAh. This means the S21 FE 5G may offer a bit more battery life for daily use, which suits users who want longer screen time without charging.
Operating System
Users who prefer a specific Android version may find this relevant when considering software features or updates.
Release Year
The Galaxy S21 FE 5G was released in 2022 and the Galaxy Z Fold3 5G in 2021.
Battery
Fast charging
Foldable
Ip rating
OS at launch
Software updates
Wireless charging
Year of release
Galaxy S21 FE 5G vs Galaxy Z Fold3 5G performance
Performance influences how smoothly your apps and multitasking run. Differences in chipset, RAM, and storage affect speed and capacity for files and apps.
Processor Options
The Galaxy S21 FE 5G comes with either the Qualcomm SM8350 Snapdragon 888 5G (5 nm) or the Exynos 2100 (5 nm) chipset. The Galaxy Z Fold3 5G uses the Qualcomm SM8350 Snapdragon 888 5G (5 nm). This means the S21 FE 5G offers a choice between two chipsets, while the Fold3 has a single processor option.
Memory for Multitasking
The Galaxy Z Fold3 5G has 12 GB RAM, double the Galaxy S21 FE 5G's 6 GB. This extra memory suits users who keep many apps open at once or run demanding tasks, making multitasking smoother on the Fold3.
Storage Options
The Galaxy S21 FE 5G offers 128GB or 256GB storage, while the Galaxy Z Fold3 5G comes with 256GB or 512GB. The Fold3 is better for storing large amounts of data, apps, and media, which suits users needing more space.
Chipset
RAM
Galaxy S21 FE 5G vs Galaxy Z Fold3 5G screen
Screen quality affects how you view content and interact with your device. Size, resolution, and refresh rate all play a role in the experience.
Screen Size and Type
The Galaxy S21 FE 5G has a 6.4 inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X screen, while the Galaxy Z Fold3 5G features a much larger 7.6 inch Foldable Dynamic AMOLED 2X display. The Fold3 provides more room for videos, multitasking, and reading, ideal for those who want a tablet-like experience in a phone.
Resolution
The Galaxy S21 FE 5G has a resolution of 1080 x 2340, which suits everyday viewing on its screen size. The Galaxy Z Fold3 5G's 1768 x 2208 resolution matches its larger screen, offering sharper images and more detail, useful for media and productivity.
Refresh Rate
Both devices have a 120 Hz refresh rate, delivering smooth motion for scrolling and gaming. This means either phone will feel responsive during use.
Refresh rate
Resolution
Screen size
Screen type
Galaxy S21 FE 5G vs Galaxy Z Fold3 5G camera
Front camera
Main camera
Galaxy S21 FE 5G vs Galaxy Z Fold3 5G size and design
Other features include network and SIM options, weight, connectors, and expandability. These details affect how you use the phone day to day.
SIM Card Setup
The Galaxy S21 FE 5G supports dual physical SIM cards, which suits users who want to manage two separate networks with physical cards. The Galaxy Z Fold3 5G offers one physical SIM and one eSIM, useful if you prefer a digital SIM alongside a physical one.
Weight Differences
The Galaxy S21 FE 5G weighs 177 g, making it lighter and easier to carry for extended periods. The Galaxy Z Fold3 5G is heavier at 271 g, reflecting its larger foldable screen and design, which may suit users prioritising screen size over weight.
Connectivity and Network
Both phones use USB Type-C connectors and support 5G networks, so fast mobile data and common charging cables work with either device. Neither has an SD card slot, so storage is fixed.
Carrier Compatibility
Both phones are unlocked, allowing you to use them with any compatible UK network without restrictions.
Carrier compatibility
Connector
Depth
Height
Mobile network
Release date
SD card slot
SIM card
Weight
Width
Galaxy S21 FE 5G or Galaxy Z Fold3 5G: which should you buy?
Buy the Galaxy S21 FE 5G if
- you want to spend less: it starts at £157.11, £184.17 less than the Galaxy Z Fold3 5G
- you want a bigger battery (4500 mAh vs 4400 mAh)
- you want longer software support (until Jan 2027 vs ended Sep 2026)
Buy the Galaxy Z Fold3 5G if
- you want more RAM (12 GB vs 6 GB)
- you want a bigger screen (7.6 inch vs 6.4 inch)
What our customers say
Customers who bought the Galaxy S21 FE 5G often praise its condition and performance for everyday use. Many say the phone looks almost new despite being refurbished, with only minor scratches that are barely visible once protected. Some have bought it for family members of all ages, appreciating its practical size and good battery life. However, a few customers experienced issues such as faulty charging ports or WiFi problems, so condition can vary. Overall, users note the phone works well for daily tasks and is a reliable choice for those wanting a straightforward smartphone.
Reviews for the Galaxy Z Fold3 5G highlight satisfaction with its condition and ease of use. Customers find the phone good quality and appreciate the larger screen for apps and media. Some mention the battery life is not as long as other models but still acceptable. The Fold3 is noted for being in excellent shape and suitable for users who want a premium device with a spacious display. Setup is described as easy, and the phone is recommended for those who want more advanced multitasking and storage.
The Galaxy S21 FE 5G suits buyers looking for a lighter, simpler phone with enough power for everyday use. The Galaxy Z Fold3 5G appeals to those who prioritise a large foldable screen and extra memory for multitasking or media consumption.
Galaxy S21 FE 5G vs Galaxy Z Fold3 5G FAQs
Galaxy S21 FE 5G vs Z Fold3 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 Fold3 5G. The Galaxy Z Fold3 5G has more RAM: 12 GB vs 6 GB.
The Galaxy S21 FE 5G is cheaper refurbished, from £157.11 compared with £341.28 for the Galaxy Z Fold3 5G.
The Galaxy S21 FE 5G has a bigger battery: 4500 mAh vs 4400 mAh.
The Galaxy S21 FE 5G gets updates until Jan 2027. Updates for the Galaxy Z Fold3 5G ended in Sep 2026.
The Galaxy S21 FE 5G adds a bigger battery (4500 mAh vs 4400 mAh), longer software support (until Jan 2027 vs ended Sep 2026) and a lighter build (177 g vs 271 g). Refurbished, it costs £184.17 less (from £157.11 vs £341.28).
Refurbished, the Galaxy S21 FE 5G comes in 128GB and 256GB, and the Galaxy Z Fold3 5G in 256GB and 512GB.
