Galaxy S21 FE 5G vs Sony Xperia 5 IV
Shop Samsung Galaxy
Galaxy S21 FE 5G
Starting at
£157.11£699.00 new
Sony Xperia 5 IV
Starting at
£419.00What's the difference between the Galaxy S21 FE 5G and Sony Xperia 5 IV?
Galaxy S21 FE 5G vs Sony Xperia 5 IV comes down to the chipset, RAM and battery. Refurbished, the Galaxy S21 FE 5G starts at £157.11, £261.89 less than the Sony Xperia 5 IV.
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 SM8450 Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 (4 nm) on the Sony Xperia 5 IV.
- The Sony Xperia 5 IV has more RAM: 8 GB vs 6 GB.
- The Sony Xperia 5 IV has a bigger battery: 5000 mAh vs 4500 mAh.
Galaxy S21 FE 5G vs Sony Xperia 5 IV specs
The Galaxy S21 FE 5G and Sony Xperia 5 IV both offer solid features from 2022, yet they suit different users. The Galaxy S21 FE 5G has a larger screen and higher resolution front camera, making it good for video and detailed selfies. The Xperia 5 IV has a larger battery, more RAM, and a higher-end Snapdragon chipset, which benefits heavier multitasking and longer battery life. It comes with a microSDXC slot and a headphone jack, appealing to those who need expandable storage and wired audio. Each phone fits a different kind of user depending on priorities like screen size, camera detail, performance, and connectivity options.
Galaxy S21 FE 5G vs Sony Xperia 5 IV price
Colour
- GreyStarting at £157.11
- GreenStarting at £172.04
- PurpleStarting at £188.49
- Dark BlueStarting at £195.84
- WhiteStarting at £189.75
- GreenSold out
- WhiteSold out
- BlackSold out
Storage
- 128GBSold out
Galaxy S21 FE 5G vs Sony Xperia 5 IV battery life and software updates
Durability covers battery size, software updates, and physical design. These aspects affect how long each device can run on a charge and how long it stays current.
Battery Capacity
The Sony Xperia 5 IV has a 5000 mAh battery, offering a larger capacity for longer use between charges. The Galaxy S21 FE 5G has a 4500 mAh battery, which still supports a full day of typical use but is smaller than the Xperia's. If battery life is a priority, the Xperia 5 IV is suited for extended use away from chargers.
Battery
Fast charging
Foldable
Ip rating
Software updates
Wireless charging
Year of release
Galaxy S21 FE 5G vs Sony Xperia 5 IV performance
Performance depends on chipset speed, RAM, and storage options. These determine how smoothly apps run and how many tasks can be handled at once.
Processor Power
The Sony Xperia 5 IV uses the Qualcomm SM8450 Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 chipset built on a 4 nm process. This is a newer generation chipset compared to the Galaxy S21 FE 5G's Qualcomm SM8350 Snapdragon 888 5G or Exynos 2100 with a 5 nm process. The Xperia 5 IV suits users needing strong performance for demanding apps.
Memory
The Xperia 5 IV comes with 8 GB RAM, which helps keep more apps active in the background and supports smoother multitasking. The Galaxy S21 FE 5G has 6 GB RAM, which is still good for everyday use but offers less memory for heavier multitasking.
Storage Options
The Galaxy S21 FE 5G is available with 128GB or 256GB storage, giving you more space for apps and media. The Sony Xperia 5 IV is stocked with 128GB. If you need extra storage, the Galaxy S21 FE 5G offers a higher capacity option.
Chipset
RAM
Galaxy S21 FE 5G vs Sony Xperia 5 IV screen
Screen quality affects your viewing experience for videos, photos, and general use. Size, resolution, and panel type all contribute.
Screen Size and Resolution
The Galaxy S21 FE 5G has a 6.4 inch screen with 1080 x 2340 resolution, providing a larger viewing area that suits watching videos and browsing. The Sony Xperia 5 IV has a slightly smaller 6.1 inch screen but a taller resolution of 1080 x 2520, which offers a bit more vertical space for reading and apps.
Screen Technology
The Galaxy S21 FE 5G uses a Dynamic AMOLED 2X screen, which is known for vibrant colours and brightness. The Xperia 5 IV features an OLED screen, which delivers good contrast and deep blacks. Both support a 120 Hz refresh rate, making animations and scrolling smooth.
Refresh rate
Resolution
Screen size
Screen type
Galaxy S21 FE 5G vs Sony Xperia 5 IV camera
Audio and camera features influence how well you capture photos and enjoy media or calls. Front and main camera resolution and port options matter here.
Front Camera Detail
The Galaxy S21 FE 5G has a 32 megapixel front camera, which captures more detail in selfies and video calls. The Sony Xperia 5 IV has a 12 megapixel front camera, suitable for standard selfie and video use but with less resolution.
Main Camera
Both phones have a 12 megapixel main camera, delivering similar photo resolution. This means they both suit everyday photography without a difference in pixel count.
Camera type
Front camera
Main camera
Galaxy S21 FE 5G vs Sony Xperia 5 IV size and design
Other features relate to connectivity, size, and convenience. These can affect how you use the phone day to day.
Connectivity and SIM Options
The Galaxy S21 FE 5G supports dual physical SIM cards, which is ideal if you want two separate SIMs without eSIM technology. The Sony Xperia 5 IV offers a physical SIM plus an eSIM, giving flexibility for virtual SIM use alongside a physical one.
Expandable Storage and Headphone Jack
The Xperia 5 IV includes a microSDXC slot for adding storage with a memory card and a 3.5mm headphone jack for wired audio. The Galaxy S21 FE 5G does not have these features, so the Xperia suits users needing extra storage or wanting to use wired headphones.
Physical Dimensions and Weight
The Xperia 5 IV is slightly smaller with a height of 156 mm, width of 67 mm, and thickness of 8.2 mm, weighing 172 g. The Galaxy S21 FE 5G measures 155.7 mm tall, 74.5 mm wide, and 7.9 mm thick, weighing 177 g. The Xperia 5 IV is more compact and a bit lighter.
Carrier compatibility
Connector
Depth
Height
Mobile network
Release date
SD card slot
SIM card
Weight
Width
Galaxy S21 FE 5G or Sony Xperia 5 IV: which should you buy?
Buy the Galaxy S21 FE 5G if
- you want to spend less: it starts at £157.11, £261.89 less than the Sony Xperia 5 IV
- you want a higher-resolution front camera (32 megapixels vs 12 megapixels)
Buy the Sony Xperia 5 IV if
- you want more RAM (8 GB vs 6 GB)
- you want a bigger battery (5000 mAh vs 4500 mAh)
- you want a lighter build (172 g vs 177 g)
What our customers say
Customers appreciate the Galaxy S21 FE 5G for its condition and ease of use. Many say it looks almost new and works well, with some impressed by the screen and battery life. Users buying it for family members, including children, found it a reliable choice. Some have raised issues with charging ports or network connections, but others report smooth performance and good value. The front camera and screen size are often highlighted positively.
The Sony Xperia 5 IV appeals to those who value compact design and long battery life. Customers praise its speed and screen quality, noting it runs fast and lasts well. A few mention language and software quirks related to imported models, but most find it easy to set up and enjoy its headphone jack and microSD card slot. Some users report overheating or fingerprint scanner issues, while others are very satisfied with the phone's performance and camera.
Overall, the Galaxy S21 FE 5G suits users wanting a larger screen and detailed front camera for everyday use. The Xperia 5 IV fits those who prefer a compact device with strong performance, longer battery life, and expandable storage.
Galaxy S21 FE 5G vs Sony Xperia 5 IV FAQs
Galaxy S21 FE 5G vs Sony Xperia 5 IV 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 SM8450 Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 (4 nm) on the Sony Xperia 5 IV. The Sony Xperia 5 IV has more RAM: 8 GB vs 6 GB.
The Galaxy S21 FE 5G is cheaper refurbished, from £157.11 compared with £419 for the Sony Xperia 5 IV.
The Sony Xperia 5 IV has a bigger battery: 5000 mAh vs 4500 mAh.
Both have the same main camera: 12 megapixels.
The Galaxy S21 FE 5G gets updates until Jan 2027. We don't have published update dates for the Sony Xperia 5 IV.
Refurbished, the Galaxy S21 FE 5G comes in 128GB and 256GB, and the Sony Xperia 5 IV in 128GB.
