Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G vs Samsung Galaxy S23 Plus

Compare Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G vs Samsung Galaxy S23 Plus side by side: Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 5G vs Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 for Galaxy (4 nm), 12MP vs…

Samsung

Galaxy S23 Plus

$999

9categories won

8 categories tied · 22 scored in total · add a third phone

Information Gain

Which one wins?

MxMob Algorithmic Verdict

Samsung Galaxy S23 Plus takes the overall win

Overall Pick

The Samsung Galaxy S23 Plus proves superior overall against the Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G, outperforming on gaming and photography. In camera testing, the Galaxy S23 Plus leads with superior optics, while battery endurance leans towards the Galaxy S23 Plus. Choose the Galaxy S23 Plus if you want the highest performance ceiling, or opt for the Galaxy S21 FE 5G if its lower retail price better fit your budget.

🔋 BatteryGalaxy S23 Plus

Galaxy S23 Plus takes battery honors offering 4,700 mAh alongside 45W charging.

🎮 GamingGalaxy S23 Plus

Galaxy S23 Plus provides greater sustained gaming output with its Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 for Galaxy (4 nm) and 8GB RAM.

📸 CameraGalaxy S23 Plus

Galaxy S23 Plus takes photography with 50MP optics and 3x optical telephoto capabilities.

🏷️ ValueGalaxy S21 FE 5G

Galaxy S21 FE 5G provides a sharper value proposition, coming in at $349 vs $999.

Category verdicts are computed algorithmically from verified technical specifications and hardware benchmarks. Rows where neither figure is objectively better — screen size preference, operating system choice, aesthetic build materials — are displayed for direct reference without scoring bias.

Galaxy S21 FE 5G vs Galaxy S23 Plus: specifications compared

Display

Display comparison between the Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G, Samsung Galaxy S23 Plus
Specification	Galaxy S21 FE 5G	Galaxy S23 Plus
Screen size	6.4"	6.6"
Resolution	1080 x 2340	1080 x 2340
Pixel density	403 ppiWinner	390 ppi
Refresh rate	120 Hz	120 Hz
Peak brightness	1200 nits	1750 nitsWinner

Performance

Performance comparison between the Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G, Samsung Galaxy S23 Plus
Specification	Galaxy S21 FE 5G	Galaxy S23 Plus
Chipset	Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 5G	Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 for Galaxy (4 nm)
Process node	5 nm	4 nmWinner
AnTuTu score	810,000	3,200,000Winner
Geekbench multi	3650	10800Winner
Maximum RAM	8 GB	8 GB
Maximum storage	256GB	512GBWinner

Camera

Camera comparison between the Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G, Samsung Galaxy S23 Plus
Specification	Galaxy S21 FE 5G	Galaxy S23 Plus
Main sensor	12 MP	50 MPWinner
Rear cameras	3	3
Optical zoom	3x	3x
Ultrawide	12 MP	12 MP
Selfie camera	32 MPWinner	12 MP
Max video	4K at 60fps	8K at 30fps

Battery and charging

Battery and charging comparison between the Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G, Samsung Galaxy S23 Plus
Specification	Galaxy S21 FE 5G	Galaxy S23 Plus
Capacity	4,500 mAh	4,700 mAhWinner
Wired charging	25 W	45 WWinner
Wireless charging	15 W	15 W

Design

Design comparison between the Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G, Samsung Galaxy S23 Plus
Specification	Galaxy S21 FE 5G	Galaxy S23 Plus
Weight	177 gWinner	196 g
Thickness	7.9 mm	7.6 mmWinner
Water resistance	IP68	IP68
Build	Aluminum frame, plastic back, Gorilla Glass Victus front	Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2 front and back, Armor Aluminum frame

Software and support

Software and support comparison between the Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G, Samsung Galaxy S23 Plus
Specification	Galaxy S21 FE 5G	Galaxy S23 Plus
Operating system	Android 12	Android 13, upgradable to Android 15 (One UI 7)
OS updates	4 years	4 years
Security updates	5 yearsWinner	4 years

Connectivity and value

Connectivity and value comparison between the Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G, Samsung Galaxy S23 Plus
Specification	Galaxy S21 FE 5G	Galaxy S23 Plus
5G	Yes	Yes
Wi-Fi	Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax)	Wi-Fi 7 (802.11be, tri-band 2.4/5/6GHz, 320MHz bandwidth)
Storage expansion	None	None
3.5mm jack	No	No
Launch price	$349Winner	$999