Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G vs Samsung Galaxy S26 FE

Compare Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G vs Samsung Galaxy S26 FE side by side: Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 5G vs Exynos 2500, 12MP vs 50MP camera, 4500mAh vs 4900mAh…

Samsung

Galaxy S26 FE

$699

11categories won

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

Information Gain

Which one wins?

MxMob Algorithmic Verdict

Samsung Galaxy S26 FE takes the overall win

Overall Pick

The Samsung Galaxy S26 FE proves superior overall against the Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G, outperforming on gaming and photography. In camera testing, the Galaxy S26 FE leads with superior optics, while battery endurance leans towards the Galaxy S26 FE. Choose the Galaxy S26 FE 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 S26 FE

Galaxy S26 FE takes battery honors offering 4,900 mAh alongside 45W charging.

🎮 GamingGalaxy S26 FE

Galaxy S26 FE provides greater sustained gaming output with its Exynos 2500 and 8GB RAM.

📸 CameraGalaxy S26 FE

Galaxy S26 FE 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 $699.

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 S26 FE: specifications compared

Display

Display comparison between the Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G, Samsung Galaxy S26 FE
Specification	Galaxy S21 FE 5G	Galaxy S26 FE
Screen size	6.4"	6.7"
Resolution	1080 x 2340	1080 x 2340
Pixel density	403 ppiWinner	385 ppi
Refresh rate	120 Hz	120 Hz
Peak brightness	1200 nits	1900 nitsWinner

Performance

Performance comparison between the Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G, Samsung Galaxy S26 FE
Specification	Galaxy S21 FE 5G	Galaxy S26 FE
Chipset	Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 5G	Exynos 2500
Process node	5 nm	3 nmWinner
AnTuTu score	810,000	2,400,000Winner
Geekbench multi	3650	8900Winner
Maximum RAM	8 GB	8 GB
Maximum storage	256GB	512GBWinner

Camera

Camera comparison between the Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G, Samsung Galaxy S26 FE
Specification	Galaxy S21 FE 5G	Galaxy S26 FE
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 / 4K at 120fps

Battery and charging

Battery and charging comparison between the Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G, Samsung Galaxy S26 FE
Specification	Galaxy S21 FE 5G	Galaxy S26 FE
Capacity	4,500 mAh	4,900 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 S26 FE
Specification	Galaxy S21 FE 5G	Galaxy S26 FE
Weight	177 gWinner	193 g
Thickness	7.9 mm	7.4 mmWinner
Water resistance	IP68	IP68
Build	Aluminum frame, plastic back, Gorilla Glass Victus front	Glass front (Gorilla Glass Victus+), glass back (Gorilla Glass Victus+), aluminum frame

Software and support

Software and support comparison between the Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G, Samsung Galaxy S26 FE
Specification	Galaxy S21 FE 5G	Galaxy S26 FE
Operating system	Android 12	Android 17
OS updates	4 years	7 yearsWinner
Security updates	5 years	7 yearsWinner

Connectivity and value

Connectivity and value comparison between the Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G, Samsung Galaxy S26 FE
Specification	Galaxy S21 FE 5G	Galaxy S26 FE
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	$699