Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G vs Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 9

Compare Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G vs Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 9 side by side: Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 5G vs Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 2 for Galaxy, 12MP vs…

Samsung

Galaxy Z Fold 9

$1,999

16categories won

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

Information Gain

Which one wins?

MxMob Algorithmic Verdict

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 9 takes the overall win

Overall Pick

The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 9 proves superior overall against the Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G, outperforming on gaming and photography. In camera testing, the Galaxy Z Fold 9 leads with superior optics, while battery endurance leans towards the Galaxy Z Fold 9. Choose the Galaxy Z Fold 9 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 Z Fold 9

Galaxy Z Fold 9 takes battery honors offering 5,000 mAh alongside 65W charging.

🎮 GamingGalaxy Z Fold 9

Galaxy Z Fold 9 provides greater sustained gaming output with its Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 2 for Galaxy and 24GB RAM.

📸 CameraGalaxy Z Fold 9

Galaxy Z Fold 9 takes photography with 200MP optics and 5x optical telephoto capabilities.

🏷️ ValueGalaxy S21 FE 5G

Galaxy S21 FE 5G provides a sharper value proposition, coming in at $349 vs $1999.

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 Z Fold 9: specifications compared

Display

Display comparison between the Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G, Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 9
Specification	Galaxy S21 FE 5G	Galaxy Z Fold 9
Screen size	6.4"	7.9"
Resolution	1080 x 2340	2160 x 1856Winner
Pixel density	403 ppiWinner	360 ppi
Refresh rate	120 Hz	120 Hz
Peak brightness	1200 nits	3200 nitsWinner

Performance

Performance comparison between the Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G, Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 9
Specification	Galaxy S21 FE 5G	Galaxy Z Fold 9
Chipset	Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 5G	Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 2 for Galaxy
Process node	5 nm	2 nmWinner
AnTuTu score	810,000	3,200,000Winner
Geekbench multi	3650	10800Winner
Maximum RAM	8 GB	24 GBWinner
Maximum storage	256GB	2TBWinner

Camera

Camera comparison between the Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G, Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 9
Specification	Galaxy S21 FE 5G	Galaxy Z Fold 9
Main sensor	12 MP	200 MPWinner
Rear cameras	3	3
Optical zoom	3x	5xWinner
Ultrawide	12 MP	50 MPWinner
Selfie camera	32 MPWinner	16 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 Z Fold 9
Specification	Galaxy S21 FE 5G	Galaxy Z Fold 9
Capacity	4,500 mAh	5,000 mAhWinner
Wired charging	25 W	65 WWinner
Wireless charging	15 W	25 WWinner

Design

Design comparison between the Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G, Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 9
Specification	Galaxy S21 FE 5G	Galaxy Z Fold 9
Weight	177 gWinner	215 g
Thickness	7.9 mm	4.9 mmWinner
Water resistance	IP68	IP68
Build	Aluminum frame, plastic back, Gorilla Glass Victus front	Grade 5 Titanium frame, Ceramic Glass front and back

Software and support

Software and support comparison between the Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G, Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 9
Specification	Galaxy S21 FE 5G	Galaxy Z Fold 9
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 Z Fold 9
Specification	Galaxy S21 FE 5G	Galaxy Z Fold 9
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	$1,999