Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G vs Xiaomi 16 Ultra
Compare Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G vs Xiaomi 16 Ultra side by side: Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 5G vs Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 2, 12MP vs 50MP camera…
Samsung
Galaxy S21 FE 5G
$349
3categories won
Xiaomi
16 Ultra
$1,299
17categories won
2 categories tied · 22 scored in total · add a third phone
Which one wins?
Xiaomi 16 Ultra takes the overall win
The Xiaomi 16 Ultra proves superior overall against the Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G, outperforming on gaming and photography. In camera testing, the 16 Ultra leads with superior optics, while battery endurance leans towards the 16 Ultra. Choose the 16 Ultra if you want the highest performance ceiling, or opt for the Galaxy S21 FE 5G if its lower retail price better fit your budget.
16 Ultra takes battery honors offering 6,200 mAh alongside 120W charging.
16 Ultra provides greater sustained gaming output with its Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 2 and 24GB RAM.
16 Ultra takes photography with 50MP optics and 3.2x optical telephoto capabilities.
Galaxy S21 FE 5G provides a sharper value proposition, coming in at $349 vs $1299.
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 16 Ultra: specifications compared
Display
| Specification | Galaxy S21 FE 5G | 16 Ultra |
|---|---|---|
| Screen size | 6.4" | 6.73" |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2340 | 1440 x 3200Winner |
| Pixel density | 403 ppi | 521 ppiWinner |
| Refresh rate | 120 Hz | 120 Hz |
| Peak brightness | 1200 nits | 3600 nitsWinner |
Performance
| Specification | Galaxy S21 FE 5G | 16 Ultra |
|---|---|---|
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 5G | Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 2 |
| 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
| Specification | Galaxy S21 FE 5G | 16 Ultra |
|---|---|---|
| Main sensor | 12 MP | 50 MPWinner |
| Rear cameras | 3 | 4Winner |
| Optical zoom | 3x | 3.2xWinner |
| Ultrawide | 12 MP | 50 MPWinner |
| Selfie camera | 32 MP | 32 MP |
| Max video | 4K at 60fps | 8K at 30fps / 4K at 120fps |
Battery and charging
| Specification | Galaxy S21 FE 5G | 16 Ultra |
|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 4,500 mAh | 6,200 mAhWinner |
| Wired charging | 25 W | 120 WWinner |
| Wireless charging | 15 W | 80 WWinner |
Design
| Specification | Galaxy S21 FE 5G | 16 Ultra |
|---|---|---|
| Weight | 177 gWinner | 226 g |
| Thickness | 7.9 mmWinner | 9.2 mm |
| 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
| Specification | Galaxy S21 FE 5G | 16 Ultra |
|---|---|---|
| Operating system | Android 12 | Android 17 |
| OS updates | 4 years | 7 yearsWinner |
| Security updates | 5 years | 7 yearsWinner |
Connectivity and value
| Specification | Galaxy S21 FE 5G | 16 Ultra |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | $1,299 |
Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G
Built for value enthusiasts, the Galaxy S21 FE combines the flagship Snapdragon 888 chip, a 6.4-inch 120Hz Dynamic AMOLED display, and a dedicated 3x optical telephoto camera in a svelte 177g body.
- Display
- 6.4"
- Chipset
- Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 5G
- Main camera
- 12MP
- Battery
- 4,500mAh
Xiaomi 16 Ultra
Equipped with a second-gen 1-inch LOFIC sensor with 15EV dynamic range, stepless physical f/1.6–f/4.0 aperture, a mammoth 200MP 1/1.4" periscope telephoto, 120W wired and 80W wireless charging, and 6,200 mAh capacity, the 16 Ultra is a DSLR in your pocket.
- Display
- 6.73"
- Chipset
- Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 2
- Main camera
- 50MP
- Battery
- 6,200mAh