Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G vs Samsung Galaxy S26 FE

Compare Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G vs Samsung Galaxy S26 FE side by side: Exynos 2100 / Snapdragon 888 5G (5 nm) vs Exynos 2500, 108MP vs 50MP camera…

Samsung

Galaxy S26 FE

$699

11categories won

4 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 Ultra 5G, outperforming on battery endurance and daily usability. In camera testing, the Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G leads with sharper imaging, 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 Ultra 5G if its specific hardware strengths 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 S21 Ultra 5G

Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G wins photography with 108MP main imaging and 10x dedicated optical zoom.

🏷️ ValueGalaxy S26 FE

Galaxy S26 FE wins on budget and value at $699 compared to $1199.

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 Ultra 5G vs Galaxy S26 FE: specifications compared

Display

Display comparison between the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G, Samsung Galaxy S26 FE
Specification	Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G	Galaxy S26 FE
Screen size	6.8"	6.7"
Resolution	1440 x 3200Winner	1080 x 2340
Pixel density	516 ppiWinner	385 ppi
Refresh rate	120 Hz	120 Hz
Peak brightness	1500 nits	1900 nitsWinner

Performance

Performance comparison between the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G, Samsung Galaxy S26 FE
Specification	Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G	Galaxy S26 FE
Chipset	Exynos 2100 / Snapdragon 888 5G (5 nm)	Exynos 2500
Process node	5 nm	3 nmWinner
AnTuTu score	870,000	2,400,000Winner
Geekbench multi	3800	8900Winner
Maximum RAM	12 GBWinner	8 GB
Maximum storage	128GB	512GBWinner

Camera

Camera comparison between the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G, Samsung Galaxy S26 FE
Specification	Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G	Galaxy S26 FE
Main sensor	108 MPWinner	50 MP
Rear cameras	4Winner	3
Optical zoom	10xWinner	3x
Ultrawide	12 MP	12 MP
Selfie camera	40 MPWinner	12 MP
Max video	8K at 24fps / 4K at 60fps all cameras	8K at 30fps / 4K at 120fps

Battery and charging

Battery and charging comparison between the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G, Samsung Galaxy S26 FE
Specification	Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G	Galaxy S26 FE
Capacity	5,000 mAh	4,900 mAh
Wired charging	25 W	45 WWinner
Wireless charging	15 W	15 W

Design

Design comparison between the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G, Samsung Galaxy S26 FE
Specification	Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G	Galaxy S26 FE
Weight	227 g	193 gWinner
Thickness	8.9 mm	7.4 mmWinner
Water resistance	IP68	IP68
Build	Aluminum frame, Gorilla Glass Victus front and back	Glass front (Gorilla Glass Victus+), glass back (Gorilla Glass Victus+), aluminum frame

Software and support

Software and support comparison between the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G, Samsung Galaxy S26 FE
Specification	Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G	Galaxy S26 FE
Operating system	Android 11	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 Ultra 5G, Samsung Galaxy S26 FE
Specification	Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G	Galaxy S26 FE
5G	Yes	Yes
Wi-Fi	Wi-Fi 6E (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	$1,199	$699Winner