Samsung Galaxy S21 5G vs Samsung Galaxy S23 FE
Compare Samsung Galaxy S21 5G vs Samsung Galaxy S23 FE side by side: Exynos 2100 / Snapdragon 888 5G (5 nm) vs Exynos 2200 (4 nm) / Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 (4 nm)…
Samsung
Galaxy S21 5G
$799
4categories won
Samsung
Galaxy S23 FE
$599
8categories won
10 categories tied · 22 scored in total · add a third phone
Which one wins?
Samsung Galaxy S23 FE takes the overall win
The Samsung Galaxy S23 FE proves superior overall against the Samsung Galaxy S21 5G, outperforming on gaming and photography. In camera testing, the Galaxy S23 FE leads with superior optics, while battery endurance leans towards the Galaxy S23 FE. Choose the Galaxy S23 FE if you want the highest performance ceiling, or opt for the Galaxy S21 5G if its specific hardware strengths better fit your budget.
Galaxy S23 FE takes battery honors offering 4,500 mAh alongside 25W charging.
Galaxy S23 FE provides greater sustained gaming output with its Exynos 2200 (4 nm) / Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 (4 nm) and 8GB RAM.
Galaxy S23 FE takes photography with 50MP optics and 3x optical telephoto capabilities.
Galaxy S23 FE wins on budget and value at $599 compared to $799.
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 5G vs Galaxy S23 FE: specifications compared
Display
| Specification | Galaxy S21 5G | Galaxy S23 FE |
|---|---|---|
| Screen size | 6.2" | 6.4" |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2400Winner | 1080 x 2340 |
| Pixel density | 424 ppiWinner | 403 ppi |
| Refresh rate | 120 Hz | 120 Hz |
| Peak brightness | 1300 nits | 1450 nitsWinner |
Performance
| Specification | Galaxy S21 5G | Galaxy S23 FE |
|---|---|---|
| Chipset | Exynos 2100 / Snapdragon 888 5G (5 nm) | Exynos 2200 (4 nm) / Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 (4 nm) |
| Process node | 5 nm | 4 nmWinner |
| AnTuTu score | 820,000 | 3,200,000Winner |
| Geekbench multi | 3720 | 10800Winner |
| Maximum RAM | 8 GB | 8 GB |
| Maximum storage | 128GB | 256GBWinner |
Camera
| Specification | Galaxy S21 5G | Galaxy S23 FE |
|---|---|---|
| Main sensor | 12 MP | 50 MPWinner |
| Rear cameras | 3 | 3 |
| Optical zoom | 3x | 3x |
| Ultrawide | 12 MP | 12 MP |
| Selfie camera | 10 MP | 10 MP |
| Max video | 8K at 24fps / 4K at 60fps | 8K at 24fps |
Battery and charging
| Specification | Galaxy S21 5G | Galaxy S23 FE |
|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 4,000 mAh | 4,500 mAhWinner |
| Wired charging | 25 W | 25 W |
| Wireless charging | 15 W | 15 W |
Design
| Specification | Galaxy S21 5G | Galaxy S23 FE |
|---|---|---|
| Weight | 169 gWinner | 209 g |
| Thickness | 7.9 mm | 8.2 mm |
| Water resistance | IP68 | IP68 |
| Build | Aluminum frame, glastic back, Gorilla Glass Victus front | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 front and back, aluminum frame |
Software and support
| Specification | Galaxy S21 5G | Galaxy S23 FE |
|---|---|---|
| Operating system | Android 11 | Android 13, upgradable to Android 15 (One UI 7) |
| OS updates | 4 years | 4 years |
| Security updates | 5 yearsWinner | 4 years |
Connectivity and value
| Specification | Galaxy S21 5G | Galaxy S23 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 | $799 | $599Winner |
Samsung Galaxy S21 5G
Highlighting Samsung's two-tone Contour-Cut camera housing and iconic Phantom Violet finish, the Galaxy S21 delivers 8K video capture, flat 120Hz AMOLED smoothness, and a featherlight 169g frame.
- Display
- 6.2"
- Chipset
- Exynos 2100 / Snapdragon 888 5G (5 nm)
- Main camera
- 12MP
- Battery
- 4,000mAh
Samsung Galaxy S23 FE
The Samsung Galaxy S23 FE brings flagship camera performance, an aluminum frame, IP68 water resistance, wireless charging, and Galaxy AI productivity tools down to an accessible sub-flagship price.
- Display
- 6.4"
- Chipset
- Exynos 2200 (4 nm) / Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 (4 nm)
- Main camera
- 50MP
- Battery
- 4,500mAh