Samsung Galaxy S21 5G vs Samsung Galaxy S24 FE
Compare Samsung Galaxy S21 5G vs Samsung Galaxy S24 FE side by side: Exynos 2100 / Snapdragon 888 5G (5 nm) vs Samsung Exynos 2400e, 12MP vs 50MP camera…
Samsung
Galaxy S21 5G
$799
3categories won
Samsung
Galaxy S24 FE
$649
10categories won
9 categories tied · 22 scored in total · add a third phone
Which one wins?
Samsung Galaxy S24 FE takes the overall win
The Samsung Galaxy S24 FE proves superior overall against the Samsung Galaxy S21 5G, outperforming on gaming and photography. In camera testing, the Galaxy S24 FE leads with superior optics, while battery endurance leans towards the Galaxy S24 FE. Choose the Galaxy S24 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 S24 FE takes battery honors offering 4,700 mAh alongside 25W charging.
Galaxy S24 FE provides greater sustained gaming output with its Samsung Exynos 2400e and 8GB RAM.
Galaxy S24 FE takes photography with 50MP optics and 3x optical telephoto capabilities.
Galaxy S24 FE wins on budget and value at $649 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 S24 FE: specifications compared
Display
| Specification | Galaxy S21 5G | Galaxy S24 FE |
|---|---|---|
| Screen size | 6.2" | 6.7" |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2400Winner | 1080 x 2340 |
| Pixel density | 424 ppiWinner | 385 ppi |
| Refresh rate | 120 Hz | 120 Hz |
| Peak brightness | 1300 nits | 1900 nitsWinner |
Performance
| Specification | Galaxy S21 5G | Galaxy S24 FE |
|---|---|---|
| Chipset | Exynos 2100 / Snapdragon 888 5G (5 nm) | Samsung Exynos 2400e |
| Process node | 5 nm | 4 nmWinner |
| AnTuTu score | 820,000 | 1,650,000Winner |
| Geekbench multi | 3720 | 6690Winner |
| Maximum RAM | 8 GB | 8 GB |
| Maximum storage | 128GB | 512GBWinner |
Camera
| Specification | Galaxy S21 5G | Galaxy S24 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 30fps / 4K at 60fps |
Battery and charging
| Specification | Galaxy S21 5G | Galaxy S24 FE |
|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 4,000 mAh | 4,700 mAhWinner |
| Wired charging | 25 W | 25 W |
| Wireless charging | 15 W | 15 W |
Design
| Specification | Galaxy S21 5G | Galaxy S24 FE |
|---|---|---|
| Weight | 169 gWinner | 213 g |
| Thickness | 7.9 mm | 8 mm |
| Water resistance | IP68 | IP68 |
| Build | Aluminum frame, glastic back, Gorilla Glass Victus front | Armor Aluminum frame, Corning Gorilla Glass Victus+ front and back |
Software and support
| Specification | Galaxy S21 5G | Galaxy S24 FE |
|---|---|---|
| Operating system | Android 11 | Android 14 |
| OS updates | 4 years | 7 yearsWinner |
| Security updates | 5 years | 8 yearsWinner |
Connectivity and value
| Specification | Galaxy S21 5G | Galaxy S24 FE |
|---|---|---|
| 5G | Yes | Yes |
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) | Wi-Fi 6E (802.11ax) |
| Storage expansion | None | None |
| 3.5mm jack | No | No |
| Launch price | $799 | $649Winner |
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 S24 FE
The Galaxy S24 FE expands display size to 6.7 inches, adopts a 1.1x larger cooling chamber with 4nm Exynos 2400e silicon, delivers ProVisual computational camera processing, and matches the flagship line’s 7-year software guarantee.
- Display
- 6.7"
- Chipset
- Samsung Exynos 2400e
- Main camera
- 50MP
- Battery
- 4,700mAh