Samsung Galaxy S21 5G vs Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5

Compare Samsung Galaxy S21 5G vs Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5 side by side: Exynos 2100 / Snapdragon 888 5G (5 nm) vs Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 for Galaxy, 12MP…

Samsung

Galaxy Z Fold 5

$1,799

10categories won

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

Information Gain

Which one wins?

MxMob Algorithmic Verdict

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5 takes the overall win

Overall Pick

The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5 proves superior overall against the Samsung Galaxy S21 5G, outperforming on gaming and photography. In camera testing, the Galaxy Z Fold 5 leads with superior optics, while battery endurance leans towards the Galaxy Z Fold 5. Choose the Galaxy Z Fold 5 if you want the highest performance ceiling, or opt for the Galaxy S21 5G if its lower retail price better fit your budget.

🔋 BatteryGalaxy Z Fold 5

Galaxy Z Fold 5 takes battery honors offering 4,400 mAh alongside 25W charging.

🎮 GamingGalaxy Z Fold 5

Galaxy Z Fold 5 provides greater sustained gaming output with its Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 for Galaxy and 12GB RAM.

📸 CameraGalaxy Z Fold 5

Galaxy Z Fold 5 takes photography with 50MP optics and 3x optical telephoto capabilities.

🏷️ ValueGalaxy S21 5G

Galaxy S21 5G provides a sharper value proposition, coming in at $799 vs $1799.

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 Z Fold 5: specifications compared

Display

Display comparison between the Samsung Galaxy S21 5G, Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5
Specification	Galaxy S21 5G	Galaxy Z Fold 5
Screen size	6.2"	7.6"
Resolution	1080 x 2400	1812 x 2176Winner
Pixel density	424 ppiWinner	373 ppi
Refresh rate	120 Hz	120 Hz
Peak brightness	1300 nits	1750 nitsWinner

Performance

Performance comparison between the Samsung Galaxy S21 5G, Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5
Specification	Galaxy S21 5G	Galaxy Z Fold 5
Chipset	Exynos 2100 / Snapdragon 888 5G (5 nm)	Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 for Galaxy
Process node	5 nm	4 nmWinner
AnTuTu score	820,000	1,530,000Winner
Geekbench multi	3720	5380Winner
Maximum RAM	8 GB	12 GBWinner
Maximum storage	128GB	1TBWinner

Camera

Camera comparison between the Samsung Galaxy S21 5G, Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5
Specification	Galaxy S21 5G	Galaxy Z Fold 5
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

Battery and charging comparison between the Samsung Galaxy S21 5G, Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5
Specification	Galaxy S21 5G	Galaxy Z Fold 5
Capacity	4,000 mAh	4,400 mAhWinner
Wired charging	25 W	25 W
Wireless charging	15 W	15 W

Design

Design comparison between the Samsung Galaxy S21 5G, Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5
Specification	Galaxy S21 5G	Galaxy Z Fold 5
Weight	169 gWinner	253 g
Thickness	7.9 mm	6.1 mmWinner
Water resistance	IP68	IPX8
Build	Aluminum frame, glastic back, Gorilla Glass Victus front	Armor Aluminum frame, Gorilla Glass Victus 2 cover and back, Ultra Thin Glass inner

Software and support

Software and support comparison between the Samsung Galaxy S21 5G, Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5
Specification	Galaxy S21 5G	Galaxy Z Fold 5
Operating system	Android 11	Android 13
OS updates	4 years	4 years
Security updates	5 years	5 years

Connectivity and value

Connectivity and value comparison between the Samsung Galaxy S21 5G, Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5
Specification	Galaxy S21 5G	Galaxy Z Fold 5
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	$799Winner	$1,799