Samsung Galaxy S21 5G vs Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8

Compare Samsung Galaxy S21 5G vs Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 side by side: Exynos 2100 / Snapdragon 888 5G (5 nm) vs Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 Mobile…

Samsung

Galaxy Z Fold 8

$1,900

15categories won

2 categories tied · 21 scored in total · add a third phone

Information Gain

Which one wins?

MxMob Algorithmic Verdict

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 takes the overall win

Overall Pick

The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 proves superior overall against the Samsung Galaxy S21 5G, outperforming on battery endurance and daily usability. In camera testing, the two devices offer similar flexibility, while battery endurance leans towards the Galaxy Z Fold 8. Choose the Galaxy Z Fold 8 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 8

Galaxy Z Fold 8 takes battery honors offering 4,800 mAh alongside 45W charging.

🎮 GamingGalaxy Z Fold 8

Galaxy Z Fold 8 provides greater sustained gaming output with its Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 Mobile Platform for Galaxy and 16GB RAM.

📸 CameraTie

Both camera setups are closely matched for daily street photography and low-light shooting.

🏷️ ValueGalaxy S21 5G

Galaxy S21 5G provides a sharper value proposition, coming in at $799 vs $1900.

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 8: specifications compared

Display

Display comparison between the Samsung Galaxy S21 5G, Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8
Specification	Galaxy S21 5G	Galaxy Z Fold 8
Screen size	6.2"	7.6"
Resolution	1080 x 2400	1848 x 2448Winner
Pixel density	424 ppiWinner	404 ppi
Refresh rate	120 Hz	120 Hz
Peak brightness	1300 nits	2400 nitsWinner

Performance

Performance comparison between the Samsung Galaxy S21 5G, Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8
Specification	Galaxy S21 5G	Galaxy Z Fold 8
Chipset	Exynos 2100 / Snapdragon 888 5G (5 nm)	Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 Mobile Platform for Galaxy
Process node	5 nm	3 nmWinner
AnTuTu score	820,000	2,400,000Winner
Geekbench multi	3720	8900Winner
Maximum RAM	8 GB	16 GBWinner
Maximum storage	128GB	1TBWinner

Camera

Camera comparison between the Samsung Galaxy S21 5G, Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8
Specification	Galaxy S21 5G	Galaxy Z Fold 8
Main sensor	12 MP	50 MPWinner
Rear cameras	3Winner	2
Optical zoom	3x	—
Ultrawide	12 MP	50 MPWinner
Selfie camera	10 MP	10 MP
Max video	8K at 24fps / 4K at 60fps	8K at 30fps / 4K at 120fps

Battery and charging

Battery and charging comparison between the Samsung Galaxy S21 5G, Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8
Specification	Galaxy S21 5G	Galaxy Z Fold 8
Capacity	4,000 mAh	4,800 mAhWinner
Wired charging	25 W	45 WWinner
Wireless charging	15 W	20 WWinner

Design

Design comparison between the Samsung Galaxy S21 5G, Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8
Specification	Galaxy S21 5G	Galaxy Z Fold 8
Weight	169 gWinner	201 g
Thickness	7.9 mm	4.5 mmWinner
Water resistance	IP68	IP48
Build	Aluminum frame, glastic back, Gorilla Glass Victus front	Armor Aluminum frame, glass back

Software and support

Software and support comparison between the Samsung Galaxy S21 5G, Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8
Specification	Galaxy S21 5G	Galaxy Z Fold 8
Operating system	Android 11	Android 17
OS updates	4 years	6 yearsWinner
Security updates	5 years	6 yearsWinner

Connectivity and value

Connectivity and value comparison between the Samsung Galaxy S21 5G, Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8
Specification	Galaxy S21 5G	Galaxy Z Fold 8
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	$799Winner	$1,900