Samsung Galaxy S21 5G vs Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 9

Compare Samsung Galaxy S21 5G vs Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 9 side by side: Exynos 2100 / Snapdragon 888 5G (5 nm) vs Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 2 for Galaxy…

Samsung

Galaxy Z Fold 9

$1,999

17categories won

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

Information Gain

Which one wins?

MxMob Algorithmic Verdict

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 9 takes the overall win

Overall Pick

The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 9 proves superior overall against the Samsung Galaxy S21 5G, outperforming on gaming and photography. In camera testing, the Galaxy Z Fold 9 leads with superior optics, while battery endurance leans towards the Galaxy Z Fold 9. Choose the Galaxy Z Fold 9 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 9

Galaxy Z Fold 9 takes battery honors offering 5,000 mAh alongside 65W charging.

🎮 GamingGalaxy Z Fold 9

Galaxy Z Fold 9 provides greater sustained gaming output with its Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 2 for Galaxy and 24GB RAM.

📸 CameraGalaxy Z Fold 9

Galaxy Z Fold 9 takes photography with 200MP optics and 5x optical telephoto capabilities.

🏷️ ValueGalaxy S21 5G

Galaxy S21 5G provides a sharper value proposition, coming in at $799 vs $1999.

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 9: specifications compared

Display

Display comparison between the Samsung Galaxy S21 5G, Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 9
Specification	Galaxy S21 5G	Galaxy Z Fold 9
Screen size	6.2"	7.9"
Resolution	1080 x 2400	2160 x 1856Winner
Pixel density	424 ppiWinner	360 ppi
Refresh rate	120 Hz	120 Hz
Peak brightness	1300 nits	3200 nitsWinner

Performance

Performance comparison between the Samsung Galaxy S21 5G, Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 9
Specification	Galaxy S21 5G	Galaxy Z Fold 9
Chipset	Exynos 2100 / Snapdragon 888 5G (5 nm)	Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 2 for Galaxy
Process node	5 nm	2 nmWinner
AnTuTu score	820,000	3,200,000Winner
Geekbench multi	3720	10800Winner
Maximum RAM	8 GB	24 GBWinner
Maximum storage	128GB	2TBWinner

Camera

Camera comparison between the Samsung Galaxy S21 5G, Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 9
Specification	Galaxy S21 5G	Galaxy Z Fold 9
Main sensor	12 MP	200 MPWinner
Rear cameras	3	3
Optical zoom	3x	5xWinner
Ultrawide	12 MP	50 MPWinner
Selfie camera	10 MP	16 MPWinner
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 9
Specification	Galaxy S21 5G	Galaxy Z Fold 9
Capacity	4,000 mAh	5,000 mAhWinner
Wired charging	25 W	65 WWinner
Wireless charging	15 W	25 WWinner

Design

Design comparison between the Samsung Galaxy S21 5G, Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 9
Specification	Galaxy S21 5G	Galaxy Z Fold 9
Weight	169 gWinner	215 g
Thickness	7.9 mm	4.9 mmWinner
Water resistance	IP68	IP68
Build	Aluminum frame, glastic back, Gorilla Glass Victus front	Grade 5 Titanium frame, Ceramic Glass front and back

Software and support

Software and support comparison between the Samsung Galaxy S21 5G, Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 9
Specification	Galaxy S21 5G	Galaxy Z Fold 9
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 5G, Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 9
Specification	Galaxy S21 5G	Galaxy Z Fold 9
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	$1,999