Samsung Galaxy S21 5G vs Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G: Comparison

Comparison of features, performance, design, battery, camera and connectivity between the following smartphones: Samsung Galaxy S21 5G vs Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G. The complete information of specifications to decide which to buy.

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Technical data sheets

Basics

Samsung Galaxy S21 5G
Samsung Galaxy S21 5G
Global · 8GB · 128GB · SM-G991B
View datasheet
vs
Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G
Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G
Global · 6GB · 128GB · SM-G990B
View datasheet
vs

Score

Ki Cost-effective
Score
8.0 Ki Cost-effective
Score
8.1 Ki Cost-effective
Score
Design and Screen score 7.1Design & Materials 6.7Design & Materials
Performance and Hardware score 7.1Performance & Hardware 7.0Performance & Hardware
Camera score 7.9Camera 7.9Camera
Connectivity score 8.3 Connectivity 8.2 Connectivity
Battery score 5.3 Battery 5.7 Battery

User reviews

User score
8.5
91 reviews
8.3
169 reviews

Technical specifications of the Samsung Galaxy S21 5G vs Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G

Specs stores to buy Samsung Galaxy S21 5G Samsung Galaxy S21 5G
Global · 8GB · 128GB · SM-G991B
where to buy Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G
Global · 6GB · 128GB · SM-G990B
Inches 6.2" 6.4"
Resolution FHD+ FHD+
Usable surface 88% useful 85% useful
Aspect Ratio 20:9 20:9
Dimensions 71.2 mm
151.7 mm
7.9 mm
74.5 mm
155.7 mm
7.9 mm
Weight 169 g 177 g
Micro Exynos 2100
Octa-Core
SnapD. 888
Octa-Core
RAM 8 GB RAM 6 GB RAM
Storage 128 GB 128 GB
AnTuTu 899.100
v11
923.836
v10
Battery 4000 mAh 4500 mAh
Main Camera 1
12 Mpx · ƒ/1.8
IMX555
2 3
1
12 Mpx · ƒ/1.8
IMX555
2 3
Selfie Camera SELF 10 Mpx · ƒ/2.2 SELF 32 Mpx · ƒ/2.2
Bands
OS Android 14 Upside-down cake Android 14 Upside-down cake

About this comparison

The smartphone market is constantly evolving, with new models being released every year. Two of the latest smartphones from Samsung, the Galaxy S21 5G and the Galaxy S21 FE 5G, are high-end devices that offer cutting-edge features and performance. In this article, we will compare the specifications of these two smartphones to help you decide which one might be the right choice for you.

Samsung Galaxy S21 5G

The Samsung Galaxy S21 5G was released in January 2021 and is a flagship device from the Korean tech giant. The design of the Galaxy S21 5G is sleek and modern, featuring a 6.2-inch AMOLED screen with a resolution of 1080x2400 (FHD+). The display has a refresh rate of 120 Hz, peak brightness of 1300 cd/m², and supports HDR10+. The phone has a usable surface of 88.3% and is protected by Corning Gorilla Glass Victus.

In terms of audio, the Galaxy S21 5G comes with stereo speakers and Dolby Atmos sound technology. It also features noise-cancellation microphones for crystal clear calls. The phone is made with a combination of aluminium and plastic materials, giving it a premium look and feel. The device also has stereo speakers tuned by AKG, providing a rich audio experience.

Under the hood, the Galaxy S21 5G is powered by the Samsung Exynos 2100 processor, which is built on a 5nm process. It comes with 8GB of RAM (LPDDR5) and is available in storage options of 128GB and 256GB (UFS Storage 3.1). The phone has an AnTuTu benchmark score of 749100 and features a fingerprint display for secure unlocking.

The camera setup on the Galaxy S21 5G includes a triple camera system with a 12.0MP standard camera, a 12.2MP wide-angle + macro camera, and a 64.0MP telephoto + portrait camera. The selfie camera is 10.0MP and the phone offers features such as optical stabilization (OIS), 4K video recording, 8K video recording, and ultra-wide-angle lens capabilities. The device also supports 3x hybrid zoom and has a telephoto lens with OIS.

In terms of connectivity, the Galaxy S21 5G offers Bluetooth 5.0, dual SIM support, NFC, WiFi 6 (802.11ax), and GPS (L1+L5). The phone is equipped with a 4000mAh battery with 25.0W fast charging, wireless charging, and reverse charging capabilities.

Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G

The Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G was released in January 2022 as a high-end variant of the popular Galaxy S21 series. The design of the Galaxy S21 FE 5G is similar to its predecessor, featuring a 6.4-inch AMOLED screen with a resolution of 1080x2400 (FHD+), a refresh rate of 120 Hz, and peak brightness of 1300 cd/m². The phone also supports HDR10+ and has a usable surface of 85.1%.

Like the Galaxy S21 5G, the Galaxy S21 FE 5G comes with stereo speakers, Dolby Atmos technology, and noise cancellation microphones. The phone is made with a combination of aluminium and plastic materials and is protected by Corning Gorilla Glass Victus. The device also features stereo speakers for an immersive audio experience.

Under the hood, the Galaxy S21 FE 5G is powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 processor, which is built on a 5nm process. It comes with 6GB or 8GB of RAM (LPDDR5) and is available in storage options of 128GB and 256GB (UFS Storage 3.1). The phone has an impressive AnTuTu benchmark score of 923836 and features a fingerprint display for secure unlocking.

The camera setup on the Galaxy S21 FE 5G includes a triple camera system with a 12.0MP standard camera, a 13.0MP wide-angle + macro camera, and an 8.0MP telephoto + portrait camera. The selfie camera is 32.0MP and the phone offers features such as optical stabilization (OIS), 4K video recording, telephoto with OIS, optical zoom 3x, and digital zoom 30x.

In terms of connectivity, the Galaxy S21 FE 5G offers Bluetooth 5.0, dual SIM support, NFC, and WiFi 6 (802.11ax). The phone is equipped with a 4500mAh battery with 25.0W fast charging, wireless charging, and reverse charging capabilities.

Conclusion

In conclusion, both the Samsung Galaxy S21 5G and the Galaxy S21 FE 5G are high-end smartphones that offer excellent features and performance. The Galaxy S21 5G has a slightly older processor but comes with more RAM and storage options, while the Galaxy S21 FE 5G has a newer processor with impressive benchmark scores.

In terms of design, both phones offer similar screens and audio capabilities, with slight differences in materials and usable surface area. The camera setups on both devices are impressive, with the Galaxy S21 5G offering higher resolution sensors and more advanced features.

Ultimately, the choice between the Samsung Galaxy S21 5G and the Galaxy S21 FE 5G will depend on your specific needs and preferences. If you value higher RAM and storage options, the Galaxy S21 5G may be the better choice for you. However, if you prefer a newer processor and higher resolution selfie camera, the Galaxy S21 FE 5G could be the ideal option. Whichever phone you choose, you can be sure that you are getting a top-of-the-line device from Samsung.

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Brand

Brand Samsung Samsung
Aliases SM-G991B SM-G990B, SM-G990BLGDEUB

Release Date

Release date January 2021,
5 years ago
January 2022,
4 years ago
State On Sale On Sale
Market Global Global

Design & Materials

Structure

Samsung Galaxy S21 5G
Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G
Samsung Galaxy S21 5G
Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G
Size
71.2 mm 151.7 mm 7.9 mm
Print 3D Model
74.5 mm 155.7 mm 7.9 mm
Print 3D Model
Weight 169 g 177 g
Usable surface 88 % 85 %
Materials Plastic, Aluminium Plastic, Aluminium
Resistance IP68 IP68
Colors
White
Pink
Gray
Violet
Black
White
Gray
Green
Violet

Screen

Diagonal 6.2" 6.4"
Type AMOLED Dynamic Amoled 2X AMOLED Dynamic Amoled 2X
Aspect Ratio 20:9 20:9
Resolution FHD+
1080 x 2400 px
FHD+
1080 x 2400 px
Density 424 Pixels per inch 411 Pixels per inch

Others

Others
  • Hole-punch Notch
  • Refresh rate 120 Hz
  • Peak brightness - 1300 cd/m²
  • Always-On Display
  • HDR10+
  • Scratch resistant
  • Corning Gorilla Glass Victus
  • Capacitive
  • Multi-touch
  • Frameless
  • Hole-punch Notch
  • Refresh rate 120 Hz
  • Peak brightness - 1300 cd/m²
  • Always-On Display
  • HDR10+
  • Scratch resistant
  • Corning Gorilla Glass Victus
  • Capacitive
  • Multi-touch
  • Frameless

User reviews

Is it a drop-resistant and scratch-resistant smartphone?
8.1
7.9
Do you think it's a nice phone?
9.2
8.9
Is it comfortable?
9.4
8.9
Can you see it well in the sunlight?
8.8
8.4
Number of reviews
91 reviews
169 reviews

Performance & Hardware

Processor

Model Samsung Exynos 2100 Qualcomm Snapdragon 888
CPU 1x Cortex-X1 2,91 GHz + 3x Cortex-A78 2,81 GHz + 4x Cortex-A55 2,21 GHz. 1x Cortex X1 2.84GHz + 3x Cortex A78 2.42GHz + 4x Cortex A55 1.8GHz
Type Octa-Core Octa-Core
Manufacturing 5 nm 5 nm
64 Bits Yes Yes

Graphics

GPU ARM Mali-G78 MP14 Adreno 660

RAM

RAM 8 GB 6 GB
Type RAM LPDDR5 RAM LPDDR5

Antutu

Score
899.100
Antutu v11
Overall performance better than 83% of devices
923.836
Antutu v10
Overall performance better than 83% of devices

Storage

Capacity 128 GB 128 GB
Type UFS Storage 3.1 UFS Storage 3.1
SD Slot No No

Security

Fingerprint Yes, in screen Yes, in screen

Sensors

Sensors
  • Fingerprint
  • Proximity
  • Light sensor
  • Accelerometer
  • Compass
  • Gyroscope
  • Barometer
  • Hall
  • Geomagnetic
  • Fingerprint
  • Proximity
  • Light sensor
  • Accelerometer
  • Compass
  • Gyroscope
  • Barometer
  • Hall
  • Geomagnetic

Audio

Audio
  • Dolby Atmos
  • Noise cancellation microphone
  • Stereo Speakers
  • Dolby Atmos
  • Noise cancellation microphone
  • Stereo Speakers

Others

Notifications LED -- --
Cooling system No No
Gaming buttons No No

User reviews

Does it have good sound?
8.8
8.9
Does it work smoothly in everyday use?
8.8
8.4
What's your experience been with demanding games?
8.1
7.8
Number of reviews
91 reviews
169 reviews

Camera

Main

No. of cameras Triple rear camera Triple rear camera
1
Camera type

Standard

Standard
Resolution 12 Mpx 12 Mpx
Aperture ƒ/ 1.8 ƒ/ 1.8
Optical zoom -- --
View angle -- --
Sensor Sony IMX555 Sony IMX555
Type CMOS CMOS
ISO -- --
Pixel size 1.80 µm 1.80 µm
Pixel Binning -- --
Sensor size 1/1.76" 1/1.76"
2
Camera type

Wide Angle + Macro

Wide Angle + Macro
Resolution
12.2 Mpx
13 Mpx
Aperture
ƒ/ 2.2
ƒ/ 2.2
Optical zoom
--
--
View angle
--
--
Sensor
Sony IMX563
Sony IMX258
Type
CMOS
CMOS
Pixel size
1.40 µm
1.12 µm
Pixel Binning
--
--
Sensor size
1/2.55"
1/3.06"
3
Camera type

Telephoto + portrait

Telephoto + portrait
Resolution
64 Mpx
8 Mpx
Aperture
ƒ/ 2.0
ƒ/ 2.0
Optical zoom
--
--
View angle
--
--
Sensor
Samsung Bright S5KGW2
Hynix HI-847
Type
ISOCELL
CMOS
Pixel size
0.80 µm
1.00 µm
Pixel Binning
--
--
Sensor size
1/1.72"
1/4.40"

Features

Flash LED LED
Optical Stabilisation Yes Yes
Slow Motion Video Yes,
960 fps
Yes,
960 fps
Others
  • 4K Video
  • 8K Video
  • Digital zoom
  • Optical zoom
  • Triple camera
  • Digital image stabilization
  • Optical Stabilization (OIS)
  • Autofocus
  • Touch focus
  • Continuous autofocus
  • Manual focus
  • Phase detection autofocus (PDAF)
  • Continuous shooting
  • Geotagging
  • Panorama
  • HDR
  • Face detection
  • White balance settings
  • ISO settings
  • Exposure compensation
  • Scene mode
  • Self-timer
  • RAW
  • Night Mode
  • 4K Video
  • Digital zoom
  • Optical zoom
  • Triple camera
  • Digital image stabilization
  • Optical Stabilization (OIS)
  • Autofocus
  • Touch focus
  • Continuous autofocus
  • Manual focus
  • Phase detection autofocus (PDAF)
  • Continuous shooting
  • Geotagging
  • Panorama
  • HDR
  • Face detection
  • White balance settings
  • ISO settings
  • Exposure compensation
  • Scene mode
  • Self-timer
  • RAW
  • Night Mode

Selfie

SELF
Camera type

Dedicated

Dedicated
Resolution 10 Mpx 32 Mpx
Aperture ƒ/ 2.2 ƒ/ 2.2
Optical zoom -- --
View angle -- --
Sensor Sony IMX374 Sony IMX616
Type CMOS CMOS
Pixel size 1.22 µm 0.80 µm
Pixel Binning -- 1-4 (2x2)
Sensor size 1/3.2" 1/2.8"
Others
--
--

DxOMark Score

DxOMark Score
111
Mobile
118
Photo
90
Video
132
Selfie
125
Photo
145
Video
117
Mobile
119
Photo
107
Video
127
Selfie
126
Photo
130
Video

User reviews

Quality of daytime photos
9.2
9.2
Quality of nighttime photos
8.2
7.8
Quality of selfies
8.5
8.4
Does it have a powerful flash?
8.8
8.5
Number of reviews
91 reviews
169 reviews

Connectivity

Network compatibility

5G
  • n1 (2100)
  • n3 (1800)
  • n5 (850)
  • n7 (2600)
  • n8 (900)
  • n20 (800)
  • n28b (700)
  • n28a (700)
  • n38 (2600)
  • n40 (2300)
  • n41 (2500)
  • n66 (1700)
  • n77 (3700)
  • n78 (3500)
  • n1 (2100)
  • n3 (1800)
  • n5 (850)
  • n7 (2600)
  • n8 (900)
  • n20 (800)
  • n28b (700)
  • n28a (700)
  • n38 (2600)
  • n40 (2300)
  • n41 (2500)
  • n66 (1700)
  • n77 (3700)
  • n78 (3500)
4G LTE
  • B1 (2100)
  • B2 (1900)
  • B3 (1800)
  • B4 (1700/2100 AWS 1)
  • B5 (850)
  • B7 (2600)
  • B8 (900)
  • B12 (700)
  • B13 (700)
  • B17 (700)
  • B18 (800)
  • B19 (800)
  • B20 (800)
  • B25 (1900+)
  • B26 (850)
  • B28b (700)
  • B28a (700)
  • B32 (1500)
  • B38 (TDD 2600)
  • B39 (TDD 1900)
  • B40 (TDD 2300)
  • B41 (TDD 2500)
  • B66 (1700/2100)
  • B1 (2100)
  • B2 (1900)
  • B3 (1800)
  • B4 (1700/2100 AWS 1)
  • B5 (850)
  • B7 (2600)
  • B8 (900)
  • B12 (700)
  • B13 (700)
  • B17 (700)
  • B18 (800)
  • B19 (800)
  • B20 (800)
  • B25 (1900+)
  • B26 (850)
  • B28b (700)
  • B28a (700)
  • B32 (1500)
  • B38 (TDD 2600)
  • B39 (TDD 1900)
  • B40 (TDD 2300)
  • B41 (TDD 2500)
  • B66 (1700/2100)
3G
  • B1 (2100)
  • B2 (1900)
  • B4 (1700/2100 AWS A-F)
  • B5 (850)
  • B8 (900)
  • B1 (2100)
  • B2 (1900)
  • B4 (1700/2100 AWS A-F)
  • B5 (850)
  • B8 (900)
2G
  • B2 (1900)
  • B3 (1800)
  • B5 (850)
  • B8 (900)
  • B2 (1900)
  • B3 (1800)
  • B5 (850)
  • B8 (900)
No official network bands

SIM card

Dual SIM Dual Sim Dual Standby Dual Sim Dual Standby
Type
  • Nano SIM
  • Nano SIM
  • Nano SIM
  • Nano SIM

Wi-Fi

Wi-Fi
  • 802.11a
  • 802.11b
  • 802.11g
  • 802.11n
  • 802.11n 5GHz
  • 802.11ac
  • WiFi 6 (802.11ax)
  • 802.11a
  • 802.11b
  • 802.11g
  • 802.11n
  • 802.11n 5GHz
  • 802.11ac
  • WiFi 6 (802.11ax)
Others
  • Dual band
  • Wi-Fi Hotspot
  • Wi-Fi Direct
  • Wi-Fi Display
  • Dual band
  • Wi-Fi Hotspot
  • Wi-Fi Direct
  • Wi-Fi Display
  • Wi-Fi MiMO

Bluetooth

Version Bluetooth 5.0 LE Low energy consumption Bluetooth 5.0 LE Low energy consumption
Others
  • A2DP (Advanced Audio Distribution Profile)
  • AVRCP (Audio/Visual Remote Control Profile)
  • DIP (Device ID Profile)
  • HFP (Hands-Free Profile)
  • HID (Human Interface Profile)
  • HSP (Headset Profile)
  • LE (Low Energy)
  • MAP (Message Access Profile)
  • PAN (Personal Area Networking Profile)
  • OPP (Object Push Profile)
  • PBAP/PAB (Phone Book Access Profile)
  • ANT+
  • APT-x
  • SBC
  • A2DP (Advanced Audio Distribution Profile)
  • AVRCP (Audio/Visual Remote Control Profile)
  • DIP (Device ID Profile)
  • HFP (Hands-Free Profile)
  • HID (Human Interface Profile)
  • HSP (Headset Profile)
  • LE (Low Energy)
  • MAP (Message Access Profile)
  • PAN (Personal Area Networking Profile)
  • OPP (Object Push Profile)
  • PBAP/PAB (Phone Book Access Profile)
  • ANT+
  • APT-x
  • SBC

Navigation

Navigation
  • GPS
  • A-GPS
  • GLONASS
  • Beidou
  • Galileo
  • GPS (L1+L5)
  • Galileo (E1+E5a)
  • GPS
  • A-GPS
  • GLONASS
  • Beidou
  • Galileo

USB

USB
  • Charging
  • Mass Storage
  • USB On-The-Go (OTG)
  • USB Type C
  • USB Host 3.1
  • Charging
  • Mass Storage
  • USB On-The-Go (OTG)
  • USB Type C
  • USB Host 3.1

SAR

European measurement

The European Union sets a limit of 2 W/kg averaged over 10 grams of tissue.

0.460 W/Kg on head
1.510 W/Kg on body
0.460 W/Kg on head
1.510 W/Kg on body
American measurement

The FCC limit is 1.6 W/kg measured in a volume of 1 gram of tissue

-- --

Others

Others
  • NFC
  • Computer sync
  • OTA sync
  • Tethering.
  • VoLTE
  • ANT+
  • NFC
  • Computer sync
  • OTA sync
  • Tethering.
  • VoLTE
  • ANT+
  • No official network bands

User reviews

Does it have good coverage for calls?
8.8
8.9
Quality of the GPS
8.9
9.0
And the WiFi?
9.0
9.0
Number of reviews
91 reviews
169 reviews

Battery

Battery

Capacity
4000 mAh
4500 mAh
Type Li-Polymer Li-Polymer
Fast charge Yes,
25.0W
Yes,
25.0W
Others
  • Wireless charging
  • Reverse charging
  • Non-removable
  • Wireless charging
  • Reverse charging
  • Non-removable

User reviews

How long does the battery last?
  • 15%
    Less than half day
  • 45%
    Less than a day
  • 29%
    One day
  • 9%
    More than one day
  • 2%
    Two days or more
  • 8%
    Less than half day
  • 44%
    Less than a day
  • 36%
    One day
  • 12%
    More than one day
  • 1%
    Two days or more
Number of reviews
91 reviews
169 reviews

Software

Software

Operating System
  • Android 14
    Android 14 Upside-down cake, 2 years ago
  • Android 14
    Android 14 Upside-down cake, 2 years ago
Google Services With Google Mobile Services With Google Mobile Services

User reviews

Did it come with preinstalled applications?
  • 3%
    It comes with a clean operating system
  • 85%
    It has preinstalled apps but they don't bother me
  • 11%
    It has preinstalled apps that I can't uninstall
  • 8%
    It comes with a clean operating system
  • 82%
    It has preinstalled apps but they don't bother me
  • 10%
    It has preinstalled apps that I can't uninstall
Do you regularly receive updates?
  • 1%
    Never
  • 1%
    Once a year
  • 33%
    Every six months
  • 65%
    Every two months or less
  • 1%
    Never
  • 3%
    Once a year
  • 33%
    Every six months
  • 64%
    Every two months or less
Number of reviews
91 reviews
169 reviews