Samsung Galaxy S21 FE vs Samsung Galaxy S23+
The Verdict
Samsung's Galaxy S21 FE targets budget-conscious users with a solid 6.4-inch Dynamic AMOLED display at 120Hz and capable Snapdragon 888 processor, while the Galaxy S23+ commands $300 more for meaningful upgrades. Performance differences are substantial: the S23+ features the newer Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 with Adreno 740 GPU versus the S21 FE's Adreno 660, delivering noticeably faster app loading and gaming. Camera systems diverge significantly, with the S23+ offering a superior 50MP main sensor with Dual Pixel PDAF and 8K video recording compared to the S21 FE's 12MP setup. Display brightness jumps from 1300 nits to 1750 nits on the S23+, improving outdoor visibility considerably. Battery capacity slightly favors the S23+ at 4700mAh, though the S21 FE's 25W charging is outpaced by the S23+'s 45W system. Build quality edges toward the S23+ with premium materials. For photography enthusiasts and performance seekers, the S23+ justifies its premium pricing; budget buyers find excellent value in the S21 FE.
Who Should Buy
Buy the Samsung Galaxy S21 FE if…
- →Flagship Snapdragon 888 chip at a lower price
- →Excellent 32 MP selfie camera
- →Lightweight polycarbonate body at just 177 g
Buy the Samsung Galaxy S23+ if…
- →Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 for Galaxy delivers top-tier performance
- →Bright 1750-nit display is excellent in direct sunlight
- →4700 mAh battery provides strong all-day endurance
Category Scores
Pros & Cons
Samsung Galaxy S21 FE
Pros
- Flagship Snapdragon 888 chip at a lower price
- Excellent 32 MP selfie camera
- Lightweight polycarbonate body at just 177 g
- IP68 water and dust resistance
- Wireless charging included
Cons
- Only 6 GB RAM in the base model
- Snapdragon 888 runs warmer than newer chips
- Slow 25W wired charging
- Main camera sensor is just 12 MP despite the price
Samsung Galaxy S23+
Pros
- Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 for Galaxy delivers top-tier performance
- Bright 1750-nit display is excellent in direct sunlight
- 4700 mAh battery provides strong all-day endurance
- Four years of OS updates and five years of security patches
- Versatile triple camera with 3x optical zoom
Cons
- Only 8 GB RAM at the $999 price point
- FHD+ resolution instead of QHD+ on the 6.6-inch display
- 45W charging is slower than Chinese competitors
- No expandable storage or microSD slot
- Design is very similar to S22+ with minimal visual changes
Full Specifications
| Spec | Samsung Galaxy S21 FE | Samsung Galaxy S23+ |
|---|---|---|
| Software | Android 12, One UI 4 | Android 13 (One UI 5.1) |
| Body | ||
| Weight | 177 g | 195 g |
| Material | Polycarbonate | Armor Aluminum frame, Gorilla Glass Victus 2 |
| IP rating | IP68 | IP68 |
| Dimensions | 155.7 x 74.5 x 8.4 mm | 157.8 x 76.2 x 7.6 mm |
| Camera | ||
| Main camera | 12 MP, f/1.8, OIS | 50 MP, f/1.8, Dual Pixel PDAF, OIS |
| Front camera | 32 MP, f/2.2 | 12 MP, f/2.2 |
| Video | 4K@60fps | 8K@30fps, 4K@60fps |
| Telephoto | 8 MP 3x optical | 10 MP, f/2.4, 3x optical zoom, OIS |
| Ultrawide | 12 MP, f/2.2 | 12 MP, f/2.2 |
| Memory | ||
| RAM | 6 GB | 8 GB |
| Storage options | 128 GB, 256 GB | 256 GB, 512 GB |
| Battery | ||
| Capacity | 4500 mAh | 4700 mAh |
| Charging | 25W wired | 45W wired |
| Wireless charging | 15W | 15W, Wireless PowerShare |
| Display | ||
| Size | 6.4 inches | 6.6 inches |
| Type | Dynamic AMOLED 2X | Dynamic AMOLED 2X |
| Resolution | 2400 x 1080 | 2340 x 1080 |
| Refresh rate | 120Hz | 120Hz |
| Brightness (nits) | 1300 | 1750 |
| Processor | ||
| CPU | Octa-core (1x2.84 GHz + 3x2.42 GHz + 4x1.80 GHz) | Octa-core (1x3.36 GHz + 2x2.8 GHz + 2x2.8 GHz + 3x2.0 GHz) |
| GPU | Adreno 660 | Adreno 740 |
| Chipset | Snapdragon 888 | Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 for Galaxy |
| Connectivity | ||
| 5G | ||
| NFC | ||
| USB | USB-C 2.0 | USB-C 3.2 |
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6 | Wi-Fi 6E |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.3 |
Related Comparisons
This comparison is based on verified manufacturer specifications covering display, performance, camera, battery, and build quality. Scores are generated by analyzing specs across weighted categories on a 10-point scale. Learn more about our methodology.
Explore more in phones, see all Samsung products or all Samsung products. View full details for the Samsung Galaxy S21 FE or the Samsung Galaxy S23+.