Samsung Galaxy S21 FE vs Samsung Galaxy Z Fold7
The Verdict
The Samsung Galaxy S21 FE and Samsung Galaxy Z Fold7 sit in the same category and end up appealing to slightly different buyers. The Samsung Galaxy S21 FE is the cheaper of the two at $700 versus $1,800, a difference of about $1,100. The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold7 is the newer release, which usually means a faster chipset and longer software support. Samsung Galaxy S21 FE stands out for flagship snapdragon 888 chip at a lower price, while Samsung Galaxy Z Fold7 is praised for thinnest and lightest galaxy z fold ever. Use the side-by-side spec table below to compare cameras, displays, battery life and connectivity in detail and decide which one fits your priorities.
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 Z Fold7 if…
- →Thinnest and lightest Galaxy Z Fold ever
- →7.6-inch foldable inner display
- →S Pen support
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 Z Fold7
Pros
- Thinnest and lightest Galaxy Z Fold ever
- 7.6-inch foldable inner display
- S Pen support
- Snapdragon 8 Elite performance
Cons
- $1800 starting price
- Only 25W wired charging
- Cover display crease still visible
- 239g is heavy
Full Specifications
| Spec | Samsung Galaxy S21 FE | Samsung Galaxy Z Fold7 |
|---|---|---|
| Software | Android 12, One UI 4 | Android 15, One UI 7 |
| Body | ||
| Weight | 177 g | 239 g |
| Material | Polycarbonate | Armor Aluminum frame |
| IP rating | IP68 | IPX8 |
| Dimensions | 155.7 x 74.5 x 8.4 mm | 150 x 68 x 10.9 mm (folded) |
| Camera | ||
| Main camera | 12 MP, f/1.8, OIS | 50 MP, f/1.8, OIS |
| Front camera | 32 MP, f/2.2 | 10 MP (cover), 4 MP (under display) |
| Video | 4K@60fps | 8K@30fps |
| Telephoto | 8 MP 3x optical | 10 MP, f/2.4, 3x optical zoom |
| Ultrawide | 12 MP, f/2.2 | 12 MP, f/2.2 |
| Memory | ||
| RAM | 6 GB | 12 GB |
| Storage options | 128 GB, 256 GB | 256 GB, 512 GB, 1 TB |
| Battery | ||
| Capacity | 4500 mAh | 4400 mAh |
| Charging | 25W wired | 25W wired |
| Wireless charging | 15W | 15W wireless |
| Display | ||
| Size | 6.4 inches | 7.6 inches (inner), 6.2 inches (cover) |
| Type | Dynamic AMOLED 2X | Dynamic AMOLED 2X, LTPO |
| Resolution | 2400 x 1080 | 2160 x 1856 (inner) |
| Refresh rate | 120Hz | 120Hz |
| Brightness (nits) | 1300 | 2600 |
| Processor | ||
| CPU | Octa-core (1x2.84 GHz + 3x2.42 GHz + 4x1.80 GHz) | Octa-core |
| GPU | Adreno 660 | Adreno 830 |
| Chipset | Snapdragon 888 | Snapdragon 8 Elite |
| Connectivity | ||
| 5G | ||
| NFC | ||
| USB | USB-C 2.0 | USB-C 3.2 |
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6 | Wi-Fi 7 |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.4 |
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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.
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