Samsung Galaxy S21 vs Samsung Galaxy S23 FE
The Verdict
Samsung's Galaxy S21 and S23 FE represent different positioning within the brand's portfolio. Display quality favors the S23 FE with its larger 6.4-inch screen, higher brightness at 1450 nits, and more pixel density, while both deliver 120Hz AMOLED experiences. Camera systems diverge significantly: the S21 excels with its hybrid zoom and 8K video capability, whereas the S23 FE counters with a higher-resolution 50MP main sensor and superior autofocus. Performance-wise, the S21's Snapdragon 888 edges out some S23 FE variants, though newer variants use the Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 for better raw power. Battery capacity tips toward the S23 FE at 4500mAh versus 4000mAh, and it's noticeably heavier at 209g. Pricing shifts the equation dramatically: at $599, the S23 FE undercuts the S21 by $200, making it the better value proposition for everyday users prioritizing battery life and main camera performance. Budget-conscious buyers should choose the S23 FE.
Who Should Buy
Buy the Samsung Galaxy S21 if…
- →$200 price cut from S20 launched at $799
- →Lightweight and compact at 169 g
- →120Hz AMOLED with adaptive refresh
Buy the Samsung Galaxy S23 FE if…
- →Flagship features like 120Hz AMOLED and IP68 at a lower price
- →Bright 1450-nit display for good outdoor visibility
- →3x optical zoom telephoto is rare in this price range
Category Scores
Pros & Cons
Samsung Galaxy S21
Pros
- $200 price cut from S20 launched at $799
- Lightweight and compact at 169 g
- 120Hz AMOLED with adaptive refresh
- Snapdragon 888 performance
- Eye-catching Contour Cut camera design
Cons
- Plastic (Glasstic) back panel
- FHD+ only, no QHD option
- No microSD card slot
- Slow 25W charging
- No charger included in the box
Samsung Galaxy S23 FE
Pros
- Flagship features like 120Hz AMOLED and IP68 at a lower price
- Bright 1450-nit display for good outdoor visibility
- 3x optical zoom telephoto is rare in this price range
- Four years of OS updates guaranteed
- Wireless charging with reverse wireless PowerShare
Cons
- Exynos 2200 variant has weaker performance and efficiency
- Only 25W wired charging is slow for 2023
- Gorilla Glass 5 is older protection than Victus 2
- 8 MP telephoto resolution is low
- Heavier at 209 g due to older processor thermals
Full Specifications
| Spec | Samsung Galaxy S21 | Samsung Galaxy S23 FE |
|---|---|---|
| Software | Android 11, One UI 3.1 | Android 13 (One UI 5.1) |
| Body | ||
| Weight | 169 g | 209 g |
| Material | Aluminum frame, Glasstic back | Aluminum frame, Gorilla Glass 5 |
| IP rating | IP68 | IP68 |
| Dimensions | 151.7 x 71.2 x 7.9 mm | 158 x 76.5 x 8.2 mm |
| Camera | ||
| Main camera | 12 MP, f/1.8, OIS | 50 MP, f/1.8, Dual Pixel PDAF, OIS |
| Front camera | 10 MP, f/2.2 | 10 MP, f/2.4 |
| Video | 8K@24fps, 4K@60fps | 4K@60fps |
| Telephoto | 64 MP, f/2.0, 3x hybrid zoom | 8 MP, f/2.4, 3x optical zoom, OIS |
| Ultrawide | 12 MP, f/2.2 | 12 MP, f/2.2 |
| Memory | ||
| RAM | 8 GB | 8 GB |
| Storage options | 128 GB, 256 GB | 128 GB, 256 GB |
| Battery | ||
| Capacity | 4000 mAh | 4500 mAh |
| Charging | 25W wired | 25W wired |
| Wireless charging | 15W wireless | 15W, Wireless PowerShare |
| Display | ||
| Size | 6.2 inches | 6.4 inches |
| Type | Dynamic AMOLED 2X | Dynamic AMOLED 2X |
| Resolution | 2400 x 1080 | 2340 x 1080 |
| Refresh rate | 120Hz | 120Hz |
| Brightness (nits) | 1300 | 1450 |
| Processor | ||
| CPU | Octa-core (1x2.84 GHz + 3x2.42 GHz + 4x1.8 GHz) | Octa-core |
| GPU | Adreno 660 | Xclipse 920 / Adreno 730 |
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 | Samsung Exynos 2200 / Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 |
| Connectivity | ||
| 5G | ||
| NFC | ||
| USB | USB-C 3.2 | 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 or the Samsung Galaxy S23 FE.