Samsung Galaxy S21 vs Galaxy S21 FE: Which offers better value for money

Samsung Galaxy S21 vs Galaxy S21 FE: From afar, there is little or no difference between the Samsung Galaxy S21 and Galaxy S21 FE. But, up close and a careful study, you’ll see there are few things that set both phones apart even though there are more things that unite them (similarities).

So, this comparison will bring all the similarities and differences and help you understand which offers better value for money. Note that both phones are similarly priced but which should you pick if given the choice. Well, let’s find out.

Samsung Galaxy S21 vs Galaxy S21 FE

Specifications	Galaxy S21	Galaxy S21 FE
Display	6.2-inch, 120Hz	6.4-inch, 120Hz
RAM	8GB	6 / 8GB
Storage	128 / 256GB	128 / 256GB
Back Camera	12 + 64 + 12MP	12 + 8 + 12MP
Front Camera	10MP	32MP
Chipset	Snapdragon 888 5G	Snapdragon 888 5G
Software	Android 11	Android 12
Battery	4,000mAh (25W)	4,500mAh (25W)

Display

From the table above, the Galaxy S21 offers a slightly smaller display but also maintains the same display features and building materials. Both phones have the same AMOLED panel, 120Hz refresh rate, HDR10+ support, and up to 1300 nits of peak brightness.

You also get the same build materials quality, similar design, and even camera bump. Both phones also have water and dust resistance and feature Gorilla Glass protection. When it comes to display and build quality, both phones are basically the same.

Camera

The camera is where things get shaken up a little bit. The Galaxy S21 FE has a triple rear camera system. A 12MP OIS main camera, a 12MP ultrawide, and an 8MP telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom. Upfront it has 32 MP for the selfie camera. The front and back cameras can shoot video in steady 4k resolution.

Samsung Galaxy S21 also features a 12MP main camera with OIS but comes with a 64MP telephoto lens with 1.1x optical zoom and 3z hybrid zoom. It still maintains the same 12MP ultra-wide lens but features a 10MP selfie camera.

The cameras of both phones can shoot steady video and record video in 4k resolution. Although the photo and video quality are debatable, the Galaxy S21 FE comes with newer software which gives it an edge.

Performance | Storage | RAM | 5G

Both the Galaxy S21 and S21 FE feature the same Snapdragon 888 5G chip from Qualcomm. This means both phones have the same CPU cores, use the same GPU, same AI, same ISP, and same NPU. So, when it comes to performance, both smartphones are on the same level.

In terms of RAM and storage configuration, both smartphones are also similar. The internal storage option of both phones is the same: 128GB and 256GB. Both phones also come with 8GB of RAM but the Galaxy 21 FE has a model with 12GB of RAM.

And the S21 FE with the extra RAM also cost extra bucks. The 5G MODEM inside both phones are also the same and the peak download speed of the chipset is 7.5Gbps. Overall, both phones offer the same performance, storage, RAM, and 5G connectivity.

Software

Samsung Galaxy S21 FE boots OneUI 4.0 based on Android 12 out of the box. While the Galaxy S21 boots OneUI 3.5 based on Android 11 out of the box. Samsung has promised at least three years of software updates and this means the S21 FE is one software ahead of the Galaxy S21.

Battery

The Galaxy S21 is powered by a 4,000mAh battery with 25W fast charge support. While the Samsung Galaxy S21 FE is powered by a 4,500mAh battery with a 25W fast charge.

Both the Galaxy S21 and S21 FE have wireless charge features but the S21 FE has a bigger battery that will last longer. The extra 500mAh that is inside the S21 FE gives it an edge over the S21.

Samsung Galaxy S21 vs Galaxy S21 FE: Price

Starting price of the Samsung Galaxy S21 FE is $699 for the 6GB RAM + 128GB of storage version. While the starting price of the Galaxy S21 is $799 for the 8GB RAM + 128GB of storage version.

But, you can buy the Galaxy S21 FE at a $100 discount using the link below. You can also currently buy the Galaxy S21 from Gazelle for as low as $500.

Buy Galaxy S21 and Samsung Galaxy S21 FE

Galaxy S21 FE	Price	Galaxy S21	Price
Buy Amazon UK	£699	Buy on Gazelle	$509.00
Buy Amazon US	$599.99

Samsung Galaxy S21 vs Galaxy S21 FE: Verdict

So, between the Galaxy S21 and S21 FE which offers better value for money? Currently, it’s the Galaxy S21 FE. The $100 price cut makes it perfect to buy instead of the Galaxy S21. However, you’ll get a better discount when you buy the Galaxy S21 on Gazelle.

A couple of reasons to buy the Galaxy S21 FE will be its longer software update and slightly bigger battery. However, if you know where to look, you can buy the Galaxy S21 for way less and still have the same performance, features, and camera quality.

So if I’m to score both smartphones by percentage. I’ll score the Samsung Galaxy S21 FE (52%) while the Samsung Galaxy S21 gets (48%).