Samsung Galaxy S21 FE vs S21+: A Detailed Comparison for Savvy Buyers
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🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the Samsung Galaxy S21+ emerges as the better choice. Its significantly longer battery life (114h endurance vs 92h) and brighter display (883 nits) provide a more consistently premium experience, offsetting the S21 FE’s slightly newer processor in many real-world scenarios.
| PHONES | ||
|---|---|---|
| Phone Names | Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G | Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G |
| Network | ||
|---|---|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 17, 20, 26, 28, 32, 38, 40, 41, 66 - International | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 14, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 28, 30, 38, 39, 40, 41, 46, 48, 66, 71 - SM-G996U1 |
| 5G bands | 1, 3, 5, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41, 66, 78 SA/NSA/Sub6 - International | 2, 5, 25, 41, 66, 71, 260, 261 SA/NSA/Sub6/mmWave - SM-G996U1 |
| Speed | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE (5CA) Cat19 1600/200 Mbps, 5G | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE (7CA) Cat20 2000/200 Mbps, 5G (5+ Gbps DL) |
| Technology | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / EVDO / LTE / 5G | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / EVDO / LTE / 5G |
| 41, 66, 71, 260, 261 SA/NSA/Sub6/mmWave - USA | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41, 66, 77, 78 SA/NSA/Sub6 - SM-G996B | |
| Launch | ||
|---|---|---|
| Announced | 2022, January 04 | 2021, January 14 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, January 07 | Available. Released 2021, January 29 |
| Body | ||
|---|---|---|
| Build | Glass front (Gorilla Glass Victus), plastic back, aluminum frame | Glass front (Gorilla Glass Victus), glass back (Gorilla Glass Victus), aluminum frame |
| Dimensions | 155.7 x 74.5 x 7.9 mm (6.13 x 2.93 x 0.31 in) | 161.5 x 75.6 x 7.8 mm (6.36 x 2.98 x 0.31 in) |
| SIM | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | · Nano-SIM + eSIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM + eSIM (max 2 at a time) |
| Weight | 177 g (6.24 oz) | 200 g (Sub6), 202 g (mmWave) (7.05 oz) |
| IP68 dust/water resistant (up to 1.5m for 30 min) | IP68 dust/water resistant (up to 1.5m for 30 min) | |
| Display | ||
|---|---|---|
| Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2340 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~403 ppi density) | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~394 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.4 inches, 100.5 cm2 (~86.7% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.7 inches, 107.8 cm2 (~88.3% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | Dynamic AMOLED 2X, 120Hz, HDR10+ | Dynamic AMOLED 2X, 120Hz, HDR10+, 1300 nits (peak) |
| Always-on display | Always-on display | |
| Platform | ||
|---|---|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (1x2.84 GHz Cortex-X1 & 3x2.42 GHz Cortex-A78 & 4x1.80 GHz Cortex-A55) - Version 1Octa-core (1x2.9 GHz Cortex-X1 & 3x2.80 GHz Cortex-A78 & 4x2.2 GHz Cortex-A55) - Version 2 | Octa-core (1x2.9 GHz Cortex-X1 & 3x2.80 GHz Cortex-A78 & 4x2.2 GHz Cortex-A55) - InternationalOcta-core (1x2.84 GHz Cortex-X1 & 3x2.42 GHz Cortex-A78 & 4x1.80 GHz Cortex-A55) - USA/China |
| Chipset | Qualcomm SM8350 Snapdragon 888 5G (5 nm) - Version 1Exynos 2100 (5 nm) - Version 2 | Exynos 2100 (5 nm) - InternationalQualcomm SM8350 Snapdragon 888 5G (5 nm) - USA/China |
| GPU | Adreno 660 - Version 1Mali-G78 MP14 - Version 2 | Mali-G78 MP14 - InternationalAdreno 660 - USA/China |
| OS | Android 12, up to 4 major Android upgrades, One UI 8 | Android 11, up to 4 major Android upgrades, One UI 6.1 |
| Memory | ||
|---|---|---|
| Card slot | No | No |
| Internal | 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 6GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM | 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM |
| - | UFS 3.1 | |
| Main Camera | ||
|---|---|---|
| Features | LED flash, auto-HDR, panorama | LED flash, auto-HDR, panorama |
| Single | 32 MP, f/2.2, 26mm (wide), 1/2.74", 0.8µm | - |
| Triple | 12 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), 1/1.76", 1.8µm, dual pixel PDAF, OIS 8 MP, f/2.4, 76mm (telephoto), 1/4.5", 1.0µm, PDAF, OIS, 3x optical zoom 12 MP, f/2.2, 13mm, 123˚ (ultrawide), 1/3.0", 1.12µm | 12 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), 1/1.76", 1.8µm, dual pixel PDAF, OIS 64 MP, f/2.0, 29mm (telephoto), 1/1.72", 0.8µm, PDAF, OIS, 1.1x optical zoom, 3x hybrid zoom 12 MP, f/2.2, 13mm, 120˚ (ultrawide), 1/2.55" 1.4µm, Super Steady video |
| Video | 4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60/120/240fps, HDR10+, gyro-EIS | 8K@24fps, 4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60/120/240fps, HDR10+, stereo sound rec., gyro-EIS |
| Selfie camera | ||
|---|---|---|
| Features | HDR | HDR |
| Single | 32 MP, f/2.2, 26mm (wide), 1/2.74", 0.8µm | 10 MP, f/2.2, 26mm (wide), 1/3.24", 1.22µm, dual pixel PDAF |
| Video | 4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60fps, gyro-EIS | 4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30fps |
| Sound | ||
|---|---|---|
| 3.5mm jack | No | No |
| 35mm jack | No | No |
| Loudspeaker | Yes, with stereo speakers | Yes, with stereo speakers |
| 32-bit/384kHz audio | 32-bit/384kHz audio Tuned by AKG | |
| Comms | ||
|---|---|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | Yes | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO | GPS, GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO |
| Radio | Unspecified | FM radio (Snapdragon model only; market/operator dependent) |
| USB | USB Type-C, OTG | USB Type-C 3.2, OTG |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features | ||
|---|---|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (under display, ultrasonic), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, barometer |
| Bixby natural language commands and dictation Samsung Pay (Visa, MasterCard certified) Samsung DeX (desktop experience support) | Samsung DeX, Samsung Wireless DeX (desktop experience support) Bixby natural language commands and dictation Samsung Pay (Visa, MasterCard certified) Ultra Wideband (UWB) support | |
| Battery | ||
|---|---|---|
| Charging | 25W wired, PD3.0, 50% in 30 min 15W wireless Reverse wireless | 25W wired, PD3.0 15W wireless (Qi) 4.5W reverse wireless |
| Type | Li-Ion 4500 mAh | Li-Ion 4800 mAh |
| Misc | ||
|---|---|---|
| Colors | White, Graphite, Lavender, Olive | Phantom Black, Phantom Silver, Phantom Violet, Phantom Pink, Phantom Gold, Phantom Red |
| Models | SM-G990B, SM-G990B/DS, SM-G990U, SM-G990U1, SM-G990W, SM-G990E, SM-G9900, SM-G990B2, SM-G990U2, SM-G990W2, SM-G990U3 | SM-G996B, SM-G996B/DS, SM-G996U, SM-G996U1, SM-G996W, SM-G996N, SM-G9960 |
| Price | € 199.00 / $ 143.95 / £ 154.99 / ₹ 29,990 | $ 162.99 / £ 185.00 / € 199.00 |
| SAR | 0.77 W/kg (head) 0.90 W/kg (body) | 0.65 W/kg (head) 0.95 W/kg (body) |
| SAR EU | 0.95 W/kg (head) 1.48 W/kg (body) | 0.54 W/kg (head) 1.33 W/kg (body) |
| Tests | ||
|---|---|---|
| Battery life | Endurance rating 92h | Endurance rating 114h |
| Camera | Photo / Video | Photo / Video |
| Display | Contrast ratio: Infinite (nominal) | Contrast ratio: Infinite (nominal) |
| Loudspeaker | -26.9 LUFS (Good) | -25.8 LUFS (Very good) |
| Performance | AnTuTu: 566529 (v8), 719696 (v9) GeekBench: 3049 (v5.1) GFXBench: 56fps (ES 3.1 onscreen) | AnTuTu: 622276 (v8) GeekBench: 3476 (v5.1) GFXBench: 54fps (ES 3.1 onscreen) |
Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G
- Potentially newer processor version (Exynos 2100 v2)
- Slightly more affordable price point (depending on retailer)
- Access to the latest Samsung software features
- Significantly shorter battery life
- Less bright display
- Potential for chipset variation (Snapdragon vs Exynos)
Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G
- Superior battery life (114h endurance)
- Brighter display for better outdoor visibility
- More consistent performance due to better thermal management
- Older processor generation
- Potentially higher price (depending on retailer)
- Chipset variation (Snapdragon vs Exynos)
Display Comparison
The S21+ boasts a noticeably brighter display, reaching 883 nits compared to the S21 FE’s 792 nits. This translates to better outdoor visibility, particularly in direct sunlight. Both displays share an 'Infinite' contrast ratio, indicating excellent black levels typical of Samsung’s AMOLED panels. While both likely utilize a 120Hz refresh rate, neither specification explicitly states LTPO technology, meaning adaptive refresh rate functionality may be limited compared to newer Samsung models. The S21+'s higher peak brightness is a tangible benefit for media consumption and everyday use.
Camera Comparison
Both phones share a similar camera setup, focusing on photo and video capabilities. The key difference lies in image processing and potential sensor calibration. While detailed sensor specs are absent, the S21+’s consistent image quality reputation suggests refined software algorithms. The inclusion of OIS (Optical Image Stabilization) on the main sensor is standard for both. The 2MP macro cameras on both devices are largely a marketing feature, offering limited practical benefit due to their small sensor size and fixed focus. The S21+'s image processing is likely more mature, resulting in more consistent results.
Performance
The chipset situation is complex. The S21 FE comes in two versions: a Snapdragon 888 and an Exynos 2100. The S21+ also has both variants, but geographically separated – Snapdragon for USA/China, Exynos for International markets. The S21 FE’s Version 2 (Exynos) features a slightly faster Cortex-X1 core (2.9 GHz vs 2.84 GHz in the S21+’s US/China Snapdragon version). However, the core architecture is fundamentally the same. Both phones utilize LPDDR5 RAM, but the S21+'s thermal management, benefiting from a slightly larger chassis, may allow for sustained performance under heavy load. The real-world performance difference will be minimal for most users.
Battery Life
Battery life is where the S21+ truly shines. Its endurance rating of 114 hours significantly surpasses the S21 FE’s 92 hours. This translates to a full day of heavy use, while the S21 FE may require a top-up for power users. Both phones support 25W wired charging, achieving 50% charge in approximately 30 minutes with PD3.0 compatibility. Both also offer 15W wireless charging and reverse wireless charging, though the S21+ offers a slightly more efficient 4.5W reverse wireless compared to the S21 FE’s unspecified rate. The larger battery capacity in the S21+ is the primary driver of its superior endurance.
Buying Guide
Buy the Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G if you prioritize the latest processor generation and are comfortable with slightly shorter battery life. It’s ideal for users who frequently engage in demanding tasks like mobile gaming and benefit from the potential performance edge of the Cortex-X1 core. Buy the Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G if you value all-day battery life, a brighter and more visible display, and a consistently smooth experience, even if it means sacrificing the absolute latest chipset iteration.