Comparing the specifications of the Samsung Galaxy S21 FE and Samsung Galaxy S21 helps you understand the differences in design, display, performance, cameras, storage, connectivity, and battery life. Although both smartphones share several flagship features, they differ in areas such as display size, camera hardware, battery capacity, and biometric security. The sections below compare every major specification to help you identify the model that best suits your requirements.
General
The general specifications provide an overview of each smartphone's design, dimensions, connectivity, and warranty. Comparing these details helps you understand portability and everyday usability before exploring the hardware differences.
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 FE | Samsung Galaxy S21 |
|---|
| Brand | Samsung | Samsung |
| Model name | Galaxy S21 FE | Galaxy S21 |
| Network support | 5G, 4G LTE, 3G, 2G | 5G, 4G LTE, 3G, 2G |
| Warranty details | 1-year manufacturer warranty | 1-year manufacturer warranty |
| Dimensions | 155.7 × 74.5 × 7.9 mm | 151.7 × 71.2 × 7.9 mm |
| Weight | 177 g | 169 g |
Display and design
The display and build quality influence media consumption, gaming, and everyday handling. Comparing these specifications highlights the differences in screen size, build materials, and overall design.
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 FE | Samsung Galaxy S21 |
|---|
| Display size | 6.4-inch | 6.2-inch |
| Display type | Dynamic AMOLED 2X | Dynamic AMOLED 2X |
| Refresh rate | 120 Hz | 120 Hz |
| Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus |
| Resolution | 1080 × 2340 pixels | 1080 × 2400 pixels |
| Dimensions | 155.7 × 74.5 × 7.9 mm | 151.7 × 71.2 × 7.9 mm |
| Weight | 177 g | 169 g |
| Thickness | 7.9 mm | 7.9 mm |
| Build | Aluminium frame, Gorilla Glass Victus front, plastic back | Aluminium frame, Gorilla Glass Victus front and back |
Performance and software
Performance and software determine how smoothly a smartphone handles multitasking, gaming, and demanding applications. The comparison below highlights the processors, graphics hardware, software versions, and upgrade support available on both devices.
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 FE | Samsung Galaxy S21 |
|---|
| Processor | Octa-core | Octa-core |
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 5G / Exynos 2100 (market dependent) | Exynos 2100 |
| RAM options | 8GB | 8GB |
| GPU | Adreno 660 / Mali-G78 MP14 | Mali-G78 MP14 |
| Cooling | Vapour chamber cooling | Vapour chamber cooling |
| Operating system | Android 12 | Android 11 |
| UI | One UI 4 | One UI 3.1 |
| Software version | Upgradable to One UI 6.1 (Android 14) | Upgradable to One UI 6.1 (Android 14) |
Camera features
The camera system influences photography, videography, and low-light performance. Comparing the camera specifications helps you understand the imaging capabilities and video features offered by each smartphone.
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 FE | Samsung Galaxy S21 |
|---|
| Rear camera setup | 12MP + 12MP + 8MP | 12MP + 12MP + 64MP |
| Front camera | 32MP | 10MP |
| Video recording | Up to 4K at 60 fps | Up to 8K at 24 fps, 4K at 60 fps |
| Camera features | Night mode, Portrait, Pro mode, Super Steady, HDR | Night mode, Portrait, Pro mode, Director's View, HDR |
| OIS | Yes | Yes |
| Flash | LED flash | LED flash |
Storage and connectivity
Storage and connectivity determine how much data you can store and how easily your smartphone connects to wireless networks and accessories. The table below compares these specifications.
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 FE | Samsung Galaxy S21 |
|---|
| Internal storage | 128GB, 256GB | 128GB, 256GB |
| Expandable storage | No | No |
| 5G | Yes | Yes |
| 4G | Yes | Yes |
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6 | Wi-Fi 6 |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.2 | Bluetooth 5.0 |
| USB port | USB Type-C | USB Type-C |
| SIM type | Dual Nano SIM + eSIM | Dual Nano SIM + eSIM |
| GPS | GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, BeiDou | GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, BeiDou |
| NFC | Yes | Yes |
Battery and other features
Battery capacity, charging, security, and multimedia features all contribute to the overall user experience. Comparing these specifications provides a complete view of the everyday capabilities of both smartphones.
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 FE | Samsung Galaxy S21 |
|---|
| Battery capacity | 4,500 mAh | 4,000 mAh |
| Charging speed | 25 W wired, 15 W wireless | 25 W wired, 15 W wireless |
| Fingerprint sensor | In-display optical | In-display ultrasonic |
| Face unlock | Yes | Yes |
| Speakers | Stereo speakers | Stereo speakers |
| Audio features | Dolby Atmos | Dolby Atmos |
| Sensors | Accelerometer, Gyroscope, Proximity sensor, Compass, Ambient light sensor | Accelerometer, Gyroscope, Proximity sensor, Compass, Ambient light sensor |