Samsung Galaxy S21 vs Samsung Galaxy S21 FE

The Samsung Galaxy S21 offers superior performance, while the Galaxy S21 FE delivers excellent value with flagship features at a lower price.
Samsung Galaxy S21 vs Samsung Galaxy S21 FE
3 min
16 September 2024
When comparing the Samsung Galaxy S21 and Samsung Galaxy S21 FE, both devices offer high-end features but cater to slightly different audiences. The Galaxy S21 boasts a premium design and top-tier performance, while the S21 FE, or Fan Edition, offers a more affordable price point with a similar set of features. Whether you're seeking flagship power or a budget-friendly option with great specs, understanding the key differences can help you choose the best fit for your needs. Explore its details and prices on the Bajaj Mall website or visit one of 1.5 lakh Bajaj Finserv partner stores spread across 4,000+ cities in India. Shop on Easy EMIs using the Bajaj Finserv EMI Network Card, which has benefits like zero down payment and free home delivery on select products.

Samsung Galaxy S21 vs Samsung Galaxy S21 FE

The Samsung Galaxy S21 vs Samsung Galaxy S21 FE comparison highlights the key differences between these two popular models from Samsung mobiles. While both phones share similar designs and offer a high-quality user experience, they cater to slightly different markets. The Samsung Galaxy S21 features a more premium build, advanced camera capabilities, and a flagship-grade chipset, making it a powerful choice for users who want top-tier performance. On the other hand, the Samsung Galaxy S21 FE is designed for those seeking similar features at a more affordable price point, offering a balanced mix of performance, camera quality, and battery life.

In terms of pricing, the Samsung Galaxy S21 is available in India starting from Rs. 54,999, while the Samsung Galaxy S21 FE is priced at Rs. 44,999, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious buyers. For users interested in Samsung foldable phones, these models showcase Samsung's focus on offering cutting-edge technology across various device types. Whether it is the premium performance of the Galaxy S21 or the affordability of the Galaxy S21 FE, both phones maintain Samsung’s reputation for high-quality mobile experiences, proving that Samsung mobiles continue to set the benchmark for Android devices.

You can read more about the Samsung Galaxy S21 and Samsung Galaxy S21 FE on the Bajaj Mall website. There are over 1.5 lakh Bajaj Finserv partner stores across 4,000+ cities in India and you can visit your nearest one to get to know the product in person and shop for it on Easy EMIs using the Bajaj Finserv EMI Network Card. To ease your financial burden, you can split the cost of your purchase into EMIs ranging between 1 month to 60 months. There are also additional benefits when shopping on the Bajaj Finserv EMI Network such as zero down payment and free home delivery on select products.

Technical specifications - Samsung Galaxy S21 vs Samsung Galaxy S21 FE

General info

When comparing the Samsung Galaxy S21 and Samsung Galaxy S21 FE, both models offer high-performance specifications but differ in pricing and design tweaks. The Galaxy S21 was launched on 14 January 2021, while the Galaxy S21 FE followed on 04 January 2022. Both devices are powered by Samsung's Exynos or Qualcomm Snapdragon processors, depending on the region, and run on Android 11 with Samsung’s One UI. They support dual SIM (Nano) and feature 5G connectivity, making them future-proof for network compatibility.

ComponentGalaxy S21Galaxy S21 FE
Launch date14 January 202104 January 2022
BrandSamsungSamsung
ProcessorExynos 2100 (global), Snapdragon 888 (USA)Snapdragon 888 (Global)
Operating systemAndroid 11, upgradable to Android 13Android 11, upgradable to Android 12
SIM slotsDual SIM (Nano-SIM)Dual SIM (Nano-SIM)
SIM sizeNano-SIMNano-SIM
Network5G, 4G, 3G, 2G5G, 4G, 3G, 2G


Performance and hardware

Both phones are equipped with flagship-level performance hardware, but the Galaxy S21 offers slightly more advanced configurations. Both phones use the Snapdragon 888 or Exynos 2100, depending on the market, and offer LPDDR5 RAM and UFS 3.1 storage for faster read and write speeds. The Galaxy S21 leads in Antutu scores due to a more optimised performance, whereas the S21 FE focuses on delivering great performance at a slightly lower price point.

ComponentGalaxy S21Galaxy S21 FE
ProcessorExynos 2100, Snapdragon 888Snapdragon 888
GraphicsMali-G78 (Exynos), Adreno 660 (Snapdragon)Adreno 660
RAM8GB LPDDR56GB/8GB LPDDR5
Antutu710,000690,000
Storage128GB/256GB UFS 3.1128GB/256GB UFS 3.1
SecurityIn-display fingerprint sensorIn-display fingerprint sensor
SensorsAccelerometer, Gyro, Proximity, Compass, BarometerAccelerometer, Gyro, Proximity, Compass
AudioStereo speakers, Dolby AtmosStereo speakers, Dolby Atmos
OthersSamsung DeX, Samsung PayNo


Display

The Galaxy S21 boasts a 6.2-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display, while the Galaxy S21 FE comes with a slightly larger 6.4-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display. Both devices feature a 120Hz refresh rate, providing smooth scrolling and better responsiveness. The resolution and screen quality are nearly identical, but the Galaxy S21 FE targets users who prefer a larger screen at a more affordable price point.

ComponentGalaxy S21Galaxy S21 FE
Screen size6.2 inch6.4 inch
Screen resolution1080 x 2400 pixels1080 x 2400 pixels
Aspect ratio20:920:9
Pixel density421 ppi411 ppi
Display typeDynamic AMOLED 2XDynamic AMOLED 2X
Screen protectionCorning Gorilla Glass VictusCorning Gorilla Glass Victus
Touch screenCapacitive, multi-touchCapacitive, multi-touch


Camera

Both models feature powerful camera setups with triple-camera configurations. The Galaxy S21 comes with a 64MP telephoto lens, which offers more versatility in terms of zooming capabilities compared to the 12MP telephoto lens on the Galaxy S21 FE. Both models support OIS, 4K video recording, and Night Mode, ensuring excellent performance in various lighting conditions.

ComponentGalaxy S21Galaxy S21 FE
Camera setupTripleTriple
Resolution12MP (Wide) + 64MP (Telephoto) + 12MP (Ultra-wide)12MP (Wide) + 12MP (Ultra-wide) + 8MP (Telephoto)
AutofocusYesYes
OISYesYes
FlashLED FlashLED Flash
Image resolution4000 x 3000 pixels4000 x 3000 pixels
SettingsHDR, Panorama, PortraitHDR, Panorama, Portrait
Shooting modesPro Mode, Night ModePro Mode, Night Mode


Connectivity and network compatibility

The Galaxy S21 and S21 FE are equipped with 5G network support and other essential connectivity options. Both models support dual SIM (Nano), VoLTE, and multiple 5G bands, making them future-ready for fast data speeds. The main difference is in software optimisation, where the S21 FE focuses more on value for money.

ComponentGalaxy S21Galaxy S21 FE
SIM sizeNano-SIMNano-SIM
Network support5G, 4G, 3G, 2G5G, 4G, 3G, 2G
VoLTEYesYes
SIM 15G, 4G, 3G, 2G5G, 4G, 3G, 2G
SIM 25G, 4G, 3G, 2G5G, 4G, 3G, 2G


Battery

Both the Galaxy S21 and Galaxy S21 FE come with decent battery life, although the S21 FE packs a slightly larger 4500 mAh battery, compared to the S21’s 4000 mAh. Both phones support 25 W fast charging and 15 W wireless charging, though battery longevity may vary based on-screen size and usage patterns.

ComponentGalaxy S21Galaxy S21 FE
Capacity4000 mAh4500 mAh
TypeLi-ionLi-ion
Wireless chargingYes (15 W)Yes (15 W)
Quick chargingYes (25 W)Yes (25 W)


Samsung Galaxy S21 vs Samsung Galaxy S21 FE - Benchmarking

Both devices perform impressively on benchmarking platforms, though the Galaxy S21 tends to edge ahead due to its slightly better optimisation. The Snapdragon 888 performs well on Antutu, achieving scores of around 710,000, while the S21 FE hits approximately 690,000. Other benchmarks such as GeekBench, 3DMark, and DxoMark also reflect the capable performance of these models.

ComponentGalaxy S21Galaxy S21 FE
Antutu710,000690,000
GeekBench1137 (Single-core), 3649 (Multi-core)1082 (Single-core), 3198 (Multi-core)
3DMark5630 (wildlife)5350 (wildlife)
DxoMark121116


Price comparison - Samsung Galaxy S21 vs Samsung Galaxy S21 FE

The price difference between the Galaxy S21 and S21 FE reflects their target audiences. The Galaxy S21 is aimed at premium users, while the S21 FE provides a more affordable alternative with many flagship features.

ModelStorage, RAM, and ColourPrice
Galaxy S218GB/128GB, Phantom GrayRs. 64,999
Galaxy S218GB/256GB, Phantom VioletRs. 68,999
Galaxy S21 FE6GB/128GB, WhiteRs. 49,999
Galaxy S21 FE8GB/256GB, Navy BlueRs. 53,999


To make your purchase affordable, shop for Galaxy S21 and Galaxy S21 FE using the Bajaj Finserv EMI Network Card and repay across a convenient tenure ranging between1 month to 60 months.

Explore Samsung Galaxy S21 vs Samsung Galaxy S21 FE on Easy EMIs from Bajaj Finserv

Bajaj Mall is the best online destination for you to read about all the details, features, and specs of the Samsung Galaxy S21 and the Samsung Galaxy S21 FE. Once you have gathered all the information you want, head to the nearest Bajaj Finserv partner store and select the Samsung Galaxy S21 and the Samsung Galaxy S21 FE you want. Use the Bajaj Finserv Insta EMI Card which comes with a pre-approved card limit of up to Rs. 3 lakh to make the payment. You can choose a convenient repayment tenure of your choice and repay your purchase on Easy EMIs.

Advantages of shopping using the Bajaj Finserv Insta EMI Card

Competitive prices: Bajaj Finserv offers competitive pricing, ensuring that your purchase is budget-friendly.

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Options and accessibility: Buying your favourite products have never been this easy! The Bajaj Finserv EMI Network hosts over 1 million products, available at 1.5 lakh+ partner stores, across 4,000+ cities.

Exciting deals and cashback offers: By using the Bajaj Finserv Insta EMI Card to purchase your desired product, you gain access to exciting deals and cashback offers.

Free home delivery: To add to your convenience, select products are delivered free of cost.

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Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between S21 and S21 FE?
The Samsung Galaxy S21 and S21 FE differ mainly in design, size, and some internal specifications. The S21 FE features a slightly larger 6.4-inch display compared to the 6.2-inch S21. The S21 has a more premium build with glass, while the S21 FE uses plastic.

Is the S21 FE better than the S21 Plus?
The S21 Plus has a bigger screen at 6.7 inch, better build quality, and a larger battery compared to the S21 FE. While the S21 FE offers excellent performance at a lower price, the S21 Plus delivers a more premium experience with higher-end features.

What does the FE mean in Samsung S21 FE?
The "FE" in Samsung S21 FE stands for Fan Edition. It represents a version of the Galaxy S21 designed to offer flagship features at a more affordable price, targeted at Samsung fans who seek a balance between price and high-end specifications.

What is the difference between S21 and S21 FE phone case?
The phone case for the S21 and S21 FE differ due to size and button placement variations. The S21 FE is slightly larger, so cases designed for one model may not fit the other properly. It's essential to use cases specifically made for each model.

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