Samsung Galaxy S21 Fe Review

The Samsung Galaxy S21 FE Fan Edition presents itself as a compelling proposition for those seeking a flagship-like experience without the premium price tag, slotting in as a refined, more accessible version of the original S21. It successfully balances high-end features with strategic compromises, making it a strong contender in the competitive smartphone market for users who prioritize performance, a vibrant display, and a capable camera system.

This device offers a taste of Samsung’s top-tier innovation, delivering a smooth user experience, solid battery life, and a design that feels both familiar and refined, truly living up to its “Fan Edition” moniker by addressing what users most value.

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• Anker PowerCore III Elite 25600 60W:
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• Spigen Tough Armor Designed for Galaxy S21 FE Case:
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• Native Union Belt Cable USB-C to USB-C:
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• Peak Design Mobile Everyday Case for Samsung Galaxy S21 FE:
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  • Pros: Incredible ecosystem for mounting bikes, cars, tripods, sleek design, strong magnetic attachment, good protection.
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Design and Build Quality: A Familiar, Refined Feel

When Samsung drops a “Fan Edition” device, you’re usually looking at a phone that takes the best parts of a flagship and packages them into something a bit more accessible.

The Galaxy S21 FE absolutely nails this brief, especially when you consider its design and build.

It’s not a radical departure from the standard S21 lineup, and that’s a good thing.

You get a phone that feels both premium and durable, a blend that many users appreciate.

The Contour-Cut Camera Housing: A Signature Look

One of the most defining visual elements of the S21 series was the “Contour-Cut” camera housing, where the camera bump seamlessly flows into the phone’s metal frame. The S21 FE adopts a slightly modified version of this. While the camera module itself is still prominent and blends into the frame, the frame on the FE is plastic, not metal, unlike the original S21. Ezviz C8C Outdoor Pantilt Camera Review

• Aesthetic Appeal: This design choice maintains the sophisticated look of the S21 series, ensuring the FE doesn’t feel like a budget downgrade. It still stands out.
• Practicality: The integrated design helps reduce snags when pulling the phone out of pockets and provides a more solid feel. It also minimizes camera wobble when the phone is laid flat on a surface, which is a small but mighty convenience.

Materials: Balancing Premium and Practicality

Here’s where Samsung made some savvy decisions to hit that FE price point:

• Front: You’re getting Gorilla Glass Victus on the front. This is crucial because it’s a significant upgrade in durability over previous generations, offering much better scratch and drop resistance. It means fewer worries about everyday bumps and scrapes.
  • Impact: This choice directly contributes to the phone’s longevity and peace of mind for the user. A scratched screen is a downer, and Victus helps mitigate that.
• Frame: As mentioned, the frame is aluminum, which adds a premium touch and structural rigidity. It feels cool to the touch and contributes to the overall solid feel in hand.
• Back: The back panel is crafted from polycarbonate with a matte finish. Don’t let “plastic” fool you. this isn’t cheap-feeling glossy plastic. It’s a high-quality matte material that:
  • Resists Fingerprints: A huge win for aesthetics, as it keeps the phone looking clean.
  • Adds Grip: The matte texture provides a more secure hold compared to slippery glass backs.
  • Reduces Weight: Polycarbonate is lighter than glass, contributing to the S21 FE’s manageable weight of 177g.
  • Durability: While not as premium as glass, modern polycarbonate is surprisingly durable against impacts and flex.

IP68 Water and Dust Resistance: Built for Real Life

This is a non-negotiable for many users, and thankfully, the S21 FE delivers. It boasts an IP68 rating, meaning it can withstand:

• Dust: Completely protected against dust ingress.
• Water Immersion: Submersion in up to 1.5 meters of fresh water for up to 30 minutes.
• Real-world Benefit: This means spilled drinks, unexpected rain showers, or accidental drops in the sink aren’t a death sentence for your phone. It adds a significant layer of robustness and peace of mind. It’s one of those features you hope you never need but are immensely grateful for when you do.

Display Quality: A Feast for the Eyes

The display is often the window to your smartphone experience, and Samsung has a long-standing reputation for producing some of the best mobile screens in the business.

The Galaxy S21 FE carries this torch proudly, featuring a display that genuinely elevates the user experience, especially given its price point.

Dynamic AMOLED 2X: Samsung’s Best-in-Class Technology

The S21 FE is equipped with a 6.4-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display. This isn’t just any AMOLED. it’s Samsung’s top-tier screen technology, typically reserved for their flagship devices.

• Color Accuracy: Expect incredibly vibrant and accurate colors. Photos, videos, and even app icons pop with lifelike saturation and contrast. Samsung’s displays are known for their ability to reproduce a wide color gamut, making everything look fantastic.
• Deep Blacks: AMOLED technology means individual pixels can be turned off completely, resulting in true, inky blacks. This provides infinite contrast, making dark scenes in movies or dark mode interfaces truly immersive.
• Brightness: The display can reach up to 1200 nits of peak brightness for HDR content and maintains excellent visibility outdoors even under direct sunlight. This is crucial for usability in various lighting conditions.

120Hz Refresh Rate: Silky Smooth Scrolling

This is a must for daily interaction and arguably one of the most impactful features for perceived fluidity. The S21 FE supports a 120Hz refresh rate.

• What it means: The screen updates 120 times per second, twice as often as a standard 60Hz display.
• User Experience: The difference is immediately noticeable.
  • Scrolling: Scrolling through web pages, social media feeds, or menus feels incredibly smooth and fluid, almost like gliding.
  • Gaming: Compatible games look and feel more responsive, with reduced motion blur.
  • Overall Snappiness: The entire user interface feels more responsive and agile.
• Adaptive vs. Fixed: Unlike some higher-end Samsung flagships that offer adaptive refresh rates which dynamically adjust from 10Hz to 120Hz to save battery, the S21 FE’s 120Hz mode is generally fixed. You can choose between 60Hz and 120Hz. While adaptive would be nice for battery, the fixed 120Hz still provides a consistently smooth experience.

Resolution and Pixel Density: Sharp and Clear

The display sports a Full HD+ resolution 2340 x 1080 pixels.

• Pixel Density: At 6.4 inches, this resolution translates to a pixel density of approximately 401 pixels per inch PPI.
• Clarity: This is more than sharp enough for everyday use. Text looks crisp, images are detailed, and you’re unlikely to discern individual pixels unless you hold the phone unnaturally close to your eyes. While some flagships offer Quad HD+, the visual difference for most content is minimal, and Full HD+ is less demanding on the battery.

Always-On Display AOD: Convenient Information at a Glance

Samsung’s AOD feature is fully supported here, allowing you to see key information without waking up the entire screen.

• Customization: You can customize what appears: time, date, battery level, notification icons, and even widgets like podcast controls or calendar events.
• Efficiency: Because AMOLED pixels can be turned off individually, the AOD consumes very little power, making it a highly convenient feature for quick glances.

Performance: Flagship-Level Power Under the Hood

When it comes to raw processing power, the Samsung Galaxy S21 FE doesn’t pull any punches, opting for the very same chips found in its more expensive S21 siblings.

This is a critical factor for long-term usability and responsiveness, ensuring the phone can handle demanding tasks with ease. Jbl Reflect Flow Pro Review

Processor: Snapdragon 888 or Exynos 2100 Region Dependent

The S21 FE ships with one of two top-tier processors, depending on your region:

• Qualcomm Snapdragon 888: Predominantly found in the US, Canada, China, and some other markets.
  • Architecture: Built on a 5nm process, it features an octa-core CPU configuration with a prime Cortex-X1 core, three Cortex-A78 performance cores, and four Cortex-A55 efficiency cores.
  • GPU: Adreno 660, known for its excellent gaming performance.
  • Performance Metrics: In synthetic benchmarks like AnTuTu v9 or Geekbench multi-core, the Snapdragon 888 consistently posts high scores, often in the range of 700,000-800,000+ for AnTuTu and 3000-3500+ for Geekbench multi-core.
• Samsung Exynos 2100: Found in Europe, India, and other global markets.
  • Architecture: Also a 5nm octa-core chip with a similar core configuration one Cortex-X1, three Cortex-A78, four Cortex-A55.
  • GPU: Mali-G78 MP14.
  • Performance Metrics: The Exynos 2100 generally performs very similarly to the Snapdragon 888, with comparable benchmark scores. While there used to be significant performance disparities between Exynos and Snapdragon, the 2100 narrowed the gap considerably.

Real-World Performance: Smooth Sailing

Regardless of which chip you get, the real-world performance of the S21 FE is unequivocally flagship-level:

• Everyday Tasks: Opening apps, multitasking, browsing, and navigating the UI are all instantaneous and fluid. There are no noticeable stutters or lags.
• Heavy Multitasking: With 6GB or 8GB of RAM depending on the storage variant, the phone handles multiple demanding apps open simultaneously without needing to frequently reload them. Switching between games, social media, and productivity apps is seamless.
• Gaming: This is where these chips truly shine.
  • Graphics-Intensive Games: Titles like Genshin Impact, Call of Duty Mobile, PUBG Mobile, and Fortnite run smoothly at high graphics settings and often at high frame rates e.g., 60fps, or even higher if supported by the game and the 120Hz display.
  • Sustained Performance: While all modern chips can experience some thermal throttling during extended intense gaming sessions leading to a slight drop in peak performance, the S21 FE manages heat dissipation reasonably well for its form factor.

Storage and RAM Configurations: Speed and Capacity

The S21 FE offers different configurations to suit varying needs:

• RAM:
  • 6GB LPDDR5 RAM: Paired with the 128GB storage variant. This is perfectly adequate for most users and offers excellent multitasking capabilities.
  • 8GB LPDDR5 RAM: Paired with the 256GB storage variant. This provides even more headroom for power users and those who keep many apps open in the background. LPDDR5 is the latest generation of mobile RAM, offering faster data access speeds and improved power efficiency.
• Storage:
  • 128GB UFS 3.1: Fast internal storage ensures quick app loading times and file transfers.
  • 256GB UFS 3.1: Offers double the space for apps, photos, videos, and games.
• No Expandable Storage: It’s important to note that, like its S21 siblings, the S21 FE does not have a microSD card slot for expandable storage. This means you need to choose your internal storage wisely at purchase. For many, 128GB is enough, but content creators or heavy media consumers might lean towards 256GB.

Camera System: Versatile and Reliable

Samsung’s camera systems have consistently been a strong point, and the Galaxy S21 FE continues this tradition by offering a versatile triple-camera setup that delivers reliable performance across various scenarios.

While it might not have the absolute bleeding-edge sensors of the most premium flagships, it hits all the right notes for the vast majority of users, producing consistently pleasing results.

Triple Camera Setup: Covering All Bases

The S21 FE features a well-rounded rear camera array designed to give you flexibility in your shots:

1. 12MP Main Camera Wide:

   • Sensor: Sony IMX555 or similar, depending on region/batch with Dual Pixel AF.
   • Aperture: f/1.8
   • Features: Optical Image Stabilization OIS, 26mm equivalent focal length.
   • Performance: This is your workhorse lens. It captures excellent photos in good lighting conditions, with vibrant colors, good dynamic range, and plenty of detail. OIS helps immensely in low light by allowing for longer exposure times and reducing blur from hand shake. Photos are sharp, and Samsung’s processing tends to boost colors a bit, leading to a punchy, ready-to-share look.

2. 12MP Ultra-Wide Camera:

   • Aperture: f/2.2
   • Features: 123-degree field of view, fixed focus.

3. 8MP Telephoto Camera:

   • Aperture: f/2.4
   • Features: Optical Image Stabilization OIS, 3x optical zoom.
   • Performance: This is a key differentiator from many mid-range phones that rely solely on digital zoom. The 3x optical zoom allows you to get significantly closer to your subject without losing detail. It’s fantastic for portraits, distant objects, or simply reframing a shot without physically moving. The OIS is particularly important here to maintain sharpness at zoomed-in focal lengths. It can also achieve up to 30x Space Zoom digital zoom, though quality degrades significantly beyond 10x.

Front Camera: High-Resolution Selfies

• 32MP Front Camera:
  • Features: Fixed focus.
  • Performance: Captures highly detailed selfies, making it great for social media or video calls. Samsung’s selfie processing can sometimes be a bit aggressive with smoothing, but generally, the results are pleasing. It also supports various portrait modes and filters.

Key Software Features and Modes: Enhancing Your Shots

Samsung’s camera app is packed with features to maximize your photographic output: Asus Proart Studiobook 16 Oled H5600 Review

• Night Mode: Significantly improves low-light photos by intelligently combining multiple exposures to brighten shadows, control highlights, and reduce noise. The results are often impressive, turning otherwise dark scenes into usable images.
• Portrait Mode: Uses software to create a natural-looking bokeh background blur effect, making your subject stand out. You can adjust the intensity of the blur after taking the shot.
• Pro Mode: Gives advanced users manual control over settings like ISO, shutter speed, focus, white balance, and exposure compensation. This allows for more creative control.
• Single Take: A unique Samsung feature that captures multiple photos and videos from a single shot, using various lenses and effects, giving you a gallery of options to choose from.
• Director’s View: Allows you to record video using both the front and rear cameras simultaneously, great for vlogging or reaction videos.

Video Capabilities: Ready for Action

The S21 FE is also a capable video recorder:

• Max Resolution: Up to 4K at 60fps on the main camera, and importantly, you can also record 4K 60fps on the ultra-wide and telephoto lenses, offering great flexibility.
• Super Steady: Utilizes advanced stabilization combining OIS and EIS to smooth out shaky footage, making it great for action shots. This works best at 1080p.
• HDR10+ Recording: Provides enhanced dynamic range and color for video, particularly noticeable on HDR-compatible displays.

Overall, the S21 FE’s camera system is a significant strength. It’s not just about the megapixel count.

It’s about the versatility of the lenses, the reliability of the image processing, and the wealth of features that make it a joy to shoot with.

Battery Life and Charging: Endurance for the Day

Battery life is a common concern for smartphone users, and the Samsung Galaxy S21 FE aims to deliver a full day of usage for most individuals, backed by reasonably fast charging capabilities.

While it’s not a battery champion in the ultra-endurance category, it generally performs well for its class.

Battery Capacity: A Solid 4,500mAh

The S21 FE is equipped with a 4,500 mAh battery.

• Context: This is a respectable size for a device with a 6.4-inch 120Hz display and a flagship-tier processor. For comparison, the original S21 had a 4,000 mAh battery, giving the FE a slight edge in raw capacity.
• Real-World Usage: For an average user with a mix of browsing, social media, light gaming, and streaming, the S21 FE can comfortably last a full day on a single charge.
  • Moderate Use: You can expect around 6-7 hours of screen-on time SoT on Wi-Fi with the 120Hz refresh rate enabled.
  • Heavy Use: If you’re a heavy gamer or stream a lot of video, especially on mobile data, you might find yourself reaching for the charger by late evening.
  • 60Hz Mode: Switching the display refresh rate down to 60Hz can extend battery life noticeably, often adding another hour or more of SoT, if you prioritize endurance over fluidity.

Wired Charging: Up to 25W Fast Charging

The S21 FE supports up to 25W wired fast charging.

• Charging Times:
  • A full charge from 0% to 100% typically takes around 70-80 minutes with a compatible 25W charger which is sold separately, as no charger is included in the box.
  • A quick 30-minute charge can usually get you from 0% to around 50-55% battery, which is handy for a quick top-up before heading out.
• Considerations: While 25W is fast enough for most, it’s not the absolute fastest charging speed available on the market some phones now push 65W or even 120W. However, it strikes a good balance between speed and battery longevity, as excessively fast charging can sometimes contribute to faster battery degradation over time.

Wireless Charging: Convenient and Cable-Free

The S21 FE also supports wireless charging, which is a significant convenience feature often found in premium devices.

• Standard: It supports the Qi wireless charging standard, making it compatible with a wide array of wireless charging pads.
• Speed: It can charge wirelessly at speeds of up to 15W. This is respectable for wireless charging and means you can get a decent charge over a lunch break or overnight without plugging in.

Wireless PowerShare: Sharing the Juice

This is a neat trick that allows your S21 FE to act as a wireless charging pad for other compatible devices.

• Use Cases:
  • Charge your earbuds: Great for topping up your Samsung Galaxy Buds or other Qi-compatible earbuds.
  • Give a friend a boost: If a friend’s phone is low on battery and supports wireless charging, you can share some of your phone’s charge.
• How it Works: Simply activate Wireless PowerShare in the Quick Settings panel, place the compatible device on the back of your S21 FE, and it will begin charging.

Overall, the S21 FE’s battery life is good for a day of moderate to heavy use, and its charging capabilities both wired and wireless add to the overall convenience and premium feel of the device. Ipower Web Hosting Review

Just remember to factor in the cost of a 25W charger if you don’t already own one.

Software Experience: One UI and Android Updates

The software experience on a smartphone is just as crucial as its hardware. The Samsung Galaxy S21 FE runs on One UI, Samsung’s highly customized Android skin, offering a rich feature set and a distinctive aesthetic. Furthermore, Samsung has made significant strides in its commitment to software updates, making the S21 FE a solid choice for long-term support.

One UI: Feature-Rich and Customizable

At launch, the S21 FE shipped with One UI 3.1 based on Android 11, and has since been updated to newer versions, likely One UI 5 Android 13 or even One UI 6 Android 14 depending on when you acquire the device and your region.

• Intuitive Design: One UI is known for its clean, modern interface with large, easy-to-reach elements designed for comfortable one-handed use, especially on larger screens.
• Customization Options:
  • Themes: Extensive theme store to personalize the look and feel of your phone.
  • Widgets: A wide array of widgets for glanceable information.
  • Edge Panels: Swipeable panels from the side of the screen providing quick access to apps, contacts, tools, and more.
  • Good Lock Modules: Samsung’s Good Lock app available on the Galaxy Store allows for deep customization of almost every aspect of the UI, from the lock screen to navigation gestures and even the sound panel. This is a huge plus for users who love to tweak their phone.
• Productivity Tools:
  • Multi-Active Window: Excellent multi-window support for running two apps side-by-side or in pop-up view.
  • DeX: Samsung DeX allows you to connect your phone to an external monitor, keyboard, and mouse to create a desktop-like experience, transforming your phone into a portable computer. This is incredibly powerful for productivity on the go.
  • Link to Windows: Seamless integration with Windows PCs for notifications, messages, calls, and even running Android apps on your desktop.
• Privacy and Security: One UI incorporates all of Android’s core privacy features, such as granular app permissions, microphone/camera indicators, and quick settings toggles for turning off sensors. Samsung also adds its own Knox security platform, providing a robust, multi-layered defense for your data.

Android Update Commitment: A Key Selling Point

Samsung has significantly improved its software update policy in recent years, making their devices a much safer long-term investment.

• Major Android OS Updates: The S21 FE is guaranteed to receive four generations of Android OS upgrades. Since it launched with Android 12, it will likely receive updates up to Android 16. This is a leading policy in the Android world, ensuring your phone stays current with the latest features and security enhancements for years to come.
• Security Updates: Samsung also commits to five years of security updates. These monthly or quarterly patches are critical for protecting your device against newly discovered vulnerabilities.

Pre-installed Apps Bloatware: A Samsung Characteristic

Like many Android manufacturers, Samsung pre-installs a number of its own apps in addition to Google’s suite.

• Samsung Apps: Includes Samsung Health, Galaxy Store, SmartThings, Samsung Pay, Samsung Free, and Bixby. While some are useful like Samsung Pay for mobile payments or SmartThings for IoT device management, others might be redundant if you prefer Google’s alternatives.
• Third-Party Apps: Depending on your region and carrier, you might also find some third-party apps pre-installed. Many of these can be uninstalled or disabled, but it’s something to be aware of.

Overall, the S21 FE’s software experience is one of its strong suits.

One UI is a polished, feature-rich interface that caters to both casual users and power users who enjoy deep customization.

Coupled with Samsung’s excellent update policy, it ensures the phone remains relevant and secure for many years.

Connectivity and Audio: Staying Connected and Tuned In

The Samsung Galaxy S21 FE checks many of the crucial boxes, offering modern connectivity options and a robust audio setup.

5G Connectivity: Future-Proofing Your Speed

The S21 FE supports both sub-6GHz and mmWave 5G connectivity where available, particularly in the US. Vipre Endpoint Security Cloud Review

• Sub-6GHz: This is the more widespread 5G standard, offering better coverage and speeds that are significantly faster than 4G LTE, though not quite at the multi-gigabit levels of mmWave.
• mmWave Millimeter Wave: This offers incredibly fast speeds often gigabits per second but has a very limited range and struggles with obstructions. It’s typically found in dense urban areas or specific venues.
• Benefit: Having 5G capability means you’re prepared for the next generation of mobile internet speeds, ensuring faster downloads, smoother streaming, and lower latency for things like cloud gaming. Even if 5G isn’t fully ubiquitous in your area yet, the phone is future-proofed.

Wi-Fi 6: Faster Home and Office Connectivity

The device comes with Wi-Fi 6 802.11ax support.

• Advantages over Wi-Fi 5:
  • Faster Speeds: Higher theoretical speeds, though real-world benefits depend on your router and internet plan.
  • Better Performance in Congested Networks: More efficient handling of multiple devices, reducing lag and improving stability in busy Wi-Fi environments e.g., smart homes with many connected gadgets.
  • Improved Battery Efficiency: More efficient data transmission can lead to slightly better battery life when connected to Wi-Fi 6 networks.

Bluetooth 5.0: Reliable Wireless Peripherals

Bluetooth 5.0 provides stable and efficient connections for all your wireless accessories.

• Range: Increased range compared to older Bluetooth versions.
• Speed: Faster data transfer rates.
• Dual Audio: A handy Samsung feature that allows you to connect two Bluetooth headphones or speakers simultaneously and play audio through both. Great for sharing podcast with a friend.

NFC: Contactless Payments and More

The S21 FE includes NFC Near Field Communication.

• Samsung Pay/Google Pay: Essential for contactless mobile payments at compatible terminals.
• Quick Pairing: Used for quickly pairing with compatible Bluetooth devices or smart tags.
• Smart Home Integration: Useful for interacting with certain NFC-enabled smart home devices.

USB-C Port: Versatile and Modern

The single USB-C port at the bottom serves multiple functions:

• Charging: Main port for fast wired charging.
• Data Transfer: For connecting to a computer to transfer files.
• Display Output DeX: Crucially, it supports DisplayPort Alt Mode, meaning it can output video to an external display, enabling the full Samsung DeX experience. This turns your phone into a powerful desktop PC replacement.

Audio: Stereo Speakers and No Headphone Jack

• Stereo Speakers: The S21 FE features stereo speakers, with one firing from the bottom and the earpiece doubling as the second speaker. This provides a more immersive audio experience for media consumption compared to a single bottom-firing speaker. They get reasonably loud and offer decent clarity, though bass is limited, as expected from smartphone speakers.
• No 3.5mm Headphone Jack: Like most modern flagships and many mid-range phones, the S21 FE does not have a traditional 3.5mm headphone jack.
  • Implication: You’ll need to rely on USB-C headphones, a USB-C to 3.5mm adapter, or wireless Bluetooth headphones which is the predominant way most people consume audio now.
  • Consideration: This is a common trend, and while some users miss the jack, the industry has largely moved towards wireless audio.

In summary, the S21 FE is well-equipped for modern connectivity standards, offering fast mobile data, robust Wi-Fi, and convenient wireless features.

The stereo speakers are a welcome addition for media, though the absence of a headphone jack means you’ll need to embrace wireless audio or an adapter.

Price and Value Proposition: Finding the Sweet Spot

The “Fan Edition” moniker implies a device that offers a strong value proposition by distilling the essence of a flagship into a more attainable package.

The Samsung Galaxy S21 FE, particularly after its initial launch, fits this description well, balancing premium features with a more accessible price point compared to its fully-fledged S-series counterparts.

Launch Price vs. Current Market Value

• Initial Launch Price: The S21 FE launched in January 2022 with a starting price of $699 USD for the 6GB RAM/128GB storage model. The 8GB/256GB model was typically around $769-$799.
• Market Context at Launch: At $699, it sat slightly below the original S21’s launch price of $799, but also came out after the S22 series was already announced, which sometimes led to confusion regarding its positioning.
• Current Value as of late 2023/early 2024: The S21 FE has seen significant price drops since its release. You can now frequently find it on sale for $399 – $499 USD through various retailers, or even less for refurbished models. This is where its value truly shines.

The “FE” Philosophy: Strategic Compromises

The S21 FE achieves its lower price point through judicious design and component choices:

• Polycarbonate Back: While premium, it’s cheaper than glass, saving costs.
• Slightly Less Advanced Camera Hardware: While excellent, the sensors are not identical to the S21 or S22, and the telephoto lens is 8MP instead of 64MP though the 3x optical zoom is still a major plus.
• Fixed 120Hz Display: Unlike the S21/S22’s adaptive refresh rate, which adjusts dynamically to save battery, the FE primarily offers a fixed 120Hz or 60Hz. This is a minor cost-saving measure in display tech.
• No Charger in Box: A common trend, but still an added cost if you don’t own a 25W charger.

Who is the S21 FE For?

The S21 FE offers excellent value for several types of users: Rode Podmic Review

• Value-Conscious Flagship Seekers: If you want flagship performance, a great display, and a capable camera without spending $800+, the S21 FE is a very strong contender, especially at its discounted prices.
• Current Samsung Users Upgrading from Older Models: For those coming from older Galaxy S or A series phones e.g., S10, S20 FE, A52, the S21 FE offers a significant upgrade in processor, display quality, and overall smoothness.
• Users Prioritizing Longevity: With Samsung’s commitment to four OS updates and five years of security patches, the S21 FE is a phone you can comfortably use for many years, enhancing its long-term value.
• Gamers on a Budget: The Snapdragon 888/Exynos 2100 chipset makes it a powerhouse for mobile gaming, offering a smooth 120Hz experience for demanding titles.

Comparison to Alternatives

• Against the Original S21: At launch, the S21 was often seen as slightly better in build glass back, adaptive refresh, but the FE offered a larger display and battery. Now, with the S21 often discontinued, the FE stands as the more accessible S21 variant.
• Against the S22: The S22 offers a more refined design, slightly newer chip, and marginally better camera tech, but at a higher price and with a smaller battery. The S21 FE often beats it on battery life.
• Against Mid-Range Phones e.g., Galaxy A54: The S21 FE still significantly outperforms premium mid-rangers like the A54 in raw processing power, camera versatility especially the telephoto lens, and often display brightness/smoothness, despite the A54 being newer.
• Against Competing Flagship Killers e.g., OnePlus, Google Pixel A-series: The S21 FE competes well, often offering superior processors or camera versatility, while matching or exceeding software update commitments.

Considering its current market price, the Samsung Galaxy S21 FE delivers an outstanding balance of performance, display quality, camera capability, and software support, making it a highly attractive option for savvy buyers looking to get maximum bang for their buck in the smartphone market.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Samsung Galaxy S21 FE worth buying in 2023/2024?

Yes, the Samsung Galaxy S21 FE is absolutely worth buying in 2023/2024, especially if you can find it at its often-discounted price around $400-$500. It offers flagship-level performance, a superb 120Hz AMOLED display, a versatile camera system, and long-term software support, making it an excellent value proposition.

What is the difference between S21 and S21 FE?

The S21 FE has a slightly larger screen 6.4″ vs 6.2″, a larger battery 4500mAh vs 4000mAh, and a plastic back compared to the S21’s glass back.

The camera systems are similar but not identical, with the S21 having a 64MP telephoto for hybrid zoom vs the FE’s 8MP optical telephoto.

The FE typically came out later and often at a more accessible price point.

Does the S21 FE have a good camera?

Yes, the S21 FE has a very good and versatile camera system.

It features a 12MP main lens with OIS, a 12MP ultra-wide, and an 8MP 3x optical telephoto lens with OIS.

It produces vibrant, detailed photos in most conditions and offers capable video recording up to 4K 60fps across all three lenses.

Is the S21 FE still getting updates?

Yes, the S21 FE is guaranteed to receive four generations of Android OS updates up to Android 16, as it launched with Android 12 and five years of security updates.

This ensures it remains current and secure for many years to come. Funleader Caplens 18Mm F80 045M For M Mount Review

Does the S21 FE have good battery life?

The S21 FE has good battery life, typically lasting a full day for most moderate to heavy users with its 4,500mAh battery.

You can expect around 6-7 hours of screen-on time with the 120Hz display enabled.

Does the S21 FE have a headphone jack?

No, the Samsung Galaxy S21 FE does not have a 3.5mm headphone jack.

You will need to use USB-C headphones, a USB-C to 3.5mm adapter, or wireless Bluetooth headphones.

What processor does the S21 FE use?

The S21 FE uses either the Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 or the Samsung Exynos 2100, depending on the region.

Both are flagship-tier processors from 2021, offering excellent performance for all tasks, including demanding games.

Is the S21 FE waterproof?

The S21 FE is water and dust resistant with an IP68 rating.

This means it can withstand submersion in up to 1.5 meters of fresh water for up to 30 minutes, and is fully protected against dust.

Does the S21 FE support wireless charging?

Yes, the S21 FE supports wireless charging at up to 15W and also features Wireless PowerShare, allowing it to wirelessly charge other compatible devices like earbuds.

Is the S21 FE screen good for gaming?

Yes, the S21 FE’s Dynamic AMOLED 2X display with a 120Hz refresh rate makes it excellent for gaming. Skagen Falster Gen 6 Smartwatch Review

It offers smooth visuals, vibrant colors, and responsive touch input.

Does the S21 FE come with a charger in the box?

No, like many modern smartphones, the Samsung Galaxy S21 FE does not come with a charger in the box.

You will need to use an existing USB-C charger or purchase a compatible 25W fast charger separately.

What is the display size of the S21 FE?

The Samsung Galaxy S21 FE features a 6.4-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display.

Does the S21 FE have a fingerprint sensor?

Yes, the S21 FE has an optical under-display fingerprint sensor for secure and convenient unlocking.

Can the S21 FE record 4K video?

Yes, the S21 FE can record 4K video at 60 frames per second fps with its main, ultra-wide, and telephoto rear cameras, offering great versatility for video capture.

Is the S21 FE good for photography?

Yes, the S21 FE is very good for photography.

Its versatile triple-camera setup, including a 3x optical zoom lens, and capable software features like Night Mode and Portrait Mode, make it a reliable choice for capturing a wide range of subjects.

What colors does the S21 FE come in?

The S21 FE typically comes in several matte finish colors, often including Graphite dark gray, White, Olive, and Lavender.

Does the S21 FE support expandable storage?

No, the Samsung Galaxy S21 FE does not have a microSD card slot for expandable storage. Aventon Aventure Ebike Review

You must rely on the internal storage options 128GB or 256GB.

Is the S21 FE better than the Galaxy A54?

The S21 FE generally offers superior performance flagship chip vs. mid-range, a more versatile camera system especially with optical telephoto, and a more premium feel compared to the Galaxy A54, although the A54 is a newer mid-range device with a slightly longer update commitment from its launch date.

How long does it take to charge the S21 FE?

With a compatible 25W charger, the S21 FE can charge from 0% to 100% in approximately 70-80 minutes.

A 30-minute charge can typically get it to around 50-55%.

What operating system does the S21 FE run on?

The S21 FE launched with Android 12 and Samsung’s One UI 4, and has since been updated to newer versions of Android and One UI.

It is guaranteed to receive updates up to Android 16.

Does the S21 FE have 120Hz refresh rate?

Yes, the S21 FE features a 120Hz refresh rate display, providing a smooth and fluid user experience for scrolling, gaming, and general navigation.

Is the S21 FE a good phone for social media?

Yes, the S21 FE is an excellent phone for social media due to its vibrant 120Hz AMOLED display, fast performance for smooth app usage, and a capable camera system for sharing high-quality photos and videos.

Can the S21 FE use Samsung DeX?

Yes, the S21 FE supports Samsung DeX, allowing you to connect your phone to an external monitor, keyboard, and mouse to create a desktop-like computing experience.

What type of display does the S21 FE have?

The S21 FE features a Dynamic AMOLED 2X display, known for its vibrant colors, deep blacks, excellent contrast, and high brightness. Audioengine A1 Mr Review

Is the S21 FE durable?

The S21 FE is durable thanks to its Gorilla Glass Victus front, aluminum frame, and IP68 water and dust resistance rating.

The polycarbonate back also adds a degree of impact resistance.

Does the S21 FE support 5G?

Yes, the S21 FE supports both sub-6GHz and mmWave 5G connectivity, depending on your region and carrier.

How much RAM does the S21 FE have?

The S21 FE comes with either 6GB or 8GB of LPDDR5 RAM, depending on the storage configuration 128GB or 256GB.

Is the S21 FE good for productivity?

Yes, with its powerful processor, ample RAM, large display, and support for Samsung DeX, the S21 FE is well-suited for productivity tasks, including multitasking and document editing.

Does the S21 FE have always-on display?

Yes, the S21 FE supports the Always-On Display AOD feature, allowing you to view time, date, battery status, and notifications at a glance without fully waking the screen.

When was the Samsung Galaxy S21 FE released?

The Samsung Galaxy S21 FE was officially released in January 2022.