The Samsung Galaxy S21 FE, or “Fan Edition,” was designed with loyal Galaxy fans in mind, offering a balance between premium features and affordability. Following in the footsteps of the successful Galaxy S20 FE, the S21 FE aims to bring flagship-like qualities at a more accessible price point. With a mix of solid hardware, refined design, and consistent performance, the S21 FE continues to win the hearts of budget-conscious consumers looking for maximum value.
TL;DR (Too Long; Didn’t Read)
The Samsung Galaxy S21 FE is a budget-friendly alternative to the flagship S21, offering similar design and performance at a reduced cost. It includes a powerful Snapdragon 888 processor, a vibrant AMOLED display, and decent camera capabilities. While it cuts a few corners from its flagship counterpart, such as using plastic materials and slightly slower charging, it still delivers phenomenal value for its price. This phone is ideal for users who want high-end features without paying a premium price.
Design and Build Quality
On the surface, the Galaxy S21 FE bears a strong resemblance to its more expensive siblings. It features a 6.4-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display with a resolution of 2340 x 1080 pixels, offering sharp visuals and vibrant colors. The screen supports an adaptive 120Hz refresh rate, which ensures buttery-smooth scrolling and responsive performance.
While stylish in appearance, the S21 FE does compromise slightly when it comes to build materials. Instead of the glass back found on premium models, it employs a polycarbonate (plastic) back panel. However, the build still feels solid and it’s equipped with Gorilla Glass Victus at the front for extra screen protection. The design is sleek, lightweight, and available in a range of attractive finishes including graphite, white, lavender, and olive.
Performance and Hardware
At the heart of the Galaxy S21 FE lies the Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 processor (in most markets), the same chipset that powered flagship phones of its generation. Coupled with 6GB or 8GB of RAM and 128GB or 256GB of storage, the S21 FE delivers a snappy and seamless experience whether you’re gaming, multitasking, or streaming content.
Performance benchmarks show the S21 FE consistently rivaling many top-tier phones from the same period. It handles resource-intense apps well and seldom struggles with heat management. However, it’s worth noting that the lack of a microSD card slot may limit storage expansion for power users.
The S21 FE is also equipped with a 4,500 mAh battery, which offers more than a day’s usage on moderate settings. It supports 25W fast charging (charger not included), 15W wireless charging, and reverse wireless charging. While the charging speeds aren’t groundbreaking, they remain respectable for a phone in this price bracket.
Camera Capability
Samsung outfitted the S21 FE with a versatile triple-lens camera system comprising a 12MP main sensor, a 12MP ultra-wide lens, and an 8MP telephoto lens offering 3x optical zoom. This setup allows users to capture a variety of shots, from expansive landscapes to zoomed-in portraits, with clarity and detail.
In good lighting conditions, the photos are vibrant, with solid dynamic range and color accuracy. The night mode is functional, if not revolutionary, and the AI enhancements help improve shots taken in challenging conditions. The 32MP front-facing camera is ideal for selfies and supports full 4K video recording.
Software Features
The Galaxy S21 FE ships with Samsung’s One UI 4.0 based on Android 12 out of the box, and is eligible for multiple years of software updates. This means users get not only the latest Android features but also Samsung-exclusive tools such as:
- Samsung DeX: Transform your phone into a PC-like interface when connected to a monitor.
- Link to Windows: Seamless integration with Windows PCs for messages, calls, and transferring files.
- Game Launcher: Optimizes gaming experience with performance tuning and screen recording options.
One UI is user-friendly, highly customizable, and includes valuable privacy features and utilities like Digital Wellbeing, Secure Folder, and App Pair for multitasking.
Value for Money
With a launch price well below premium Galaxy models, the S21 FE hits a sweet spot between affordability and performance. While it omits luxury touches like a glass back or ultra-fast charging, it still delivers:
- A top-tier Snapdragon processor
- Emphasis on display quality and refresh rate
- Reliable camera performance
- Software longevity and feature-rich UI
The phone often receives discounts, making it an even more enticing option for consumers who want flagship-grade capabilities on a budget.
Where It Falls Short
No phone is perfect, and the S21 FE has a few compromises:
- No expandable storage: Unlike the S20 FE, the S21 FE does not support a microSD card.
- Plastic back: To manage cost, Samsung opted for a plastic back, which may feel less premium to some.
- Slower charging: Though it supports 25W fast charging, some rivals offer 30W or even 65W charging speeds.
- Charger not included: Like most modern smartphones, the S21 FE does not come with a charger in the box.
These drawbacks may be deal-breakers for a select group of users, particularly power users or those migrating from flagship devices with high expectations.
Final Verdict
The Samsung Galaxy S21 FE offers tremendous value for those looking to enjoy high-end performance without the flagship price tag. While it does come with a few minor trade-offs, the phone impresses with its display, camera, software experience, and overall build. It’s particularly suitable for casual users, gamers, or anyone in search of a reliable all-rounder that doesn’t break the bank.
Overall, the Galaxy S21 FE is a solid recommendation in the crowded mid-premium smartphone category, especially during promotional periods or post-launch discounts.
FAQ
- Q: What does “FE” stand for in Samsung Galaxy S21 FE?
A: “FE” stands for “Fan Edition.” It’s a phone series designed to offer flagship-level features at a more affordable price. - Q: Is the Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G compatible?
A: Yes, it supports 5G connectivity, making it future-proof for high-speed internet on compatible networks. - Q: Does the S21 FE have wireless charging?
A: Yes, the S21 FE supports 15W wireless charging and reverse wireless charging features. - Q: Can I expand the storage with a microSD card?
A: No, the Galaxy S21 FE does not have a microSD card slot. You must rely on internal storage options of 128GB or 256GB. - Q: How many years of updates will the S21 FE receive?
A: Samsung has committed to providing up to four years of software updates and five years of security patches for compatible devices like the S21 FE. - Q: Is the Galaxy S21 FE waterproof?
A: The phone comes with an IP68 rating, meaning it’s dustproof and can withstand immersion in up to 1.5 meters of water for 30 minutes.
