Samsung Galaxy S21 FE

Description

Samsung’s Galaxy S21 FE, released in early 2022, puts flagship-level quality in a fan‑favorite format. With its sharp Dynamic AMOLED 2X panel, robust processor, and refined design built for longevity, this phone remains a capable and stylish companion—even several years later.

Key Features:

• Display: 6.4″ Full HD+ Dynamic AMOLED 2X with 120 Hz (fixed rate), excellent color accuracy, deep blacks, Gorilla Glass Victus protection, and compact, flat bezels

• Performance: Powered by Snapdragon 888 (US/China) or Exynos 2100 (global), coupled with 6 GB or 8 GB LPDDR5 RAM—both variants handle everyday, gaming, and multitasking smoothly

• Camera System: 12 MP main (OIS), 12 MP ultra-wide, and 8 MP telephoto (3× zoom); front 32 MP selfie camera. Night mode yields bright, detailed low-light shots with low noise

• Battery & Charging: 4,500 mAh battery supportive of a full day; 25 W fast wired charging, plus wireless and reverse wireless charging

• Build & Design: Compact and durable with IP68 water/dust resistance, matte aluminum frame and a grippy finish, weighing around 177 g

• Software & Updates: Launched with Android 12 and One UI 4.1, the S21 FE is confirmed to receive Android 13, 14, and 15, plus security updates until at least end‑2025 (~4 years)

Pros & Highlights:

• Vivid AMOLED display with smooth 120 Hz refresh rate

• Flagship-grade chipset—excellent for apps, gaming, and camera

• Versatile camera setup with solid low-light and zoom performance

• Robust software support with multiple OS updates and security patches

• Compact, durable design with long-term relevance

Considerations:

• Battery life is inconsistent: Users report screen-on times ranging from ~3.5 h to ~7 h depending on chipset and usage; the Exynos variant often trails behind the Snapdragon version

• Overheating concerns, especially with Exynos and during gaming or prolonged camera use, have been reported

• No adaptive refresh rate, so power savings are limited when using high refresh rates continuously

• Telephoto camera is soft and noisy, especially in zoomed conditions or low light

• Some units experienced ‘green line’ display issues after updates, and service policies may vary by region

User Feedback Highlights:

From Reddit users:

“With that phone I consistently get over 6 h of screen‑on time on 60 Hz with light gaming… some complain about battery life but maybe they don’t optimize their phone.” 
“Battery drain is real… I get about 6.5 h average, but it heats up under load and standby isn’t great—may need twice‑daily charging.” 
“Camera performance is still flagship‑level, despite being a lower‑cost device.”

Why It Matters:

The Galaxy S21 FE stands out today as a post-flagship device offering a near-premium display, camera versatility, and long-term software support at a mid-tier price. It’s a great pick if you value compact design and solid performance, provided you manage battery settings and are aware of variant-specific thermal behavior. For higher endurance or more advanced features, newer models like the S23 FE or S22 Ultra offer compelling upgrades.