Galaxy A23 5G • Unlocked vs Galaxy S21 FE 5G • Locked Verizon

The Samsung Galaxy A23 5G, released in August 2022, and the Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G, launched in January 2022, are both Android smartphones from Samsung. While the A23 5G is positioned as a more accessible option, the S21 FE 5G offers a near-flagship experience with enhanced performance and camera capabilities. Both devices run on the Android operating system, providing a familiar user experience with Samsung's One UI.

The practical lifespan of a smartphone is significantly influenced by its software support and physical durability. These two Samsung Galaxy models offer different longevity prospects.

• Software Updates: The Galaxy A23 5G, launched with Android 12, is expected to receive two major Android OS updates, bringing it to Android 14, and four years of security updates. The Galaxy S21 FE 5G, also launched with Android 12, benefits from Samsung's enhanced update policy, promising four major Android OS upgrades (up to Android 16) and five years of security updates.
• Release Timeline: The Galaxy S21 FE 5G was released in January 2022, making it slightly older than the Galaxy A23 5G, which debuted in August 2022. This difference in release dates means the S21 FE 5G will reach its end-of-software-support earlier than the A23 5G, despite having a longer update policy from its launch.
• Repairability: The Galaxy S21 FE 5G generally receives a good repairability score, with some components like the battery and front camera being glued in place, but overall considered manageable for repairs. The Galaxy A23 5G is also considered relatively repairable, scoring around 6.75 out of 10, with replaceable back plates and camera lens covers, and a battery that can be removed with appropriate tools.

Performance is a key differentiator, impacting how smoothly applications run and how responsive the device feels during daily use.

• Processing Power: The Galaxy S21 FE 5G is equipped with a processor that handles demanding applications and multitasking with ease, providing a fluid user experience for gaming and intensive tasks. The Galaxy A23 5G features a processor that offers good performance for everyday tasks and moderate gaming, ensuring a generally smooth experience.
• Multitasking and Storage: The Galaxy S21 FE 5G typically comes with 6GB or 8GB of RAM, contributing to efficient multitasking. It offers internal storage options of 128GB and 256GB, without expandable storage. The Galaxy A23 5G is available with 4GB, 6GB, or 8GB of RAM and 64GB or 128GB of internal storage, with the added flexibility of microSD card expansion up to 1TB.
• Battery Behavior: The Galaxy A23 5G houses a larger 5000 mAh battery, which often translates to extended usage times, with users reporting it can last through a full day of heavy use or even two days with moderate use. The Galaxy S21 FE 5G has a 4500 mAh battery, which provides solid battery life for a full day of typical use, though heavy users might find themselves needing to recharge more frequently.

The visual experience is largely defined by the display technology and its characteristics.

• Display Technology and Clarity: The Galaxy S21 FE 5G features a 6.4-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display, known for its vibrant colors, deep blacks, and excellent contrast, providing a sharp and immersive viewing experience with a resolution of 2340 x 1080 pixels. The Galaxy A23 5G comes with a 6.6-inch PLS LCD display, offering a clear picture with a resolution of 2408 x 1080 pixels.
• Refresh Rate and Brightness: Both devices offer a 120Hz refresh rate, contributing to smoother scrolling and more fluid animations. The Galaxy S21 FE 5G's AMOLED panel generally achieves higher peak brightness levels, making it more comfortable to view in bright outdoor conditions. The A23 5G's LCD screen also gets bright enough for outdoor use, though it may not reach the same intensity as an AMOLED.
• Screen Size and Viewing Experience: The Galaxy A23 5G offers a slightly larger 6.6-inch screen, which can be beneficial for media consumption and productivity. The S21 FE 5G's 6.4-inch display provides a slightly more compact form factor while still offering ample screen real estate.

Camera capabilities are a significant factor for many users, and these devices offer different photographic strengths.

• Rear Camera System: The Galaxy S21 FE 5G features a versatile triple-camera setup, including a 12MP main lens with optical image stabilization (OIS), a 12MP ultrawide lens, and an 8MP telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom. This configuration allows for a wide range of photographic scenarios, from expansive landscapes to detailed distant subjects. The Galaxy A23 5G is equipped with a quad-camera system, featuring a 50MP main sensor with OIS, a 5MP ultrawide, and two 2MP sensors for macro and depth. The 50MP main camera often produces detailed images in good lighting.
• Photography Performance: The S21 FE 5G generally delivers strong image quality with good detail and color accuracy across various lighting conditions, including a capable night mode. The A23 5G's main camera performs well in daylight, capturing accurate colors and good dynamic range, though its ultrawide and macro lenses may offer less detail.
• Video Recording and Front Camera: The Galaxy S21 FE 5G supports video recording up to 4K at 60fps and has a 32MP front camera that captures detailed selfies. The Galaxy A23 5G records video at Full HD (1080p) at 30fps and includes an 8MP front camera.