Galaxy A54 • Unlocked vs Galaxy S21 FE 5G • Unlocked

The Samsung Galaxy A54 5G, released in March 2023, and the Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G, launched in January 2022, are both Android smartphones from Samsung. While the A54 is positioned as a strong contender in the mid-range segment, the S21 FE offers a blend of flagship-level features from a slightly older generation. Both devices run on the Android operating system with Samsung's One UI, but they differ in their core hardware and long-term software support.

When considering the longevity of a smartphone, factors like release timeline, software support, and repairability play a significant role. The Galaxy A54, being the newer device, benefits from an extended support window compared to the S21 FE.

• Software Updates: The Galaxy A54 launched with Android 13 and is guaranteed to receive four major OS upgrades, extending its software life until Android 17, along with five years of security updates until 2028. The Galaxy S21 FE, released with Android 12, is expected to receive updates up to Android 16.
• Repairability: The Galaxy A54 has a repairability score of 6.25 out of 10, or 8.4 according to French environmental legislation, indicating it is reasonably repairable. The Galaxy S21 FE has a repairability score of 7.5 out of 10, and is generally considered fairly easy to repair, though its battery is tightly glued.
• Practical Lifespan: Users prioritizing the latest software features and security patches for the longest possible duration may find the A54's extended update policy more appealing, offering a longer practical lifespan in terms of software relevance.

The performance of these two devices is influenced by their internal components, impacting how smoothly they handle daily tasks and more demanding applications. While both offer capable experiences, there are distinctions in their raw processing power and how they manage power consumption.

• Processing Capabilities: The Galaxy S21 FE features a processor that generally delivers a faster and more responsive experience, particularly noticeable in demanding applications and gaming. The Galaxy A54's processor is efficient and handles everyday tasks smoothly, but may not match the S21 FE's speed in intensive scenarios.
• Battery Behavior: The Galaxy A54 is equipped with a larger 5000 mAh battery, which, combined with its efficient processor, typically results in better battery life and longer usage between charges. The Galaxy S21 FE has a 4500 mAh battery, and while it supports 25W fast charging and 15W wireless charging, its battery life is generally less than that of the A54, especially under heavy use.
• Storage and Responsiveness: Both devices offer 6GB or 8GB of RAM and 128GB or 256GB of internal storage. The Galaxy A54 also provides expandable storage via a microSD card, a feature not present in the S21 FE. For users who frequently multitask or play graphics-intensive games, the S21 FE's processing power may offer a more consistently fluid experience.

The display is a primary interaction point for any smartphone, and both the Galaxy A54 and S21 FE offer vibrant viewing experiences, though with some underlying differences in technology and characteristics.

• Display Technology and Clarity: The Galaxy A54 features a 6.4-inch Super AMOLED display, while the Galaxy S21 FE uses a 6.4-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display. Both technologies provide rich colors and deep blacks, but the S21 FE's Dynamic AMOLED 2X panel is noted for slightly better contrast and color accuracy.
• Brightness and Refresh Rate: Both phones offer a 120Hz refresh rate for smooth scrolling and animations. The Galaxy S21 FE boasts a higher peak brightness of 1300 nits, which can be beneficial for outdoor visibility, compared to the A54's 1000 nits.
• Screen Size and Protection: Both devices feature a 6.4-inch display, providing a similar viewing area. The Galaxy S21 FE benefits from Corning Gorilla Glass Victus for enhanced screen protection, while the A54 uses Gorilla Glass 5 for both its front and back.

For many users, the camera system is a crucial aspect of a smartphone. Both the Galaxy A54 and S21 FE offer versatile camera setups, but they excel in different areas, catering to varying photography and videography needs.

• Rear Camera Systems: The Galaxy A54 features a triple camera setup with a 50 MP main sensor, a 12 MP ultrawide, and a 5 MP macro lens. The Galaxy S21 FE also has a triple camera system, comprising a 12 MP main sensor, a 12 MP ultrawide, and an 8 MP telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom.
• Photography Performance: The A54's main sensor is noted for more saturated colors, better stabilization on zoom, and more detailed photos, particularly in low-light video. The S21 FE, with its telephoto lens, offers superior optical zoom capabilities and is praised for better video stabilization (including 4K@60fps), better management of highlights and flaring, and improved noise reduction.
• Video Recording and Selfies: The S21 FE supports 4K video recording at both 30fps and 60fps, and its ultrawide lens is often considered superior. The A54 records 4K video at 30fps. Both phones feature a 32 MP front-facing camera, with the S21 FE offering better low-light selfie video and portrait mode.