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

The Samsung Galaxy A54 (released in March 2023) and the Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G (released in January 2022) are both Android-based smartphones from Samsung, offering distinct experiences for different user needs. While the Galaxy A54 is a more recent mid-range offering, the Galaxy S21 FE 5G was positioned as a 'Fan Edition' of a previous flagship. The A54 introduces a newer design and extended software support, whereas the S21 FE 5G provides a more powerful processor and a dedicated telephoto camera.

When considering the longevity of these devices, several factors come into play, including their release timelines, software support, and physical durability.

• Release Timeline & OS Support: The Galaxy A54, launched in March 2023, benefits from Samsung's commitment to four major Android OS updates and five years of security updates, extending its software lifespan potentially until Android 17 and security patches until early 2028. The Galaxy S21 FE 5G, released in January 2022, also receives four major OS updates and five years of security updates from its launch, meaning its software support will conclude a year earlier than the A54.
• Physical Durability: The Galaxy A54 features Gorilla Glass 5 on both the front and back, paired with a plastic frame, and carries an IP67 rating for dust and water resistance, allowing submersion in up to 1 meter of freshwater for 30 minutes. The Galaxy S21 FE 5G offers a slightly higher IP68 rating, protecting against submersion in up to 1.5 meters of freshwater for 30 minutes, and uses Gorilla Glass Victus on the front with a plastic back and an aluminum frame.
• Expected Practical Lifespan: Both devices are designed for a practical lifespan of several years, with consistent software updates ensuring continued functionality and security. The A54's newer release date gives it a slight edge in terms of overall software longevity.

The performance of a smartphone is crucial for daily tasks, from browsing to demanding applications and gaming. These two devices offer different approaches to processing power and storage.

• Processor Capabilities: The Galaxy S21 FE 5G is equipped with a processor known for handling demanding applications and multitasking smoothly, making it well-suited for intensive gaming and heavy usage. The Galaxy A54, while capable for everyday tasks like browsing and app usage, may experience some lag with very demanding games at high graphics settings.
• Storage and Multitasking: The Galaxy A54 offers storage options of 128GB or 256GB and includes a microSD card slot for expandable storage up to 1TB, providing flexibility for users who need significant space for media and files. The Galaxy S21 FE 5G comes with 128GB or 256GB of internal storage but does not support microSD card expansion. Both models are available with 6GB or 8GB of RAM, which supports efficient multitasking.
• Battery Behavior: The Galaxy A54 features a larger 5000 mAh battery, with users generally reporting that it lasts a full day with moderate use. The Galaxy S21 FE 5G has a 4500 mAh battery, and user experiences vary, with some finding it sufficient for a full day, while others note it may require more frequent charging with heavy use. Both support 25W fast charging, though chargers are sold separately.

The display is a primary interface for smartphone interaction, and both devices offer vibrant viewing experiences with some key differences.

• Display Technology and Clarity: Both smartphones feature 6.4-inch displays with a resolution of 1080 x 2340 pixels, providing clear and sharp visuals. The Galaxy A54 uses a Super AMOLED panel, known for its deep blacks and vibrant colors. The Galaxy S21 FE 5G utilizes a Dynamic AMOLED 2X display, which also delivers rich colors and excellent contrast.
• Brightness and Refresh Rate: Both devices offer a smooth viewing experience with a 120Hz refresh rate. The Galaxy A54 can reach a peak brightness of 1000 nits in High Brightness Mode (HBM), ensuring good visibility outdoors. The Galaxy S21 FE 5G can achieve a slightly higher peak brightness of 1200 nits, which can be beneficial in very bright conditions.
• Viewing Experience: The screen sizes are identical, offering a consistent viewing area for media consumption and productivity. The adaptive refresh rate on the S21 FE 5G can dynamically adjust to content, potentially optimizing battery usage, while the A54 also intelligently adapts its frame rate.

For many users, the camera system is a significant factor, and both the Galaxy A54 and Galaxy S21 FE 5G provide capable photographic and videographic tools with distinct strengths.

• Rear Camera Systems: The Galaxy A54 features a triple rear camera setup with a 50MP main sensor (with OIS), a 12MP ultrawide lens, and a 5MP macro lens. This configuration excels in capturing detailed everyday photos and close-up shots. The Galaxy S21 FE 5G also has a triple-lens system, comprising a 12MP wide lens (with OIS), a 12MP ultrawide lens, and an 8MP telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom. The telephoto lens on the S21 FE 5G provides enhanced capabilities for zooming in on distant subjects without significant loss of quality.
• Photography Performance: Both phones offer good performance in various lighting conditions. The A54 includes features like Nightography, improved Optical Image Stabilization (OIS), and Video Digital Image Stabilization (VDIS) for better low-light photos and stable videos. The S21 FE 5G also performs well in different lighting, with its camera system often praised for vibrant and detailed images.
• Video Recording and Audio: The Galaxy A54 supports video recording up to 4K at 30 frames per second (fps) with both its main and front cameras. The Galaxy S21 FE 5G offers higher video recording capabilities, supporting 4K at 60fps. Both devices feature stereo speakers, providing a good audio experience for media consumption.