Galaxy S10 • Unlocked vs Galaxy S21 FE 5G • Locked Verizon

The Samsung Galaxy S10, released in March 2019, and the Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G Verizon, launched in January 2022, represent different generations within Samsung's smartphone lineup. While both offer a premium Android experience, the S21 FE introduces a more modern processor, an enhanced display refresh rate, and extended software support, reflecting its newer release. The S10, despite its age, still provides a robust feature set that was considered top-tier at its launch.

When considering the longevity of these devices, their respective release dates play a significant role in their expected software support and practical lifespan.

• Software Updates: The Galaxy S10 launched with Android 9 and received its last major operating system update with Android 12. Security patches for most S10 models concluded in April 2023. In contrast, the Galaxy S21 FE 5G Verizon launched with Android 12 and is expected to receive major OS updates up to Android 16, with security patches continuing until at least January 2027. This means the S21 FE offers a considerably longer period of current software and security support.
• Build Materials: The Galaxy S10 features Gorilla Glass 6 on the front and Gorilla Glass 5 on the back, providing a durable and premium feel. The Galaxy S21 FE 5G Verizon upgrades the front protection to Gorilla Glass Victus, while utilizing a plastic back. Both devices carry an IP68 rating for dust and water resistance, indicating similar protection against environmental elements.
• Practical Lifespan: Users report the S10 still handles everyday tasks smoothly, but its lack of ongoing software updates may be a concern for those prioritizing the latest features and security. The S21 FE, being a newer device, offers a more future-proof experience with its extended update policy and more modern components.

The performance of a smartphone is largely determined by its internal components, impacting how smoothly applications run and how efficiently the device manages power.

• Processing Power: The Galaxy S10 is powered by a processor that, at its release, delivered strong performance for demanding applications and multitasking. The Galaxy S21 FE 5G Verizon, featuring a newer generation processor, offers enhanced capabilities for more intensive tasks, including advanced gaming and complex computational photography. This translates to quicker app loading times and a more responsive overall user experience on the S21 FE.
• Multitasking and Responsiveness: With 8GB of RAM, the Galaxy S10 handles multiple applications open simultaneously with ease. The Galaxy S21 FE 5G Verizon is available with either 6GB or 8GB of RAM, providing ample capacity for smooth transitions between apps and efficient background process management. Both devices offer a fluid interface, though the S21 FE's newer processor contributes to a snappier feel in demanding scenarios.
• Battery Behavior: The Galaxy S10 is equipped with a 3400 mAh battery, which users generally found sufficient for a day of moderate use at its launch. The Galaxy S21 FE 5G Verizon features a larger 4500 mAh battery, designed to provide extended usage, with many users reporting it can last through a full day with moderate to heavy use. However, some S21 FE users have noted that heavy usage or certain software configurations can lead to more frequent charging.

The display is a primary interface for smartphone interaction, and both devices offer high-quality viewing experiences with distinct characteristics.

• Display Technology and Clarity: The Galaxy S10 features a 6.1-inch Dynamic AMOLED display with a QHD+ resolution (1440x3040 pixels), providing exceptional sharpness and vibrant colors. The Galaxy S21 FE 5G Verizon sports a slightly larger 6.4-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display with an FHD+ resolution (2340x1080 pixels). While the S10 has a higher pixel density, both screens deliver clear and detailed visuals for everyday viewing.
• Refresh Rate and Smoothness: The Galaxy S10 has a standard 60Hz refresh rate, which provides a smooth experience for typical navigation and content consumption. The Galaxy S21 FE 5G Verizon enhances this with a 120Hz refresh rate, resulting in noticeably smoother scrolling, animations, and a more fluid feel during gaming.
• Brightness and Viewing Experience: Both displays offer excellent brightness levels, making them suitable for outdoor visibility. The S10's display was praised for its HDR10+ support and overall visual quality. The S21 FE also supports HDR10+ and provides vibrant colors, contributing to an immersive viewing experience for media.

Both the Galaxy S10 and Galaxy S21 FE 5G Verizon are equipped with versatile camera systems designed to capture a variety of moments, though with differences in their capabilities.

• Rear Camera System: The Galaxy S10 features a triple-camera setup on the rear, including a 12MP main sensor, a 16MP ultrawide lens, and a 12MP telephoto lens with 2x optical zoom. This configuration allows for diverse photographic options. The Galaxy S21 FE 5G Verizon also has a triple rear camera system, consisting of a 12MP wide lens, a 12MP ultrawide lens, and an 8MP telephoto lens offering 3x optical zoom.
• Photography Performance: The S10 was lauded for its camera quality at launch, producing sharp and detailed images in good lighting conditions. The S21 FE also delivers strong everyday photography performance, with users generally praising its ability to capture beautiful pictures. Some S21 FE users have noted occasional inconsistencies in color profiles between the main and ultrawide lenses.
• Video Recording and Front Camera: Both devices are capable of recording high-quality video. The S10 features a 10MP front-facing camera. The S21 FE significantly upgrades the front camera to a 32MP sensor, which is beneficial for high-resolution selfies and video calls.