Galaxy S10+ • Unlocked vs Galaxy S21 FE 5G • Unlocked

The Samsung Galaxy S10 Plus, released in March 2019, and the Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G, launched in January 2022, are both smartphones from Samsung's Galaxy S series. While the S10 Plus represented a premium offering at its release, the S21 FE 5G arrived as a more recent model designed to bring popular flagship features to a wider audience. Key differences between these two devices include their release timelines, processor generations, and connectivity options, with the S21 FE 5G offering more modern capabilities.

The practical lifespan of a smartphone is significantly influenced by its release date and the manufacturer's software support policy. The Galaxy S10 Plus and Galaxy S21 FE 5G, being released years apart, have different expectations for ongoing support.

• Release Timeline and OS Support: The Galaxy S10 Plus was released in March 2019 and received its last major Android update to Android 12, with security patches ending around March 2023. In contrast, the Galaxy S21 FE 5G, launched in January 2022 with Android 12, benefits from Samsung's extended software policy, which typically provides several years of major Android updates and five years of security updates. This means the S21 FE 5G will continue to receive software and security support for a considerably longer period.
• Repairability: Both devices present challenges for repair. The Galaxy S10 Plus received a repairability score of 3 out of 10 from iFixit, largely due to the extensive use of strong adhesive, which complicates common repairs like screen or battery replacements. The S21 FE 5G, while newer, also features a design that can make repairs intricate, often requiring careful disassembly.
• Expected Practical Lifespan: For users prioritizing the latest software features and security, the Galaxy S21 FE 5G offers a longer practical lifespan due to its more recent release and extended update commitment. The S10 Plus, having reached the end of its official software support, may still function but will not receive new features or critical security patches.

The performance of these two devices reflects the advancements in mobile technology over their respective release periods. The Galaxy S21 FE 5G, being a newer model, incorporates a more advanced internal architecture compared to the Galaxy S10 Plus.

• Processor Capabilities: The Galaxy S21 FE 5G features a more current-generation processor, which translates to smoother operation for demanding applications, faster app loading times, and more efficient multitasking. Users engaging in mobile gaming or intensive productivity tasks will likely experience a more responsive and fluid experience on the S21 FE 5G. The Galaxy S10 Plus, while powerful for its time, may show signs of slower performance with newer, more resource-intensive applications.
• Battery Behavior: The Galaxy S21 FE 5G is equipped with a 4,500 mAh battery, designed to offer all-day power even with 5G connectivity and a high refresh rate display. It also supports fast charging and wireless charging. The Galaxy S10 Plus has a 4,100 mAh battery, which users reported could last through a full day of moderate to heavy use at its release. However, the S21 FE 5G's newer, more efficient processor and larger battery capacity generally provide better endurance for modern usage patterns.
• Storage and RAM: Both devices offer various storage and RAM configurations. The Galaxy S10 Plus was available with up to 12GB of RAM and 1TB of storage, alongside options like 8GB RAM with 128GB or 512GB storage. The Galaxy S21 FE 5G typically comes with 6GB or 8GB of RAM and 128GB or 256GB of internal storage. While the S10 Plus offered higher maximum RAM and storage, the S21 FE 5G's optimized software and newer processor often make its configurations feel equally capable for most users.

Both the Galaxy S10 Plus and the Galaxy S21 FE 5G feature high-quality displays, but there are notable differences in their technology and capabilities that affect the viewing experience.

• Display Technology and Resolution: The Galaxy S10 Plus features a 6.4-inch Dynamic AMOLED display with a resolution of 3040 x 1440 pixels, resulting in a high pixel density. The Galaxy S21 FE 5G also has a 6.4-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display, but with a Full HD+ resolution of 2340 x 1080 pixels. While the S10 Plus offers a higher resolution, the S21 FE 5G's display still provides clear and vibrant visuals.
• Refresh Rate and Brightness: A significant difference lies in the refresh rate. The Galaxy S21 FE 5G boasts an adaptive 120Hz refresh rate, providing a smoother scrolling experience and more fluid animations, which can be particularly noticeable during gaming or general navigation. The Galaxy S10 Plus has a standard 60Hz refresh rate. Both displays offer excellent brightness levels, with the S21 FE 5G capable of reaching up to 1200 nits peak brightness, ensuring good visibility even in bright outdoor conditions.
• Screen Protection and Design: The S10 Plus features Corning Gorilla Glass 6 for screen protection, while the S21 FE 5G is protected by the more durable Corning Gorilla Glass Victus. The S10 Plus has a slightly curved display, contributing to its edge-to-edge appearance, whereas the S21 FE 5G features a flat display.

Both smartphones offer capable camera systems, but the Galaxy S21 FE 5G benefits from newer imaging technology and software enhancements, providing a more versatile and refined photography experience.

• Rear Camera System: The Galaxy S10 Plus features a triple rear camera setup with a 12MP main lens, a 16MP ultra-wide lens, and a 12MP telephoto lens with 2x optical zoom. The Galaxy S21 FE 5G also has a triple rear camera system, consisting of a 12MP wide lens, a 12MP ultra-wide lens with a 123-degree field of view, and an 8MP telephoto lens offering 3x optical zoom and up to 30x Space Zoom. The S21 FE 5G's telephoto capabilities provide greater reach and detail for distant subjects.
• Low-Light and Video Performance: The S21 FE 5G includes an improved Night Mode with AI multi-frame processing, enhancing low-light photos with more color and reduced noise. It also supports 4K video recording at 30/60fps and features like Director's View and Dual Recording, allowing simultaneous capture from front and rear cameras. The S10 Plus also offers 4K video recording at 60fps.
• Front Camera and Audio: For selfies, the Galaxy S21 FE 5G has a 32MP front camera with AI Face Restoration for enhanced detail. The S10 Plus features a dual front camera system with a 10MP main sensor and an 8MP depth sensor. Both devices offer good speaker output for media consumption, but the S10 Plus uniquely retains a 3.5mm headphone jack, which is absent on the S21 FE 5G.