Galaxy S10+ • Unlocked vs Galaxy S21 FE 5G • Locked AT&T

The Samsung Galaxy S10 Plus, released in March 2019, and the Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G, launched in January 2022, represent different generations within Samsung's smartphone lineup. While both devices offer a premium Android experience, the S21 FE 5G benefits from a more recent release, bringing updated internal components and an extended software support timeline. The S10 Plus, as an older flagship, still provides a robust feature set, including a headphone jack and a high-resolution display.

When considering the practical lifespan of these devices, their release timelines and software support policies are key differentiators.

• Release Timeline: The Galaxy S10 Plus was released in March 2019, making it a significantly older device compared to the Galaxy S21 FE 5G, which launched in January 2022. This age difference directly impacts their remaining software support.
• OS Support Duration: The Galaxy S10 Plus officially ceased receiving software updates, including security patches, in March 2023, having received updates up to Android 12. In contrast, the Galaxy S21 FE 5G launched with Android 12 and is expected to receive up to four major Android OS upgrades, extending its support to Android 16, along with five years of security updates. This means the S21 FE 5G offers a considerably longer period of official software and security support.
• Repairability: The Galaxy S10 Plus received a low repairability score of 3 out of 10 from iFixit, indicating that repairs can be challenging due to extensive use of adhesive and a soldered charging port. The Galaxy S21 FE 5G, however, has a more favorable repairability score of 7.5 out of 10, suggesting it is comparatively easier to repair.

Both devices were designed to offer strong performance for their respective release periods, though the newer model naturally features more advanced processing capabilities.

• Processing Power: The Galaxy S10 Plus is equipped with a processor that, at its release, handled demanding applications and multitasking efficiently. The Galaxy S21 FE 5G features a more recent generation processor, which provides enhanced speed and efficiency for current applications, gaming, and general system responsiveness.
• Multitasking and Storage: The S10 Plus offered various storage configurations, including options with up to 12GB of RAM, which supported smooth multitasking. The S21 FE 5G typically comes with 6GB or 8GB of RAM, which is sufficient for most users' multitasking needs and ensures applications load quickly. Both devices offer ample internal storage options.
• Battery Behavior: The Galaxy S10 Plus houses a 4100 mAh battery. Early user feedback indicated that battery life could be average, particularly for the Exynos variant, though some users reported good longevity with the Snapdragon version. The Galaxy S21 FE 5G comes with a larger 4500 mAh battery. User experiences suggest it provides average battery life, lasting a full day with moderate use, but heavy usage, especially with 5G, can lead to more frequent charging.

The display experience on both smartphones is a highlight, with Samsung's AMOLED technology providing vibrant visuals.

• Display Technology and Resolution: The Galaxy S10 Plus features a 6.4-inch Dynamic AMOLED display with a high resolution of 3040 x 1440 pixels, resulting in a sharp pixel density. The Galaxy S21 FE 5G also has a 6.4-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display, offering a resolution of 2340 x 1080 pixels. Both displays deliver deep blacks and vibrant colors.
• Refresh Rate and Brightness: The S10 Plus has a standard refresh rate, providing a smooth viewing experience for its time. The S21 FE 5G enhances this with a 120Hz refresh rate, which makes scrolling and animations appear noticeably smoother. Both displays offer good brightness levels for outdoor visibility.
• Screen Protection: The S10 Plus features Corning Gorilla Glass 6 on the front for durability. The S21 FE 5G is protected by the more advanced Corning Gorilla Glass Victus, offering improved resistance against drops and scratches.

Both devices offer versatile camera systems capable of capturing a variety of photos and videos, though the S21 FE 5G benefits from newer imaging technology.

• Rear Camera System: The Galaxy S10 Plus features a triple-camera setup on the rear, including a 12 MP wide-angle lens, a 12 MP telephoto lens with 2x optical zoom, and a 16 MP ultrawide lens. The Galaxy S21 FE 5G also has a triple-camera system, comprising a 12 MP wide-angle, a 12 MP ultrawide, and an 8 MP telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom.
• Photography Performance: The S10 Plus was praised for its camera quality at launch, performing well in good lighting conditions. The S21 FE 5G's camera system generally produces decent images, with some users noting that its performance, particularly in low light, can be strong, though some have reported a perceived downgrade after software updates.
• Front Camera and Video: The S10 Plus includes a dual front camera system with a 10 MP wide lens and an 8 MP depth sensor. The S21 FE 5G features a higher-resolution 32 MP front camera. Both phones are capable of recording high-quality video, with the S21 FE 5G offering 4K video recording at 60fps.