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

The Samsung Galaxy S21 5G, released in January 2021, and the Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G, launched a year later in January 2022, are both Android smartphones from Samsung's popular S21 series. While sharing a similar design philosophy and core operating system, the S21 FE (Fan Edition) arrived with some updated features and a slightly different focus, aiming to deliver a balanced experience. Both devices run on the Android operating system with Samsung's One UI overlay, offering a consistent software experience, though the S21 FE benefits from a later starting point for software updates.

When considering the long-term usability of these devices, their release timelines and software support policies are key factors.

• Release Timeline: The Galaxy S21 5G was released in January 2021, while the Galaxy S21 FE 5G followed a year later in January 2022. This difference in launch date directly impacts their expected software longevity.
• Software Longevity: The Galaxy S21 5G received its final major Android OS update, Android 15-based One UI 7.0, in the first half of 2025, with security updates concluding around November 2025. In contrast, the Galaxy S21 FE 5G, launched with Android 12, is expected to receive updates up to Android 16, fulfilling Samsung's promise of four major OS upgrades. It is also slated to receive security patches for a longer period, potentially until early 2027.
• Practical Lifespan: Users prioritizing the latest software features and extended security support will find the Galaxy S21 FE 5G offers a longer practical lifespan due to its later release and extended update policy. Both devices feature an IP68 rating for dust and water resistance and Gorilla Glass Victus on the front, contributing to their physical durability.

Both the Galaxy S21 5G and the Galaxy S21 FE 5G offer robust performance for daily tasks, though there are nuances in their configurations and battery behavior.

• Processor Capabilities: Both models are equipped with a powerful processor that handles demanding applications and multitasking smoothly. This ensures a responsive user experience, whether navigating the interface, running multiple apps simultaneously, or engaging in mobile gaming.
• Battery Behavior: The Galaxy S21 5G features a 4000 mAh battery, which generally provides a full day of moderate use, though heavy users might find themselves needing to recharge before the day ends. The Galaxy S21 FE 5G comes with a larger 4500 mAh battery, which, combined with its efficient processor, often translates to longer usage times on a single charge, with some users reporting it lasting through a day and a half of usage.
• Storage and RAM: The Galaxy S21 5G typically comes with 8GB of RAM and storage options of 128GB or 256GB. The Galaxy S21 FE 5G is available with either 6GB or 8GB of RAM, alongside 128GB or 256GB of internal storage. While 6GB of RAM is sufficient for most users, the 8GB option in both models provides additional headroom for intensive multitasking and future-proofing.

The display experience on both devices is vibrant and smooth, characteristic of Samsung's AMOLED technology, with slight differences in size.

• Display Technology and Resolution: Both the Galaxy S21 5G and the Galaxy S21 FE 5G feature a Dynamic AMOLED 2X display with a resolution of 1080 x 2400 pixels, delivering clear and vibrant visuals with deep blacks and excellent contrast.
• Screen Size and Viewing Experience: The Galaxy S21 5G has a 6.2-inch display, offering a compact form factor that is comfortable for one-handed use. The Galaxy S21 FE 5G provides a slightly larger 6.4-inch display, which can enhance the viewing experience for media consumption and gaming.
• Refresh Rate and Brightness: Both phones offer a 120Hz refresh rate, ensuring smooth scrolling and fluid animations. They also achieve high brightness levels, making them suitable for outdoor visibility even in bright sunlight.

Both smartphones offer versatile camera systems capable of capturing high-quality photos and videos, though there's a notable difference in their telephoto capabilities.

• Rear Camera System: The Galaxy S21 5G features a triple-camera setup with a 12MP wide lens, a 12MP ultrawide lens, and a 64MP telephoto lens with 3x hybrid zoom. This telephoto lens is capable of capturing detailed zoomed-in shots. The Galaxy S21 FE 5G also has a triple-camera system, including a 12MP wide, a 12MP ultrawide, and an 8MP telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom. While both offer optical image stabilization on the main lens, the S21 5G's higher resolution telephoto sensor generally provides more detail when zooming.
• Photography Performance: Both devices deliver strong performance in various lighting conditions, producing vibrant images with good detail. Low-light performance is enhanced by dedicated night modes. Users report that the S21 FE's cameras are generally good, though some note inconsistencies in color profiles between lenses.
• Video Recording: Both phones support 4K video recording at 60 frames per second, with the Galaxy S21 5G also capable of 8K video recording. They offer features like Director's View, allowing users to switch between cameras while filming.