Galaxy S21 FE 5G • Locked AT&T vs Galaxy S23 • Unlocked

The Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G, released in January 2022, and the Samsung Galaxy S23, launched in February 2023, are both Android-based smartphones from Samsung's Galaxy S series. While the S21 FE was positioned as a more accessible option with fan-favorite features, the S23 represents a more recent flagship offering. The primary differentiators lie in their generational advancements in processing power, camera capabilities, and overall build materials, with both running on Samsung's One UI over Android.

When considering the longevity of these devices, their release timelines and software support policies are key factors. The Galaxy S21 FE 5G, launched in January 2022, benefits from Samsung's commitment to software updates, receiving four years of OS updates and five years of security updates. This means it is expected to receive OS updates up to Android 16 and security updates until January 2027.

The Galaxy S23, released in February 2023, offers a slightly longer support window due to its newer launch. It is also promised four years of OS updates and five years of security updates, extending its OS support up to Android 17 and security updates until February 2028.

• Software Longevity: The Galaxy S23 offers an additional year of major Android OS updates and security patches compared to the S21 FE 5G, providing a longer period of up-to-date software features and security.
• Build Materials: The Galaxy S23 features Gorilla Glass Victus 2 on both the front and back, along with an Armor Aluminum frame, contributing to its durability. The S21 FE 5G uses Gorilla Glass Victus on the front and a plastic back with an aluminum frame.
• Practical Lifespan: Both devices are rated IP68 for dust and water resistance, indicating good protection against environmental elements. The S23's newer components and extended software support suggest it may maintain optimal performance and security for a longer practical lifespan.

The performance of both smartphones is influenced by their internal components, impacting daily usage from app responsiveness to multitasking and gaming.

• Processing Power: The Galaxy S23 features a more recent-generation processor, which translates to smoother handling of demanding applications, faster app loading times, and more efficient multitasking. The S21 FE 5G, while still capable, uses an older generation processor that provides good performance for everyday tasks but may show limitations with very intensive applications or future software updates.
• System Responsiveness: Users of the Galaxy S23 generally report a highly responsive and fluid experience across the operating system and applications, benefiting from the optimized processor. The S21 FE 5G also offers a smooth experience for most users, though some may notice slight differences in speed during heavy usage.
• Storage and RAM: Both devices offer various storage options, typically starting from 128GB, with the S23 also offering a 512GB option. The S23 comes with 8GB of RAM as standard, while the S21 FE 5G is available in 6GB or 8GB RAM configurations. More RAM in the S23 can contribute to better multitasking capabilities, allowing more apps to run in the background without needing to reload.
• Battery Behavior: The Galaxy S23, despite having a smaller battery capacity (3900 mAh) than the S21 FE 5G (4500 mAh), often demonstrates improved battery efficiency due to its newer, more optimized processor. User reports for the S23 indicate it can comfortably last a full day for moderate to heavy users. The S21 FE 5G's battery life has been described as sufficient for a full day of average use, but heavy users might find themselves needing to charge it more frequently.

Both the Galaxy S21 FE 5G and the Galaxy S23 offer vibrant display experiences, but there are some distinctions in their technology and capabilities.

• Display Technology and Clarity: Both phones feature Dynamic AMOLED 2X displays, known for their deep blacks and vibrant colors. The S21 FE 5G has a 6.4-inch screen with a 1080 x 2400 pixel resolution, while the S23 has a slightly smaller 6.1-inch screen with a 1080 x 2340 pixel resolution. Both provide sharp and clear visuals for everyday viewing.
• Brightness Levels: The Galaxy S23 offers higher peak brightness, reaching up to 1750 nits, which significantly enhances outdoor visibility, even under direct sunlight. The S21 FE 5G also provides good brightness, with a peak of around 1044 nits, ensuring comfortable viewing in most conditions.
• Refresh Rate and Smoothness: Both devices feature a 120Hz refresh rate, contributing to a smooth scrolling experience and fluid animations. However, the S21 FE 5G's refresh rate is not adaptive, meaning it stays at 120Hz or 60Hz, which can impact battery consumption. The S23's display can adapt its refresh rate, optimizing power usage.
• Screen Size and Viewing Experience: The S21 FE 5G's larger 6.4-inch display offers more screen real estate for media consumption and multitasking. The S23's 6.1-inch display provides a more compact form factor, making it easier for one-handed use.

The camera systems on both the Galaxy S21 FE 5G and the Galaxy S23 are designed to capture quality images and videos, though the S23 benefits from newer sensor technology and processing.

• Camera System Capabilities: The Galaxy S23 features a triple-camera setup with a 50 MP main sensor, a 12 MP ultrawide, and a 10 MP telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom. The S21 FE 5G also has a triple-camera system, including a 12 MP main sensor, a 12 MP ultrawide, and an 8 MP telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom.
• Low-Light and Everyday Photography: The S23 generally offers improved low-light performance and enhanced detail capture, especially with its main sensor, due to advancements in image processing and sensor technology. The S21 FE 5G delivers good results in well-lit conditions, with its main camera performing well indoors and in low light.
• Video Recording Quality: Both phones are capable of recording 4K video at 30/60fps, with the S23 also supporting 8K video recording at 24/30fps. The S21 FE 5G also supports HDR10+ video recording. Both benefit from optical image stabilization (OIS) on their main and telephoto lenses, contributing to stable video.
• Selfie Camera: The S21 FE 5G is equipped with a 32 MP front-facing camera, while the S23 has a 12 MP front camera. Both are capable of capturing detailed selfies and supporting video calls.