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 Plus, launched in February 2023, are both Android-based smartphones from Samsung's Galaxy S series. While the S21 FE was positioned as a 'Fan Edition' offering key features at a more accessible point, the S23 Plus represents a more recent flagship iteration. Both devices run on the Android operating system with Samsung's One UI overlay, but the S23 Plus benefits from a newer generation of internal components and extended software support.

When considering the practical lifespan of these devices, several factors come into play, including their release timelines, software support, and physical durability.

• Release Timeline and Age: The Galaxy S21 FE was released in January 2022, making it approximately one year older than the Galaxy S23 Plus, which launched in February 2023. This age difference directly impacts their remaining support cycles.
• OS Support Duration: The Galaxy S21 FE launched with Android 12 and is expected to receive four major OS upgrades, bringing it up to Android 16, with security updates continuing until early 2027. The Galaxy S23 Plus, launching with Android 13, is also promised four major OS upgrades, extending its support to Android 17, with security updates until early 2028. This means the S23 Plus offers an additional year of major OS updates and security patches.
• Physical Durability: Both devices feature an IP68 rating for dust and water resistance, indicating a similar level of protection against environmental elements. The S21 FE uses Gorilla Glass Victus for its front display, while the S23 Plus upgrades to Gorilla Glass Victus 2 on both the front and back, potentially offering enhanced scratch and drop resistance.

The performance of a smartphone is crucial for daily tasks, from launching applications to demanding gaming sessions. Both devices offer capable performance, but the newer model brings advancements.

• Processor Capabilities: The Galaxy S21 FE handles demanding applications and multitasking smoothly, providing a responsive user experience for everyday use. The Galaxy S23 Plus, with its newer generation processor, offers enhanced speed and efficiency, resulting in even smoother operation for intensive tasks, faster app loading, and improved performance in graphically demanding games.
• Storage Options and Speed: The S21 FE is available with 128GB or 256GB of internal storage. The S23 Plus offers 256GB and 512GB storage options. For the S23 series, 256GB and higher storage variants utilize a newer, faster storage technology (UFS 4.0) compared to the S21 FE's UFS 3.1, which can translate to quicker app installations and file transfers.
• Battery Behavior: The S21 FE features a 4500 mAh battery, which users generally report as lasting a full day with moderate to heavy use. The S23 Plus comes with a slightly larger 4700 mAh battery. Combined with its more efficient processor, users often experience improved battery longevity, with many reporting it comfortably lasting through a full day of heavy usage.

The display is a primary interface for any smartphone, and both models offer vibrant viewing experiences with some key distinctions.

• Display Technology and Clarity: Both the Galaxy S21 FE and the Galaxy S23 Plus feature Dynamic AMOLED 2X displays, known for their deep blacks, vibrant colors, and excellent contrast. Both offer a Full HD+ resolution (1080 x 2400 pixels for S21 FE, 1080 x 2340 pixels for S23 Plus), providing sharp and clear visuals for typical viewing distances.
• Refresh Rate and Smoothness: Both devices support a 120Hz refresh rate, which contributes to smoother scrolling, more fluid animations, and a more responsive feel during interactions like gaming.
• Brightness Levels: The S23 Plus offers a higher peak brightness of up to 1750 nits, making it more easily viewable in bright outdoor conditions compared to the S21 FE. This can be a significant advantage for users who frequently use their phone outdoors.
• Screen Size: The S21 FE has a 6.4-inch display, while the S23 Plus features a slightly larger 6.6-inch display, offering a bit more screen real estate for media consumption and multitasking.

Both smartphones are equipped with versatile camera systems designed to capture a variety of moments, with the S23 Plus featuring a more advanced main sensor.

• Rear Camera System: The Galaxy S21 FE features a triple-camera setup with a 12 MP main sensor, a 12 MP ultrawide, and an 8 MP telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom. The Galaxy S23 Plus also has a triple-camera system, but it upgrades the main sensor to 50 MP, alongside a 12 MP ultrawide and a 10 MP telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom.
• Everyday Photography and Low-Light: Both devices are capable of producing detailed and vibrant photos in good lighting conditions. The S23 Plus, with its higher resolution main sensor, generally offers improved detail and better low-light performance, capturing more light and reducing noise in challenging environments. The S21 FE's camera performs well in ample lighting, with good color reproduction.
• Video Recording Quality: Both phones support 4K video recording at 30/60fps. The S23 Plus also offers 8K video recording at 30fps, providing higher resolution video capture for those who need it.
• Front Camera: The S21 FE has a 32 MP front camera, while the S23 Plus features a 12 MP front camera. Both are capable of capturing detailed selfies and supporting video calls.