Galaxy S21 FE 5G • Locked AT&T vs Galaxy S24 FE • Unlocked

The Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G, released in January 2022, and the Samsung Galaxy S24 FE, launched in October 2024, represent different generations within Samsung's Fan Edition smartphone lineup. While both aim to deliver a balanced experience, the S24 FE introduces advancements in processing power, camera capabilities, and extended software support. Both devices operate on the Android platform, offering a familiar user experience with Samsung's One UI.

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

• Release Timeline: The Galaxy S21 FE 5G was released in January 2022, making it an older model compared to the Galaxy S24 FE, which launched in October 2024. This difference in release date directly impacts their expected practical lifespan and software support.
• OS Support Duration: The Galaxy S21 FE 5G launched with Android 12 and is expected to receive major Android OS updates up to Android 16, with security updates continuing until at least the end of 2025. In contrast, the newer Galaxy S24 FE launched with Android 14 and benefits from an extended commitment of seven years of OS and security updates, potentially extending its support until Android 21.
• Durability Features: Both models feature an IP68 rating for dust and water resistance, indicating a similar level of protection against environmental elements. The S21 FE 5G utilizes Corning Gorilla Glass Victus for screen protection, while the S24 FE upgrades to Gorilla Glass Victus+ on the front and Gorilla Glass 5 on the back, offering enhanced durability.

The performance of a smartphone is largely determined by its internal components, influencing how smoothly applications run and how efficiently it handles demanding tasks.

• Processing Power: The Galaxy S21 FE 5G is powered by a processor that handles everyday applications and multitasking effectively, providing a responsive user experience. The Galaxy S24 FE features a newer generation processor, which offers enhanced performance for more intensive applications, gaming, and complex tasks, resulting in smoother operation and quicker response times.
• Multitasking and Responsiveness: Both devices offer ample RAM configurations, with the S21 FE 5G available in 6GB or 8GB options, and the S24 FE typically featuring 8GB of RAM. This allows for efficient multitasking, though the S24 FE's more advanced processor contributes to a generally more fluid and responsive overall system performance, particularly when switching between numerous applications or running graphically demanding content.
• Battery Behavior: The Galaxy S21 FE 5G is equipped with a 4500 mAh battery, which generally provides a full day of moderate use. The Galaxy S24 FE comes with a larger 4700 mAh battery, and user reports suggest it offers improved battery longevity, often lasting through extended periods of heavy use. Both support fast wired and wireless charging.

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

• Display Technology and Clarity: Both the Galaxy S21 FE 5G and the Galaxy S24 FE feature Dynamic AMOLED 2X displays, known for their deep blacks, vibrant colors, and excellent contrast. They both offer Full HD+ resolutions, ensuring sharp and clear visuals for everyday content consumption.
• Size and Viewing Experience: The Galaxy S21 FE 5G has a 6.4-inch display, providing a comfortable viewing area for most users. The Galaxy S24 FE offers a slightly larger 6.7-inch display, which can enhance the immersive experience for media consumption and productivity tasks.
• Brightness and Refresh Rate: Both devices feature a 120Hz refresh rate for smooth scrolling and fluid animations. However, the Galaxy S24 FE boasts a significantly higher peak brightness of 1900 nits, compared to the S21 FE 5G's approximately 800 nits. This higher brightness on the S24 FE improves outdoor visibility, making the screen easier to read in bright sunlight.

Both smartphones are equipped with versatile camera systems designed to capture a variety of moments, though the newer model brings enhancements.

• Rear Camera System: The Galaxy S21 FE 5G features a triple-camera setup with a 12MP wide lens, an 8MP telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom, and a 12MP ultrawide lens. The Galaxy S24 FE also has a triple-camera system, upgrading the main sensor to 50MP, retaining an 8MP telephoto with 3x optical zoom, and a 12MP ultrawide. Both main and telephoto lenses on both models include Optical Image Stabilization (OIS) for clearer shots.
• Photography Performance: The S21 FE 5G delivers capable photos in various conditions, with good detail and color reproduction. The S24 FE, with its higher resolution main sensor, generally captures more detail and offers improved low-light performance. User feedback indicates that while the S24 FE's camera is strong, its color processing can sometimes be more vibrant than natural.
• Video Recording and Front Camera: The S21 FE 5G supports 4K video recording at up to 60fps, and has a 32MP front camera. The S24 FE elevates video capabilities with 8K recording at 30fps and features a 10MP front camera. Both offer good quality for video calls and selfies, with the S24 FE's video stabilization being particularly noted.