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

The Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G, released in January 2022, and the Samsung Galaxy S24, launched in January 2024, represent different generations within Samsung's smartphone lineup. While both devices operate on the Android platform with Samsung's One UI, the Galaxy S24 introduces significant advancements in software longevity, processing power, and integrated artificial intelligence features.

The practical lifespan of a smartphone is heavily influenced by its software support and physical resilience. These two models offer differing commitments to long-term usability.

• Software Support: The Galaxy S21 FE 5G typically received up to four years of Android operating system updates and five years of security updates from its release. In contrast, the Galaxy S24 offers an extended commitment, promising seven years of both operating system upgrades and security updates, extending its functional life significantly.
• Physical Durability: Both devices feature an IP68 rating for dust and water resistance, indicating protection against immersion in up to 1.5 meters of fresh water for 30 minutes. The Galaxy S21 FE 5G utilizes Corning Gorilla Glass Victus for screen protection, while the Galaxy S24 upgrades to Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2 on the front, alongside an Armor Aluminum frame, offering enhanced resistance to drops and scratches.
• Expected Lifespan: Users prioritizing the longest possible software support and the latest security patches will find the Galaxy S24 a more future-proof option, allowing for a longer period of use before needing an upgrade.

Performance is a key differentiator, impacting how smoothly applications run and how efficiently the device handles daily tasks and demanding operations.

• Processing Power: The Galaxy S21 FE 5G is equipped with a processor that capably handles everyday applications, multitasking, and moderate gaming. However, some users have noted that its processor can be power-intensive, potentially affecting battery endurance during heavy use. The Galaxy S24 features a newer, more advanced processor, providing a noticeable boost in responsiveness for demanding applications, complex multitasking, and graphics-intensive gaming, while also offering improved power efficiency.
• Storage and RAM: Both models offer various internal storage configurations, typically starting from 128GB and extending to 256GB. The Galaxy S24 also provides a 512GB option. The Galaxy S21 FE 5G comes with 6GB or 8GB of RAM, while the Galaxy S24 is generally available with 8GB of RAM, contributing to smoother transitions between applications and more efficient background process management.
• Overall Responsiveness: The newer internal components of the Galaxy S24 contribute to a more fluid and responsive user experience across the board, from navigating the interface to launching and switching between applications.

The display is a primary interface for user interaction, and both devices offer vibrant viewing experiences with distinct characteristics.

• Display Technology and Size: Both the Galaxy S21 FE 5G and the Galaxy S24 feature Dynamic AMOLED 2X displays, known for their deep blacks and vibrant color reproduction. The Galaxy S21 FE 5G has a 6.4-inch screen, providing a slightly larger viewing area. The Galaxy S24 features a 6.2-inch display, which contributes to its more compact form factor.
• Brightness and Clarity: Both phones offer Full HD+ resolution, ensuring sharp and clear visuals for text and media. A notable difference lies in brightness; the Galaxy S21 FE 5G has a peak brightness of around 800 nits, while the Galaxy S24 significantly increases this to a peak of 2600 nits, greatly enhancing outdoor visibility and HDR content viewing.
• Refresh Rate: The Galaxy S21 FE 5G features a 120Hz refresh rate for smooth scrolling and animations. The Galaxy S24 enhances this with an adaptive 1-120Hz refresh rate, which intelligently adjusts based on content to optimize both smoothness and power consumption.

Both smartphones offer capable camera systems designed to capture a variety of moments, though the newer model introduces more advanced features and processing.

• Rear Camera System: The Galaxy S21 FE 5G includes a triple-camera setup with a 12MP main sensor, a 12MP ultrawide sensor, and an 8MP telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom. The Galaxy S24 also features a triple-camera system, upgrading to a 50MP main sensor, a 12MP ultrawide, and a 10MP telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom. The S24's higher resolution main sensor and improved image processing contribute to more detailed photos, especially in varied lighting conditions.
• Photography Features: The Galaxy S21 FE 5G delivers vibrant and social media-ready photos, with good performance in well-lit environments and clear low-light capabilities. The Galaxy S24 benefits from enhanced AI-powered photography features, including advanced editing tools and improved digital zoom capabilities, allowing for more versatile image capture and post-processing.
• Video Recording: Both devices support 4K video recording at 60 frames per second. The Galaxy S24 further extends video capabilities with 8K video recording and 4K 120fps slow-motion options, offering more creative flexibility for video enthusiasts. The front-facing camera on the S21 FE is 32MP, while the S24 features a 12MP front camera, both capable of capturing detailed selfies and video calls.