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

The Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G, released in January 2022, and the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra, launched in January 2024, represent different generations within Samsung's smartphone lineup. While both run on the Android operating system with Samsung's One UI, the S24 Ultra offers significant advancements in processing power, camera capabilities, and long-term software support. These differences cater to distinct user needs, from everyday functionality to cutting-edge performance and features.

The longevity of a smartphone is influenced by its release timeline, software support, and physical build. The Galaxy S21 FE 5G, launched in early 2022, receives four years of OS updates and five years of security updates, extending major Android upgrades and security patches until early 2027. The Galaxy S24 Ultra, released in early 2024, offers an impressive seven years of both OS and security updates, extending its software lifespan significantly, potentially until 2031. Both devices feature an IP68 rating for dust and water resistance. The S21 FE 5G uses Gorilla Glass Victus, while the S24 Ultra features Gorilla Glass Armor for enhanced scratch resistance and glare reduction.

Performance is determined by a device's internal components, influencing how smoothly it handles tasks. The Galaxy S21 FE 5G features a capable processor from its release year, suitable for most applications and multitasking. The Galaxy S24 Ultra, with its very powerful, current-generation processor, is designed for intensive tasks, advanced gaming, and on-device AI functionalities.

• Storage and RAM: The S21 FE 5G offers 6GB or 8GB of RAM with 128GB or 256GB storage. The S24 Ultra provides a consistent 12GB of RAM and storage options up to 1TB, offering more capacity for demanding use.
• Battery Behavior: The S21 FE 5G's 4500 mAh battery typically lasts a full day with moderate use, but heavy users might need an earlier charge. The S24 Ultra's 5000 mAh battery and efficient processor deliver exceptional endurance, often extending beyond a full day even with heavy use.
• System Responsiveness: The S24 Ultra offers consistently smooth performance for multitasking and gaming. The S21 FE 5G generally performs well, though some users have observed occasional software delays.

Both devices offer vibrant viewing experiences, though with distinct characteristics.

• Display Technology and Clarity: Both phones feature Dynamic AMOLED 2X displays, known for deep blacks and vibrant colors. The S21 FE 5G has a 6.4-inch Full HD+ (1080 x 2400 pixels) screen. The S24 Ultra boasts a larger 6.8-inch Quad HD+ (1440 x 3120 pixels) display, providing sharper images with greater detail.
• Brightness and Outdoor Visibility: The S21 FE 5G offers good brightness for outdoor use. The S24 Ultra significantly surpasses this with a peak brightness of up to 2600 nits, ensuring excellent visibility in direct sunlight. Its Gorilla Glass Armor coating also reduces reflections and glare.
• Refresh Rate and Smoothness: Both devices feature a 120Hz refresh rate for smooth scrolling. The S21 FE 5G's refresh rate is not adaptive, while the S24 Ultra has an adaptive refresh rate (1Hz to 120Hz), optimizing power and fluidity. The S24 Ultra also features a flat display, preferred by some.

Camera systems and audio capabilities are key considerations, offering different photographic and multimedia experiences.

• Camera System Capabilities: The Galaxy S21 FE 5G features a triple camera setup: 12MP main, 12MP ultrawide, and an 8MP telephoto with 3x optical zoom. The Galaxy S24 Ultra offers a quad-camera system: 200MP main, 12MP ultrawide, 10MP telephoto (3x optical), and a 50MP periscope telephoto (5x optical, 10x lossless zoom).
• Photography Performance: The S21 FE 5G delivers capable photos with good color reproduction. The S24 Ultra excels in detail, dynamic range, and low-light performance, particularly with its high-resolution main sensor and telephoto capabilities. Its portrait mode is also noted for natural-looking bokeh.
• Video Recording and Audio: Both phones record 4K video at 30/60fps. The S24 Ultra adds 8K video recording at 30fps on its main and 5x telephoto sensors. Both feature stereo speakers for good audio, with the S24 Ultra praised for clarity.