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

The Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G, released in January 2022, and the Samsung Galaxy S24+, launched in January 2024, are both Android smartphones from Samsung's Galaxy series. While the S21 FE 5G was positioned as a more accessible option within its generation, the S24+ represents a more recent flagship offering. The primary distinctions lie in their release timelines, core processing power, and display advancements, influencing their overall capabilities and longevity.

The expected practical lifespan and software support differ between these two devices due to their respective release dates and Samsung's update policies.

• Release Timeline and OS Support: The Galaxy S21 FE 5G launched with Android 12 and has received its final major operating system update, Android 16, in late 2025. It is expected to continue receiving security patches for at least another year. In contrast, the Galaxy S24+ launched with Android 14 and is part of Samsung's policy offering seven years of major OS updates and security patches, providing a significantly longer software lifespan.
• Durability Features: Both devices feature an IP68 rating for dust and water resistance, indicating protection against submersion in fresh water. The S21 FE 5G uses Gorilla Glass Victus for screen protection, while the S24+ incorporates Gorilla Glass Victus 2 on the front, offering enhanced resistance against drops and scratches.
• Repairability Considerations: While specific repairability scores can vary, newer devices like the S24+ often feature internal designs that can be more complex, potentially impacting the ease and cost of repairs compared to older models.

The performance capabilities of the Galaxy S21 FE 5G and the Galaxy S24+ reflect the advancements in smartphone technology over their respective release periods.

• Processing Power: The Galaxy S24+ offers a more responsive and powerful experience, handling demanding applications, intensive multitasking, and graphic-heavy games with greater fluidity and efficiency. Users will notice quicker app loading times and smoother transitions. The S21 FE 5G, while still capable for everyday tasks and moderate gaming, may show signs of slower performance with the most resource-intensive applications or over extended periods of heavy use.
• Memory and Storage: The Galaxy S24+ typically comes with 12GB of RAM, providing ample capacity for extensive multitasking and keeping numerous applications open in the background without slowdowns. Storage options for the S24+ start at 256GB and go up to 512GB. The S21 FE 5G is available with 6GB or 8GB of RAM and 128GB or 256GB of internal storage, which is sufficient for most users but offers less headroom for future demands compared to the S24+.
• Battery Performance: The Galaxy S24+ is equipped with a 4900 mAh battery, which, combined with its efficient processor and adaptive display technology, contributes to extended usage times. User reports suggest it can last through a full day of heavy use. The S21 FE 5G features a 4500 mAh battery, providing reliable all-day power for typical usage, though very heavy users might find themselves needing to recharge sooner.

Both smartphones feature high-quality displays, but the Galaxy S24+ incorporates newer technology and higher specifications for an enhanced visual experience.

• Display Technology and Clarity: Both devices utilize Dynamic AMOLED 2X display technology, known for vibrant colors and deep blacks. However, the Galaxy S24+ boasts a higher resolution of 1440 x 3120 pixels on its 6.7-inch screen, resulting in a sharper and more detailed image compared to the S21 FE 5G's 1080 x 2400 pixels on a 6.4-inch display.
• Brightness and Refresh Rate: The Galaxy S24+ offers significantly higher peak brightness, reaching up to 2600 nits, which greatly improves outdoor visibility and HDR content viewing. The S21 FE 5G has a peak brightness of around 700 nits. Both phones feature a 120Hz refresh rate for smooth scrolling and animations, but the S24+ includes LTPO technology, allowing for a variable refresh rate that can adapt from 1Hz to 120Hz, optimizing battery life.
• Screen Size and Viewing Experience: The S24+ provides a larger 6.7-inch display, offering a more expansive canvas for media consumption and productivity. The S21 FE 5G's 6.4-inch screen is still generous, providing a comfortable viewing experience for most users. The higher resolution and brightness of the S24+ contribute to a more immersive and visually striking experience overall.

Both the Galaxy S21 FE 5G and the Galaxy S24+ offer capable camera systems, but the S24+ benefits from newer sensor technology and advanced processing.

• Rear Camera System: The Galaxy S24+ features a triple rear camera setup with a 50MP main sensor, a 12MP ultrawide, and a 10MP telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom. The S21 FE 5G also has a triple rear camera system, consisting of a 12MP main lens, a 12MP ultrawide, and an 8MP telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom. The higher megapixel count on the S24+'s main sensor can capture more detail, especially in well-lit conditions.
• Photography Performance: The S24+ generally delivers improved image quality, particularly in challenging lighting conditions, with better dynamic range and color accuracy due to its newer sensor and enhanced image processing. Both phones offer features like Night Mode for low-light photography, but the S24+ often produces cleaner and more detailed results. The S21 FE 5G still provides dependable cameras for everyday photography, including a capable 32MP front-facing camera, while the S24+ has a 12MP front camera.
• Video Recording and Audio: The Galaxy S24+ supports video recording up to 8K resolution, offering superior detail for those with compatible displays. The S21 FE 5G records video at up to 4K resolution. Both devices provide stereo speakers for an immersive audio experience during media consumption and offer clear microphone quality for calls and recordings.