Galaxy S21 FE 5G • Locked AT&T vs Galaxy S25+ • Unlocked

The Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G, released in January 2022, and the Samsung Galaxy S25 Plus, launched in February 2025, represent different generations within Samsung's smartphone lineup. While both operate on the Android platform, the S25 Plus introduces advancements in processing power, display technology, and camera capabilities, reflecting its more recent development. These differences cater to varying user priorities, from everyday functionality to cutting-edge performance and features.

The practical lifespan of a smartphone is significantly influenced by its release date and the manufacturer's software support policy. These two devices show a notable difference in this regard.

• Software Support: The Galaxy S21 FE 5G, released in January 2022, was launched with Android 12 and is expected to receive four years of major OS updates, extending its support to Android 16, and five years of security updates, concluding around January 2027. In contrast, the Galaxy S25 Plus, released in February 2025 with Android 15, benefits from Samsung's extended policy of seven years of OS updates and seven years of security updates, projecting support until Android 22 and security patches until February 2032.
• Physical Durability: Both devices feature an IP68 rating for dust and water resistance, indicating protection against immersion. The Galaxy S21 FE 5G utilizes Corning Gorilla Glass Victus for its display, while the newer Galaxy S25 Plus incorporates the more advanced Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2 on both its front and back, offering enhanced resistance to drops and scratches.
• Repairability: The Galaxy S25 Plus has demonstrated improved repairability, with one assessment giving it a 9/10 score, partly due to design changes that facilitate easier component replacement, such as an improved battery pull pouch. Information regarding the specific repairability score for the S21 FE 5G is less prominent, but generally, newer flagship designs often incorporate features that can simplify repairs compared to older models.

Performance is a key differentiator, with the newer device offering a substantial leap in processing power and efficiency for demanding applications and multitasking.

• Processing Power: The Galaxy S21 FE 5G is equipped with a processor that, while capable for its time, represents an older generation of mobile chipsets. This allows for smooth operation in everyday tasks and moderate gaming. The Galaxy S25 Plus, however, features a significantly newer generation processor, built on a more advanced 3nm manufacturing process. This translates to considerably faster app loading, more fluid multitasking, and a superior experience in graphically intensive games and advanced AI-driven features.
• Memory and Storage: The S21 FE 5G offers configurations with 6GB or 8GB of RAM and storage options of 128GB or 256GB. The Galaxy S25 Plus comes standard with 12GB of RAM and offers storage capacities of 256GB or 512GB. The increased RAM in the S25 Plus supports more applications running simultaneously without slowdowns, while the larger base storage provides more space for apps, photos, and videos.
• Battery Efficiency: The Galaxy S21 FE 5G houses a 4500 mAh battery. The Galaxy S25 Plus features a 4900 mAh battery. Beyond the larger capacity, the S25 Plus's newer, more efficient processor contributes to better power management, potentially leading to longer usage times on a single charge, especially during intensive tasks.

The visual experience on these devices differs, primarily due to advancements in display technology and resolution.

• Display Technology and Size: Both smartphones feature Dynamic AMOLED 2X displays, known for their vibrant colors and deep blacks. The Galaxy S21 FE 5G has a 6.4-inch display, while the Galaxy S25 Plus offers a larger 6.7-inch screen. The larger screen on the S25 Plus provides a more expansive viewing area for media consumption and productivity.
• Resolution and Clarity: The S21 FE 5G features a Full HD+ resolution (1080 x 2400 pixels). The Galaxy S25 Plus steps up to a Quad HD+ resolution (1440 x 3120 pixels), resulting in a higher pixel density and sharper image quality, particularly noticeable with fine details and text.
• Brightness and Refresh Rate: Both devices offer a 120Hz refresh rate for smooth scrolling and responsive interactions. However, the Galaxy S25 Plus boasts a significantly higher peak brightness of up to 2600 nits, making it more legible in bright outdoor conditions compared to the S21 FE 5G. The S25 Plus also features LTPO technology, allowing for a more adaptive refresh rate to conserve battery life.

Camera systems have seen considerable evolution between these two models, impacting both still photography and video recording capabilities.

• Rear Camera System: The Galaxy S21 FE 5G features a triple camera setup with a 12 MP main sensor, an 8 MP telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom, and a 12 MP ultrawide lens. The Galaxy S25 Plus also has a triple rear camera system, but it upgrades to a 50 MP main sensor, a 10 MP telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom, and a 12 MP ultrawide lens. The higher megapixel count on the S25 Plus's main sensor generally allows for more detailed images, especially in good lighting.
• Photography Performance: The S25 Plus benefits from a newer processor, which contributes to improved image processing, leading to better low-light performance, enhanced dynamic range, and more accurate color reproduction compared to the S21 FE 5G. Users of the S25 Plus can expect cleaner, sharper images in various conditions.
• Video and Audio: Both devices are capable of 4K video recording, but the Galaxy S25 Plus extends this to 8K resolution at 30 frames per second, offering a higher level of detail for video content creation. Both phones feature stereo speakers, providing a more immersive audio experience for media consumption.