Galaxy S21 FE 5G • Locked AT&T vs Galaxy Z Flip4 • Unlocked

The Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G, released in January 2022, and the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip4, launched in August 2022, are distinct Android smartphones from Samsung's diverse lineup. While the S21 FE offers a traditional smartphone experience with a focus on core features, the Z Flip4 introduces a unique foldable design, providing a compact form factor when closed. Both devices run on the Android operating system, offering access to a wide ecosystem of applications and services.

The longevity of a smartphone is influenced by its release timeline, software support, and repairability.

• Release Timeline: The Galaxy S21 FE 5G was released in January 2022, making it an earlier model compared to the Galaxy Z Flip4, which launched in August 2022. This seven-month difference impacts their respective software support cycles.
• Software Support: The Galaxy Z Flip4, launching with Android 12, is eligible for four major Android updates and up to five years of security updates, extending its support until around 2027. The Galaxy S21 FE 5G also launched with Android 12 and is expected to receive major software updates up to Android 15 with One UI 7, followed by an additional year of security patches. This suggests the Z Flip4 may offer a slightly longer period of major OS updates.
• Repairability: The Galaxy S21 FE 5G generally receives a favorable repairability score of 7.5 out of 10, indicating that common repairs like screen or battery replacement are manageable, though components are often glued. In contrast, the Galaxy Z Flip4, due to its complex foldable design and extensive use of adhesive, has a lower repairability score, often cited around 4 to 6 out of 10, making DIY repairs more challenging.

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

• Processor Capabilities: The Galaxy S21 FE 5G is powered by a current-generation processor (Snapdragon 888 or Exynos 2100, depending on the region), which provides smooth performance for everyday applications and moderate gaming. The Galaxy Z Flip4 features a newer generation processor (Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1), offering enhanced processing power and improved energy efficiency, resulting in a more responsive experience for demanding applications and multitasking.
• Multitasking and Responsiveness: Both devices come with 8GB of RAM in many configurations, allowing for efficient multitasking. However, the Z Flip4's more advanced processor contributes to a snappier overall system responsiveness, particularly noticeable during heavy usage or when switching between multiple open applications.
• Battery Behavior: The Galaxy S21 FE 5G houses a 4500mAh battery. While this is a substantial capacity, some users report that heavy usage can lead to the need for more frequent charging. The Galaxy Z Flip4 has a 3700mAh battery, which, combined with its more efficient processor, provides a full day of use for many users, with up to 19 hours of video streaming.

The display is a primary interface, and its quality significantly impacts the user experience.

• Display Technology and Size: The Galaxy S21 FE 5G features a 6.4-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display, providing vibrant colors and deep blacks in a traditional flat screen format. The Galaxy Z Flip4 boasts a 6.7-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X Infinity Flex main display, which is foldable, and also includes a 1.9-inch Super AMOLED cover display for quick notifications and widgets when the phone is closed.
• Resolution and Clarity: Both devices offer Full HD+ resolution (1080x2400 for S21 FE, 1080x2640 for Z Flip4), ensuring sharp text and clear images for typical viewing distances. The Z Flip4's slightly higher vertical pixel count is due to its taller aspect ratio when unfolded.
• Refresh Rate and Brightness: Both smartphones feature a 120Hz refresh rate for smooth scrolling and animations. The Z Flip4's main display offers an adaptive refresh rate (1-120Hz), which can conserve battery life by adjusting dynamically. The S21 FE's display is also capable of high brightness levels for good outdoor visibility.

Camera capabilities are a significant factor for many users, influencing the quality of photos and videos captured.

• Rear Camera System: The Galaxy S21 FE 5G features a versatile triple-camera setup on the rear: a 12MP wide-angle lens with optical image stabilization (OIS), a 12MP ultra-wide lens, and an 8MP telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom and OIS. This configuration allows for a range of photographic styles, from expansive landscapes to detailed zoomed-in shots. The Galaxy Z Flip4 has a dual-camera system on the rear, consisting of a 12MP wide-angle lens with OIS and a 12MP ultra-wide lens.
• Photography Performance: The S21 FE 5G delivers detailed and color-rich images in good lighting conditions, with its telephoto lens providing effective optical zoom. The Z Flip4 offers improved low-light photography, often referred to as 'Nightography,' enhancing clarity and detail in darker environments.
• Video Recording and Front Camera: Both devices are capable of recording 4K video at 30 or 60 frames per second. The S21 FE 5G includes a 32MP front-facing camera, suitable for high-resolution selfies and video calls. The Z Flip4 features a 10MP front-facing camera.