Galaxy S21 FE 5G • Locked AT&T vs OnePlus 10 Pro • Unlocked

The Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G and the OnePlus 10 Pro are both Android smartphones released in early 2022, offering distinct approaches to the premium mobile experience. While the Galaxy S21 FE 5G focuses on delivering a balanced set of features from Samsung's flagship line, the OnePlus 10 Pro emphasizes high-end performance and rapid charging capabilities. Both devices run on the Android operating system, providing a familiar software environment with their respective custom interfaces.

When considering the long-term usability of these devices, their release timelines and software support policies are key factors.

• Release and Software Updates: The Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G was released in January 2022, while the OnePlus 10 Pro saw its global launch in March 2022. The Galaxy S21 FE 5G is expected to receive four years of Android OS updates and five years of security updates from its release, offering a solid period of software longevity. The OnePlus 10 Pro, on the other hand, typically receives four years of software updates from its release, which means it is likely nearing its final major Android update as of early 2026.
• Physical Durability: The Galaxy S21 FE 5G features Gorilla Glass Victus on its display and an IP68 rating for dust and water resistance, indicating a robust build. Its back is made of plastic, which can be more resilient to drops than glass. The OnePlus 10 Pro also uses Gorilla Glass Victus for its display and Gorilla Glass 5 for its back panel. However, it lacks an official IP rating for dust and water resistance in most regions, with the exception of the US T-Mobile model. Some durability tests have also raised concerns about the structural integrity of the OnePlus 10 Pro, with reports of the device snapping under significant pressure.
• Repairability: The repairability of both devices can vary. The OnePlus 10 Pro has been noted to have an average repairability score, with components like the battery and screen being accessible, though adhesive and plastic covers can complicate the process. Information on the specific repairability score for the Galaxy S21 FE 5G is less widely detailed, but Samsung devices generally offer moderate repairability.

Both smartphones deliver capable performance for daily tasks, though they approach it with different hardware configurations.

• Processing Power: The OnePlus 10 Pro is equipped with a processor that handles demanding applications and multitasking smoothly, providing a responsive experience for gaming and intensive use. The Galaxy S21 FE 5G, depending on the region, uses a processor that also offers strong performance for everyday applications and can manage graphically intensive games without significant issues.
• Multitasking and Storage: The OnePlus 10 Pro is available with up to 12GB of RAM, which supports extensive multitasking and keeps numerous applications open in the background without slowdowns. It offers storage options up to 512GB. The Galaxy S21 FE 5G comes with 6GB or 8GB of RAM and up to 256GB of internal storage, which is sufficient for most users' app and data needs. Neither device offers expandable storage via a microSD card.
• Battery Behavior: The OnePlus 10 Pro features a larger 5000mAh battery, which generally provides a full day of use for many users, and some report it can extend into a second day with moderate usage. Its fast charging capabilities are notable, with 80W wired charging in many regions and 65W in the US, allowing for very quick recharges. The Galaxy S21 FE 5G has a 4500mAh battery. User experiences with its battery life are mixed; some find it lasts a full day with regular use, while others report it struggles with heavy usage, especially with the 120Hz display enabled. It supports 25W wired charging, which is slower compared to the OnePlus 10 Pro.

Both devices offer high-quality displays that provide vibrant visuals, but they differ in their specifications and viewing experiences.

• Display Technology and Resolution: The OnePlus 10 Pro features a 6.7-inch Fluid AMOLED LTPO2 display with a QHD+ resolution (3216x1440 pixels), resulting in a high pixel density for sharp and detailed images. The Galaxy S21 FE 5G has a 6.4-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display with an FHD+ resolution (2340x1080 pixels). Both display technologies offer deep blacks and vibrant colors.
• Brightness and Refresh Rate: The OnePlus 10 Pro's display can reach a peak brightness of 1300 nits, making it highly visible in bright outdoor conditions. It also boasts an adaptive refresh rate that can dynamically scale from 1Hz to 120Hz, contributing to smoother scrolling and potentially better battery efficiency. The Galaxy S21 FE 5G offers a peak brightness of 800 to 1200 nits, providing good outdoor visibility. Its display features a 120Hz refresh rate for fluid visuals, though it is not adaptive in the same way as the OnePlus 10 Pro.
• Viewing Experience: The larger, higher-resolution screen of the OnePlus 10 Pro provides an expansive and immersive viewing experience, particularly for media consumption and gaming. The Galaxy S21 FE 5G's slightly smaller screen still offers a comfortable viewing area with excellent color accuracy and clarity, suitable for everyday use and multimedia.

Both smartphones come equipped with versatile camera systems designed to capture a range of photographic and video content.

• Rear Camera Systems: The OnePlus 10 Pro features a triple-camera setup co-developed with Hasselblad, including a 48MP main sensor, a 50MP ultrawide sensor with a wide 150-degree field of view, and an 8MP telephoto lens offering 3.3x optical zoom. The Galaxy S21 FE 5G also has a triple-camera array, consisting of a 12MP main sensor, a 12MP ultrawide sensor, and an 8MP telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom.
• Photography Performance: The OnePlus 10 Pro's main camera generally produces good photos with vibrant colors and detail, and its Hasselblad collaboration aims for accurate color science. However, some users note inconsistencies in color reproduction between lenses and in low-light performance compared to top-tier competitors. The Galaxy S21 FE 5G's main camera delivers colorful and social media-ready photos, especially in well-lit conditions. Its ultrawide lens can sometimes show inconsistent color profiles compared to the main sensor. Both offer decent low-light photography, though neither is considered best-in-class.
• Video Recording and Audio: The OnePlus 10 Pro supports video recording up to 8K at 24fps and 4K at 30/60/120fps, offering high-resolution video capabilities. The Galaxy S21 FE 5G can record 4K video at 60fps with both its rear and front cameras, but it does not support 8K recording. Both devices feature stereo speakers for an enhanced audio experience during media consumption.