Galaxy S21 FE 5G • Locked Verizon vs Galaxy S24 • Unlocked

The Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G, released in early 2022, and the Samsung Galaxy S24, launched in early 2024, are both Android smartphones from Samsung's popular Galaxy series. While the S21 FE was positioned as a 'Fan Edition' offering core features at a different point, the S24 represents a more recent flagship iteration. The primary distinctions between these two devices lie in the S24's newer processing capabilities, advanced camera features, and the introduction of Galaxy AI functionalities, alongside a more extended software support commitment. The S21 FE launched with Android 12, whereas the S24 debuted with Android 14.

When considering the longevity of these devices, their respective release timelines and software support policies are key factors.

• Release Timeline: The Galaxy S21 FE 5G was released in January 2022, making it two years older than the Galaxy S24, which launched in January 2024. This age difference inherently impacts the remaining period of software and security updates.
• OS Support Duration: The Galaxy S21 FE 5G, launched with Android 12, is expected to receive major OS updates up to Android 16 and security patches potentially until early 2027. In contrast, the Galaxy S24, starting with Android 14, benefits from Samsung's commitment to seven years of OS and security updates, extending its software longevity significantly further into the future.
• Physical Durability: Both devices feature an IP68 rating for dust and water resistance, indicating a similar level of protection against environmental elements. The S21 FE 5G utilizes Gorilla Glass Victus for screen protection, while the S24 upgrades to Gorilla Glass Victus 2 on the front and incorporates an Armor Aluminum frame, offering enhanced resilience.

The performance of these two Galaxy smartphones varies due to their different generations of internal components, impacting daily usage and demanding applications.

• Processing Power: The Galaxy S21 FE 5G is equipped with a capable processor that handles everyday applications, multitasking, and moderate gaming smoothly. The Galaxy S24 features a newer generation processor, which provides enhanced speed and efficiency for more intensive tasks, including advanced AI features and graphically demanding games.
• Multitasking and Responsiveness: The S21 FE 5G typically comes with 6GB or 8GB of RAM, which is sufficient for most users' multitasking needs. The Galaxy S24 generally includes 8GB of RAM, providing a responsive experience for switching between multiple applications and handling heavier workloads.
• Battery Behavior: The Galaxy S21 FE 5G houses a 4500 mAh battery, which, combined with its processor, often provides a full day of use for many users. The Galaxy S24 has a 4000 mAh battery. While smaller in capacity, the S24's more efficient processor and adaptive display technology contribute to optimizing power consumption, aiming for all-day battery life.

Both devices offer vibrant visual experiences, but there are notable differences in their display technologies and capabilities.

• Display Technology and Size: Both the Galaxy S21 FE 5G and the Galaxy S24 feature Dynamic AMOLED 2X displays, known for their vibrant colors and deep blacks. The S21 FE 5G has a 6.4-inch screen, offering a slightly larger viewing area. The Galaxy S24 features a 6.2-inch display.
• Refresh Rate and Smoothness: The S21 FE 5G provides a smooth viewing experience with a 120Hz refresh rate. The Galaxy S24 enhances this with an adaptive refresh rate that can scale from 1Hz to 120Hz, which contributes to smoother scrolling and can improve power efficiency.
• Brightness and Clarity: Both displays offer FHD+ resolution, ensuring sharp text and clear images. The Galaxy S24 boasts a significantly higher peak brightness of up to 2600 nits, making it notably clearer and easier to view in bright outdoor conditions compared to the S21 FE 5G.

The camera systems on both smartphones are designed to capture quality images, but the newer Galaxy S24 introduces advancements in sensor technology and computational photography.

• Rear Camera System: The Galaxy S21 FE 5G features a triple camera setup with a 12MP main sensor, a 12MP ultrawide, and an 8MP telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom. The Galaxy S24 also has a triple camera system, upgrading to a 50MP main sensor, a 12MP ultrawide, and a 10MP telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom.
• Photography Performance: The S24's larger main sensor and improved image processing, supported by its newer processor, generally result in more detailed photos, better low-light performance, and enhanced color accuracy compared to the S21 FE 5G. The S24 also benefits from advanced AI-powered photo editing features.
• Front Camera and Video: The S21 FE 5G is equipped with a 32MP front camera. The Galaxy S24 features a 12MP front camera. Both devices are capable of recording high-quality video, with the S24 offering enhancements in video stability and features like Instant Slow-mo.