Galaxy S21 FE 5G • Locked Verizon vs Galaxy S24 • Locked T-Mobile

The Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G, released in January 2022, and the Samsung Galaxy S24, launched in January 2024, are both Android-based smartphones from Samsung's Galaxy S series. While the S21 FE was positioned as a fan-edition device offering popular features, the S24 represents a more recent flagship iteration with advancements in processing power, display technology, and software longevity. Both devices operate on the Android platform, but the S24 benefits from a significantly extended software support policy.

The longevity of a smartphone is influenced by its release timeline, software support, and physical durability. These two models offer different expectations in these areas.

• Release and Software Support: The Galaxy S21 FE 5G, released in January 2022, typically receives around 3-4 major Android OS updates and 4-5 years of security updates from its launch. In contrast, the Galaxy S24, launched in January 2024, comes with a commitment of seven years of OS upgrades and security updates, extending its software support significantly further into the future, potentially until 2031.
• Physical Durability: Both devices feature an IP68 rating for dust and water resistance, indicating protection against immersion in water. The Galaxy S24 incorporates a stronger Armor Aluminum frame, contributing to its overall robustness.
• Repairability: The Galaxy S24 has demonstrated a higher repairability score, with some assessments giving it a 9 out of 10, noting features like easily removable batteries with pull tabs. The Galaxy S21 FE 5G received a respectable repairability score of 7.5 out of 10.

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

• Processing Power: The Galaxy S24 features a significantly newer generation processor, which translates to faster app loading times, smoother multitasking, and enhanced performance in graphically intensive applications and games. The Galaxy S21 FE 5G, while capable, utilizes an older generation processor.
• System Responsiveness and Multitasking: The newer processor in the Galaxy S24, combined with its optimized software, provides a more responsive user experience across the system. For users who frequently switch between many applications or engage in heavy multitasking, the S24 offers a more fluid experience. The S24 also features faster storage technology (UFS 4.0 for higher storage variants), contributing to quicker data access.
• Battery Behavior: The Galaxy S21 FE 5G is equipped with a 4500mAh battery, while the Galaxy S24 has a 4000mAh battery. Despite the S21 FE's larger capacity, the S24's more efficient processor and adaptive display technology often result in comparable or even better real-world battery endurance for a full day of typical use.

The visual experience is largely defined by the display, with notable differences in technology and capabilities between these two models.

• Display Technology and Clarity: Both devices feature Dynamic AMOLED 2X displays, offering vibrant colors and deep blacks. The Galaxy S21 FE 5G has a 6.4-inch screen, while the Galaxy S24 features a slightly more compact 6.2-inch display. Both offer Full HD+ resolution, providing clear visuals for everyday viewing.
• Brightness and Outdoor Visibility: The Galaxy S24 offers a significantly higher peak brightness of 2600 nits, making it exceptionally visible in bright outdoor conditions. The Galaxy S21 FE 5G has a peak brightness of 1200 nits, which is still bright for most environments.
• Refresh Rate and Smoothness: Both phones support a 120Hz refresh rate for smooth scrolling and animations. However, the Galaxy S24 features an adaptive refresh rate (LTPO) that can dynamically scale from 1Hz to 120Hz, optimizing power consumption based on content. The S21 FE 5G maintains a consistent 120Hz or 60Hz setting, without the dynamic adjustment.

The camera systems on both devices are designed to capture a range of photographic and video content, with the S24 introducing several enhancements.

• Rear Camera System: The Galaxy S24 features a triple camera setup with a 50MP main sensor, a 12MP ultrawide, and a 10MP telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom. The Galaxy S21 FE 5G also has a triple camera system, comprising a 12MP main, 12MP ultrawide, and an 8MP telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom. The S24's higher resolution main sensor and improved image processing generally result in more detailed and natural-looking photos.
• Front Camera and Video Capabilities: The Galaxy S24 is equipped with a 12MP front camera that includes autofocus, enhancing clarity for selfies and video calls. The S21 FE 5G has a 32MP front camera, but without autofocus. For video, the S24 can record up to 8K resolution and offers 4K slow motion, while the S21 FE 5G supports up to 4K video recording.
• Low-Light Performance and User Experience: User feedback indicates that the S24 performs well in low-light conditions with its main sensor, though the ultrawide and telephoto lenses may show some limitations. The S21 FE 5G's camera delivers good all-round results, with its front camera often praised for low-light selfies, but its rear camera may not match the S24's performance in challenging lighting.