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

The Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G, released in January 2022, and the Samsung Galaxy S24 Plus, launched in January 2024, are both Android smartphones from Samsung's Galaxy series. While the S21 FE was positioned as a 'Fan Edition' offering key flagship features at a more accessible point, the S24 Plus represents a more recent, premium offering in the main S-series lineup. The primary differentiators lie in their release timelines, core hardware capabilities, and long-term software support, reflecting two distinct generations of mobile technology.

The longevity of a smartphone is influenced by its release date and the manufacturer's commitment to software updates. These factors determine how long a device remains secure, compatible with new applications, and performs optimally.

• Release Timeline: The Galaxy S21 FE 5G was released in January 2022, making it a device from an earlier generation. The Galaxy S24 Plus, launched in January 2024, benefits from being a newer model.
• Software Support: The Galaxy S21 FE 5G launched with Android 12 and is expected to receive up to Android 16, providing approximately four major OS updates. Its security updates transitioned from monthly to quarterly and are expected to continue until early 2027. In contrast, the Galaxy S24 Plus launched with Android 14 and is promised seven years of OS upgrades and security updates, extending its support until 2031.
• Practical Lifespan: Users prioritizing the longest possible software and security support will find the Galaxy S24 Plus offers a significantly extended practical lifespan due to Samsung's updated commitment to updates for its newer flagship devices.

Performance in smartphones dictates how smoothly applications run, how quickly tasks are completed, and the overall responsiveness of the user interface. Both devices offer capable performance for their respective generations.

• Everyday Responsiveness: The Galaxy S21 FE 5G handles daily tasks, app loading, and general navigation smoothly. However, some users have reported heating issues during normal use, which can lead to a decrease in performance. The Galaxy S24 Plus provides a more fluid and responsive experience across all applications, including demanding games and multitasking, due to its more advanced internal components.
• Multitasking and Storage: The Galaxy S21 FE 5G is available with 6GB or 8GB of RAM and up to 256GB of internal storage. The Galaxy S24 Plus comes with 12GB of RAM and storage options of 256GB or 512GB, allowing for more applications to run simultaneously and providing ample space for files and media.
• Battery Behavior: The Galaxy S21 FE 5G features a 4500 mAh battery, with user reports indicating average battery life that may require more frequent charging for heavy users. The Galaxy S24 Plus is equipped with a larger 4900 mAh battery, generally offering extended usage times, though some users have noted that intensive tasks can still lead to significant battery drain.

The display is a primary interface for smartphone interaction, and both devices offer high-quality viewing experiences with distinct characteristics.

• Display Technology and Clarity: Both phones feature Dynamic AMOLED 2X displays, known for deep blacks and vibrant colors. The Galaxy S21 FE 5G has a 6.4-inch FHD+ (1080 x 2400 pixels) display. The Galaxy S24 Plus boasts a larger 6.7-inch QHD+ (3120x1440px) display, offering significantly sharper images and finer detail.
• Brightness and Smoothness: The Galaxy S21 FE 5G offers a 120Hz refresh rate for smooth scrolling and animations, with a peak brightness of around 700 nits. The Galaxy S24 Plus also features a 120Hz refresh rate, but it is adaptive, ranging from 1Hz to 120Hz, which can contribute to power efficiency. It also achieves a higher peak brightness of 2600 nits, improving visibility in bright outdoor conditions.
• Viewing Experience: The larger, higher-resolution screen of the Galaxy S24 Plus provides a more immersive viewing experience for media consumption and detailed work, while the S21 FE offers a clear and smooth display suitable for everyday use.

Camera capabilities are a significant factor for many users, and both devices provide versatile systems for capturing photos and videos, though with generational advancements.

• Rear Camera System: The Galaxy S21 FE 5G features a triple rear camera setup with a 12MP wide, 12MP ultrawide, and an 8MP telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom. The Galaxy S24 Plus also has a triple rear camera system, but with a higher resolution 50MP wide lens, a 12MP ultrawide, and a 10MP telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom.
• Photography Performance: The S21 FE 5G delivers good photo quality in well-lit conditions, though some users have noted a perceived downgrade in camera performance after software updates. The S24 Plus generally offers improved image processing, better low-light performance, and more consistent color profiles across its lenses. However, some users have reported issues with grainy videos and white balance inconsistencies.
• Video and Front Camera: Both devices are capable of recording high-quality video. The S21 FE 5G includes a 32MP front camera, while the S24 Plus has a 12MP front camera.