Galaxy S21 FE 5G • Locked Verizon vs Galaxy S25+ • Unlocked

The Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G, released in January 2022, and the Samsung Galaxy S25 Plus, launched in February 2025, represent different generations within Samsung's smartphone lineup. While both devices operate on the Android platform, the S25 Plus introduces significant advancements in processing power, display technology, and long-term software support, reflecting its newer release. The S21 FE offers a balanced experience for its generation, whereas the S25 Plus focuses on delivering a more premium and future-proof user experience.

When considering the practical lifespan of these devices, their release timelines and software support policies are key differentiators.

• Release Timeline: The Galaxy S21 FE 5G was released in January 2022, making it a device from an earlier generation. The Galaxy S25 Plus, on the other hand, was released in February 2025, positioning it as a much newer model.
• Software Longevity: The S21 FE 5G launched with Android 12 and is expected to receive up to four major OS upgrades, extending its support to Android 16, along with security updates until early 2027. The Galaxy S25 Plus, launching with Android 15, benefits from Samsung's extended commitment, offering seven years of OS upgrades (up to Android 22) and seven years of security updates, ensuring support until 2032.
• Physical Durability: Both devices feature an IP68 rating for dust and water resistance. The S21 FE 5G uses Gorilla Glass Victus for screen protection, while the S25 Plus incorporates the newer Gorilla Glass Victus 2, potentially offering enhanced resistance against scratches and drops. The S25 Plus also features a recycled Armor Aluminum build, contributing to its overall robustness.

The performance capabilities of these two smartphones reflect the advancements in mobile technology over their respective release periods.

• Processing Power: The Galaxy S21 FE 5G is equipped with a processor that handles everyday applications and multitasking smoothly. The Galaxy S25 Plus features a significantly newer and more advanced processor, designed for faster multitasking, demanding applications, and enhanced gaming performance, including improved ray tracing capabilities.
• System Responsiveness and RAM: The S21 FE 5G typically comes with 6GB or 8GB of RAM, providing a responsive experience for most users. The S25 Plus offers 12GB of RAM as standard, which contributes to a more fluid experience when running numerous applications simultaneously or engaging in intensive tasks.
• Storage Options: Both devices offer ample internal storage, with the S21 FE 5G available in 128GB and 256GB configurations. The S25 Plus starts at 256GB and also offers a 512GB option, catering to users with larger storage needs.

The visual experience offered by these devices varies due to differences in their display technology and specifications.

• Display Technology and Size: The Galaxy S21 FE 5G features a 6.4-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display, providing vibrant colors and deep blacks. The Galaxy S25 Plus has a larger 6.7-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display, offering a more expansive viewing area.
• Resolution and Clarity: The S21 FE 5G offers a Full HD+ resolution (1080 x 2340 pixels), which provides clear visuals for general use. The S25 Plus steps up to a Quad HD+ resolution (3120 x 1440 pixels), resulting in sharper details and greater clarity, particularly noticeable with high-resolution content.
• Brightness and Refresh Rate: Both phones feature a 120Hz adaptive refresh rate for smooth scrolling and animations. However, the S25 Plus boasts a significantly higher peak brightness of 2600 nits, compared to the S21 FE 5G's approximately 700 nits, making the S25 Plus display more visible in bright outdoor conditions.

Both smartphones offer capable camera systems, but the newer Galaxy S25 Plus incorporates more advanced hardware and software for photography and videography.

• Rear Camera System: The S21 FE 5G features a triple-lens setup with a 12MP wide, 12MP ultrawide, and an 8MP telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom. The S25 Plus also has a triple-lens system, but with a higher resolution 50MP wide main camera, a 12MP ultrawide, and a 10MP telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom.
• Photography Performance: Users generally praise the S21 FE 5G for its good camera quality in ample lighting, producing vibrant and detailed shots. The S25 Plus, while sharing similar camera hardware with previous generations, benefits from an overhauled camera backend and a new ProVisual Engine, leading to improved image processing and better performance in various lighting conditions, including low light.
• Video Recording and Front Camera: Both devices can record video at 4K 60fps. The S21 FE 5G has a 32MP front camera. The S25 Plus elevates video capabilities with 8K 30fps recording and features a 12MP front camera that delivers sharp and bright images.