Galaxy S21 FE 5G • Locked Verizon vs Galaxy Z Flip4 • Unlocked

The Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G and the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip4 offer distinct smartphone experiences, catering to different user preferences. The S21 FE 5G, released in early 2022, presents a traditional slab design with a focus on core performance and a robust camera system. In contrast, the Galaxy Z Flip4, launched in August 2022, introduces a unique foldable clamshell form factor, prioritizing portability and innovative usage modes. Both devices operate on the Android platform, providing access to a wide ecosystem of applications and services.

When considering the longevity of these devices, both the Galaxy S21 FE 5G and the Galaxy Z Flip4 benefit from Samsung's commitment to software support, though their release timelines create a difference in their expected update cycles.

• Software Updates: The Galaxy S21 FE 5G, launched with Android 12, is anticipated to receive major Android updates up to Android 16, with security patches extending into early 2027. The Galaxy Z Flip4, also launched with Android 12, is eligible for four major Android OS updates, reaching Android 16, and up to five years of security updates, also extending its support until 2027.
• Physical Durability: Both devices feature an IP68 rating for dust and water resistance, offering protection against immersion. The S21 FE 5G utilizes Gorilla Glass Victus for its display, while the Z Flip4 incorporates ultra-thin glass for its main foldable screen and Gorilla Glass Victus+ on its cover screen and rear glass, alongside a robust aluminum frame.
• Practical Lifespan: Users prioritizing the latest software features and extended security support will find both devices offer comparable long-term usability due to their similar update policies. The Z Flip4's foldable display introduces a different aspect to long-term physical durability compared to the S21 FE's traditional design.

Both the Galaxy S21 FE 5G and the Galaxy Z Flip4 are equipped with capable processors designed to handle daily tasks and more demanding applications, though there are differences in their underlying hardware and how they manage performance.

• Processing Power: The Galaxy S21 FE 5G features a powerful processor that ensures smooth operation for demanding apps, multitasking, and mobile gaming. The Galaxy Z Flip4 is powered by a newer generation processor, which offers strong performance for general use and gaming.
• Multitasking and Responsiveness: Both phones provide a responsive user experience, allowing for efficient navigation and app switching. The S21 FE 5G is available with 6GB or 8GB of RAM, while the Z Flip4 consistently offers 8GB of RAM, providing ample capacity for multitasking.
• Battery Performance: The Galaxy S21 FE 5G includes a 4500 mAh battery, often providing extended usage times, with some users reporting it lasting through a day and a half of typical use. The Galaxy Z Flip4 has a 3700 mAh battery, which, combined with its efficient processor, generally offers all-day power for many users, representing an improvement over its predecessor.

The display experience on both devices is vibrant and smooth, characteristic of Samsung's AMOLED technology, with key differences in form factor and specific features.

• Display Technology and Clarity: The Galaxy S21 FE 5G features a 6.4-inch FHD+ Dynamic AMOLED 2X display with a resolution of 1080 x 2340 pixels, delivering clear and vibrant visuals. The Galaxy Z Flip4 boasts a foldable 6.7-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X main display with a resolution of 1080 x 2640 pixels, offering a larger viewing area when unfolded.
• Refresh Rate and Brightness: Both phones offer a 120Hz refresh rate, ensuring smooth scrolling and fluid animations. They also achieve high brightness levels, making them suitable for outdoor visibility even in bright sunlight.
• Unique Display Features: The Z Flip4's primary differentiator is its foldable design, allowing it to become more compact. It also includes a 1.9-inch cover display for quick notifications and interactions without unfolding the device.

Both smartphones offer versatile camera systems capable of capturing high-quality photos and videos, though there are notable differences in their configurations and capabilities.

• Rear Camera Systems: The Galaxy S21 FE 5G features a triple-camera setup, including a 12MP wide lens, a 12MP ultrawide lens, and an 8MP telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom, allowing for detailed zoomed-in shots. The Galaxy Z Flip4 has a dual-camera system on the rear, consisting of a 12MP wide-angle camera with optical image stabilization and a 12MP ultra-wide camera, but it lacks a dedicated telephoto lens.
• Photography Performance: Both devices deliver strong performance in various lighting conditions, producing vibrant images. The Z Flip4's main camera benefits from a larger sensor size compared to its predecessor, which contributes to improved low-light performance. The S21 FE's telephoto lens provides an advantage for distant subjects.
• Front Camera and Video: The S21 FE 5G is equipped with a 32MP front camera, while the Z Flip4 features a 10MP front camera. Both phones support 4K video recording, with the S21 FE 5G also offering features like Director's View. The Z Flip4's foldable design allows for unique camera angles and hands-free photography using its Flex Mode.