Galaxy S21 FE 5G • Unlocked vs Galaxy S23+ • Unlocked

The Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G, released in January 2022, and the Samsung Galaxy S23 Plus, launched in February 2023, are both Android smartphones from Samsung's Galaxy series. While the S21 FE was positioned as a 'Fan Edition' offering core flagship features in a more accessible package, the S23 Plus represents a more premium tier within Samsung's main flagship lineup. The primary distinctions between these two devices lie in their release timelines, internal components, and overall feature sets, reflecting their different market positions and target users.

When considering the long-term usability of these devices, their release dates and software support policies are key factors.

• Release Timeline: The Galaxy S21 FE 5G was released in January 2022, while the Galaxy S23 Plus followed in February 2023. This difference in launch dates means the S23 Plus benefits from a longer period of guaranteed software updates.
• Software Support: Samsung typically provides four generations of Android OS upgrades and five years of security updates for its flagship devices. The Galaxy S21 FE 5G launched with Android 12, and the Galaxy S23 Plus with Android 13. Consequently, the S23 Plus is expected to receive software support for approximately one year longer than the S21 FE 5G, extending its practical lifespan for users who prioritize the latest software features and security patches.
• Build Durability: Both devices feature an IP68 rating for dust and water resistance, indicating protection against submersion in up to 1.5 meters of freshwater for up to 30 minutes. The S21 FE 5G incorporates Gorilla Glass Victus on the front, a plastic back, and an aluminum frame. The S23 Plus, however, upgrades to Gorilla Glass Victus 2 on both the front and back, coupled with an Armor Aluminum frame, offering enhanced resistance against drops and scratches.

The performance capabilities of the Galaxy S21 FE 5G and the Galaxy S23 Plus differ significantly due to their respective processors and memory configurations.

• Processing Power: The Galaxy S21 FE 5G is equipped with a processor that handles everyday tasks and moderate gaming smoothly. The Galaxy S23 Plus, featuring a newer generation processor, delivers a more substantial performance boost, resulting in faster app loading, smoother multitasking, and a more responsive experience for demanding applications and graphics-intensive games.
• Multitasking and Storage: The S21 FE 5G is available with 6GB or 8GB of RAM and 128GB or 256GB of internal storage. The S23 Plus comes standard with 8GB of RAM and offers storage options of 256GB or 512GB, utilizing faster storage technology. This combination allows the S23 Plus to manage more applications simultaneously and handle larger files with greater efficiency.
• Battery Behavior: The S21 FE 5G has a 4500 mAh battery, providing sufficient power for a full day of typical use. The S23 Plus features a slightly larger 4700 mAh battery, which, combined with its more power-efficient processor, generally translates to extended battery life, particularly under heavy usage.

Both devices offer vibrant displays, but there are notable differences in their size, brightness, and refresh rate technology.

• Display Technology and Size: Both the Galaxy S21 FE 5G and the Galaxy S23 Plus feature Dynamic AMOLED 2X displays, known for their deep blacks and rich colors. The S21 FE 5G has a 6.4-inch display, while the S23 Plus offers a slightly larger 6.6-inch screen, providing a more expansive viewing area.
• Resolution and Clarity: Both phones feature Full HD+ resolution (1080 x 2400 pixels for S21 FE 5G, 1080 x 2340 pixels for S23 Plus), ensuring sharp and clear visuals for everyday content consumption.
• Brightness and Smoothness: The S21 FE 5G's display can reach a peak brightness of 1200 nits, with typical brightness around 700 nits, and supports a 120Hz refresh rate. The S23 Plus significantly enhances this with a peak brightness of 1750 nits, making it more visible in bright outdoor conditions. It also features an adaptive refresh rate that can dynamically adjust between 48Hz and 120Hz, optimizing for both smooth scrolling and power efficiency.

The camera systems on the Galaxy S21 FE 5G and the Galaxy S23 Plus are capable, but the S23 Plus offers advancements in sensor technology and features.

• Rear Camera System: The Galaxy S21 FE 5G features a triple-camera setup with a 12MP wide lens with optical image stabilization (OIS), a 12MP ultrawide lens, and an 8MP telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom. The Galaxy S23 Plus elevates this with a 50MP wide lens with OIS, a 12MP ultrawide lens, and a 10MP telephoto lens also offering 3x optical zoom. The larger main sensor on the S23 Plus generally results in better detail and improved low-light performance.
• Front Camera and Video: For selfies, the S21 FE 5G includes a 32MP front camera. The S23 Plus has a 12MP front camera that includes autofocus, which can lead to sharper and more consistent self-portraits. Both devices are capable of recording high-quality video, with the S23 Plus offering enhanced video capabilities, including 8K recording.
• Audio Experience: Both phones offer stereo speakers, providing a more immersive audio experience for media consumption. The microphone quality on both devices is suitable for calls and voice recordings.