Galaxy S21 FE 5G • Unlocked vs Galaxy S24 Ultra • Unlocked

The Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G, released in January 2022, and the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra, launched in January 2024, represent different tiers and generations within Samsung's smartphone lineup. While both operate on the Android platform with Samsung's One UI, the S24 Ultra introduces significant advancements in camera technology, processing power, and long-term software support, reflecting its position as a premium flagship device compared to the S21 FE's 'Fan Edition' approach.

The practical lifespan of a smartphone is heavily influenced by its release timeline, software support, and physical durability.

• Release Timeline and Software Support: The Galaxy S21 FE 5G, launched in early 2022, is expected to receive four major Android OS upgrades, extending its software support up to Android 16, and five years of security updates. In contrast, the Galaxy S24 Ultra, released in early 2024, benefits from Samsung's extended commitment of seven years of OS and security updates, potentially receiving updates up to Android 21. This difference means the S24 Ultra offers a considerably longer period of official software support, ensuring access to newer features and security patches for an extended duration.
• Physical Durability and Repairability: Both devices feature an IP68 rating for dust and water resistance, indicating protection against immersion in water up to 1.5 meters for 30 minutes. The S21 FE utilizes Corning Gorilla Glass Victus for screen protection, while the S24 Ultra steps up with Gorilla Glass Armor, which offers enhanced scratch resistance. The S24 Ultra also incorporates a titanium frame, contributing to its robust build. In terms of repairability, the S24 Ultra has received high scores, with some assessments giving it a 9/10, noting ease of battery replacement and access to some components. The S21 FE also has a decent repairability score of 7.5/10, though some components like the battery are glued in place.
• Expected Practical Lifespan: Users prioritizing the longest possible software longevity and cutting-edge physical protection will find the Galaxy S24 Ultra more aligned with their needs due to its extended update policy and advanced materials. The S21 FE still offers a respectable lifespan, especially for users who do not require the absolute latest software versions beyond its guaranteed update period.

Performance in daily use is a key differentiator, impacting everything from app responsiveness to demanding tasks like gaming and video editing.

• Processor Capabilities and System Responsiveness: The Galaxy S21 FE 5G is powered by a capable processor that handles everyday applications and multitasking smoothly. Users generally report good performance for most tasks, though some noted potential heating during intensive use. The Galaxy S24 Ultra features a more advanced, current-generation processor designed for high-performance computing. This translates to exceptionally fast app loading, seamless multitasking, and superior handling of graphically intensive games and complex applications without significant slowdowns.
• Battery Behavior: The S21 FE is equipped with a 4500mAh battery. For moderate users, it typically lasts a full day, but heavy usage, particularly gaming, can drain it more quickly, sometimes requiring a charge before the day ends. The S24 Ultra houses a larger 5000mAh battery, which, combined with its efficient processor, generally provides excellent battery life, often lasting a full day even with heavy use, and for some, extending to two days with moderate usage.
• Storage and RAM: The S21 FE offers storage options of 128GB and 256GB, paired with 6GB or 8GB of RAM. The S24 Ultra provides more generous storage configurations, including 256GB, 512GB, and 1TB, and comes with 12GB of RAM as standard. The increased RAM in the S24 Ultra contributes to smoother transitions between numerous open applications and more efficient background process management.

The display is the primary interface for interaction, and differences in technology and specifications can significantly affect the viewing experience.

• Display Technology and Clarity: Both devices feature Dynamic AMOLED 2X displays, known for their vibrant colors and deep blacks. The S21 FE has a 6.4-inch display with a Full HD+ resolution (1080 x 2400 pixels), providing clear and sharp visuals for everyday content consumption. The S24 Ultra boasts a larger 6.8-inch display with a Quad HD+ resolution (3088 x 1440 pixels), offering a noticeably sharper image with finer detail, particularly beneficial for high-resolution media and detailed work.
• Brightness and Refresh Rate: The S21 FE features a 120Hz refresh rate, ensuring smooth scrolling and fluid animations. Its display offers good brightness levels for outdoor visibility. The S24 Ultra also has a 120Hz refresh rate, but it is adaptive, ranging from 1Hz to 120Hz, which helps optimize battery consumption. The S24 Ultra's display also achieves significantly higher peak brightness, making it exceptionally visible even in direct sunlight and enhancing HDR content. Additionally, the S24 Ultra's display incorporates an anti-reflective coating, which further improves outdoor viewing and reduces glare.
• Screen Size and Viewing Experience: The S21 FE's 6.4-inch screen offers a comfortable viewing experience for most users. The S24 Ultra's larger 6.8-inch display provides a more expansive canvas, which is advantageous for media consumption, gaming, and productivity tasks, especially when utilizing its integrated stylus.

Camera capabilities are a significant factor for many users, and both devices offer distinct photographic and videographic experiences.

• Rear Camera System: The Galaxy S21 FE features a versatile triple-camera setup, including a 12MP wide-angle lens with optical image stabilization (OIS), a 12MP ultrawide lens, and an 8MP telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom and OIS. This system is capable of capturing good quality photos in various conditions, with users praising its overall performance for everyday stills. The Galaxy S24 Ultra elevates the camera experience with a quad-camera system: a 200MP main sensor with OIS, a 12MP ultrawide lens, a 50MP telephoto lens with 5x optical zoom, and a 10MP telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom. This configuration provides greater detail, more flexible zoom options, and enhanced low-light performance.
• Low-Light and Everyday Photography: While the S21 FE performs well in good lighting, the S24 Ultra's larger sensors and advanced processing deliver superior results in challenging low-light conditions, capturing more detail and reducing noise. For everyday photography, both phones produce vibrant images, but the S24 Ultra offers a higher level of detail and dynamic range.
• Video Recording Quality and Front Camera: Both devices support 4K video recording at 30/60fps. The S21 FE also offers 1080p at up to 240fps and 720p at 960fps. The S24 Ultra's video capabilities are more advanced, including 8K recording at 30fps, providing professional-grade video capture. For selfies, the S21 FE has a 32MP front camera, while the S24 Ultra features a 12MP front camera. Both are capable of capturing detailed self-portraits and high-quality video calls.
• Audio Experience: Both phones offer stereo speakers, providing a good audio experience for media consumption. The S21 FE's call quality is generally good, with clear earpiece audio. The S24 Ultra also delivers clear audio for calls and media playback.