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

The Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G, released in January 2022, and the Samsung Galaxy S25 Plus, launched in February 2025, are both Android smartphones from Samsung. While the S21 FE was positioned as a fan-edition device offering flagship-like features, the S25 Plus represents a more recent generation of Samsung's premium lineup. The primary distinctions between these two models lie in their release timelines, which directly impact their software longevity, processing power, and overall technological advancements, particularly in display and camera capabilities.

The age difference between these two devices significantly influences their expected practical lifespan and software support.

• Release Timeline and Age: The Galaxy S21 FE 5G was introduced in January 2022, making it a device from an earlier generation. In contrast, the Galaxy S25 Plus was announced in January 2025 and released in February 2025, positioning it as a much newer model with more current technology.
• OS Support Duration: The Galaxy S21 FE 5G launched with Android 12 and is expected to receive four major Android OS updates, bringing it up to Android 16. It is also slated for five years of security updates. The Galaxy S25 Plus, however, launched with Android 15 and benefits from Samsung's extended software policy, promising seven generations of OS upgrades and seven years of security updates, extending its support until around 2032.
• Durability Features: Both devices feature an IP68 rating for dust and water resistance, indicating protection against immersion. The Galaxy S21 FE 5G uses Corning Gorilla Glass Victus for screen protection, while the newer Galaxy S25 Plus incorporates Gorilla Glass Victus 2 on both its front and back, offering enhanced resilience against drops and scratches.

The performance capabilities of these two smartphones reflect the advancements made over several generations of mobile technology.

• Processing Power: The Galaxy S21 FE 5G is equipped with a processor that, at its release, delivered smooth performance for everyday tasks and demanding applications. The Galaxy S25 Plus, being a much newer device, features a significantly more advanced processor, designed to handle the most intensive applications, complex multitasking, and advanced AI features with greater efficiency and speed.
• Multitasking and Responsiveness: The S21 FE 5G offers configurations with 6GB or 8GB of RAM, providing adequate memory for typical user multitasking. The Galaxy S25 Plus comes with 12GB of RAM as standard, allowing for more seamless transitions between numerous open applications and more robust performance in memory-intensive tasks.
• Storage Options: The S21 FE 5G was available with 128GB or 256GB of internal storage. The Galaxy S25 Plus starts with a base storage of 256GB and offers a 512GB option, providing more space for apps, media, and files.

Both devices feature high-quality displays, but the newer model offers notable enhancements in clarity and viewing experience.

• Display Technology and Size: Both the Galaxy S21 FE 5G and the Galaxy S25 Plus utilize Dynamic AMOLED 2X display technology, known for its vibrant colors and deep blacks. The S21 FE 5G has a 6.4-inch display, while the S25 Plus features a larger 6.7-inch screen, offering a more expansive viewing area.
• Resolution and Clarity: The S21 FE 5G provides a Full HD+ resolution (1080 x 2400 pixels), resulting in sharp images and text for most content. The Galaxy S25 Plus elevates this with a Quad HD+ resolution (1440 x 3120 pixels), delivering a noticeably crisper and more detailed visual experience, especially for high-resolution media.
• Refresh Rate and Brightness: Both phones offer a 120Hz refresh rate, contributing to smoother scrolling and more fluid animations. The Galaxy S25 Plus is expected to feature higher peak brightness levels, improving outdoor visibility and HDR content viewing compared to the S21 FE 5G.

The camera systems on both devices are capable, but the Galaxy S25 Plus benefits from newer sensor technology and computational photography improvements.

• Rear Camera System: The Galaxy S21 FE 5G features a versatile triple camera setup with a 12MP wide lens, a 12MP ultrawide lens, and an 8MP telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom. The Galaxy S25 Plus also comes with a triple camera system, including a 50MP main wide sensor, a 12MP ultrawide, and a 10MP telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom. The higher resolution main sensor on the S25 Plus generally captures more detail.
• Photography Performance: The S21 FE 5G delivers good photo quality in various conditions, with its pro-grade camera capable of capturing detailed images. The S25 Plus, with its newer hardware and advanced image processing, offers improved low-light performance, better dynamic range, and more consistent results across its lenses.
• Video Recording and Audio: Both devices support 4K video recording at 30/60fps. The Galaxy S25 Plus extends its video capabilities to 8K recording at 30fps, providing higher resolution video capture. Both phones include stereo speakers for an enhanced audio experience during media consumption.