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

The Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G, released in January 2021, and the Samsung Galaxy S23 FE, launched in October 2023, represent different approaches within Samsung's smartphone lineup. While both operate on the Android platform, the S21 Ultra was a top-tier flagship device at its release, offering advanced features and a premium build. The S23 FE, on the other hand, is a more recent "Fan Edition" model, designed to bring key flagship experiences to a broader audience. The primary distinctions lie in their display specifications, camera systems, and the duration of their software support.

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

• Release Timeline: The Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G was introduced in January 2021, making it an older device compared to the Galaxy S23 FE, which launched in October 2023.
• Software Support: The S21 Ultra 5G typically received four major Android operating system updates, extending its support to Android 15, and five years of security updates, concluding around January 2026. The newer S23 FE, launching with Android 13, is expected to receive four major OS updates, potentially up to Android 17, and five years of security patches, extending its support until October 2028. This means the S23 FE offers a longer period of guaranteed software longevity.
• Physical Durability: Both devices feature an IP68 rating for dust and water resistance, indicating protection against immersion. The S21 Ultra 5G utilizes Gorilla Glass Victus for its front and back panels, offering robust scratch and drop protection. The S23 FE uses Gorilla Glass 5 on both sides, which provides good protection but is a generation older than the S21 Ultra's glass.

The performance of a smartphone is largely determined by its internal components, influencing how smoothly apps run and how efficiently it handles demanding tasks.

• Processing Power: The Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G is equipped with a high-end processor from its release year, providing strong performance for multitasking, gaming, and intensive applications. The Galaxy S23 FE features a capable processor that delivers a responsive user experience for everyday use and most demanding apps, though it is a generation older than the processors found in the main S23 series.
• Memory and Storage: The S21 Ultra 5G offered configurations with 12GB or 16GB of RAM, alongside storage options of 128GB, 256GB, and 512GB. The S23 FE comes with 8GB of RAM and storage choices of 128GB or 256GB. The higher RAM options on the S21 Ultra 5G can provide a slight edge in managing a very large number of open applications simultaneously.
• Battery Behavior: The S21 Ultra 5G houses a 5000 mAh battery, generally providing ample power for a full day of typical use. The S23 FE has a 4500 mAh battery, which, combined with its efficient processor and display, also aims to deliver reliable daily battery life.

The display is a primary interface for smartphone interaction, and both devices offer vibrant viewing experiences with some notable differences.

• Display Technology and Resolution: Both phones feature Dynamic AMOLED 2X displays, known for their deep blacks and vibrant colors. The S21 Ultra 5G boasts a larger 6.8-inch display with a Quad HD+ resolution (3200 x 1440 pixels), resulting in a very sharp image. The S23 FE has a 6.4-inch display with a Full HD+ resolution (2340 x 1080 pixels), which still provides clear visuals for most content.
• Brightness and Refresh Rate: Both devices offer a smooth 120Hz adaptive refresh rate, which makes scrolling and animations appear fluid. The S21 Ultra 5G can reach a peak brightness of 1500 nits, providing excellent visibility even in bright outdoor conditions. The S23 FE has a peak brightness of 1450 nits, also offering good outdoor readability.
• Viewing Experience: The S21 Ultra's larger, higher-resolution screen offers a more expansive and detailed viewing area, which can be beneficial for media consumption or productivity. The S23 FE's slightly smaller screen provides a more compact form factor while still delivering a high-quality visual experience.

Both the Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G and the Galaxy S23 FE offer capable camera systems, designed to capture a variety of moments with clarity and detail.

• Rear Camera System: The S21 Ultra 5G features a versatile quad-camera setup, including a 108MP main sensor, a 12MP ultrawide lens, and two 10MP telephoto lenses offering 3x and 10x optical zoom capabilities. This allows for significant optical zoom range. The S23 FE comes with a triple-camera system, comprising a 50MP main sensor, a 12MP ultrawide lens, and an 8MP telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom.
• Photography Performance: The S21 Ultra's 108MP main sensor, combined with its advanced zoom capabilities, excels in capturing detailed images across various distances, including impressive low-light performance. The S23 FE's 50MP main camera also delivers strong image quality, with good detail and color reproduction, and includes features for improved low-light photography.
• Video and Front Camera: Both devices are capable of recording video at up to 8K resolution. For selfies and video calls, the S21 Ultra 5G has a 40MP front camera, while the S23 FE features a 10MP front camera.