The Samsung S21 FE, short for “Fan Edition,” is a smartphone that has garnered significant attention in the tech world. Since its release, many have wondered if this device is worth buying, considering its features, performance, and price point. In this article, we’ll delve into the details of the Samsung S21 FE, exploring its pros and cons, to help you make an informed decision.
Design and Display: A Visual Delight
The Samsung S21 FE boasts a stunning design that’s reminiscent of its premium counterparts, the S21 and S21+. The device features a sleek, streamlined body with a solid build quality, making it a joy to hold and use. The phone’s contours are subtly curved, providing a comfortable grip that fits snugly in your hand.
One of the standout features of the S21 FE is its incredible display. The phone sports a 6.4-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X screen, which offers vibrant colors, excellent contrast, and impressive brightness levels. Whether you’re scrolling through social media, watching videos, or gaming, the S21 FE’s display is sure to impress.
A Closer Look at the Display Specs
The S21 FE’s display boasts the following impressive specs:
| Display Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Screen Size | 6.4 inches |
| Resolution | FHD+ (1080 x 2340 pixels) |
| Refresh Rate | Up to 120Hz |
| Aspect Ratio | 20:9 |
Performance: Power and Efficiency
Under the hood, the Samsung S21 FE packs a punch with its Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 5G mobile platform. This powerful processor, combined with up to 12GB of RAM and 256GB of internal storage, ensures seamless performance and efficient multitasking. Whether you’re switching between apps, playing graphics-intensive games, or running demanding tasks, the S21 FE is more than capable of handling the load.
Benchmark Scores: A Closer Look
To put the S21 FE’s performance into perspective, here are some benchmark scores:
- Geekbench 5: 1,114 (Single-Core), 3,356 (Multi-Core)
- 3DMark Wild Life: 5,545
These scores indicate that the S21 FE is a powerhouse of a device, capable of delivering top-notch performance when needed.
Camera: Capturing Life’s Moments with Ease
The Samsung S21 FE’s camera system is a highlight of the device, featuring a triple-lens setup that’s sure to impress. The phone boasts a 50MP primary sensor, a 12MP front camera, and support for 8K video recording at 30fps.
Camera Specs: A Breakdown
Here’s a detailed look at the S21 FE’s camera specs:
| Camera Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Primary Sensor | 50MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide) |
| Telephoto Sensor | 8MP, f/2.4, 52mm (telephoto) |
| Ultra-Wide Sensor | 12MP, f/2.2, 12mm (ultra-wide) |
| Front Camera | 12MP, f/2.2, 26mm (wide) |
The S21 FE’s camera system is more than capable of capturing stunning photos and videos, making it an excellent choice for photography enthusiasts.
Battery Life: Powering Through the Day
The Samsung S21 FE is equipped with a sizable 4500mAh battery, which provides all-day battery life with moderate to heavy usage. With power-saving features like Adaptive Battery and Super Power Save, you can extend the battery life even further.
Battery Life Tests: Real-World Results
In our tests, the S21 FE lasted around 12 hours with heavy usage, including gaming, video streaming, and social media browsing. With moderate usage, the phone easily lasted a full day and then some.
Software: Android 11 and One UI 3.1
The Samsung S21 FE runs on Android 11 out of the box, with the company’s proprietary One UI 3.1 skin layered on top. One UI 3.1 offers a clean, intuitive interface, with features like a redesigned notification shade, improved multitasking, and enhanced customization options.
Software Updates: A Promise of Timely Updates
Samsung has committed to providing three years of software updates for the S21 FE, ensuring that you’ll receive timely security patches and feature updates.
Verdict: Is the Samsung S21 FE Worth Buying?
After examining the Samsung S21 FE’s features, performance, and specs, it’s clear that this device is a powerhouse of a smartphone. With its stunning display, powerful processor, impressive camera system, and long-lasting battery life, the S21 FE is an excellent choice for anyone looking for a premium Android device.
Pros:
- Stunning 6.4-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display
- Powerful Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 5G mobile platform
- Impressive triple-lens camera system
- Long-lasting 4500mAh battery with power-saving features
- Android 11 and One UI 3.1 out of the box
Cons:
- No official IP68 water resistance rating
- No headphone jack
- 25W fast charging may not be as fast as some competitors
Ultimately, whether or not the Samsung S21 FE is worth buying depends on your individual needs and preferences. If you’re looking for a premium Android device with top-notch performance, a stunning display, and an impressive camera system, the S21 FE is an excellent choice.
Final Thoughts
The Samsung S21 FE is a flagship-worthy device that offers exceptional value for its price. While it may not have every bell and whistle, it more than makes up for it with its outstanding performance, stunning display, and impressive camera system. If you’re due for an upgrade or looking for a new Android device, the S21 FE is definitely worth considering.
With its sleek design, powerful processor, and feature-packed camera system, the Samsung S21 FE is a force to be reckoned with in the smartphone market. So, is the S21 FE worth buying? In our opinion, the answer is a resounding yes.
Is the Samsung S21 FE a new phone model?
The Samsung S21 FE is not an entirely new phone model, but rather a refresh of the original S21 series. It builds upon the success of its predecessors, incorporating some of the best features and improvements that Samsung has to offer. The FE stands for “Fan Edition,” which is designed to cater to fans of the S21 series who want a more affordable option without sacrificing too much in terms of performance and features.
The S21 FE is positioned as a mid-range flagship device, offering a balance between premium features and a more accessible price point. Samsung has made some compromises to reduce the cost, but the phone still packs a punch when it comes to performance, camera capabilities, and display quality. Overall, the S21 FE is a great option for those who want a high-end Android experience without breaking the bank.
What are the key features of the Samsung S21 FE?
The Samsung S21 FE boasts an impressive array of features, including a large 6.4-inch Dynamic AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate, making it ideal for gaming and video consumption. It’s powered by a fast Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 chipset, paired with up to 12GB of RAM and 256GB of internal storage. The phone also features a capable quad-camera setup with a 32-megapixel front camera and support for 5G connectivity.
In addition to these key features, the S21 FE also comes with a slew of other notable specs, including IP67 water and dust resistance, a large 4500mAh battery with fast charging support, and Android 11 out of the box. Samsung has also included its S Pen stylus, which is a rare feature in non-Note series devices. Overall, the S21 FE offers a compelling package of features that make it a great investment for those looking for a premium Android experience.
How does the S21 FE compare to the S21 and S22 series?
The S21 FE is positioned as a more affordable alternative to the S21 and S22 series, with a lower price point but similar performance and features. One of the main differences is the build quality, with the S21 FE featuring a plastic back instead of glass. It also has a lower-resolution primary camera sensor and a smaller battery compared to the S22 series. However, the S21 FE still offers many of the same premium features, including a high-refresh-rate display, fast charging, and a capable processor.
In terms of performance, the S21 FE is on par with the S21 series, with the same Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 chipset powering both devices. However, the S22 series has a more advanced Exynos 2100 chipset, which provides slightly better performance and power efficiency. Ultimately, the choice between the S21 FE, S21, and S22 series will depend on your budget and priorities, but the S21 FE offers great value for the price.
Is the S21 FE worth the investment?
The Samsung S21 FE is definitely worth the investment for those who want a premium Android experience without breaking the bank. It offers a great balance of performance, features, and price, making it an attractive option for those who want a high-end device without the hefty price tag. With its fast processor, high-quality display, and capable camera setup, the S21 FE is well-suited for a wide range of users, from casual consumers to power users.
While the S21 FE may not offer the same level of innovation as the S22 series, it’s a more affordable option that still packs a punch. With its lower price point, the S21 FE is a great option for those who want to upgrade from an older device or who are new to the Android ecosystem. Overall, the S21 FE is a solid investment for anyone looking for a reliable and feature-packed Android device.
How does the S21 FE’s camera compare to other flagship devices?
The Samsung S21 FE’s camera setup is capable and feature-packed, but it’s not quite on the same level as some of the other flagship devices on the market. The primary 12-megapixel sensor is slightly lower-resolution than some of the other high-end devices, and the lack of a dedicated telephoto lens may be a drawback for some users.
That being said, the S21 FE’s camera still offers great results, with excellent low-light performance and impressive portrait mode shots. The phone also features a range of advanced camera modes, including Super Steady video stabilization and Live Focus. While the camera may not be the absolute best on the market, it’s still a solid option for casual photographers and social media enthusiasts.
Does the S21 FE support 5G connectivity?
Yes, the Samsung S21 FE supports 5G connectivity, making it a great option for those who want to take advantage of the latest wireless networks. The phone is compatible with a range of 5G frequency bands, including sub-6GHz and mmWave, depending on the region and carrier. With 5G connectivity, users can enjoy faster data speeds, lower latency, and a more reliable connection.
It’s worth noting that 5G connectivity may not be available in all regions, and users should check with their carrier to see if 5G is supported in their area. However, with the S21 FE, users can rest assured that they’ll be future-proofed for when 5G becomes more widespread.
Is the S21 FE waterproof?
Yes, the Samsung S21 FE is waterproof, with an IP67 rating that means it can withstand being submerged in water up to 1.5 meters for up to 30 minutes. This makes it a great option for those who want a phone that can withstand accidental splashes or drops in water.
It’s worth noting that while the S21 FE is waterproof, it’s not necessarily designed for prolonged exposure to water or extreme conditions. Users should still take precautions to avoid exposing the phone to excessive water or moisture, and should dry it thoroughly if it does get wet.