Samsung Galaxy S21 FE (Fan Edition) is a smartphone made to bring many premium features of the Samsung S21 into a more affordable version.
It still keeps a strong processor, good cameras, and a high-quality screen. It also supports 5G so you can get fast internet when available. The phone is made for users who want good performance without paying top-flagship price.
In this article, we will explore its key features, strengths, and drawbacks in simple terms. At the end, there are answers to common questions.
Main Features of the Samsung Galaxy S21 FE
Design and Build
The S21 FE has a sleek and modern look, with slim bezels and a glass front. On the back, instead of glass, Samsung used plastic (polycarbonate) which helps reduce cost and weight. It has a metal frame (the edges are metal) to add strength. The phone also has IP68 rating, which means it can resist dust and water up to a certain level (about 1.5 m for 30 mins). It comes in several colors: White, Graphite, Lavender, and Olive.
Display
The screen is a 6.4-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X panel. It supports 120Hz refresh rate which means smoother scrolling and animations. It has Full HD+ resolution (2340×1080) so picture and text look sharp. For protection, it uses Gorilla Glass Victus on front. Brightness goes high enough for most indoor and outdoor situations.
Performance and Hardware
Inside, the device uses the Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 chip (for many versions), which is powerful and handles apps, games, and multitasking well. It comes with either 6 GB or 8 GB RAM, and storage options are 128 GB or 256 GB. Note: storage is not expandable (no microSD).
Cameras
- Rear cameras: triple setup — a main 12 MP wide lens, a 12 MP ultra-wide lens, and an 8 MP telephoto (with 3× optical zoom). The main and ultra-wide are good for daylight shots; the telephoto helps bring distant things closer without losing much quality.
- Front camera: 32 MP, which delivers sharp selfies and good detail. Selfies look better especially in good lighting.
- Video recording: rear camera can do 4K at 30 or 60 fps, and there are modes like slow motion, night mode etc.
Battery Life and Charging
The phone has a 4500 mAh battery, which is enough to last a full day under moderate usage. It supports 25W wired fast charging, and also wireless charging and reverse wireless charging (meaning you can use the phone to charge other compatible devices). Note: the charging block (charger) may not always be included.
Connectivity and Other Features
- Support for 5G, meaning faster mobile internet if your area/carrier allows.
- It has in-screen fingerprint sensor (ultrasonic) for unlocking, plus face unlock.
- No 3.5 mm headphone jack. USB-C port for wired audio or charging. Speakers are stereo. NFC is present, so things like contactless payments work.
Software and Updates
Originally shipped with Android 12 and Samsung’s One UI skin. Samsung promises several years of security updates and software support, which is important for keeping the phone safe and working well.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Very good performance for the price
- Great display with high refresh rate
- Solid camera setup, especially front camera improvements
- Good battery with wireless charging
Cons:
- Telephoto rear camera is weaker than some premium phones (lower megapixels)
- Plastic back may feel less premium
- Charging speed (25W) is not the fastest in its class
- No expandable storage
How It Compares to Galaxy S21?
The S21 FE shares many features with the original Galaxy S21. But there are some differences:
- Screen of S21 FE is slightly larger (6.4″ vs 6.2″) but same resolution.
- Battery in FE is a little bigger (4500 mAh vs ~4000 mAh), so longer battery life is likely.
- Selfie camera is upgraded in FE (32 MP) compared to the older S21.
- Telephoto cameras are downgraded in FE (8 MP vs higher MP in S21), so zoom shots may not be as good.
- Back material differs: FE uses plastic, while S21 used glass. That affects feel and possibly durability.
Who Should Buy the Samsung Galaxy S21 FE?
This phone is good for people who:
- Want almost-premium features but don’t want to pay full flagship price
- Do a lot of social media, selfies, video calls, and want a good front camera
- Use their phone often outdoors or in bright light and want a good screen
- Care about 5G support
- Want wireless charging and bonus features like reverse wireless charging
Might not be best for people who:
- Want the best zoom camera out there
- Want very high charging speeds (e.g. 65W or more)
- Prefer glass backs for feel or premium look
- Need a lot of storage and want to expand via SD card
Conclusion
Samsung Galaxy S21 FE is a solid choice in the mid-to-upper range smartphone market. It takes many great features from high end phones and brings them to a lower price.
Display, performance, cameras, battery life are generally very good. Some trade-offs exist, like the quality of the telephoto zoom, back material, and charging speed. If you value a well rounded phone with good future support, S21 FE is a strong option.
Before buying, check price in your area, compare with alternatives, and consider what features matter most to you.
FAQs
1. What colors does the Galaxy S21 FE come in?
It is available in White, Graphite, Lavender, and Olive colors.
2. Does the Galaxy S21 FE support wireless charging?
Yes, it supports wireless charging and also reverse wireless charging.
3. Can I expand storage with a microSD card on the S21 FE?
No, the storage is not expandable; you have to choose 128 GB or 256 GB version.
4. How long does the battery of the S21 FE last with normal use?
With moderate use (social media, calls, video), it will last around a full day; heavy gaming may reduce this time.
5. What is the refresh rate of the display?
It has a 120Hz refresh rate, which makes animation, scrolling and games smoother.
6. Is the back of the phone made of glass?
No, the back is plastic (polycarbonate) whereas the frame is metal.
7. Is the camera good in low light?
The main and ultra-wide cameras perform decently in low light, but the telephoto camera is weaker especially at night.
8. Does the phone have IP68 water and dust resistance?
Yes, it has IP68 rating for water and dust resistance.
9. What processor is used in the S21 FE?
It uses the Snapdragon 888 chip in many versions, which is a high-end chip.
10. Will the Galaxy S21 FE get software updates for years?
Samsung promises several years of security updates and OS support, so yes, it should remain updated for a while.