The Galaxy Experience, Now More Accessible
Samsung has finally released the Galaxy S21 FE, a “Fan Edition” model that strikes a careful balance between flagship performance and affordability. Designed to appeal to fans who loved the Galaxy S21 lineup but wanted a more accessible price point, the S21 FE is an intriguing addition to the Galaxy family. With the Galaxy S22 series on the horizon, this release may feel like it’s arriving late to the party, yet it carries enough premium features to stand on its own.
Design and Display: Flagship Look with a Pop of Personality
The S21 FE retains the premium look and feel of the Galaxy S21 with a few simplifications. It sports a 6.4-inch AMOLED display that dazzles with vibrant colors and sharp resolution, while the 120Hz refresh rate offers a smooth experience whether you’re gaming, scrolling, or watching videos. At 6.4 inches, it finds a comfortable middle ground between compact and oversized, making it easy to use with one hand while still offering plenty of screen space.
The S21 FE is available in four color options—olive, lavender, graphite, and white—bringing some playful personality to the lineup. Though the frame is plastic rather than metal, it feels sturdy and well-made. However, like other modern Galaxy models, it lacks expandable storage and a headphone jack, choices that may disappoint some but are becoming standard in Samsung’s range.
Performance: Power-Packed with Snapdragon 888
Under the hood, the Galaxy S21 FE comes with the powerful Snapdragon 888 processor (or Exynos 2100 in some markets), providing snappy performance that can handle multitasking, gaming, and all the heavy-duty apps you can throw at it. For most regions, this is a flagship-level chip that ensures the device remains fast and efficient.
Two variants of the S21 FE are available: the 128GB model with 6GB of RAM and the 256GB version with 8GB of RAM. The extra RAM in the 256GB model is a worthwhile upgrade, especially for users who tend to run multiple apps simultaneously or use intensive applications like photo and video editing software. Without expandable storage, however, users should carefully consider their storage needs before purchasing, particularly if they plan to store large media files or games.
Cameras: Versatile Lenses for Everyday Photography
The S21 FE’s camera setup is impressive for a device in this price range. With a triple-lens configuration that includes a 12MP ultra-wide, a 12MP wide-angle, and an 8MP telephoto camera, it captures high-quality images in a variety of situations. For social media enthusiasts, there’s also a 32MP front-facing camera that captures sharp selfies and handles video calls with ease.
Camera features like Portrait Mode, Night Mode, Dual Recording, and 30x Space Zoom add versatility. Portrait Mode offers excellent subject isolation with smooth bokeh effects, while Night Mode improves low-light shots by enhancing brightness and reducing noise. Dual Recording allows you to switch between cameras seamlessly, a handy feature for vloggers or anyone who enjoys creating dynamic video content.
While it may not quite reach the photographic heights of the latest iPhone or Galaxy S22 models, the S21 FE’s camera is highly capable, especially for social media or casual photography needs.
Battery Life: Long-Lasting with Quick Charge Capabilities
With a 4500mAh battery, the S21 FE can easily get through a full day of use on a single charge, even with the display’s 120Hz refresh rate. For moderate users, the battery should last well into the next day. When you do need to top up, the phone supports 25W fast charging, which charges about 50% in just 30 minutes. While wireless charging is available, the lack of a charger in the box may be a drawback for some users upgrading from older devices that included one.
Software and Usability: Streamlined Experience with One UI
The Galaxy S21 FE runs on Samsung’s One UI 4.0 layered over Android 12, offering a clean and user-friendly experience that brings productivity enhancements and customization options. Samsung has packed in features that cater to both power users and casual users alike:
- Custom Routines and Automations: One UI 4.0 enables users to set up custom routines based on location, time, or connected devices. For instance, you can create a routine that silences your phone and activates blue light filtering at bedtime or sets up a “focus mode” during work hours to reduce distractions.
- Multi-Window Support: With the larger screen, the S21 FE handles split-screen multitasking well, allowing users to run two apps side by side. This is particularly useful for productivity-oriented users who might want to take notes while watching a video or review documents while on a video call.
- Samsung’s Ecosystem: The S21 FE integrates smoothly with Samsung’s other devices, from Galaxy Buds to Galaxy Tabs. Samsung DeX support also turns the phone into a desktop experience, making it a versatile option for those who want a mobile device that can adapt to multiple work and play scenarios.
Value for Money: A Balanced Fan Edition
The Galaxy S21 FE offers a near-flagship experience at a slightly lower price point, keeping the premium essentials while cutting back on certain luxuries. Samsung has perfected the “Fan Edition” formula, creating a phone that appeals to users who want top-tier performance and quality without the price tag of a full flagship device.
Compared to its predecessors, the S21 FE is positioned as a bridge between the S20 FE and Galaxy S21, offering improvements in performance and design while maintaining affordability. For those interested in Samsung’s high-end phones but not ready to make the jump to the latest models, the S21 FE is an excellent alternative. It also outshines many mid-range devices, making it a solid choice for Android users looking for both style and substance.
Final Verdict: A Worthy “Fan Edition” with Broad Appeal
The Galaxy S21 FE lives up to the “Fan Edition” name by delivering flagship-level power, a beautiful display, and a solid camera array at a more accessible price. It’s a balanced phone that offers Samsung’s best features for fans who value quality but aren’t willing to break the bank. For those waiting for the Galaxy S22, the S21 FE might feel like a last hurrah for the S21 lineup, but it holds its own as a well-rounded, versatile device.
Whether you’re upgrading from an older model or entering the Galaxy ecosystem for the first time, the Galaxy S21 FE has a lot to offer. It captures the Galaxy S21 experience without compromising much, making it a highly recommended choice for those who want to experience flagship quality without the flagship price.