Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G

Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G Review: Still a Compelling Choice in Today's Market?

I've spent the last few weeks putting the Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G through its paces, and it's been an interesting experience revisiting this "Fan Edition" device. At its current price point, it occupies a unique space, aiming to deliver a flagship-like experience without the flagship price tag. My testing involved a mix of daily tasks, media consumption, some casual gaming, and of course, plenty of photo snapping. My initial impression is that Samsung has struck a reasonable balance here, though some compromises are evident. Given its position in the current market, especially with newer models available, it's crucial to understand exactly what you're getting for your money.

Navigating the Mid-Range Maze: Where Does the S21 FE Fit?

The Galaxy S21 FE 5G arrived at a time when the "flagship killer" category was really heating up. Samsung’s strategy with the FE line has always been about taking key features from their premium S series and making them more accessible. Looking back, this phone matters because it represents an attempt to capture a broader audience who appreciate high-end specs but aren't willing to shell out for the absolute top-tier. From my perspective, it's a smart play, offering a taste of the Galaxy experience without breaking the bank. The price point feels appropriate for what it offers, placing it squarely in competition with other capable mid-rangers, but with the added brand recognition and ecosystem of Samsung behind it.

Design and Hardware: Familiar Feel, Functional Build

Picking up the S21 FE, the design immediately feels familiar, echoing the aesthetic of the S21 series. While it opts for a plastic back rather than the glass found on the standard S21, it doesn't feel cheap. In fact, the matte finish on my Lavender unit is quite pleasant and does a good job of resisting fingerprints. The phone feels comfortable in hand, the 177g weight feeling well-balanced. I appreciate that it avoids the slippery nature of some glass-backed phones, making it feel secure during everyday use. While I personally prefer the premium feel of glass, the plastic construction likely contributes to better durability in the event of a drop, a practical consideration for many users.

Display: A Visual Treat, As Expected from Samsung

The 6.4-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display is undoubtedly a highlight of this phone. As someone who consumes a lot of media on their phone, I can attest to the vibrancy and excellent color reproduction. Samsung’s display technology consistently impresses, and the S21 FE is no exception. Scrolling through social media and watching videos is a genuinely enjoyable experience thanks to the smooth 120Hz refresh rate. The brightness levels are also commendable; I had no trouble viewing the screen clearly even under direct sunlight during my outdoor tests. Gaming also benefits from this display, with sharp visuals and fluid motion. For daily use, the display is simply fantastic, making everything from reading emails to browsing the web a visually pleasing experience.

Performance: Still Packs a Punch

Under the hood, my S21 FE is equipped with the Qualcomm Snapdragon 888, a chipset that was top-tier when the phone was released. In my testing, this phone still delivers a snappy and responsive experience. Even with demanding games, I experienced smooth gameplay with minimal stuttering. I ran a few intensive gaming sessions, and the S21 FE handled them admirably. Multitasking between various apps felt fluid, and I didn't encounter any significant lag or slowdowns. While I did notice the phone getting slightly warm during prolonged gaming, the temperature management was generally acceptable and didn't become alarmingly hot. For everyday tasks and even more demanding applications, the S21 FE continues to hold its own.

Camera System: Versatility and Solid Image Quality

The camera system on the S21 FE offers a versatile shooting experience. I spent a good amount of time experimenting with its triple-lens setup. The main 12MP sensor captures detailed and vibrant images, particularly in good lighting conditions. That beach sunset I captured recently truly showcased the camera's ability to render rich colors and dynamic range. The telephoto lens provides a useful level of optical zoom, allowing you to get closer to your subjects without significant loss of quality. While the zoom isn't as powerful as some flagship telephoto lenses, it's more than adequate for most everyday scenarios. Video recording is also solid, with the phone capable of capturing crisp 4K footage. Compared to other phones in this price range, the S21 FE's camera system holds up well, offering a good balance of features and image quality for everyday users. It may not be the absolute best in every specific scenario, but it's consistently capable across various shooting conditions.

Battery and Charging: A Decent Performer, But Charger Sold Separately

The 4500mAh battery in the S21 FE generally provides sufficient power to get through a full day of moderate use. In my typical day, which involves browsing, social media, some calls, and listening to music, I usually ended the day with some battery to spare. However, on heavier usage days involving more gaming or extensive camera use, I did find myself needing a top-up in the early evening. The fast charging is a welcome feature, allowing you to quickly replenish the battery when needed. However, I have to point out the somewhat controversial decision by Samsung to omit a charging brick in the box. This means you'll either need to use an existing USB-C charger or purchase one separately, which is a definite inconvenience and adds to the overall cost. Wireless charging is also supported at 15W, offering a convenient alternative when you have more time to charge.

Software: The Familiarity of One UI

The S21 FE runs on Android with Samsung's One UI on top. From my daily usage, I find One UI to be a polished and feature-rich interface. It's generally intuitive to navigate and offers a good level of customization. Samsung has also committed to providing several years of software updates, with the S21 FE slated to receive updates up to Android 16. This commitment to long-term software support is a significant advantage and ensures that the phone will remain up-to-date with the latest features and security patches for years to come.

Value Analysis: A Smart Choice for the Right User

Assessing the value of the Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G requires considering its current price against its feature set. In my opinion, it represents a solid price-to-feature ratio, especially for users who prioritize a high-quality display, capable performance, and a versatile camera system within a well-established ecosystem. This phone is ideal for individuals who want a near-flagship experience without paying flagship prices. It’s a great option for students, young professionals, or anyone who appreciates Samsung's ecosystem and design language. However, if you absolutely prioritize cutting-edge camera technology or the absolute best battery life, you might want to explore other options. In the competitive landscape, phones from brands like Google and OnePlus offer compelling alternatives, each with their own strengths.

Conclusion: A Dependable All-Rounder

Ultimately, the Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G remains a compelling mid-range smartphone in today's market. My testing confirms that it delivers a strong all-around experience, offering a vibrant display, capable performance, and a versatile camera system. While the absence of a charger in the box is a notable drawback, the core features and performance of the phone itself shine through. If you're looking for a reliable and well-rounded smartphone that offers a taste of the premium Galaxy experience without the top-tier price tag, the S21 FE is definitely worth considering. It's a testament to Samsung's ability to deliver key flagship features in a more accessible package, making it a smart buy for the right user.