Galaxy A23 vs Galaxy S21 FE 5G

The Samsung Galaxy A23 and the Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G are two distinct smartphones from Samsung's lineup, released in 2022. The Galaxy A23, launched in March 2022 (LTE variant) and August 2022 (5G variant), is positioned as a device offering essential smartphone features, while the Galaxy S21 FE 5G, released in January 2022, is a 'Fan Edition' model that brings many premium features from Samsung's flagship S series to a broader audience. The primary differences lie in their core processing power, display technology, and camera capabilities, catering to different user priorities within the Android ecosystem.

When considering the long-term usability of these devices, their release timelines and software support policies are key factors.

• Software Longevity: The Galaxy S21 FE 5G, launched with Android 12, is expected to receive four major Android OS updates, extending its support up to Android 16, and five years of security updates, likely until January 2027. In contrast, the Galaxy A23, also launched with Android 12, is typically eligible for two major Android OS updates, meaning it will likely receive up to Android 14, with security updates extending for four years, potentially until March 2026 for the LTE model or August 2026 for the 5G model.
• Practical Lifespan: Users prioritizing extended software support and access to the latest Android features for a longer duration will find the Galaxy S21 FE 5G more aligned with their needs. Both devices benefit from Samsung's commitment to regular security patches, ensuring continued protection against vulnerabilities throughout their supported lifespans.
• Repairability: The Galaxy A23 has a repairability score of 6.75 out of 10, indicating a relatively accessible design for repairs, with components like the back plate and camera lens covers being replaceable. The Galaxy S21 FE 5G also demonstrates good repairability, scoring 7.5 out of 10, with many components being straightforward to replace, though the battery is noted to be tightly glued.

The performance capabilities of these two smartphones cater to different usage intensities, primarily influenced by their internal components.

• Processing Power: The Galaxy S21 FE 5G is equipped with a processor designed for demanding tasks, allowing it to handle graphically intensive games and complex applications with fluidity and responsiveness. The Galaxy A23, featuring a processor suited for everyday use, manages common applications and multitasking effectively, though it may exhibit slower performance with very demanding apps or heavy gaming.
• Multitasking and Storage: Both devices offer various RAM configurations, with higher RAM options on both contributing to smoother multitasking. The Galaxy S21 FE 5G provides internal storage options of 128GB and 256GB, but does not include a microSD card slot for expansion. The Galaxy A23 offers 64GB or 128GB of internal storage, with the added flexibility of a microSDXC slot for expandable storage up to 1TB, which can be beneficial for users who require significant storage for media and files.
• Battery Behavior: The Galaxy A23 features a larger 5000 mAh battery, which generally translates to extended usage times, with many users reporting it can last up to two days on a single charge under moderate use. The Galaxy S21 FE 5G has a 4500 mAh battery, which provides a full day of use for most users, but heavy usage, especially with the high refresh rate display, may necessitate more frequent charging.

The visual experience offered by these devices differs significantly due to their display technologies and specifications.

• Display Technology and Clarity: The Galaxy S21 FE 5G features a 6.4-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display, known for its vibrant colors, deep blacks, and excellent contrast, providing a rich viewing experience. The Galaxy A23 (5G variant) comes with a 6.6-inch PLS LCD display, which offers good clarity and color reproduction, suitable for general media consumption.
• Brightness and Refresh Rate: The Galaxy S21 FE 5G boasts a 120Hz refresh rate, contributing to very smooth scrolling and animations, and a peak brightness of 1200 nits, ensuring good visibility even in bright outdoor conditions. The Galaxy A23 5G also offers a 120Hz refresh rate for smoother visuals, while the LTE variant has a 90Hz refresh rate. Its typical brightness levels are lower than the S21 FE 5G, which might affect outdoor readability in direct sunlight.
• Viewing Experience: Users who prioritize a premium visual experience with superior color accuracy and brightness for media consumption and gaming will find the Galaxy S21 FE 5G's display more immersive. The larger screen of the Galaxy A23 provides ample viewing area for those who prefer a bigger display for browsing and casual use.

The camera systems on both phones are designed to capture different levels of detail and offer varying photographic capabilities.

• Rear Camera System: The Galaxy S21 FE 5G features a versatile triple-camera setup, including a 12 MP main sensor with optical image stabilization (OIS) and Dual Pixel PDAF, a 12 MP ultrawide lens, and an 8 MP telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom and OIS. This configuration allows for a wide range of photographic styles, from expansive landscapes to detailed zoomed-in shots. The Galaxy A23 is equipped with a quad-camera system, highlighted by a 50 MP main sensor with OIS, a 5 MP ultrawide camera, and two 2 MP sensors for macro and depth sensing.
• Photography Performance: The Galaxy S21 FE 5G generally delivers strong performance in various lighting conditions, producing detailed images with good color reproduction, and its telephoto lens offers genuine optical zoom. The Galaxy A23's main camera performs well in good lighting, capturing decent photos, but its ultrawide and other auxiliary lenses may offer less detail and dynamic range, especially in challenging light.
• Video Recording and Front Camera: For video, the Galaxy S21 FE 5G supports 4K recording at both 30 and 60 frames per second, and its 32 MP front camera captures detailed selfies. The Galaxy A23 records video at up to 1080p at 30 frames per second, and its 8 MP front camera is suitable for video calls and everyday selfies. The S21 FE 5G also includes stereo speakers for a more immersive audio experience, while the A23 has a single loudspeaker.