Galaxy A35 vs Galaxy S21 FE 5G

The Samsung Galaxy A35, released in March 2024, and the Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G, launched in January 2022, are both Android smartphones from Samsung's diverse lineup. While the A35 represents a more recent offering in the mid-range segment, the S21 FE 5G was positioned as a more accessible version of a former flagship device. The primary distinctions between these two models lie in their release timelines, processing capabilities, and camera systems, catering to different user priorities within the Android ecosystem.

The practical lifespan and ongoing software support are important considerations for smartphone users.

• Release Timeline and Software Support: The Galaxy A35, being a newer device released in 2024, benefits from a longer expected period of software updates. It is slated to receive four generations of Android OS upgrades and five years of security updates, extending its support until approximately 2029. In contrast, the Galaxy S21 FE 5G, released in early 2022, launched with Android 12 and is expected to receive four major OS upgrades, bringing it up to Android 16. Its security updates transitioned to a quarterly schedule in late 2025.
• Physical Durability: Both devices offer protection against environmental elements, though with slight differences. The Galaxy A35 features an IP67 rating for dust and water resistance and is equipped with Gorilla Glass Victus+ on its front display for enhanced durability. The Galaxy S21 FE 5G boasts an IP68 rating, providing slightly better water immersion protection, and uses Gorilla Glass Victus on its display.
• Build Materials: The Galaxy A35 incorporates a glass front and back with a plastic frame, offering a refined feel. The Galaxy S21 FE 5G features a glass front, a plastic back, and an aluminum frame, contributing to its overall construction.

The internal components of a device significantly influence its responsiveness and ability to handle various applications.

• Processing Power: The Galaxy A35 is powered by an Exynos 1380 processor, which provides smooth performance for everyday tasks, general navigation, and moderate gaming. The Galaxy S21 FE 5G, depending on the region, features either the Snapdragon 888 5G or the Exynos 2100 processor. These were flagship-tier processors at the time of its release, offering robust performance for demanding applications and multitasking.
• Multitasking and Storage: Both models are available with 6GB or 8GB of RAM, allowing for efficient multitasking. The Galaxy A35 offers 128GB or 256GB of internal storage and supports expandable storage via a microSD card up to 1TB. The Galaxy S21 FE 5G also comes with 128GB or 256GB storage options but does not include a microSD card slot for expansion.
• Battery Performance: The Galaxy A35 is equipped with a larger 5000 mAh battery, generally providing extended usage times for many users. The Galaxy S21 FE 5G has a 4500 mAh battery. Both support 25W wired fast charging, but the S21 FE 5G additionally offers 15W wireless charging and reverse wireless charging capabilities.

The display is a primary interface, and its characteristics greatly impact the user experience for media consumption and daily interactions.

• Display Technology and Clarity: Both smartphones feature vibrant AMOLED displays, known for their deep blacks and high contrast. The Galaxy A35 utilizes a Super AMOLED panel, while the S21 FE 5G boasts a Dynamic AMOLED 2X display, which can offer slightly more refined color accuracy and dynamic range. Both provide a sharp 1080 x 2340 pixel resolution, ensuring clear text and detailed images.
• Brightness and Refresh Rate: For outdoor visibility, the Galaxy S21 FE 5G generally achieves higher peak brightness levels, reaching up to 1200 nits, making content easier to view under direct sunlight. The Galaxy A35 offers a respectable peak brightness of 1000 nits, which is suitable for most lighting conditions. Both devices feature a 120Hz refresh rate, contributing to noticeably smoother scrolling and more fluid animations during general navigation and gaming.
• Screen Size: The Galaxy A35 features a slightly larger 6.6-inch display, offering a more expansive viewing area. The Galaxy S21 FE 5G has a 6.4-inch display, which is still ample for most media consumption and daily tasks.

Camera systems and audio output are crucial for capturing memories and enjoying multimedia content.

• Camera System Capabilities: The Galaxy A35 features a triple rear camera setup with a 50MP main camera with optical image stabilization (OIS), an 8MP ultrawide lens, and a 5MP macro camera. The Galaxy S21 FE 5G offers a more versatile setup with a 12MP main camera (OIS), a 12MP ultrawide, and an 8MP telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom and OIS, allowing for clearer zoomed-in shots. The front camera on the A35 is 13MP, while the S21 FE 5G has a higher resolution 32MP front camera.
• Photography and Video Performance: For everyday photography, the A35's high-resolution main sensor can capture detailed images, and some users report its autofocus to be reliable. The S21 FE 5G's telephoto lens provides greater flexibility for distant subjects, and its ultrawide lens is often noted for better detail. In low-light conditions, the S21 FE 5G's processing and larger main sensor pixels can result in brighter and more detailed images. Both phones are capable of recording 4K video at 30 frames per second from their rear cameras, but the S21 FE 5G can also record 4K at 60fps from both its front and rear cameras, offering smoother video capture.
• Audio Experience: Both devices include stereo speakers, providing a more immersive audio experience for media consumption. The S21 FE 5G is noted for its overall sound quality.