Galaxy S21 FE 5G vs Galaxy S21+ 5G

The Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G, released in January 2022, and the Samsung Galaxy S21 Plus 5G, launched in January 2021, are both prominent smartphones from Samsung's Galaxy S series. While they share the Android operating system and a similar design language, the S21 FE arrived a year later, bringing some refinements and adjustments to its specifications. This comparison will explore the practical differences between these two devices, focusing on aspects that influence daily usage and overall experience.

When considering the longevity of these devices, several factors come into play, including their release timelines, software support, and physical durability.

• Release Timeline and OS Support: The Galaxy S21 Plus 5G was released in January 2021, starting with Android 11. The Galaxy S21 FE 5G followed in January 2022, launching with Android 12. Samsung typically provides four years of Android OS updates and five years of security updates for its flagship devices from this era. This means the S21 FE is expected to receive one additional major Android OS update compared to the S21 Plus, potentially extending its software longevity by approximately one year. [19, 34, 9, 2]
• Software Longevity: Both devices continue to receive security updates, though the frequency may transition from monthly to quarterly as they age. As of early 2026, the S21 series devices are likely receiving quarterly security updates. The S21 FE, being newer, will maintain more frequent updates for a slightly longer period. [16]
• Physical Durability: Both models feature an IP68 rating for dust and water resistance, allowing them to withstand submersion in up to 1.5 meters of fresh water for 30 minutes. The front displays on both are protected by Corning Gorilla Glass Victus. However, the Galaxy S21 Plus features a Gorilla Glass Victus back, while the Galaxy S21 FE utilizes a plastic back, which may offer different levels of scratch and impact resistance in real-world scenarios. [9, 14, 24, 6, 7, 15, 29, 32, 47]

Both the Galaxy S21 FE 5G and the Galaxy S21 Plus 5G are equipped with powerful processors designed to handle demanding tasks, though their real-world performance can vary slightly.

• Processor Capabilities: Both devices utilize a current-generation octa-core processor (either the Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 or Samsung's Exynos 2100, depending on the region). This hardware enables smooth operation for everyday applications, multitasking, and graphically intensive games. Users can expect responsive performance across a wide range of activities. [1, 2, 9, 11, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 21]
• Multitasking and Storage: The Galaxy S21 Plus comes with 8GB of RAM across all configurations, while the S21 FE offers options for 6GB or 8GB of RAM. For users who frequently switch between many applications or engage in heavy multitasking, the 8GB RAM configurations on both devices provide a more fluid experience. Both phones offer 128GB or 256GB of internal storage, without expandable storage via a microSD card. [2, 9, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 21]
• Battery Behavior: The Galaxy S21 FE has a 4,500mAh battery, while the S21 Plus features a larger 4,800mAh battery. User experiences with battery life for the S21 FE are mixed, with some reporting it lasts a full day with moderate use, but heavy usage, especially with 120Hz refresh rate and 5G, can lead to more frequent charging. The S21 Plus generally offers strong battery life, often lasting a full day of heavy use or potentially two days with lighter usage. Both support 25W wired and 15W wireless charging. [2, 9, 10, 11, 23, 28, 12, 17, 20, 21, 43, 44]

The display is a key interaction point, and both the Galaxy S21 FE and S21 Plus offer vibrant viewing experiences with some distinctions in size and brightness.

• Display Technology and Size: Both smartphones feature a Dynamic AMOLED 2X display with a 120Hz refresh rate, providing smooth scrolling and responsive visuals. The Galaxy S21 FE has a 6.4-inch screen, offering a compact feel, while the Galaxy S21 Plus boasts a larger 6.7-inch display, providing more screen real estate for media consumption and productivity. [1, 2, 9, 14, 3, 4, 6, 7, 19, 20, 21, 32, 47]
• Resolution and Clarity: Both devices feature a Full HD+ resolution (2400x1080 pixels), resulting in sharp and clear images for typical viewing distances. The pixel density is slightly higher on the smaller S21 FE (around 401 ppi) compared to the S21 Plus (around 394 ppi), though this difference is generally not noticeable in everyday use. [9, 14, 47, 3, 4, 6, 7, 19, 20, 21, 32]
• Brightness and Refresh Rate: Both displays offer high brightness levels, making them suitable for outdoor visibility. The 120Hz refresh rate on both ensures a fluid visual experience, particularly when navigating menus or playing compatible games. The S21 Plus features an adaptive refresh rate (48-120Hz), which can dynamically adjust to conserve battery, a feature not explicitly highlighted for the S21 FE. [2, 9, 14, 3, 7, 19, 20, 21, 32, 47]

Both the Galaxy S21 FE and S21 Plus offer versatile camera systems, designed to capture a variety of moments with different strengths.

• Rear Camera System: The Galaxy S21 FE features a triple-camera setup with a 12MP wide, 12MP ultrawide, and an 8MP telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom. The Galaxy S21 Plus also has a triple-camera system, including a 12MP ultrawide, a 12MP wide-angle, and a 64MP telephoto lens with 3x hybrid optical zoom. The S21 Plus's higher resolution telephoto can offer more detail at optical zoom levels. [2, 9, 10, 22, 35, 3, 6, 20, 21, 27, 32, 41, 42]
• Photography Performance: Both phones are capable of producing vibrant and detailed photos in good lighting conditions. User feedback suggests the S21 FE's camera is generally good for social media, though its ultrawide lens can have inconsistent color profiles. The S21 Plus is praised for its dynamic range and pleasing photos in normal and ultrawide modes. Low-light performance on both is adequate, but not considered class-leading compared to some competitors. [10, 22, 25, 33, 35, 38, 12, 13, 21, 41, 42, 43]
• Video Recording and Front Camera: The S21 FE supports video recording up to 4K at 60fps, while the S21 Plus can record up to 8K at 24fps, offering higher resolution video capture. For selfies, the S21 FE has a 32MP front camera, while the S21 Plus features a 10MP front camera. Both are capable of capturing detailed self-portraits. [9, 10, 22, 3, 20, 21, 27, 29]