Galaxy S21 FE 5G vs Galaxy S23

The Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G, released in January 2022, and the Samsung Galaxy S23, launched in February 2023, are both Android-based smartphones from Samsung's Galaxy S series. While the S21 FE aimed to deliver a flagship-like experience at a more accessible point, the S23 represents a newer generation with advancements in processing power, camera technology, and display brightness. Both devices run on the Android operating system with Samsung's One UI interface, offering a consistent software experience.

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

• Release Timeline: The Galaxy S21 FE 5G was released in January 2022, making it approximately one year older than the Galaxy S23, which launched in February 2023. This age difference directly impacts their software longevity.
• Software Longevity: The Galaxy S21 FE 5G is expected to receive Android updates up to Android 16 and security updates for five years. The Galaxy S23, launching with Android 13, is promised four generations of OS upgrades (up to Android 17) and five years of security updates, extending its support until at least 2028. This means the S23 will benefit from an additional year of major Android OS updates compared to the S21 FE.
• Build Materials and Durability: Both devices feature an IP68 rating for dust and water resistance, indicating protection against immersion in up to 1.5 meters of fresh water for 30 minutes. The S21 FE has a glass front with Gorilla Glass Victus protection and a plastic back, encased in an aluminum frame. The S23, on the other hand, upgrades to Gorilla Glass Victus 2 for both its front and back, also with an aluminum frame, offering enhanced scratch and drop resistance.

The performance of a smartphone is crucial for daily tasks, from app usage to demanding games. Both the Galaxy S21 FE 5G and Galaxy S23 offer capable performance, but with generational differences.

• Processing Power: The Galaxy S21 FE 5G is powered by either a Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 5G or an Exynos 2100 processor, depending on the region. The Galaxy S23 features a newer, custom-tuned processor, the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 for Galaxy, which provides a notable boost in overall speed and efficiency. This translates to smoother operation for demanding applications and more efficient handling of complex tasks on the S23.
• Multitasking and Responsiveness: Both devices come with 8GB of RAM in many configurations, allowing for effective multitasking. However, the S23's more advanced processor contributes to a generally more responsive user experience, with faster app loading times and smoother transitions.
• Storage Technology and Battery Behavior: The S21 FE 5G offers storage options up to 256GB. The S23 provides up to 512GB of internal storage, with 256GB and 512GB variants utilizing faster UFS 4.0 storage, while the 128GB model uses UFS 3.1. In terms of battery, the S21 FE 5G has a 4500 mAh battery, while the S23 has a smaller 3900 mAh battery. Despite the S23's smaller capacity, its more efficient processor often results in comparable or even better real-world battery endurance for typical usage.

The display is a primary interaction point, and both Samsung devices offer vibrant viewing experiences, though with some distinctions.

• Display Technology and Clarity: Both the Galaxy S21 FE 5G and the Galaxy S23 feature Dynamic AMOLED 2X displays, known for deep blacks and vibrant colors. The S21 FE has a 6.4-inch screen with a resolution of 1080 x 2400 pixels, resulting in a pixel density of approximately 403 ppi. The S23 has a slightly smaller 6.1-inch display with a resolution of 1080 x 2340 pixels, leading to a slightly higher pixel density of around 422 ppi. Both provide sharp visuals for everyday content.
• Brightness and Outdoor Visibility: The Galaxy S21 FE 5G offers a peak brightness of around 1200 nits. The Galaxy S23 significantly improves on this, reaching a peak brightness of 1750 nits, which enhances visibility in bright outdoor conditions and improves HDR content viewing.
• Refresh Rate and Smoothness: Both models feature a 120Hz refresh rate, providing smooth scrolling and fluid animations. The S23's display is adaptive, meaning it can dynamically adjust its refresh rate based on content to conserve battery, a feature not present in the S21 FE 5G.

Both smartphones are equipped with versatile camera systems designed to capture a range of photos and videos, with the S23 featuring newer generation enhancements.

• Rear Camera System: The Galaxy S21 FE 5G includes a triple rear camera setup: a 12MP wide-angle lens with optical image stabilization (OIS), a 12MP ultrawide lens, and an 8MP telephoto lens offering 3x optical zoom. The Galaxy S23 also has a triple camera system, but with a higher resolution 50MP wide-angle lens (with OIS), a 12MP ultrawide lens, and a 10MP telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom. The S23's larger main sensor generally captures more detail and performs better in varied lighting conditions.
• Low-Light Photography and Video: The S23 shows improvements in low-light performance, often referred to as 'Nightography,' thanks to its larger sensor and enhanced image processing capabilities. Both devices can record video at 4K resolution at 30 or 60 frames per second. The S23 further extends its video capabilities to include 8K recording at 30 frames per second.
• Front Camera and Audio: For selfies and video calls, the S21 FE 5G features a 32MP front camera, while the S23 has a 12MP front camera. Both offer good quality for video calls and self-portraits. Both phones also feature stereo speakers for an immersive audio experience.