Galaxy S21 FE 5G vs Galaxy S23 FE

The Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G, released in January 2022, and the Samsung Galaxy S23 FE, launched in October 2023, are both part of Samsung's 'Fan Edition' line, aiming to deliver key features from their respective flagship series. While sharing a similar design philosophy and the Android operating system, the S23 FE introduces a more advanced main camera system and a newer generation processor, alongside subtle refinements in display technology and build materials.

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

• Release Timeline and Software Support: The Galaxy S21 FE launched with Android 12 in January 2022, and is expected to receive four major Android OS updates, extending its software support up to Android 16. Security updates are anticipated until at least the end of 2025, with a current schedule of quarterly patches. The newer Galaxy S23 FE, released in October 2023 with Android 13, benefits from a longer support window, projected to receive four major OS updates, potentially up to Android 17, and five years of security patches.
• Physical Durability: Both models feature an IP68 rating for dust and water resistance, indicating robust protection against environmental elements. The Galaxy S21 FE utilizes Gorilla Glass Victus for its front display protection, while the Galaxy S23 FE employs Gorilla Glass 5 on both its front and back. Both devices feature an aluminum frame, contributing to their structural integrity.
• Practical Lifespan: Users can expect a practical lifespan of several years from either device, with the Galaxy S23 FE offering a slightly extended period of official software and security updates due to its later release. This makes the S23 FE a suitable choice for users prioritizing the longest possible software longevity.

The performance of both the Galaxy S21 FE 5G and the Galaxy S23 FE is designed to handle everyday tasks efficiently, though there are differences in their underlying hardware that impact demanding applications.

• Processor Capabilities: The Galaxy S21 FE is equipped with a processor that provides snappy performance for daily use, making app loading and general navigation smooth. The Galaxy S23 FE features a newer generation processor, which offers enhanced capabilities for more intensive tasks such as advanced gaming and complex multitasking, providing a noticeable boost in responsiveness for power users.
• Multitasking and Responsiveness: Both phones come with ample RAM, typically 6GB or 8GB for the S21 FE and 8GB for the S23 FE, allowing for effective multitasking and smooth transitions between applications. However, some users of both models, particularly those with the Exynos variants, have reported instances of the device warming up during prolonged heavy usage, which can subtly affect sustained peak performance.
• Storage Options: Both devices offer internal storage options of 128GB and 256GB, providing sufficient space for apps, media, and documents. Neither model supports expandable storage via a microSD card.

Both the Galaxy S21 FE 5G and the Galaxy S23 FE offer vibrant display experiences, utilizing Samsung's Dynamic AMOLED 2X technology, but with some distinctions in brightness and protection.

• Display Technology and Clarity: Both phones feature a 6.4-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display with a Full HD+ resolution (2340x1080 pixels), delivering sharp images and vivid colors with deep blacks. This technology ensures a clear and immersive viewing experience for various content, from browsing to video streaming.
• Brightness and Refresh Rate: The Galaxy S21 FE offers a peak brightness of 1200 nits, providing good visibility in most lighting conditions. The Galaxy S23 FE enhances this with a higher peak brightness of 1450 nits, which can improve outdoor visibility under direct sunlight. Both models support a 120Hz refresh rate, ensuring smooth scrolling and fluid animations, which is particularly beneficial for gaming and fast-paced content.
• Screen Protection and Size: The Galaxy S21 FE's display is protected by Corning Gorilla Glass Victus, offering a high level of scratch and drop resistance. The Galaxy S23 FE uses Gorilla Glass 5 for its screen protection. Both devices maintain a similar screen size, providing an expansive viewing area that is comfortable for media consumption and productivity tasks.

The camera systems on the Galaxy S21 FE 5G and Galaxy S23 FE are designed to capture quality images and videos, with the newer model featuring an upgraded main sensor.

• Rear Camera System: The Galaxy S21 FE features a versatile triple-lens setup, including a 12-megapixel main camera with optical image stabilization (OIS), a 12-megapixel ultrawide lens, and an 8-megapixel telephoto lens capable of 3x optical zoom. The Galaxy S23 FE upgrades the main sensor to 50-megapixels with OIS and Video Digital Image Stabilization (VDIS), alongside a 12-megapixel ultrawide and an 8-megapixel telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom. This larger main sensor on the S23 FE can capture more detail and produce vibrant images, especially in good lighting.
• Photography Performance: Both phones deliver good results in ample lighting, producing vibrant colors and clear details. For low-light conditions, the S23 FE's larger main sensor generally performs well, though some users note that its Night mode could see improvements. The S21 FE's telephoto lens can be less reliable in low-light scenarios.
• Video Recording and Audio: Both devices support 4K video recording at 60 frames per second with their main cameras. The S23 FE also offers 8K video recording capabilities. For audio, both models include stereo speakers with Dolby Atmos support, providing a rich sound experience for media consumption. Microphone quality for calls and recording is generally clear on both devices.