Galaxy S21 FE 5G vs Galaxy S24

The Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G, released in January 2022, and the Samsung Galaxy S24, launched in January 2024, are both Android smartphones from Samsung's popular Galaxy series. While sharing the same operating system, these devices cater to different user expectations with distinct advancements in display technology, camera capabilities, and long-term software support. The S24 represents a newer generation, bringing refinements and enhanced features over its predecessor.

When considering the longevity of a smartphone, factors such as release timeline, software support, and physical durability are key. The Galaxy S24, being a more recent release, offers a significantly extended support period compared to the Galaxy S21 FE 5G.

• Release Timeline and Age: The Galaxy S21 FE 5G was introduced in January 2022, making it an older model compared to the Galaxy S24, which debuted in January 2024. This two-year difference impacts the remaining lifespan for software updates and overall technological relevance.
• OS Support Duration: The Galaxy S24 is notable for its commitment to seven years of operating system and security updates from its release date, ensuring a prolonged period of new features and protection. In contrast, the Galaxy S21 FE 5G, launched with Android 12, typically receives around three to four major OS updates and four to five years of security updates, meaning its software support window is considerably shorter and nearing its end.
• Repairability and Durability: Both devices feature an IP68 rating for dust and water resistance, indicating a similar level of protection against environmental elements. The Galaxy S24 incorporates newer generation Gorilla Glass Victus 2 on its display and back, along with an Armor Aluminum frame, offering enhanced resistance to drops and scratches compared to the Galaxy S21 FE 5G's Gorilla Glass Victus and plastic back.

The performance of a smartphone is crucial for daily tasks, from navigating apps to engaging in demanding activities like gaming. Both the Galaxy S21 FE 5G and Galaxy S24 are equipped with capable internal components, but the newer model benefits from more recent advancements.

• Processor Capabilities: The Galaxy S24 features a more current-generation processor, which translates to faster app loading times, smoother transitions between applications, and more efficient handling of complex tasks and modern games. The Galaxy S21 FE 5G, while still offering a capable processor, provides a slightly older generation of performance.
• Battery Behavior: The Galaxy S21 FE 5G comes with a larger 4500 mAh battery, while the Galaxy S24 has a 4000 mAh battery. However, the Galaxy S24's newer processor and adaptive display technology contribute to optimized power consumption, potentially leading to comparable or even extended real-world usage times for many users, despite the smaller battery capacity. Both support 25W wired charging.
• Multitasking and Responsiveness: Both devices offer sufficient RAM configurations to handle typical multitasking needs. The Galaxy S24's more efficient hardware and software optimizations generally provide a more consistently responsive user experience, especially when running multiple demanding applications simultaneously.

The display is a primary interface for any smartphone, and both models offer vibrant viewing experiences, though with notable differences in their underlying technology and capabilities.

• Display Technology and Clarity: Both the Galaxy S21 FE 5G and Galaxy S24 feature Dynamic AMOLED 2X displays with Full HD+ resolution, providing sharp text and vivid colors. The Galaxy S24, however, offers a higher peak brightness of 2600 nits, significantly improving outdoor visibility compared to the Galaxy S21 FE 5G's peak brightness of around 700 nits.
• Refresh Rate and Smoothness: The Galaxy S24 boasts an adaptive refresh rate that can scale from 1Hz to 120Hz, optimizing power consumption while providing smooth scrolling and fluid animations. The Galaxy S21 FE 5G also has a 120Hz refresh rate, but it is not adaptive, meaning it operates at a fixed high refresh rate, which can consume more battery.
• Screen Size and Viewing Experience: The Galaxy S21 FE 5G features a slightly larger 6.4-inch display, offering a more expansive viewing area. The Galaxy S24 has a 6.2-inch display, making it a more compact device. Both provide an immersive experience for media consumption and general use, with the choice depending on preference for screen real estate versus a more manageable form factor.

Both the Galaxy S21 FE 5G and Galaxy S24 are equipped with versatile camera systems designed to capture a range of photographic and videographic content, with the newer model introducing advancements in sensor technology and processing.

• Rear Camera System: The Galaxy S24 features a triple rear camera setup with a 50MP main sensor, a 12MP ultrawide lens, and a 10MP telephoto lens offering 3x optical zoom. The Galaxy S21 FE 5G also has a triple rear camera system, consisting of a 12MP wide lens, a 12MP ultrawide lens, and an 8MP telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom. The S24's higher resolution main sensor and improved image processing generally result in more detailed and vibrant photos.
• Low-Light and Everyday Photography: The Galaxy S24 benefits from newer sensor technology and advanced computational photography, which can lead to better performance in challenging low-light conditions and more consistent image quality in everyday scenarios. The Galaxy S21 FE 5G still offers capable low-light performance, particularly with its dedicated Night Mode.
• Video Recording and Front Camera: The Galaxy S24 supports 8K video recording, offering a higher resolution for video content, while the Galaxy S21 FE 5G records up to 4K. For selfies and video calls, the Galaxy S24 has a 12MP front camera, while the Galaxy S21 FE 5G features a 32MP front camera, which can capture highly detailed self-portraits.