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Galaxy S21 FE 5G vs Galaxy S24 FE

  • 1-year warranty
  • Free standard shipping
  • Free 30-day returns
Galaxy S21 FE 5G
Starting at

Refurbished price:A$322.00

Versus A$1,144.00 new

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Galaxy S24 FE
Starting at

Refurbished price:A$549.00

Versus A$639.00 new

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Differences at a glance

The Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G (2022) and the Samsung Galaxy S24 FE (2024) represent successive generations of Samsung's fan edition smartphone line, designed to offer flagship features at accessible tiers. While both devices share a similar focus on everyday usability and balanced core features, the Galaxy S24 FE introduces a larger display, updated operating systems, and improved overall capabilities that set it apart from its predecessor.

Both smartphones operate on the Android platform with Samsung's custom interface, providing familiar navigation and software features, though the newer model benefits from an extended software support lifecycle.

Available Models

Colour

Storage (GB)

Scores

Durability

When evaluating the longevity and maintenance of these two devices, software support windows and hardware build quality play significant roles in determining their long-term viability.

  • Software Support Window: The Galaxy S24 FE launched with a commitment to extended operating system upgrades and security patches spanning multiple years, outlasting the support timeline remaining for the earlier Galaxy S21 FE 5G.
  • Repairability and Build: Both devices feature robust construction materials, though finding replacement components and maintenance services for the newer model is typically more straightforward over time due to its recent release date.
  • Expected Lifespan: Users seeking long-term operational relevance without needing an upgrade will find the extended update cycle of the newer model advantageous for daily security and feature updates.

Release year

2022

2024

Operating system

Android

Android

Foldable

No

No

Performance

System responsiveness and daily multitasking capabilities differ noticeably between these two generations due to hardware advancements and memory capacity configurations.

  • App Loading and Multitasking: The Galaxy S24 FE handles demanding applications, heavy multitasking, and modern mobile gaming with smoother transition speeds and thermal management compared to the Galaxy S21 FE 5G.
  • Storage and Memory: Standard configurations on the newer model offer increased baseline memory and storage options, facilitating smoother background task management and larger media libraries without slowdowns.
  • Battery Behavior: The Galaxy S24 FE incorporates a larger battery capacity and improved power efficiency, allowing it to sustain typical daily use scenarios more reliably before requiring a recharge than its predecessor.

Screen quality

Display characteristics across both models emphasize clarity and vibrant color reproduction, though physical dimensions and panel technology have evolved.

  • Display Technology: Both devices utilize high-resolution OLED panels that deliver deep contrast levels, sharp text rendering, and vivid color accuracy for daily media viewing.
  • Brightness and Outdoor Legibility: The Galaxy S24 FE achieves higher peak brightness levels, making on-screen content easier to read under direct sunlight compared to the Galaxy S21 FE 5G.
  • Refresh Rate and Dimensions: The newer model offers a slightly larger screen real estate accompanied by adaptive refresh rates that scale smoothly during scrolling and gaming sessions.

Resolution

1080 x 2340

1080x2340

Audiovisual

Photography and media recording capabilities vary across the lens arrays and internal image processing systems of each device.

  • Camera System Setup: Both smartphones feature versatile multi-lens arrays including main, ultra-wide, and telephoto options, though the Galaxy S24 FE benefits from updated sensor technology and improved computational image processing.
  • Low-Light and Video Performance: The newer device captures clearer details in challenging lighting conditions and maintains stable video recording quality with enhanced stabilization features.
  • Audio and Media Output: Stereo speaker setups on both models deliver clear sound for calls and media consumption, with the newer release offering slightly wider dynamic range and volume output.

Miscellaneous

Physical dimensions, connectivity standards, and daily handling characteristics differ subtly between the two generations.

  • Connectivity Standards: Both models support 5G networks, modern Wi-Fi protocols, and Bluetooth connectivity, ensuring stable wireless connections and fast data transfer speeds.
  • Physical Dimensions and Weight: The Galaxy S24 FE features a marginally larger footprint and increased weight to accommodate its bigger screen and battery, whereas the Galaxy S21 FE 5G feels lighter and more compact in the hand.
  • Security and Sensors: Both devices integrate under-display fingerprint sensors and facial recognition capabilities for secure and quick device unlocking.

Weight

177 oz

213 oz

Screen size (in)

6.4

6.7

Network

5G

5G

SIM card

Physical SIM

Physical SIM + eSIM

Carrier compatibility

Unlocked

Unlocked

What the community thinks

User feedback from online communities highlights distinct preferences for each device based on everyday handling and specific feature priorities. Owners of the Galaxy S21 FE 5G frequently praise its lightweight form factor and reliable everyday performance for standard tasks. Conversely, users of the Galaxy S24 FE often point out the advantages of its brighter display, extended battery endurance, and longer software update horizon as major benefits for daily utility.

Users prioritizing a compact device with standard daily capabilities may find the Galaxy S21 FE 5G well-suited to their needs, while users prioritizing enhanced display brightness, longer software longevity, and stronger multitasking performance may lean toward the Galaxy S24 FE. Choosing a quality-assured refurbished option provides a sustainable choice that extends device lifecycles while offering a dependable path for conscious consumers looking to minimize electronic waste.