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Samsung Galaxy S21 FE Review: a good phone that should have been more
Powered by the Exynos 2100 system-on-chip, the Galaxy S21 FE is still a relatively snappy device that will let you multitask and game like champ, though most of us are pretty disappointed that Samsung didn’t continue the trend of offering a Snapdragon chip like it did on the last FE device, but to be frank the Exynos 2100 chip was a really capable chipset that offers good battery life back on my Galaxy S21 Ultra, despite not topping the highest score in benchmarks. In terms of cameras, Samsung has taken a safe bet and reused the main 12MP f/1.8 sensor from the Galaxy S20 FE, supported by an 8MP telephoto lens and 12MP ultrawide lens, which is a reasonably good camera system by all means and can take decent photos that you can be proud of with good color saturation and contrast, unless you are particular about details and low light, which the S21 FE’s 12MP does slightly underperform due to the small image sensor and lack of pixel-binning, it will work extremely well for shooting TikTok videos and Instagram photos. Ultimately, the Galaxy S21 FE is a good smartphone that will serve you well for years to come with a current Samsung flagship design, capable performance and reasonably good cameras, while the value proposition isn’t as great as Samsung did back on the Galaxy S20 FE 5G, one thing we must understand is the reason why its predecessor did so well because back then, the Galaxy S20 had a series of issues that was so bad such as severe overheating and battery drain issues that it needed an FE to ultimately save the day, not to mention that the regular S20 and S20+ sold in Malaysia back then lacked 5G connectivity and came with the infamous Exynos 990 chipset.
Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G SM-G990U2 Factory Unlocked 128GB Graphite C
The battery drains pretty quickly (about 14 to 16 hours) but I have an external charger I always carry with me. The battery drains pretty quickly (about 14 to 16 hours) but I have an external charger I always carry with me.
Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G
Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G ( Galaxy S Series Processor Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 5G 8 x 1.8 – 2.8 GHz, Cortex-X1 / A78 / A55 (Kryo 680) Graphics adapter Qualcomm Adreno 660 Memory 6 GB, LPDDR5 Display 6.40 inch 19.5:9, 2340 x 1080 pixel 403 PPI, capacitive, 10 multitouch points, 240 Hz touch sampling rate, Dynamic AMOLED 2X, glossy: yes, HDR, 120 Hz Storage 128 GB UFS 3.1 Flash, 128 GB, 100.5 GB free Connections 1 USB 3.0 / 3.1 Gen1, USB-C Power Delivery (PD), 1 HDMI, 1 DisplayPort, Audio Connections: USB-C, 1 Fingerprint Reader, NFC, Brightness Sensor, Sensors: accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, OTG Networking 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/ax (a/b/g/n = Wi-Fi 4/ac = Wi-Fi 5/ax = Wi-Fi 6/), Bluetooth 5.0, 2G (850, 900, 1800, 1900 MHz), 3G (Band 1, 2, 4, 5, 8), LTE (Band 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 17, 20, 26, 28, 32, 38, 40, 41, 66), Sub-6 5G (Band 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41, 66, 78), Dual SIM, LTE, 5G, GPS Size height x width x depth (in mm): 7.9 x 155.7 x 74.5 ( = 0.31 x 6.13 x 2.93 in) Battery 4500 mAh Lithium-Ion Charging wireless charging, fast charging / Quickcharge Operating System Android 12 Camera Primary Camera: 12 MPix (f/1.8, 26 mm, 1/1.76″, 1.8 µm) 8 MP (3x optical zoom, f/2.4, 76 mm, 1/4.5″, 1.0 µm) 12 MP (f/2.2, 13 mm, 1/3.0″, 1.12 µm), UHD video, Camera2 API: Level 3 Secondary Camera: 32 MPix (f/2.2, 26mm, 1/2.74″, 0.8µm, UHD video) Additional features Speakers: dual, Keyboard: on-screen, USB Type-C data cable, SIM pin, Quick Start guide, One UI 4.0, 24 Months Warranty, head SAR: 0.952 W/kg, body SAR: 1.480 W/kg; GNSS: GPS (L1), GLONASS (L1), Galileo (E1), BeiDou (B1); DRM Widevine L1; IP68, fanless, waterproof Weight 177 g ( = 6.24 oz / 0.39 pounds) ( = 0 oz / 0 pounds) Price 749 Euro Links Samsung homepage The community smartphone is supposed to combine the most popular features of the Galaxy S series with a strong price-performance ratio. Among other things, the S21 FE aims to get fans’ hearts racing with a strong performance, extensive video features, a fantastic display, and an IP certification.
The community smartphone is supposed to combine the most popular features of the Galaxy S series with a strong price-performance ratio. Among other things, the S21 FE aims to get fans’ hearts racing with a strong performance, extensive video features, a fantastic display, and an IP certification.
Budget-conscious power users in regions where the Galaxy S22 has an Exynos chipset may be tempted by the Fan Edition, but most should still favor the real thing. While the $100 between the S21 FE and the S22 is surely a lot to some potential buyers, it’s money well spent if you’re going with Samsung’s latest flagship.
Budget-conscious power users in regions where the Galaxy S22 has an Exynos chipset may be tempted by the Fan Edition, but most should still favor the real thing. While the $100 between the S21 FE and the S22 is surely a lot to some potential buyers, it’s money well spent if you’re going with Samsung’s latest flagship.Single Review, online available, Very Long, Date: 11/21/2022: 70% price: 60% performance: 80% display: 80% mobility: 80% workmanship: 70% It may have years of software updates left, but a 2-year-old processor and nasty haptics make this phone feel old the moment you turn it on. Rating: Total score: 60% Source: Android Central When it launched in early 2022, the Samsung Galaxy S21 FE was already a dodgy value proposition.
It may have years of software updates left, but a 2-year-old processor and nasty haptics make this phone feel old the moment you turn it on.Single Review, online available, Long, Date: 11/16/2022: 60% Despite the phone’s circumstances exacerbating its shortcomings, the Galaxy S21 FE is still a great budget flagship alternative. Rating: Total score: 80% price: 90% performance: 80% workmanship: 75% Source: Hardware Zone Despite the phone’s circumstances exacerbating its shortcomings, the Galaxy S21 FE is still a great budget flagship alternative.
Even with its mid-range price, this is a phone that scores highly in whatever category you want to pick: performance, camera quality, design, screen, battery life, software, and more besides.
Even with its mid-range price, this is a phone that scores highly in whatever category you want to pick: performance, camera quality, design, screen, battery life, software, and more besides. Samsung managed to ship the phone with the latest version of Android and it comes with the very best OS and security update commitment. Rating: Total score: 70% price: 60% performance: 80% display: 80% mobility: 80% workmanship: 70% Source: Android Authority Samsung conjured up a solid smartphone in the Galaxy S21 FE. Samsung managed to ship the phone with the latest version of Android and it comes with the very best OS and security update commitment.
While the $100 between the S21 FE and the S22 is surely a lot to some potential buyers, it’s money well spent if you’re going with Samsung’s latest flagship.Single Review, online available, Very Long, Date: 04/24/2022: 70% price: 60% performance: 80% display: 80% mobility: 80% workmanship: 70% Rating: Total score: 80% price: 70% performance: 90% workmanship: 80% Source: Tech PP There is also the not-so-little matter of the Samsung Galaxy S21.
We put the Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G (Snapdragon) through our rigorous DXOMARK Battery test suite to measure its performance in autonomy, charging and efficiency. If you are unsatisfied or find it overpriced, then you must consider the OnePlus 9RT or Samsung Galaxy S20 FE as an alternative and decide according to your requirements.
If you are unsatisfied or find it overpriced, then you must consider the OnePlus 9RT or Samsung Galaxy S20 FE as an alternative and decide according to your requirements. If that’s you buy the $100 more expensive 256GB storage 8GB RAM version of this phone as it will be able to store data and handle memory hungry apps for much longer.
If that’s you buy the $100 more expensive 256GB storage 8GB RAM version of this phone as it will be able to store data and handle memory hungry apps for much longer. Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G Camera Test at the Lover’s Mountain Hiking Love Diary fan event!
Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G Camera Test at the Lover’s Mountain Hiking Love Diary fan event! Ultimately, the Galaxy S21 FE is a good smartphone that will serve you well for years to come with a current Samsung flagship design, capable performance and reasonably good cameras, while the value proposition isn’t as great as Samsung did back on the Galaxy S20 FE 5G, one thing we must understand is the reason why its predecessor did so well because back then, the Galaxy S20 had a series of issues that was so bad such as severe overheating and battery drain issues that it needed an FE to ultimately save the day, not to mention that the regular S20 and S20+ sold in Malaysia back then lacked 5G connectivity and came with the infamous Exynos 990 chipset. Rating: Total score: 80% Source: KL Gadget Guy Ultimately, the Galaxy S21 FE is a good smartphone that will serve you well for years to come with a current Samsung flagship design, capable performance and reasonably good cameras, while the value proposition isn’t as great as Samsung did back on the Galaxy S20 FE 5G, one thing we must understand is the reason why its predecessor did so well because back then, the Galaxy S20 had a series of issues that was so bad such as severe overheating and battery drain issues that it needed an FE to ultimately save the day, not to mention that the regular S20 and S20+ sold in Malaysia back then lacked 5G connectivity and came with the infamous Exynos 990 chipset. We had a Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G: Lovers’ Mountain Hiking Love Diary fan event and here’s what happened!
To celebrate the success of this outdoor experience, the TechNave Chinese team would like to thank you for not being afraid of the rain and persevered to the end. Source: Tech Nave To celebrate the success of this outdoor experience, the TechNave Chinese team would like to thank you for not being afraid of the rain and persevered to the end. We had a Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G: Lovers’ Mountain Hiking Love Diary fan event and here’s what happened! To celebrate the success of this outdoor experience, the TechNave Chinese team would like to thank you for not being afraid of the rain and persevered to the end.
Source: Tech Nave To celebrate the success of this outdoor experience, the TechNave Chinese team would like to thank you for not being afraid of the rain and persevered to the end. In video mode, the Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G (Snapdragon) records footage with good exposure in low-contrast scenes.
Source: DxOMark In video mode, the Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G (Snapdragon) records footage with good exposure in low-contrast scenes.
Video stabilization does a good job in static scenes and is on a similar level as the competitors.Single Review, online available, Medium, Date: 02/08/2022
What felt like a premium mid-ranger was probably the most in-touch phone Samsung could’ve launched at such a hard time, but it wasn’t really the flagship killer it intended to be for the long run. Therefore, we must advise you to wait a bit if, for one reason or another, you still have hot dreams about the Galaxy S21 FE – e.g. if you do not take as many pictures but would like the Fan Edition mobile phone’s larger battery and Snapdragon processor.
Rating: Total score: 67% Source: L&B TechReview But back to the crucial question which must be: Should yo be buying the Samsung Galaxy S21 FE right now? Therefore, we must advise you to wait a bit if, for one reason or another, you still have hot dreams about the Galaxy S21 FE – e.g. if you do not take as many pictures but would like the Fan Edition mobile phone’s larger battery and Snapdragon processor.
Despite the phone’s circumstances exacerbating its shortcomings, the Galaxy S21 FE is still a great budget flagship alternative. Rating: Total score: 80% price: 90% performance: 80% workmanship: 75% Source: Hardware Zone Despite the phone’s circumstances exacerbating its shortcomings, the Galaxy S21 FE is still a great budget flagship alternative.
The Galaxy S21 FE 5G’s results indicate Samsung has kept audio specs and tuning nearly the same across all the S21 versions. Because of S21 FE 5G’s mostly identical results, we invite you read the full Audio review of the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G (Exynos) for more details on its sound performance.
The Galaxy S21 FE 5G’s results indicate Samsung has kept audio specs and tuning nearly the same across all the S21 versions. It handles judder well, but the device is quite responsive to ghost touches and aliasing is visible when playing video games.
It handles judder well, but the device is quite responsive to ghost touches and aliasing is visible when playing video games.Single Review, online available, Medium, Date: 02/04/2022 At Rs 49,999 for the base model, the Galaxy S21 FE is a decent pick if Samsung’s software and brand value is what means to you the most. Instead of a repackaged year-old phone, why not make a premium remixed version sporting a microSD card slot and headphone jack? Not only would this be a welcome alternative to a lot of today’s flagships with minimal ports, but it’d also be a considerate nod to old-school Galaxy phone fans who may have felt betrayed when Samsung removed those features from the S20 in 2019.
Rating: Total score: 77% Source: Engadget Oh, and if Samsung wants to keep this whole Fan Edition thing going, what I’d really like to see is a device that better lives up to the branding. Instead of a repackaged year-old phone, why not make a premium remixed version sporting a microSD card slot and headphone jack?
Not only would this be a welcome alternative to a lot of today’s flagships with minimal ports, but it’d also be a considerate nod to old-school Galaxy phone fans who may have felt betrayed when Samsung removed those features from the S20 in 2019. The $949 S21 FE sports a higher refresh rate and a telephoto camera, but the Pixel 6 offers a pure Android experience, 8GB of RAM, a 50-megapixel primary shooter, faster charging, a slightly larger battery and costs $799. With that in mind, most Samsung “fans” will want to wait until February to buy the newer device instead of opting for the S21 FE. Samsung’s Galaxy S21 FE is a good smartphone offering some flagship specs and a stylish design but also sports an alright screen and camera setup Unfortunately, the phone costs $949, which is a bit much when devices like the Pixel 6 are available for less.
Rating: Total score: 75% Source: Mobile Syrup Most will compare the S21 FE with the Pixel 6 as both phones offer similar specifications. The $949 S21 FE sports a higher refresh rate and a telephoto camera, but the Pixel 6 offers a pure Android experience, 8GB of RAM, a 50-megapixel primary shooter, faster charging, a slightly larger battery and costs $799.
With that in mind, most Samsung “fans” will want to wait until February to buy the newer device instead of opting for the S21 FE. Samsung’s Galaxy S21 FE is a good smartphone offering some flagship specs and a stylish design but also sports an alright screen and camera setup Unfortunately, the phone costs $949, which is a bit much when devices like the Pixel 6 are available for less.Single Review, online available, Long, Date: 02/02/2022: 75%
It’s a pretty great, well-rounded hardware package, that’s really only let down by some minor overheating issues and the fact that Samsung still lags far behind the Android pack on battery and charging tech. It’s a pretty great, well-rounded hardware package, that’s really only let down by some minor overheating issues and the fact that Samsung still lags far behind the Android pack on battery and charging tech.
With its elegant and straightforward design that is comfortable for prolonged use, powerful performance, dynamic display and impressive camera, the Galaxy S21 FE is one of our top suggestions for what a go-to phone should be like. Rating: Total score: 80% Source: India Today So, back to the big question – should you buy the Galaxy S21 FE or not?
With its elegant and straightforward design that is comfortable for prolonged use, powerful performance, dynamic display and impressive camera, the Galaxy S21 FE is one of our top suggestions for what a go-to phone should be like.Single Review, online available, Long, Date: 02/01/2022: 80%
The Samsung has packed in all our favourite features into the Galaxy S21 FE 5G – an attractive smartphone that’s suited to a wide range of users.
The S21 FE 5G was announced during the Consumer Electronics Show in early January – a month before the launch of the Galaxy S22. That says to us the Samsung is offering customers the best of last year’s tech in a single device for those who don’t want a more affordable smartphone but still a high-quality set of features.
Rating: Total score: 80% Source: Tech Guru Daily The Samsung has packed in all our favourite features into the Galaxy S21 FE 5G – an attractive smartphone that’s suited to a wide range of users. The S21 FE 5G was announced during the Consumer Electronics Show in early January – a month before the launch of the Galaxy S22.
That says to us the Samsung is offering customers the best of last year’s tech in a single device for those who don’t want a more affordable smartphone but still a high-quality set of features. It has an awesome display, the cameras and performance here are—although not flagship level—incredible for the price, and the great stereo speakers alongside the reliable One UI software make for one satisfying smartphone experience.
Rating: Total score: 84% price: 80% performance: 85% display: 85% mobility: 80% workmanship: 75% Source: Gadgetbyte Nepal Wrapping up this review, after having used the Samsung Galaxy S21 FE for a good number of days, I must say that it has definitely grown on me. It has an awesome display, the cameras and performance here are—although not flagship level—incredible for the price, and the great stereo speakers alongside the reliable One UI software make for one satisfying smartphone experience.
As a result, the S21 FE is not an extraordinary phone, but it isn’t exactly terrible either.Single Review, online available, Very Long, Date: 01/30/2022: 84% price: 80% performance: 85% display: 85% mobility: 80% workmanship: 75% At $699, the Samsung Galaxy S21 FE is affordable compared to its flagship competitors, but it isn’t the slam dunk value that its predecessor was.
And again, given the relatively minor price disparity between the two and the presumed upgrades coming to that phone, the Galaxy S21 FE becomes a tough sell. At its retail price, I wouldn’t recommend that you pick up the Galaxy S21 FE, it simply doesn’t represent a good enough value this time around. Rating: Total score: 70% Source: Laptop Mag At $699, the Samsung Galaxy S21 FE is affordable compared to its flagship competitors, but it isn’t the slam dunk value that its predecessor was. And again, given the relatively minor price disparity between the two and the presumed upgrades coming to that phone, the Galaxy S21 FE becomes a tough sell.
At its retail price, I wouldn’t recommend that you pick up the Galaxy S21 FE, it simply doesn’t represent a good enough value this time around. The Samsung Galaxy S21 Fan Edition is an excellent smartphone in a vacuum, and I would have no problem using this as my everyday phone. Source: XDA Developers The Samsung Galaxy S21 Fan Edition is an excellent smartphone in a vacuum, and I would have no problem using this as my everyday phone. Samsung will be delivering software updates to this phone for quite for years, which should make it even better with time.Single Review, online available, Medium, Date: 01/29/2022: 78%
That’s an oddly specific set of criteria, but that’s also Samsung’s bread-and-butter — a phone for all budgets.Single Review, online available, Very Long, Date: 01/28/2022: 60% The device has a 120 Hz screen, Android 12 with Samsung One UI 4.0, and withstands short-term bathing in salt water, which is confirmed by the IP68 certificate.
What really caught my attention was the magnificent Dynamic AMOLED 2X screen and the excellent set of cameras which takes good photos, albeit with some small issues. Rating: Total score: 94% price: 90% performance: 100% display: 100% mobility: 90% workmanship: 90% ergonomy: 100% Source: Root Nation It’s time to summarize the advantages and disadvantages of the Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G.
The device has a 120 Hz screen, Android 12 with Samsung One UI 4.0, and withstands short-term bathing in salt water, which is confirmed by the IP68 certificate.
What really caught my attention was the magnificent Dynamic AMOLED 2X screen and the excellent set of cameras which takes good photos, albeit with some small issues.
The Samsung Galaxy S21 FE isn’t a bad value flagship per se as we found in our review of it for the Philippines, and is the classic example of a smartphone released at the wrong time. If the phone was released a few months earlier, it would have been a strong contender for anyone looking for a flagship from the Korean company that won’t do as much damage to their bank account as its older, more premium brother.
Source: Unbox The Samsung Galaxy S21 FE isn’t a bad value flagship per se as we found in our review of it for the Philippines, and is the classic example of a smartphone released at the wrong time. If the phone was released a few months earlier, it would have been a strong contender for anyone looking for a flagship from the Korean company that won’t do as much damage to their bank account as its older, more premium brother. It’s hard to see the value of settling for a stripped-down version of the S21 when the real deal is just a few thousand pesos more.Single Review, online available, Medium, Date: 01/25/2022 What is certain here is that on its own merits and at its price point, the Samsung Galaxy S21 FE offers immense value for what you pay for.
Add in good battery life, DeX mode and a very practical polycarbonate chassis and you have the epitome of a value flagship in the Galaxy S21 FE. The Samsung Galaxy S21 FE is the epitome of value, packing flagship-grade features including a large 120Hz display, excellent performance and great cameras at a decent price point.
Rating: Total score: 88% price: 100% performance: 90% display: 90% mobility: 80% Source: Hitech Century The Samsung Galaxy S21 FE comes at an interesting time as it debuts weeks ahead of the impending launch of Samsung’s next generation S22 series phones in early February 2022. What is certain here is that on its own merits and at its price point, the Samsung Galaxy S21 FE offers immense value for what you pay for. Add in good battery life, DeX mode and a very practical polycarbonate chassis and you have the epitome of a value flagship in the Galaxy S21 FE. The Samsung Galaxy S21 FE is the epitome of value, packing flagship-grade features including a large 120Hz display, excellent performance and great cameras at a decent price point.Single Review, online available, Very Long, Date: 01/23/2022: 88% price: 100% performance: 90% display: 90% mobility: 80% Retailing for the equivalent of $950, the Galaxy S21 FE is not a good choice in the U.K., which will be the case until the phone gets a substantial discount. It is much more palatable in India at ₹49,999 ($670), but that is still a little too high; it needs to be selling in the vicinity of ₹45,000 ($602) to see anywhere close to the same level of sales figures that the S20 FE managed to attain.
If history is any indication, Samsung won’t wait too long before rolling out enticing offers for the S21 FE in most markets. The Galaxy S22 series is on the horizon, and the S21 FE will undoubtedly get a discount once the regular S22 is available on store shelves around the world.
Rating: Total score: 80% Source: Android Central Retailing for the equivalent of $950, the Galaxy S21 FE is not a good choice in the U.K., which will be the case until the phone gets a substantial discount. It is much more palatable in India at ₹49,999 ($670), but that is still a little too high; it needs to be selling in the vicinity of ₹45,000 ($602) to see anywhere close to the same level of sales figures that the S20 FE managed to attain.
If history is any indication, Samsung won’t wait too long before rolling out enticing offers for the S21 FE in most markets. The Galaxy S22 series is on the horizon, and the S21 FE will undoubtedly get a discount once the regular S22 is available on store shelves around the world. The Samsung Galaxy S21 FE may have arrived late to the party but if you’re looking for a flagship-level device but not splurge too much, this is certainly an excellent choice. At the end of our Samsung Galaxy S21 FE review, I award this smartphone with our coveted Gold Pokdeward.
Rating: Total score: 82% price: 83% performance: 90% mobility: 80% workmanship: 75% Source: Pokde The Samsung Galaxy S21 FE may have arrived late to the party but if you’re looking for a flagship-level device but not splurge too much, this is certainly an excellent choice. It would have made a lot more sense if the Fan Edition had launched in September 2021, though, and it’s unavoidable that you can probably pick up the (slightly smaller) Galaxy S21 for around the same price.
But for those looking for a Samsung phone right now, the Galaxy S21 FE still hits most of the experience points they will want, irrelevant of the badly timed release and inevitable and extensive competition. Rating: Total score: 80% Source: Pocket Lint The Samsung Galaxy S21 FE is pretty much everything you’d expect it to be.
It would have made a lot more sense if the Fan Edition had launched in September 2021, though, and it’s unavoidable that you can probably pick up the (slightly smaller) Galaxy S21 for around the same price. But for those looking for a Samsung phone right now, the Galaxy S21 FE still hits most of the experience points they will want, irrelevant of the badly timed release and inevitable and extensive competition.Single Review, online available, Medium, Date: 01/20/2022: 80% With a similar design and specifications to last year’s flagship Galaxy S21, but at a lower launch price of £699 and a larger display, it looked like it might have been a bit of a bargain for what it offers. However, now that I’ve spent some time using it, the S21 FE’s slightly reduced launch price is a bit too much to pay for a phone that’s almost identical to last year’s “normal” model.
With a similar design and specifications to last year’s flagship Galaxy S21, but at a lower launch price of £699 and a larger display, it looked like it might have been a bit of a bargain for what it offers. However, now that I’ve spent some time using it, the S21 FE’s slightly reduced launch price is a bit too much to pay for a phone that’s almost identical to last year’s “normal” model. Samsung seems to have built a phone for those seeking a nice high-end experience without shelling a penny north of Rs. 55,000, the Galaxy S21 FE looks dull in comparison to the iPhone 12, a much cheaper iQOO 7 Legend, and Vivo’s X70 series – this Samsung isn’t grabbing eyeballs even without the case.
Rating: Total score: 80% Source: The Times of India The Galaxy S21 FE is in many ways more like the iPhone 12 — just a nice high-end phone for everyone.
Samsung seems to have built a phone for those seeking a nice high-end experience without shelling a penny north of Rs. 55,000, the Galaxy S21 FE looks dull in comparison to the iPhone 12, a much cheaper iQOO 7 Legend, and Vivo’s X70 series – this Samsung isn’t grabbing eyeballs even without the case. As we’ve noted a few times in this evaluation, the Samsung Galaxy S21 FE checks a bunch of feature boxes for its price tag, whether you consider its IP68 water and dust resistance, wireless Qi charging, both Sub-6 and mmWave 5G support, or its quad-camera setup that produces great shots, including its 32MP selfie camera.
We’re still struggling with the Pixel 6’s super finicky fingerprint sensor here (even post January update) but we had no such issues with the Galaxy S21 FE, which in our testing experience ran virtually bug-free. Source: Hot Hardware As we’ve noted a few times in this evaluation, the Samsung Galaxy S21 FE checks a bunch of feature boxes for its price tag, whether you consider its IP68 water and dust resistance, wireless Qi charging, both Sub-6 and mmWave 5G support, or its quad-camera setup that produces great shots, including its 32MP selfie camera. We’re still struggling with the Pixel 6’s super finicky fingerprint sensor here (even post January update) but we had no such issues with the Galaxy S21 FE, which in our testing experience ran virtually bug-free.Single Review, online available, Very Long, Date: 01/18/2022 It’s a solid phone, and while the removal of the microSD slot and in-box accessories might frustrate some, it’s still impressive what you’re getting for the asking price and you won’t regret the purchase.
Source: Sam Mobile I initially thought it would be hard to come to a verdict about the Galaxy S21 FE. It’s a solid phone, and while the removal of the microSD slot and in-box accessories might frustrate some, it’s still impressive what you’re getting for the asking price and you won’t regret the purchase.Single Review, online available, Medium, Date: 01/18/2022 It would have been nice to have the option to expand storage, a bundled charger is always welcome, and battery life could have been better with regard to video playback. It would have been nice to have the option to expand storage, a bundled charger is always welcome, and battery life could have been better with regard to video playback.
All-in-all, this is a very good daily driver with a water-resistant build, stunning display, flagship performance, deliverable cameras, and 5G connectivity. For one, the Galaxy S22 series is surely expected to be released in the coming months, and second, for its price, some consumers would rather look at discounted old flagship models. Source: Yugatech All-in-all, this is a very good daily driver with a water-resistant build, stunning display, flagship performance, deliverable cameras, and 5G connectivity. For one, the Galaxy S22 series is surely expected to be released in the coming months, and second, for its price, some consumers would rather look at discounted old flagship models.
Rating: Total score: 80% Source: The Indian Express I clearly remember the Galaxy S2O FE was a great deal, and Samsung nailed the pricing. Priced at Rs 54,999 for the base variant with 8GB RAM and 128GB on-board storage, the Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G is an all-round premium smartphone that hangs with the best in the segment.
Source: Business Standard Priced at Rs 54,999 for the base variant with 8GB RAM and 128GB on-board storage, the Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G is an all-round premium smartphone that hangs with the best in the segment. Though it does not beat its peers on any parameter, I would still pick it over others just for its comfortable ergonomics, which greatly improves handling experience.Single Review, online available, Very Short, Date: 01/17/2022
Either way, the Samsung Galaxy S21 FE is still a magnificent phone – just get it at a lower price.Single Review, online available, Long, Date: 01/17/2022 The Samsung Galaxy S21 FE is launched on January 2022, and the phone arrives with a price tag of $660 (Rs 51,999 in India) approx.
The simple design looks premium and the 6.4-inches Dynamic AMOLED 2X display grants a 120Hz refresh rate and HDR 10 support. It includes impressive IP 68 certification and corning glass Victus protection coating on the Always-on display.
Source: OI Spice Tech News The Samsung Galaxy S21 FE is launched on January 2022, and the phone arrives with a price tag of $660 (Rs 51,999 in India) approx. The simple design looks premium and the 6.4-inches Dynamic AMOLED 2X display grants a 120Hz refresh rate and HDR 10 support. It includes impressive IP 68 certification and corning glass Victus protection coating on the Always-on display. Once Samsung introduces its first price cut, though, the Galaxy S21 FE should get a spot on the shortlists of everyone looking for a no-nonsense flagship-like smartphone.
Rating: Total score: 84% Source: GSM Arena The Galaxy S21 FE’s most notable drawback is the launch price. Once Samsung introduces its first price cut, though, the Galaxy S21 FE should get a spot on the shortlists of everyone looking for a no-nonsense flagship-like smartphone.Single Review, online available, Very Long, Date: 01/16/2022: 84% On its merits, the Samsung Galaxy S21 FE is a high-performing Android phone that doesn’t cost as much as a flagship, with a solid set of cameras and an excellent display. If you want a higher refresh rate and don’t care about a headphone jack, the Pixel 6 is only US$600 and delivers a 120Hz display to go along with a similarly excellent battery and Google’s great cameras. The best case I can make for the S21 FE is if you really care about seamless connectivity between your phone and external Samsung devices like the Galaxy Buds 2. Source: Mashable On its merits, the Samsung Galaxy S21 FE is a high-performing Android phone that doesn’t cost as much as a flagship, with a solid set of cameras and an excellent display. If you want a higher refresh rate and don’t care about a headphone jack, the Pixel 6 is only US$600 and delivers a 120Hz display to go along with a similarly excellent battery and Google’s great cameras. The best case I can make for the S21 FE is if you really care about seamless connectivity between your phone and external Samsung devices like the Galaxy Buds 2. However, you can just download the Galaxy Wearable app from the Play Store, so even that is a minor inconvenience at worst.Single Review, online available, Medium, Date: 01/15/2022 Samsung’s more affordable FE fan edition is back, this time for the S21 line of Android phones.
Source: Mobile Tech Review Samsung’s more affordable FE fan edition is back, this time for the S21 line of Android phones.
Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G review: Hangs with the best of premium smartphones
Named the Samsung Galaxy S21 FE (Fan Edition) 5G, the smartphone boasts an AMOLED screen of 120Hz refresh rate, Exynos 2100 system-on-chip, dual stereo speakers, IP68 protection, fast wired and wireless charging, and a triple-camera set-up on the back with optical image stabilisation (OIS) available for primary and telephoto sensor.
Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G review: Is the sequel as good as the original?
The phone was so “epic”, Samsung boldly launched the 5G version in India nearly six months after global, and yet, managed to upset competition. The S20 FE was an ode to fans, Samsung said, born out of a raging pandemic that (has) made phones an absolute necessity for work, leisure, you name it. With the Galaxy S22 series launch nearing (this could be as soon as in February), the timing could play a spoiler for the S21 FE. Samsung has launched the Galaxy S21 FE 5G in India at a starting price of Rs 54,999 (8GB/128GB).
Then when you factor in the chip that it’s rocking, which is the Exynos 2100 (similar to all S21 series phones), you can’t help but think, has Samsung shot itself in the foot? We will try and answer these questions in the course of this review, but, know this: the S20 FE 5G was launched in March 2021 at a market operating price of Rs 55,999.
Yes, the price could be slightly lower but you’ve got to understand, the world isn’t the same that it used to be and getting those parts – those chips et al – is far more challenging now than it was, at the start of the pandemic. It is but a stopgap solution until the S22 arrives that should help Samsung continue the momentum it’s built with the S21 Ultra (at the higher end) and S20 FE (entry-level). It may not be an out-and-out winner like the original, but the sequel is definitely more than the sum of its parts (and pricing) and that makes it as interesting, if not more. The focus, like last year, remains on taking some of the best parts of the S21 series (S21, S21 Plus) and removing everything that would otherwise, add to cost. Samsung has tried to mimic the whole contour-cut formula of the S21 series that we all love to death but the whole thing looks like an afterthought here. Samsung’s embrace of the camera bump and giving it its own signature hue and then merging it, gracefully with the frame, showed character and individuality.
Samsung has paired this with a matte finish on the back and subtle curves that melt seamlessly into the frame (which is also soft to the touch). It isn’t the same on a technical level, though, it’s a step up from the S20 FE’s seemingly vanilla “Super AMOLED.” The biggest draw is the jump in peak brightness.
The Snapdragon 888 is a resource hog and it’s very hard to cool, something that becomes even more difficult inside thin and light phones like the S21 FE.
Hopefully, the next flagship Exynos chip that’s set to come with an AMD GPU, will build on this further.
The S21 FE feels buttery smooth, plays demanding games with ease, and does not get toasty though it does get warm when stressed. Frame rate drops are also barely noticeable unless, you’re playing a graphically demanding game for say, over 20-30 minutes at a stretch.
Battery life, too, doesn’t fall abruptly during peak gaming sessions, which is another big highlight of this phone. Our battery loop test gave us 10 hours on the S21 FE with screen set to 120Hz, a respectable figure for an Exynos Galaxy.
Stock Android-nerds would find it difficult to tell if this phone is running Android 12, really, since there are so many layers on top of it—unsurprisingly—but believe us, everything from endless customisation through colour palettes and widgets to granular privacy guards including microphone and camera indicators are all there and working the way they’re supposed to. As an added bonus, the S21 FE supports Samsung’s DeX suite letting you hook the phone to a monitor and have a PC-like setup on the fly.
It has a 12MP primary sensor behind a 26mm wide f/1.8 aperture lens with Dual Pixel PDAF and OIS. we expected the new chip to bring improved processing and let’s just say, Samsung didn’t disappoint.
Using the same set of sensors, the S21 FE is able to shoot consistently better photos across lighting scenarios. The ultrawide-angle, too, takes comparable photos with tones largely in sync with the main sensor.
Samsung’s night mode offers bright and detailed photos in tricky and low light 9 out of 10 times.
4K @30fps, 60fps videos shot with the phone are sharp, have lots of detail, and offer excellent all-round stabilisation.
With iPhones selling at an all-time low, burgeoning competition from OnePlus, Xiaomi, Vivo and more, and Samsung’s own soon-to-launch S22 series to top them all, the S21 FE could easily get lost in the crowd. Still, if you’re in the market looking to get an all-rounder phone that’s a jack of everything, and you’ve got Rs 50,000 to spare, you should most definitely give the S21 FE a second look.
Alternatively, you can also look at the S20 FE that’s selling at around Rs 40,000 at the time of writing, and still remains, a fantastic buy.
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