Flipkart had teased the Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 2023 smartphone with the Snapdragon 888 chipset would be available at just Rs 29,999, a deal that sounded pretty good on paper. For context, the Samsung Galaxy S21 FE originally launched in India with the Exynos 2100 chipset in January 2022, while the Snapdragon 888 variant came to the country only in July this year. Now, two days into the sale (including 1-day early access), users are claiming Flipkart has silently replaced the Snapdragon 888 variant with the less-powerful Exynos 2100 model in the deal.
To give the companies the benefit of the doubt, there is a possibility that the Galaxy S21 FE Snapdragon 888 version may have been available at the teased price for a short time, and the deal may have been modified later, but there’s no certainty.
Samsung Galaxy S21 FE review: A great $700 phone that comes at an awkward time
CNET’s expert staff reviews and rates dozens of new products and services each month, building on more than a quarter century of expertise. SCORE Samsung Galaxy S21 Fe $290 at Amazon $390 at Walmart Pros Affordable price
A follow-up to Samsung’s previous midrange Galaxy S phone, the new S21 FE starts at $700 and launches on Jan. 11. Despite being $100 cheaper than the regular Galaxy S21, it has the same processor and comes with a larger screen, a triple-lens camera and support for both versions of 5G.
However, the Galaxy S21 FE may end up feeling lost in Samsung’s lineup and the broader Android phone market. Although the Pixel 6 doesn’t have the S21 FE’s third camera lens, it’s loaded with Google-specific features that could make it more appealing for some.
The Galaxy S21 does, however, have some design accents that make it feel like a more expensive phone, such as the glossy metallic finish on its camera module and sides. Google’s $600 Pixel 6 has an eye-catching two-tone glass design with sharper corners that almost makes it feel similar to the Galaxy Note. The Galaxy S21 FE is sleek and lighter than the Pixel 6, and some might find it easier to use with one hand, but it doesn’t leave the same impression. There’s also an in-screen fingerprint reader and facial authentication for unlocking the device, which I generally found to be pretty reliable. That’s not too shabby, especially since I had the motion smoothness setting on high, which cranks the screen’s refresh rate up to 120Hz. Samsung’s new phone comes with the same processor as the Galaxy S21, which means the US version runs on a Qualcomm Snapdragon 888.
That chip is found in other high-end phones like Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold 3 and the OnePlus 9 Pro, so the S21 FE should be able to keep up with those devices easily. Samsung also says the S21 FE supports a response rate of 240Hz, allowing for even quicker reaction times in game mode like the rest of the Galaxy S21 series. However, it scored slightly lower than both the regular S21 and Pixel 6 on a separate benchmark called 3DMark Slingshot Unlimited for testing graphics performance. The S21 FE’s images are rich in detail and color, and the camera performs well in different lighting conditions.
Some people might prefer Samsung’s more colorful shots, but Google’s images looked truer to their surroundings most of the time. (Note: I didn’t change the camera settings on either phone prior to testing other than to adjust the Pixel’s 6 crop ratio.) Overall, I think the Pixel 6’s photos provided the best balance of consistency and accuracy, but it’s safe to say that both phones are capable of taking really great pictures. Photos taken on both phones looked the same in some cases, but the images below of a green bush really highlight the difference between Samsung’s and Google’s cameras.
The most notable distinction between the Pixel 6 and Galaxy S21 FE is that Samsung’s phone has an 8-megapixel telephoto lens in addition to a 12-megapixel wide and ultrawide lenses.
While both phones produce similar images when photographing objects like street signs, the Galaxy S21 was able to capture more detail in other scenarios. The Galaxy S21 FE isn’t very good at freezing moving subjects in frame when taking photos. It’s another sign that the definition of a high-end phone is starting to change as once-premium features like 5G, borderless displays and multilens cameras begin trickling down to more affordable devices.
Samsung typically launches its new Galaxy S phones early in the year, and rumors suggest the next generation could come with a 50-megapixel camera and faster charging. But the Pixel 6 has a more distinguished design and Google-specific goodies like the ability to have Google Assistant screen spam calls and wait on hold for you.
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Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G
We took what you love most and built the ultimate fan-inspired phone so you can experience your everyday passions to the absolute fullest.
Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G
This relatively affordable almost-flagship phone keeps the “fan-favorite” features of the S21 series, including a Snapdragon 888 processor, 120 Hz display refresh, triple rear cameras (including wide and tele), IP68 water rating, wireless charging, and the “contour cut” design with a metal frame. Other key features include a 32 megapixel selfie camera, fast charging, NFC, and Wi-Fi 6.
Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G – Price in India, Specifications, Comparison (8th December 2023)
The most noticeable change in the Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G compared to its predecessor is its design. The Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G supports HDR10 playback and apps such as Netflix recognise this ability too.
Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 128GB 5G
The 4,500mAh battery keeps you going all day and into the night.1 Capture your best side with the impressive 32 MP selfie camera and watch your favorite videos on the large display with a 120Hz refresh rate for super smooth viewing.
Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G (Graphite, 8GB, 128GB Storage) : Amazon.in: Home & Kitchen
Pavan 5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent phone that is pricey and late to the market. • The Phone is built solid, feels very good to hold in hand.
Corning Gorilla Glass Victus and a Stock Case from Samsung has already saved my phone once. • Phone gets warm during normal use and while taking photos but gets hotter when you start shooting videos. Overall an excellent phone, which is late to the market and pricey, with a battery not truly lasting a day.
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