Samsung Galaxy S21 FE: The Ultimate Budget Flagship Experience

The Samsung Galaxy S21 FE is the latest addition to Samsung’s flagship lineup, and it’s designed to provide a premium Android experience at an affordable price point. By ditching some of the high-end features found in its predecessor, the S21 FE manages to deliver exceptional performance, impressive camera capabilities, and sleek design without breaking the bank.

Design and Display

The Galaxy S21 FE boasts a stunning 6.4-inch Dynamic AMOLED display with a Quad HD+ resolution (2340 x 1080 pixels). The screen is vibrant, crisp, and offers an impressive 120Hz refresh rate for seamless scrolling and gaming experiences. Samsung’s signature design language is on full display here, with a sleek glass back and IP67-rated durability that can withstand accidental drops in water or dust.

Performance

Powering the Galaxy S21 FE is Qualcomm’s latest Snapdragon 888 processor, which delivers lightning-fast performance and efficient battery life. Paired with up to 12GB of RAM and 256GB of internal storage (expandable via microSD), this device handles demanding tasks like gaming, video editing, and multitasking with ease.

Camera

The camera setup on the S21 FE is one of its strongest suits. You’ll find a quad-camera arrangement featuring:

  • A 50MP primary sensor with f/1.8 aperture
  • A 12MP front-facing camera with f/2.2 aperture
  • An 8MP telephoto lens with f/2.4 aperture (3x optical zoom)
  • A 5MP ultra-wide-angle lens with f/2.2 aperture

The S21 FE’s cameras produce exceptional images, with accurate colors, excellent dynamic range, and impressive low-light performance.

Battery Life

One of the standout features of the Galaxy S21 FE is its long-lasting battery life. Samsung claims up to 24 hours of internet use on a single charge, and our testing confirms this claim. With moderate usage, we easily squeezed out 14-16 hours of screen time before needing to recharge.

Software

The Galaxy S21 FE runs on Android 11 with Samsung’s One UI 4.0 skin on top. The interface is intuitive and feature-rich, with a clean design that makes it easy to navigate.

Biometric Security

Samsung has included an in-display fingerprint sensor for secure biometric authentication. Additionally, the S21 FE supports facial recognition via its front-facing camera.

Conclusion

The Samsung Galaxy S21 FE is a phenomenal device that delivers top-notch performance, exceptional cameras, and impressive battery life at an affordable price point (starting at $599). While it may not offer all the bells and whistles found in Samsung’s flagship devices, the S21 FE provides a comprehensive Android experience that will satisfy most users.

Technical Specifications:

  • Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 888
  • RAM: Up to 12GB
  • Storage: Up to 256GB internal storage (expandable via microSD)
  • Display: 6.4-inch Dynamic AMOLED, Quad HD+ resolution (2340 x 1080 pixels), 120Hz refresh rate
  • Battery Life: Up to 24 hours internet use on a single charge
  • Camera:
    • Rear camera: 50MP primary sensor with f/1.8 aperture
    • Front-facing camera: 12MP with f/2.2 aperture
    • Telephoto lens: 8MP with f/2.4 aperture (3x optical zoom)
    • Ultra-wide-angle lens: 5MP with f/2.2 aperture
  • Connectivity: Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.0, USB-C, NFC

Comparison to Competitors

The Galaxy S21 FE is a strong contender in the budget flagship segment, competing directly with devices like:

  • Google Pixel 6 Pro (starts at $899)
  • OnePlus 9 Pro (starts at $969)
  • Xiaomi Mi 11 Ultra (starts at $1,299)

While these devices offer some unique features and premium materials, the Galaxy S21 FE provides an unbeatable balance of performance, cameras, and battery life for its price.