Expert review Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G
New: the Samsung Galaxy S24 series
Samsung has released the Samsung Galaxy S24 series. As a result, the Samsung Galaxy S21 FE isn't as readily available anymore. Aside from the Samsung S24, the S24 series also includes the Samsung S24 Plus and S24 Ultra. All devices have a powerful processor, so they can handle any task.
Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G
- Thanks to the complete camera set, you can take sharp photos in different situations.
- You can use this powerful device for the most demanding apps and 3D games.
- On the sharp Full HD screen, you can see many details of movies, series, and games.
- Samsung doesn't include a charger, so you have to purchase one separately.
- Charging is slower than with other smartphones in this price range.
First impression
Right away, I notice that the Samsung S21 FE looks very similar to the S21, which is of course the model it's based on. In terms of design, only the back looks different. The matte casing looks stylish, but the plastic doesn't feel luxurious. The device is pretty large, but I don't find the S21 FE hard to handle. The smartphone fits nicely in my hand. On top of that, it easily fits in my pocket. It's also worth mentioning Samsung doesn't include a charger in the box.
Complete camera setup
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The sharp night photos clearly show colors and details in the misty sky.
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The camera also takes clear pictures in bright backlighting.
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Even when zooming in 3x, the details on the moss are still clearly visible.
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Photos with the wide-angle lens provide beautiful images.
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In portrait mode, the S21 FE creates a realistic depth of field effect.
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Despite the rain and the lack of light, you can see a lot of details in this photo.
Thanks to the complete camera setup, I can take beautiful photos and record razor-sharp videos in various situations. The standard camera takes nice photos in ideal circumstances, but also performs well with bright backlight. I can take sharp and colorful photos even in the evening with low light. The telephoto lens is nice when I want to zoom in. Photos and videos stay sharp when I zoom in up to 3 times. In addition, this lens provides a realistic depth of field effect for portrait photos. Thanks to the wide-angle lens, I can capture sweeping landscapes and large buildings in the photo completely and sharply.
Medium battery, long charging time
I use the Samsung S21 FE with average intensity. I occasionally reply to messages during my working day and browse various social media and news apps on the go. When I charge the battery in the morning, it easily lasts until dinner. I need to charge the device afterwards to watch some YouTube videos in the evening. Samsung doesn't include a charger, but you can fully charge the device in 75 minutes with the separately available 25W fast charger. That's faster than iPhone models, but not nearly as fast as with comparable smartphones from OnePlus, Xiaomi, and OPPO.
Suitable for the most demanding tasks
The Samsung S21 FE runs like a dream. I can switch between different apps like Instagram, Spotify, and the internet browser super fast without stuttering. This smartphone also has no problem with demanding tasks. I can play a 3D game with demanding graphics such as Call of Duty without the device freezing for even a second. As a result, I noticed that I reacted faster than my opponents. That means the S21 FE is suitable for gaming and multitasking.
Screen
Samsung is known for its high quality screens. With the S21 FE, Samsung lives up to its reputation again. On the Full HD screen, I see a lot of details in movies, series, and games. And movement in games and while scrolling looks smooth. As I mentioned before, the screen is large, but it isn't unmanageable. With a little bit of finger gymnastics, I can control the device fairly easily with one hand. Do you have smaller hands? It might be a little harder.
Conclusion
The powerful Samsung Galaxy S21 FE does what you may expect from a high-end smartphone. With the 3 different cameras, I can take razor-sharp photos in various situations. The charging time of the battery is a little disappointing though. You can fully charge many other smartphones in 45 minutes nowadays, but the S21 FE needs about 75 minutes for that. Fortunately, the battery does last about a day on a full charge. All in all, the Samsung S21 FE offers value for money.
