The Samsung Galaxy S21 series was a massive hit last year, and now the company is back with an even more affordable version of its flagship device – the Galaxy S21 FE (Fan Edition). As the name suggests, this phone is specifically designed for fans who want a high-end Android experience without breaking the bank. But does it live up to the hype? Let’s dive in and find out.

Design and Display

The Samsung Galaxy S21 FE boasts a striking design that’s reminiscent of its more expensive siblings. The phone features a durable glass back with a matte finish, which provides a comfortable grip in the hand. The frame is made of metal, adding to the device’s premium feel. However, it’s worth noting that the FE model doesn’t have the same level of water resistance as the standard S21 series.

The 6.4-inch Dynamic AMOLED display on the Galaxy S21 FE is one of its standout features. With a resolution of 1080 x 2240 pixels and a refresh rate of up to 120Hz, this screen delivers vibrant colors, crisp text, and silky-smooth scrolling. The bezels are relatively thin, making it feel like you’re getting a more compact device than the actual size suggests.

Performance

Under the hood, the Galaxy S21 FE is powered by either the Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 or Exynos 2100 chipset, depending on your region. Both options provide snappy performance, with seamless multitasking and fast app launches. The phone also comes with up to 8GB of RAM and 128GB or 256GB of internal storage.

For gaming enthusiasts, the Galaxy S21 FE is a decent choice, thanks to its powerful processor, ample RAM, and high refresh rate display. However, it’s worth noting that some games might not take full advantage of the device’s capabilities due to software limitations.

Camera

The camera setup on the Galaxy S21 FE is where things get interesting. The phone features a triple-camera system with a 12-megapixel primary sensor, a 12-megapixel ultra-wide-angle lens, and a 5-megapixel macro lens. There’s also a 10-megapixel front-facing camera for selfies.

In our testing, the Galaxy S21 FE delivered impressive results in various lighting conditions. The primary sensor captures excellent detail and dynamic range, while the ultra-wide-angle lens offers a useful perspective shift. However, the macro lens is somewhat limited by its 5-megapixel resolution, which can lead to some noise and softness in images.

Battery Life

Samsung has equipped the Galaxy S21 FE with a 4500mAh battery, which provides all-day battery life even with heavy usage. According to our tests, you can expect around 12-14 hours of moderate use on a single charge. Fast charging support is also available, allowing you to top up your phone quickly when needed.

Software

The Galaxy S21 FE runs Android 11 out of the box, with Samsung’s One UI 3.1 skin on top. This means you get access to all the latest features and security patches, as well as some exclusive Samsung goodies like DeX mode and a built-in screen recorder.

Conclusion

The Samsung Galaxy S21 FE is an excellent budget-friendly flagship that offers many of the same features and performance as its more expensive siblings. With its stunning display, snappy processor, and impressive camera system, this phone is sure to appeal to fans who want a high-end Android experience without breaking the bank.

While it may not be perfect – the lack of water resistance and somewhat limited macro lens being notable drawbacks – the Galaxy S21 FE is still an exceptional device that deserves serious consideration. With a starting price of around $599, it’s also competitively priced against other flagship devices on the market.

Technical Specifications:

• Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 or Exynos 2100
• RAM: Up to 8GB
• Storage: 128GB or 256GB internal storage
• Display: 6.4-inch Dynamic AMOLED, 1080 x 2240 pixels, up to 120Hz refresh rate
• Battery Life: Up to 12-14 hours moderate use on a single charge
• Camera: Triple-camera system with 12-megapixel primary sensor, 12-megapixel ultra-wide-angle lens, and 5-megapixel macro lens; 10-megapixel front-facing camera
• Software: Android 11 with One UI 3.1 skin