Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G Review: The Perfect Blend of Performance and Value

The Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G is a standout option in the crowded smartphone market, offering a compelling mix of high-end features and affordability. With its Snapdragon 888 processor, 8GB of RAM, and a generous 256GB of storage, the S21 FE 5G promises a robust performance for users who demand both speed and efficiency. This review will explore the key features of the phone, assess its performance, and provide a well-rounded evaluation to help you decide if this is the right device for you.

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. Design and Build Quality
3. Display and Visual Experience
4. Performance and Software
5. Camera Quality
6. Battery Life and Charging
7. Connectivity and Additional Features
8. Pros and Cons
9. Conclusion and Rating

1. Introduction

The Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G is designed to offer flagship-like features at a more accessible price point. Positioned as a fan edition of the popular S21 series, this model incorporates many of the high-end features found in its premium counterparts while making some thoughtful adjustments to keep costs down. This review will delve into each aspect of the phone to provide a comprehensive overview of its capabilities and value.

2. Design and Build Quality

The Galaxy S21 FE 5G sports a sleek and modern design that is both stylish and functional. The phone features an elegant olive green color, which adds a unique touch to its overall appearance. Its matte finish not only looks good but also helps minimize fingerprints and smudges. The build quality feels robust and premium, with an aluminum frame and Gorilla Glass Victus on the front for added durability.

One of the standout design features is the contour cut camera module, which integrates smoothly with the back panel. The phone is comfortable to hold and feels solid, thanks to its well-balanced weight and curved edges. At 155.7 x 74.5 x 7.9 mm and weighing approximately 177 grams, it is slightly lighter and thinner compared to many other flagship devices.

3. Display and Visual Experience

The Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G boasts a 6.4-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display with a resolution of 2400 x 1080 pixels. This screen offers vibrant colors, deep blacks, and excellent contrast, making it ideal for multimedia consumption and gaming. The 120Hz refresh rate ensures smooth scrolling and a responsive touch experience, which is a significant upgrade over standard 60Hz displays.

The display’s peak brightness of 800 nits means it remains legible even in direct sunlight, making it suitable for outdoor use. Additionally, the phone supports HDR10+, which enhances the color accuracy and range when watching compatible content. Overall, the screen quality is impressive and aligns well with the expectations for a device in this price range.

4. Performance and Software

Under the hood, the Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 processor and 8GB of RAM power the Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G. This combination provides outstanding performance, easy management of demanding programs and multitasking. The phone continues to function smoothly and responsively, whether you’re gaming, streaming, or using several apps at once.
Based on Android 12, Samsung’s One UI is the operating system for the device. One UI provides an intuitive user interface along with a plethora of functionality and customization choices. The user experience is improved overall by Samsung’s software upgrades, which include enhanced multitasking capabilities and a variety of productivity features. The smartphone is also kept up to date with the newest security patches and software features thanks to Samsung’s regular upgrades and support.

5. Camera Quality

The camera setup on the Galaxy S21 FE 5G is one of its highlights, featuring a triple-camera system on the back. This includes a 12MP wide sensor, a 12MP ultra-wide sensor, and an 8MP telephoto sensor with 3x optical zoom. The camera system delivers sharp, vibrant photos with good detail and accurate colors in various lighting conditions.

The ultra-wide lens captures expansive landscapes and group shots with minimal distortion, while the telephoto lens allows for clear zoomed-in shots. Low-light performance is also commendable, thanks to the Night Mode feature that enhances detail and reduces noise. The 32MP front camera is excellent for selfies and video calls, providing clear and detailed images.

Video recording is another strong suit, with support for 4K resolution at 30 or 60 frames per second. The inclusion of optical image stabilization (OIS) helps in producing steady and smooth video footage.

6. Battery Life and Charging

Under normal circumstances, the Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G’s 4500mAh battery provides a full day of use. The phone is capable of 15W wireless charging, 4.5W reverse wireless charging, and 25W rapid charging. Wireless charging choices offer easy charging options, but the rapid charging feature is especially helpful for swiftly topping off the battery during busy days.
The battery lasts a long time, although heavy users may need to charge the phone again during the day. Software power management tools also aid in maximizing battery life according to usage trends.

7. Connectivity and Additional Features

The S21 FE 5G supports 5G connectivity, ensuring fast data speeds and futureproofing for upcoming network advancements. It also includes Wi-Fi 6 for better performance on compatible networks. Other connectivity options include Bluetooth 5.0, NFC for contactless payments, and a USB Type-C port.

While the phone lacks a 3.5mm headphone jack, which may be a drawback for some users, it supports high-quality wireless audio via Bluetooth. To add even more resilience, the gadget is IP68 approved for resistance to water and dust.

8. Pros and Cons

Pros

• Powerful Snapdragon 888 Processor: Ensures smooth performance for all tasks.
• Vibrant AMOLED Display: High resolution and 120Hz refresh rate for an excellent visual experience.
• Versatile Camera System: good-quality photos and videos with multiple shooting modes.
• Generous Storage: 256GB of internal storage offers ample space for apps and media.
• 5G Connectivity: Future-proof and fast data speeds.

Cons

• No Headphone Jack: Missing 3.5mm port may be inconvenient for some users.
• Battery Life: While adequate, heavy users might find themselves needing a mid-day charge.
• Price Point: While competitive, it costs a little more than some rivals with comparable specifications.

9. Conclusion and Rating

The Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G is a well-rounded smartphone that delivers a high-quality experience at a relatively affordable price. With its powerful Snapdragon 888 processor, vibrant display, and versatile camera system, it offers excellent value for money. The slight drawbacks, such as the lack of a headphone jack and average battery life for heavy users, are outweighed by the phone’s strengths.

Overall, the Galaxy S21 FE 5G earns a solid 4.5 stars out of 5. It is a compelling choice for anyone looking for a feature-rich smartphone that doesn’t break the bank.