Galaxy A05 Vs Galaxy S21 FE 5G

The Samsung Galaxy A05, released in October 2023, and the Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G, launched in January 2022, are smartphones from different segments of Samsung's lineup. While the Galaxy A05 is an entry-level device focusing on essential features, the Galaxy S21 FE 5G offers a more premium experience with enhanced performance, a superior display, and advanced camera capabilities. Both run on the Android operating system, but their software support timelines and overall user experiences differ significantly.

The expected lifespan and software support are key considerations for device longevity, and these two models offer different commitments from Samsung.

• Release Timeline and OS Support: The Galaxy A05, released in late 2023, launched with Android 13 and is eligible for two major OS upgrades and four years of security updates. In contrast, the Galaxy S21 FE 5G, released in early 2022 with Android 12, was promised four major OS upgrades and five years of security updates, extending its software relevance further into the future.
• Update Frequency: As of early 2026, the Galaxy A05 receives quarterly security updates. The Galaxy S21 FE 5G, initially on a monthly schedule, transitioned to quarterly security updates in late 2025.
• Physical Durability: The Galaxy S21 FE 5G features an IP68 rating for dust and water resistance, meaning it can withstand submersion in up to 1.5 meters of freshwater for 30 minutes. It also has a glass front protected by Corning Gorilla Glass Victus and an aluminum frame, contributing to its robust build. The Galaxy A05, with its plastic back and frame, does not carry an official IP rating, suggesting less protection against environmental elements.

Performance varies considerably between these two devices, reflecting their different market positions and hardware configurations.

• Processing Power: The Galaxy S21 FE 5G is equipped with a powerful processor, either the Snapdragon 888 or Exynos 2100 depending on the region, which is designed for demanding applications and smooth multitasking. This allows for fluid navigation, responsive app loading, and capable handling of graphically intensive games. The Galaxy A05 uses a MediaTek Helio G85 processor, which is suitable for everyday tasks like browsing, messaging, and light gaming. However, users may experience some lag or sluggishness when running multiple apps simultaneously or engaging in more intensive activities.
• Memory and Storage: The Galaxy S21 FE 5G typically comes with 6GB or 8GB of RAM and 128GB or 256GB of internal storage, providing ample space and memory for most users, though it lacks a microSD card slot for expansion. The Galaxy A05 offers 4GB or 6GB of RAM and 64GB or 128GB of internal storage, which can be expanded via a microSD card. The A05's storage uses eMMC 5.1, which is generally slower than the storage types found in higher-end devices.
• Battery Performance: Both phones feature large battery capacities, with the Galaxy A05 housing a 5000 mAh battery and the Galaxy S21 FE 5G a 4500 mAh battery. Users of the Galaxy A05 often report that its battery can last through a full day of use, sometimes even two days for lighter users. The Galaxy S21 FE 5G also offers good battery life for a device in its category, often providing a full day of usage. The S21 FE 5G supports wireless charging and Wireless PowerShare, features not available on the A05.

The visual experience is a significant differentiator, with the Galaxy S21 FE 5G offering a more advanced display technology.

• Display Technology and Resolution: The Galaxy S21 FE 5G features a 6.4-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display with a Full HD+ resolution (2340 x 1080 pixels). This technology delivers vibrant colors, deep blacks, and excellent contrast, enhancing the viewing experience for media and everyday use. The Galaxy A05 has a larger 6.7-inch PLS LCD display with a lower HD+ resolution (720 x 1600 pixels). While it offers a large viewing area, the clarity and color reproduction are not as refined as an AMOLED panel.
• Refresh Rate and Brightness: The Galaxy S21 FE 5G boasts a 120Hz refresh rate, providing smoother scrolling and more fluid animations, particularly noticeable during gaming or fast-paced content. It also offers a peak brightness of 1200 nits, ensuring good visibility even in bright outdoor conditions. The Galaxy A05 is limited to a 60Hz refresh rate, which is standard for entry-level devices, and its brightness levels are generally sufficient for indoor use but may struggle under direct sunlight.
• Screen-to-Body Ratio and Design: The Galaxy S21 FE 5G has a more modern design with slimmer bezels and a punch-hole cutout for the front camera. The Galaxy A05 features a notch design and noticeably thicker bezels, especially at the bottom.

The camera systems on these two devices cater to different user expectations, with the Galaxy S21 FE 5G offering a more comprehensive and versatile setup.

• Rear Camera System: The Galaxy S21 FE 5G features a triple-camera setup on the rear, including a 12MP wide-angle lens with optical image stabilization (OIS), a 12MP ultrawide lens, and an 8MP telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom and OIS. This allows for a wider range of photographic options, from expansive landscapes to detailed zoomed-in shots. The Galaxy A05 has a dual-camera system with a 50MP main sensor and a 2MP depth sensor. While the 50MP sensor can capture detailed images in good lighting, it lacks the versatility and advanced features of the S21 FE 5G's setup.
• Photography Performance: The Galaxy S21 FE 5G's camera system is designed for high-quality images in various conditions, including low light, and offers features like Single Take and Super Steady Mode for improved results. The Galaxy A05 performs adequately in well-lit environments, but users often report struggles in low-light conditions, noticeable shutter lag, and inconsistencies with features like HDR and portrait mode.
• Video Recording and Front Camera: The Galaxy S21 FE 5G can record 4K video and offers an 8K video snap feature, along with a 32MP front-facing camera for high-resolution selfies and video calls. The Galaxy A05 records video at a maximum of 1080p at 30 frames per second from both its 8MP front camera and rear cameras, and lacks image stabilization, which can result in shaky footage.