Galaxy S21 FE 5G Vs Galaxy S23+

The Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G and the Samsung Galaxy S23+ are both Android-based smartphones from Samsung, offering distinct experiences for users. The Galaxy S21 FE 5G, released in January 2022, was positioned as a fan-edition device, incorporating popular features from the flagship S21 series. The Galaxy S23+, launched in February 2023, represents a more recent iteration in Samsung's main flagship line, bringing updated hardware and refinements. Both devices run on the Android operating system, providing access to a wide ecosystem of applications and services.

When considering the long-term usability of these devices, their release timelines and software support are key factors.

• Release Timeline: The Galaxy S21 FE 5G was released in January 2022, while the Galaxy S23+ followed approximately a year later in February 2023. This difference in launch date directly impacts their remaining software support.
• OS Support: Samsung typically provides several years of major Android operating system updates and security patches for its devices. The Galaxy S23+ benefits from a longer expected support window due to its more recent release, likely receiving major OS updates for up to four generations and security updates for five years from its launch. The S21 FE 5G, having been released earlier, will have a shorter remaining period of official software support.
• Physical Durability: Both models feature an IP68 rating for dust and water resistance, meaning they can withstand submersion in up to 1.5 meters of fresh water for up to 30 minutes. The Galaxy S21 FE 5G uses Gorilla Glass Victus for screen protection, while the Galaxy S23+ upgrades to Gorilla Glass Victus 2 on both the front and back, offering enhanced resistance to drops and scratches.

The performance of a smartphone is crucial for daily tasks, from browsing to demanding applications and gaming.

• System Responsiveness: The Galaxy S23+ features a more current-generation processor, which translates to noticeably faster app loading times, smoother transitions between applications, and a more responsive overall user experience. Users often report the S23+ feels exceptionally fluid in daily operation. The Galaxy S21 FE 5G, while still capable, provides a solid performance for everyday use and most applications, but may show slight delays in comparison during intensive multitasking or graphically demanding games.
• Multitasking and Storage: The Galaxy S23+ typically comes with 8GB of RAM, offering ample capacity for running multiple applications simultaneously without significant slowdowns. It also starts with higher internal storage options, usually 256GB or 512GB. The Galaxy S21 FE 5G is available with 6GB or 8GB of RAM and storage options of 128GB or 256GB, which is sufficient for many users but offers less headroom for extensive app libraries or large media files.
• Battery Behavior: The Galaxy S23+ is equipped with a 4700 mAh battery, and user feedback frequently highlights its strong battery life, often lasting a full day or more even with moderate to heavy use. The Galaxy S21 FE 5G has a 4500 mAh battery, which generally provides a full day of use for most users, though heavy usage might require more frequent charging. The more efficient processor in the S23+ also contributes to its improved power management.

The display is a primary interface for any smartphone, and both devices offer vibrant viewing experiences with some key differences.

• Display Technology and Clarity: Both phones feature a Dynamic AMOLED 2X display, known for its deep blacks, high contrast, and vibrant colors. The Galaxy S21 FE 5G has a 6.4-inch screen, while the Galaxy S23+ offers a slightly larger 6.6-inch display. Both provide Full HD+ resolution, ensuring sharp visuals for most content.
• Brightness and Outdoor Visibility: The Galaxy S23+ boasts a higher peak brightness of up to 1750 nits, making it exceptionally clear and readable even in bright outdoor conditions. The Galaxy S21 FE 5G also offers good brightness, with users finding it vibrant and having satisfying levels of brightness, but it does not reach the same peak levels as the S23+.
• Refresh Rate and Smoothness: Both models feature a 120Hz adaptive refresh rate, which provides smooth scrolling and fluid animations. This adaptive technology allows the screen to adjust its refresh rate based on the content, helping to conserve battery life.
• Viewing Experience: While both displays offer excellent visual quality, some users have noted that the 1080p resolution on the larger 6.6-inch screen of the S23+ might appear less sharp to some discerning eyes compared to higher-resolution displays, though many find it perfectly adequate for daily viewing.

Both the Galaxy S21 FE 5G and the Galaxy S23+ are equipped with versatile camera systems designed to capture a range of photos and videos.

• Rear Camera System: The Galaxy S21 FE 5G features a triple camera setup with a 12MP main wide lens, a 12MP ultra-wide lens, and an 8MP telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom. The Galaxy S23+ also has a triple rear camera system, but it upgrades the main sensor to 50MP, alongside a 12MP ultra-wide and a 10MP telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom. This higher megapixel count on the main sensor of the S23+ can result in more detailed images, especially in good lighting conditions.
• Photography Performance: Both devices offer good performance in everyday photography, with features like Night Mode for improved low-light shots and various software enhancements. The S23+ benefits from a newer processor and improved image processing, which can lead to better detail, color accuracy, and reduced noise in challenging lighting. The S21 FE 5G's camera is praised for its versatility and ability to capture vibrant colors.
• Video Recording: Both phones are capable of recording 4K video at 60fps from their main cameras, and the S23+ can also record 8K video at 30fps. The S23+ also includes advanced video options like high bitrate videos and HDR10+ videos. Features like Director's View, which allows simultaneous recording with front and rear cameras, are available on both.
• Front Camera: The Galaxy S21 FE 5G has a 32MP front camera, while the Galaxy S23+ features a 12MP front camera. Despite the lower megapixel count, the S23+'s front camera often delivers high-quality selfies with good detail and improved low-light performance due to its newer sensor and processing.