Galaxy S21 FE 5G Vs Galaxy S24 FE

The Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G, released in January 2022, and the Samsung Galaxy S24 FE, launched in October 2024, represent different generations within Samsung's 'Fan Edition' smartphone line. While both aim to deliver a balanced experience, the S24 FE introduces a more recent processor, a larger display, and an extended software support policy. Both devices operate on the Android platform, with the S24 FE launching with a newer version and promising a longer update lifespan.

The practical lifespan of a smartphone is significantly influenced by its release timeline and the manufacturer's commitment to software updates.

• Release Timeline: The Galaxy S21 FE 5G was released in January 2022, while the Galaxy S24 FE launched in October 2024. This difference in release dates means the S24 FE benefits from a more current starting point for its software lifecycle.
• OS Support Duration: The Galaxy S21 FE 5G received approximately four major Android OS updates, concluding with Android 16 (One UI 8) by late 2025, and its security updates transitioned to a quarterly schedule around the same time. In contrast, the Galaxy S24 FE is set to receive seven generations of Android OS upgrades and seven years of security updates, extending its software longevity significantly further into the future.
• Repairability: Both models feature an IP68 rating for dust and water resistance, contributing to their resilience against environmental factors. The S24 FE also incorporates a variety of recycled materials in its construction, aligning with more sustainable manufacturing practices.

Performance in both devices is driven by their respective internal components, impacting app responsiveness, multitasking, and gaming capabilities.

• Storage Options: Both the Galaxy S21 FE 5G and the Galaxy S24 FE offer configurations with 128GB or 256GB of internal storage, providing ample space for applications, media, and files.
• Processor Capabilities: The Galaxy S21 FE 5G is equipped with a processor that delivered snappy performance for its time, handling everyday tasks and gaming effectively. The Galaxy S24 FE, however, features a more recent and efficient processor, offering significantly faster CPU and GPU performance, which translates to smoother operation for demanding applications, more fluid multitasking, and an enhanced gaming experience, including support for advanced graphics features like Ray Tracing.
• Battery Behavior: The Galaxy S21 FE 5G houses a 4500mAh battery, which provides sufficient power for a full day of moderate use, though intensive tasks can lead to more frequent charging. The Galaxy S24 FE comes with a slightly larger 4700mAh battery and a more power-efficient processor, contributing to improved endurance, particularly for video streaming, though heavy gaming may still result in faster battery depletion.

The visual experience on both smartphones is delivered through their displays, with differences in size, technology, and brightness affecting clarity and outdoor visibility.

• Display Technology: Both devices feature a Dynamic AMOLED 2X display, known for producing deep blacks and vibrant colors. They also offer a 120Hz refresh rate, which contributes to smooth scrolling and responsive interactions.
• Screen Size and Clarity: The Galaxy S21 FE 5G has a 6.4-inch display, providing a clear and sharp viewing experience with its FHD+ resolution. The Galaxy S24 FE offers a larger 6.7-inch display with the same FHD+ resolution, resulting in a more expansive viewing area and slimmer bezels compared to its predecessor.
• Brightness Levels: The S21 FE 5G can reach a peak brightness of over 1000 nits in certain conditions, offering good visibility indoors and in moderately bright outdoor environments. The S24 FE features a higher peak brightness of 1900 nits, which can improve outdoor readability, though real-world tests show adaptive brightness may result in lower typical brightness levels.

The camera systems on these devices are designed to capture a range of photographic and video content, with varying sensor capabilities and processing enhancements.

• Camera System Capabilities: The Galaxy S21 FE 5G features a triple-lens rear camera setup with a 12MP main sensor, a 12MP ultrawide, and an 8MP telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom. The Galaxy S24 FE upgrades the main sensor to 50MP, retaining a 12MP ultrawide and an 8MP telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom. Both main and telephoto lenses on both models include optical image stabilization (OIS).
• Photography Performance: The S21 FE 5G delivers detailed and colorful photos in good lighting, with its main and ultrawide lenses performing well. The telephoto lens is functional but can be less consistent in low-light conditions. The S24 FE, with its higher resolution main sensor and improved image processing, including Super HDR support, offers enhanced photo quality and more refined editing capabilities, even with a similar camera hardware setup to previous FE models.
• Video Recording and Audio: Both phones are capable of recording high-quality video. The S24 FE supports UHD 8K video recording at 30fps. For audio, both devices provide clear microphone quality for calls and recording, and offer stereo speakers for an immersive media consumption experience.