Galaxy S21 FE 5G Vs Galaxy S24+

The Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G (2022) and the Samsung Galaxy S24+ (2024) are both premium Android smartphones from Samsung, offering distinct experiences tailored to different user expectations. While the S21 FE 5G was positioned as a 'Fan Edition' providing core flagship features at its release, the S24+ represents a more recent generation with advancements in processing power, display technology, and software longevity. Both devices run on Samsung's One UI atop the Android operating system, but they diverge significantly in their hardware capabilities and long-term support.

The practical lifespan of a smartphone is heavily influenced by its release date and the manufacturer's commitment to software updates. These two devices, separated by two years, offer different outlooks on longevity.

• Software Support: The Galaxy S21 FE 5G, released in January 2022, launched with Android 12 and is expected to receive major OS upgrades up to Android 15, with security updates likely extending quarterly until 2027. In contrast, the Galaxy S24+, released in January 2024, benefits from Samsung's extended policy, promising seven years of OS and security updates, meaning it should receive updates through Android 21. This provides a significantly longer period of access to new features and security patches for the S24+.
• Build Durability: Both models feature an IP68 rating for dust and water resistance, indicating protection against submersion in up to 1.5 meters of freshwater for 30 minutes. The S21 FE 5G uses Corning Gorilla Glass Victus for screen protection, while the S24+ upgrades to Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2 on both the front and back, coupled with an Armor Aluminum frame, suggesting enhanced resilience against drops and scratches.
• Expected Lifespan: Users prioritizing the longest possible software support and the latest security features will find the Galaxy S24+ a more future-proof option. The S21 FE 5G, while still a capable device, is nearing the end of its major OS upgrade cycle, which might influence its perceived longevity for some users.

Performance is a key differentiator, with the newer Galaxy S24+ offering substantial upgrades over the S21 FE 5G, impacting everything from daily tasks to demanding applications.

• Processing Power: The Galaxy S21 FE 5G is equipped with a capable processor that handles everyday applications, multitasking, and moderate gaming smoothly. The Galaxy S24+, featuring a significantly newer generation processor, delivers a more responsive and powerful experience, excelling in demanding applications, intensive gaming, and complex AI-driven tasks with greater efficiency and speed.
• Multitasking and Storage: The S21 FE 5G typically comes with 6GB or 8GB of RAM, sufficient for most multitasking needs. The S24+ comes with 12GB of RAM as standard, providing more headroom for heavy multitasking and ensuring smoother transitions between numerous open applications. Both devices offer internal storage options without expandable memory card slots.
• Battery Behavior: The Galaxy S21 FE 5G features a 4500 mAh battery, providing a full day of moderate use for many users. The Galaxy S24+ includes a larger 4900 mAh battery, which, combined with its more power-efficient processor and adaptive display technology, generally translates to extended usage times, even for heavy users. The S24+ also supports faster wired charging at 45W compared to the S21 FE 5G's 25W.

Both smartphones feature high-quality AMOLED displays, but the Galaxy S24+ offers a more advanced and visually impressive viewing experience.

• Display Technology and Resolution: Both devices utilize Dynamic AMOLED 2X technology, known for vibrant colors and deep blacks. The S21 FE 5G has a 6.4-inch FHD+ (2340x1080) display, providing clear visuals for everyday content. The S24+ features a larger 6.7-inch QHD+ (3120x1440) display, offering significantly sharper images and more detailed content, particularly noticeable when viewing high-resolution media.
• Brightness and Smoothness: The S21 FE 5G offers a 120Hz refresh rate for smooth scrolling and responsiveness, with a peak brightness suitable for most indoor and outdoor conditions. The S24+ also features a 120Hz refresh rate, but it's an adaptive LTPO panel that can scale down to 1Hz, improving power efficiency. Crucially, the S24+ boasts a significantly higher peak brightness of 2600 nits, making it much easier to view content clearly even in direct sunlight.
• Eye Comfort: The S24+ also incorporates a higher PWM refresh rate (492Hz) compared to older models, which can contribute to reduced eye strain for sensitive users during prolonged use.

Both devices offer versatile camera systems, but the Galaxy S24+ provides a more refined and capable photography and videography experience, especially in challenging conditions.

• Rear Camera System: The Galaxy S21 FE 5G features a triple rear camera setup with a 12MP wide lens, a 12MP ultrawide lens, and an 8MP telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom. This configuration is capable of capturing good quality photos in various scenarios. The Galaxy S24+ also has a triple rear camera system, but with a 50MP wide lens, a 12MP ultrawide lens, and a 10MP telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom. The higher resolution main sensor on the S24+ generally results in more detailed images, particularly in good lighting.
• Low-Light and Video: Both phones perform well in everyday photography. The S24+ benefits from newer sensor technology and processing, which can lead to improved low-light performance and better detail retention. For video, the S21 FE 5G records up to 4K at 60fps. The S24+ elevates this with the ability to record 8K video at 30fps, in addition to 4K at 60fps, offering more options for high-resolution video content creation.
• Front Camera and Audio: The S21 FE 5G has a 32MP front camera, capable of detailed selfies and video calls. The S24+ features a 12MP front camera with Dual Pixel PDAF, which can offer faster and more accurate autofocus for selfies. Both devices include stereo speakers for an immersive audio experience during media consumption.