Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G Vs Galaxy S24 FE

The Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G, released in January 2021, was a top-tier flagship smartphone, while the Samsung Galaxy S24 FE, launched in October 2024, represents a more recent, feature-rich option designed to offer a premium experience at a more accessible point. These devices differ primarily in their release timelines, camera systems, and long-term software support, both running on the Android operating system.

When considering the longevity of these devices, several factors come into play, including their initial release and the manufacturer's commitment to software updates and repairability.

• Release Timeline: The Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G, released in January 2021, is an older device compared to the Galaxy S24 FE, which launched in October 2024. This difference in release date significantly impacts their remaining software support.
• OS Support Duration: The Galaxy S24 FE benefits from Samsung's extended software commitment, promising seven generations of Android OS upgrades and seven years of security updates, meaning support until approximately 2031. The Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G, having launched with Android 11, has already received its major OS updates, likely concluding around Android 14.
• Repairability: The Galaxy S24 FE has been noted for its solid repairability, with a score of 8.5 out of 10 by PBKreviews, highlighting accessible components like the battery. While the S21 Ultra 5G was also designed with some repairability in mind, the newer S24 FE benefits from more recent design considerations for ease of service.

The performance of a smartphone is crucial for daily tasks, from navigating applications to engaging in demanding activities like gaming and multitasking.

• Processor Capabilities: The Galaxy S24 FE features a more recent-generation processor, which allows it to handle demanding applications and multitasking smoothly. Users report that its performance feels close to a flagship level, with quick app opening times and overall smooth operation. The Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G, powered by a high-end processor from its release year, still offers robust performance for everyday use and many intensive tasks, though it may show its age with the most graphically demanding applications compared to newer chipsets.
• Multitasking and Responsiveness: Both devices are equipped with ample RAM, with the S21 Ultra 5G offering higher configurations, ensuring efficient multitasking. The S24 FE's optimized software and hardware combination contribute to a responsive user experience, even with multiple apps running simultaneously.
• Storage Options: Both models offer various internal storage capacities, typically ranging from 128GB to 512GB, providing sufficient space for apps, photos, and media. Neither device supports expandable storage via a microSD card.
• Battery Behavior: The Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G comes with a larger 5000mAh battery, designed to support its high-resolution display and powerful components. The Galaxy S24 FE, with a 4700mAh battery, is noted for its efficient power management, often lasting through a full day of moderate to heavy use, and sometimes longer.

The display is a primary interface for smartphone interaction, and both devices offer high-quality viewing experiences with distinct characteristics.

• Display Technology and Resolution: Both the Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G and the Galaxy S24 FE feature Dynamic AMOLED 2X displays, known for deep blacks and vibrant colors. However, the S21 Ultra 5G boasts a higher Quad HD+ resolution (3200 x 1440 pixels) across its 6.8-inch screen, resulting in a sharper pixel density. The S24 FE offers a Full HD+ resolution (2340 x 1080 pixels) on its 6.7-inch display.
• Brightness and Outdoor Visibility: The Galaxy S24 FE features a peak brightness of 1900 nits, which contributes to good outdoor visibility, though real-world measurements might be lower. The S21 Ultra 5G also offers excellent brightness, with its display capable of reaching high luminance levels for clear viewing in various lighting conditions.
• Refresh Rate and Smoothness: Both devices feature an adaptive 120Hz refresh rate, providing smooth scrolling and fluid animations. This dynamic adjustment helps conserve battery life by lowering the refresh rate when high speed is not needed.
• Screen Size and Protection: The S21 Ultra 5G has a slightly larger 6.8-inch display, while the S24 FE features a 6.7-inch screen. Both are protected by Gorilla Glass, with the S24 FE featuring the newer Gorilla Glass Victus+.

The camera systems on both the Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G and the Galaxy S24 FE are designed to capture high-quality images and videos, though they approach this with different hardware configurations.

• Rear Camera System: The Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G features a versatile quad-camera setup, including a 108MP main sensor, a 12MP ultrawide lens with autofocus, and two 10MP telephoto lenses offering 3x and 10x optical zoom, respectively. This allows for exceptional zoom capabilities up to 100x digital zoom. The Galaxy S24 FE comes with a triple-camera system, comprising a 50MP main sensor, a 12MP ultrawide lens, and an 8MP telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom.
• Photography Performance: The S21 Ultra 5G excels in detail capture, especially with its high-resolution main sensor and advanced zoom. The S24 FE delivers good overall camera performance, with its 50MP main sensor producing detailed images in good lighting. Low-light performance on the S24 FE is considered admirable for its category, though the S21 Ultra 5G's larger sensors and advanced processing may offer an edge in very challenging conditions.
• Video Recording Quality: Both devices are capable of recording high-resolution video. The S21 Ultra 5G supports 8K video recording at 24fps and 4K at 60fps across all its cameras. The S24 FE also offers 8K video recording at 30fps and 4K at 60fps.
• Front Camera: The S21 Ultra 5G features a high-resolution 40MP front camera, capable of 4K video recording. The S24 FE has a 10MP front camera, which also supports 4K video recording.