Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G review
The Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G is a solid but not exceptional smartphone that falls short in terms of battery life and camera capabilities, especially compared to the Google Pixel 6. While it's enjoyable to use as a daily driver, its limitations make it hard to recommend at this price point. One of the biggest issues with the Galaxy S21 FE 5G is its subpar battery life. It consistently falls short of delivering a full day's worth of power, making it unreliable for heavy users or those who rely on their phone throughout the day. The camera system is another area where the phone disappoints, particularly in still photography, although it excels in video capture and selfie mode. The camera features are well-rounded, with a 12-megapixel primary sensor, 8-megapixel telephoto lens with three times optical zoom, and a 12-megapixel ultra-wide-angle lens. However, the lack of pixel binning means that low-light photos can be noisy, and colors may not be as accurate as those from competing devices. While the Android 12-based One UI 4 experience is excellent, it's not enough to make up for the phone's shortcomings. The addition of a 15-watt wireless charging feature and a 25-watt wired charger are welcome but hardly make an impact on the overall user experience. In conclusion, the Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G is a good but not great smartphone that struggles to compete with its contemporaries in key areas like battery life and camera performance. If you're looking for a reliable daily driver at this price point, consider alternatives like the Google Pixel 6 or other options from competing manufacturers.
Build Quality and Design
The Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G's build quality and design are top-notch. The phone's sturdy construction and premium feel make it a joy to hold and use. The device's weight is well-distributed, making it comfortable to grip in one hand. The phone's design is sleek and minimalist, with a clean aesthetic that doesn't scream for attention. The matte finish on the back provides a tactile experience, while the smooth edges ensure it fits perfectly in your pocket or purse. One of the standout features of the S21 FE 5G's design is its subtle yet effective color scheme. The phone comes in a range of colors, including Phantom Black, Space Silver, and Olive Green, each with a unique texture that catches the light. The subtle curvature of the device adds visual interest without compromising functionality. The display itself is a highlight, with vibrant colors and crisp details on par with some of the best screens in the industry. The phone's dimensions are compact enough to slip into tight spaces, making it perfect for those who prefer a more manageable device. Overall, the Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G's build quality and design make it a solid choice for anyone looking for a reliable and stylish smartphone. While some may find the minimalist aesthetic too understated, fans of clean design will appreciate the phone's subtle yet effective look and feel.
Battery Life
The Battery Life of Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G: A Major Disappointment One of the most significant drawbacks of the Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G is its battery life. Despite its relatively compact size, this device fails to deliver a full day's usage without needing to be recharged. I've found that even moderate use, such as browsing the internet, checking social media, and making a few calls, can drain the battery by early evening. This becomes a significant concern if you're planning to head out in the evening or have a busy schedule. While Samsung offers fast charging capabilities with up to 25W wired charging, this doesn't make up for the fact that the device's battery life simply isn't sufficient for a full day's use. I've found myself constantly glancing at the battery percentage, wondering if I'll make it through the evening without needing to charge. In today's world where smartphones are an essential tool for many people, a poor battery life can be a major inconvenience. Unfortunately, the Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G falls short in this regard, making it difficult to recommend for those who require a phone that can last throughout the day. If you're in the market for a new smartphone and prioritize battery life, I'd suggest exploring other options. While the Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G has its strengths, its battery life is a major letdown.
Display
The Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G boasts an impressive display that's sure to please. The 6.4-inch Super AMOLED screen is a treat for the eyes, offering vibrant colors and crisp visuals. Whether you're streaming your favorite shows or playing games, this display is more than capable of handling it with ease. One of the standout features of the S21 FE's display is its high contrast ratio, which makes black colors appear truly dark and not washed out like on some other screens. This results in a much more immersive viewing experience, especially when watching movies or playing games in low-light conditions. In terms of brightness, the display is also quite impressive, reaching up to 800 nits. This means it can be easily seen even in direct sunlight, making it perfect for outdoor use. The screen's touchscreen responsiveness is also top-notch, accurately registering every tap and swipe with ease. The Galaxy S21 FE's display is also HDR10+ certified, which means it can display a wider range of colors and contrast levels compared to standard displays. This results in a more cinematic viewing experience, especially when watching HDR-enabled content. Overall, the Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G's display is one of its strongest features. It's perfect for anyone looking for a device that can handle demanding tasks like gaming or video streaming while also providing an excellent visual experience. While it may not be perfect in every regard, the S21 FE's display is certainly on par with some of the best phones out there. In conclusion, if you're looking for a phone with an amazing display, the Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G should definitely be considered. Its vibrant colors, crisp visuals, and high contrast ratio make it perfect for anyone who wants to enjoy their favorite shows or games in style.
Camera
The camera on the Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G is a mixed bag. On the one hand, it's capable of capturing good images in most conditions, with decent color accuracy and skin tones. The primary sensor is 12 megapixels, which may seem low compared to other flagship devices, but it still manages to deliver satisfactory results. One of the standout features of the camera is its ability to capture rich tones in vivid subjects. Kids and pets are often a blur, but the S21 FE's camera does a good job of preserving their energy and playfulness. However, in low light conditions, the camera can struggle to focus, and ambient light makes colors appear slightly off. The ultra-wide-angle lens is 12 megapixels and, like the primary sensor, it struggles with accurate color representation. It's useful for capturing expansive scenes, but its limitations become apparent when trying to capture detailed subjects. A significant upgrade in the S21 FE's camera department is the inclusion of an 8-megapixel telephoto shooter that packs a proper three times optical zoom. This feature allows users to get up close and personal with their subject without sacrificing too much image quality. However, the quality of zoomed-in images isn't significantly better than what was achieved on its predecessor. One thing Samsung has done well is include a variety of camera features that are sure to please. The "Single Take" mode allows users to capture video and stills simultaneously, creating a series of stylish photos from the footage. This feature is particularly useful for capturing kids or pets in motion. In terms of video recording, the S21 FE does an excellent job with 4K action shots. Each frame is packed with detail, although poor lighting can sometimes compromise image quality. The phone's stabilization system ensures smooth results even when moving and shooting. Overall, while the camera on the Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G has its limitations, it still manages to deliver some impressive shots. However, compared to other flagship devices in the same price range, such as the Google Pixel 6, it falls short in terms of battery life and overall image quality.
Price and Value
The Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G is an intriguing device that offers a solid experience at a price point that's hard to ignore. However, upon closer inspection, it becomes apparent that the value proposition may not be as compelling as initially thought. At its launch price, the Galaxy S21 FE 5G seemed like a great option for those seeking a flagship-level experience without the hefty bill. However, with the current market dynamics and the emergence of newer devices, the price has taken a hit. And that's where the value proposition starts to falter. In comparison to its peers, the Galaxy S21 FE 5G doesn't quite stand out in terms of features or performance. The camera, while serviceable, isn't as good as some other flagship phones on the market. The battery life, which was initially a selling point, has proven to be a letdown in real-world usage. Considering these factors, it's difficult to recommend the Galaxy S21 FE 5G at its current price point. While it may still appeal to those who are die-hard Samsung fans or have specific needs that make this device a good fit, others might find themselves better off looking elsewhere. If you're in the market for a new smartphone and are considering the Galaxy S21 FE 5G, I'd suggest taking a closer look at its price tag. Is it truly worth the investment? Or would your money be better spent on a different device that offers more features or a better overall experience? Ultimately, the value proposition of the Galaxy S21 FE 5G is a mixed bag. While it's still a capable smartphone, it doesn't quite live up to its billing at this price point.
Performance
The Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G is an excellent mid-range smartphone that delivers impressive performance in various aspects. However, its performance capabilities are somewhat overshadowed by the battery life issues it faces. In terms of processing power, the device is equipped with a Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 processor, which provides seamless multitasking and smooth execution of demanding tasks such as gaming and video editing. The phone's RAM and storage options are also generous, ensuring that users can run multiple applications simultaneously without any noticeable lag or slowdown. The performance is further enhanced by the presence of an efficient cooling system, which keeps the device running cool even during intense usage periods. However, despite these robust specifications, the battery life remains a major concern for this smartphone. During my testing period, I consistently found that the Galaxy S21 FE 5G would run out of juice around mid-afternoon, with heavy users like gamers and multitaskers facing an even earlier cutoff time. This is a significant drawback, especially considering the phone's premium pricing. In terms of gaming performance, the device handles demanding titles such as Fortnite and PUBG with ease, delivering smooth graphics and responsive controls. However, prolonged gameplay sessions often result in battery drain, making it essential to keep a close eye on power consumption during extended play sessions. The Android 12-based One UI experience on this phone is also noteworthy, providing an intuitive interface that makes navigating the device's various features and settings a breeze. Overall, while the Galaxy S21 FE 5G delivers solid performance in various aspects, its battery life shortcomings hold it back from being considered truly exceptional.
Pros
1. Good camera performance
2. Sterling video quality
3. Impressive selfie camera
4. Good Android experience
5. 8-megapixel telephoto shooter
6. Solid bonus camera features
Cons
1. Poor battery life
2. High price point
3. Camera not as good as rivals