Samsung Galaxy S21 vs S20 FE 5G | 2021 Flagship or Fan Edition?

Comparing Samsung's Galaxy S21 vs the Galaxy S20 FE 5G (or 'Fan Edition'), to see which has the best camera, battery life, performance and features. The fresh new Samsung S21 misses out on most of the premium specs found in the Ultra and in many ways is similar to the S20 FE 5G, including the UK price (£769 vs £699). However, the latest Galaxy smartphone rocks that Exynos 2100 while the Fan Edition goes with Snapdragon 865, and that has a serious impact on the battery performance.

Those camera results are also quite different. While both Samsung phones use a 12MP primary sensor, the Galaxy S21 boasts more accurate colour reproduction and stronger HDR and low light chops. You also get lots more video options vs the S21 FE 5G - but I still like last year's handset for shooting everyday photos and home movies.

That Fan Edition definitely wins for battery life, with the Samsung Galaxy S21 proving quite a disappointment so far. That Exynos 2100 struggles to keep you going all day, and loses in the battery drain test here. Thankfully gamers are well catered for by both handsets, helped by the flat, responsive screens.

Those displays are also different, Super AMOLED vs Dynamic AMOLED. You get better contrast and more natural colours from the Samsung S21 flagship, while the Galaxy S20 FE 5G won't stream HDR content on Netflix.

So which of these phones has won your respect? Let me know below, full review of the S21 coming soon!

[MrRideabighorse]

I think it's funny that the plastic back on the FE was considered a downgrade but now it's on the flagship.

[speedkillz]

Thanks for not spending the entire video on the camera like every other youtuber!

[sdelliott]

Battery life and SD card expansion and the constant 120mhz refresh all are wins for the FE. Kind of surprising. Great video

[michaelbvelez]

S20 FE has a MicroSD slot whereas S21 hasn't.

[qwerty]

Was debating getting the S21 but glad I went for the S20 FE. Brilliant in-depth video 👍🏾

[benclarkson]

This is exactly the review I've been waiting for and it's made my mind up to go with the S20 fe over the S21. I'm not sure how many people actually pay for a phone outright rather than get a contract in the uk, but I certainly don't have the cash laying around to pay up front for a new blower and can get an S20 fe much cheaper than a 21 on a contract and from this video I don't feel like I'll be missing out by going with the S20 fe. Thank you for helping out a serial procrastinator.

[LouJ]

Awesome review. I'm currently rocking the FE, your vid just made up my mind to hold on to my S20FE a while longer.

[TheSergio]

I got an S21 and my sister has the 20 FE. I frankly didnt know what the difference was so thanks for the info!

[FRUGSTER]

I just ordered the S21. I would take the FE if there was a smaller version. All the new phones are bricks. There is no real choice if you want to buy a phone that fits nicely in your palm. I bet it is even a bigger disaster for people with small hands.

[jmanson]

I'll stick with my S20FE 5G. I updated the software to One UI 3.0 earlier this week. For $350 you can't convince me otherwise

[solidaeon]

in the PH, there is a 250 pounds difference between the s20 FE and S21 so definitely a win for s20 FE

[hanses]

Alright, so I feel like the s20 FE is actually more suitable for me in every case EXCEPT the size. I just can't get over with that big screen being the more popular now a days. I'm going for the s21.

[samanthawilson]

Tough decision the Samsung S21FE seems to have a lot of advantages but I do prefer a smaller phone for my small hands and also camera is important to me. I like that the colours of the pictures were more natural with the Samsung 21. Such a tricky choice!

[FDLOVER]

I love how you have Tatsumaki, or the Tornado of Terror, as your background. One punch man is awesome. I have the Samsung s20 fe 5g which I love so far.

[e.o]

One of few YouTube channels with top notch video and audio quality! thanks for respecting your viewers! please upload 60 4K to make it the best!😉

[konradc]

I paid £599 for my S20 FE from Argos, during the Black Friday deal. The FE phone has been great in most areas. Good comparison.

[cusson]

Thank for a full and detailed review. These are too rare...
Currently rocking the s8. Getting a new phone on a deal.
The S20 Fun Edition 5G seems by far the best bet for me.

[gaboe]

Great review. But 2 things.... the s20 fe does have a 256gb/8gb version. Writing from one.
2. The other difference besides battery life that makes me stick with the FE is that the s21 does not have MST for wireless payments without NFC. I use it all the time.

[heathcotesj]

Brilliant video, many thanks. Made me make up my phone for getting 2 S20FE's for the wife and I. Key factors I got from this vid: S20 FE bigger screen, bigger battery and much better battery life, comes with 15W charger S21 none, better selfie camera, has Micro SD card, whilst S21 does NOT. CHEAPER!

[Gmeofjones]

Thanks to your video, I find out Android 11 is available on my S20 FE 👍🏾