Samsung Galaxy S21 FE full review

The Galaxy S21 FE 5G is a proper sequel to the Galaxy S20 FE. It brings a better display, a more powerful hardware, and improved camera performance even if the camera sensors and optics haven't changed much. Oh, and we get an updated S21-like design on the FE. Check out our video review to learn ALL YOU NEED TO KNOW about the Galaxy S21 FE's top features, build and screen quality, battery life, performance, and camera image quality.

▶ Check price
Note: Commissions may be earned from the link above

▶ Track Info: washed and lush dreams by the new fools

*******************
TIMESTAMPS
00:00 - Intro
00:25 - Design and build
01:00 - Screen specs
01:48 - Stereo speakers and audio test
02:08 - Android 12 and OneUI 4
02:56 - Under-display fingerprint reader
03:03 - Snapdragon 888 5G or Exynos 2100 performance
03:29 - Battery (4500mAh) endurance and charging test
03:55 - Storage options
04:01 - Camera specs
04:16 - Daylight photo quality
05:13 - Low-light photo quality
06:10 - Selfies
06:30 - Video quality
07:07 - Conclusion

[SvidD]

Will, you're the most realistic robot ever! 🤖

[DaveLock]

Really love how it looks its so slick and simple...a definite 10 in the design language

[joelconolly]

It's a solid choice. It's basically the S21 but in a more low tier options. Ofc just like the S21 it lacks both headphone jack and expandable storage. But at least you get flagship experience from this. Not a bad phone. Just bad pricing.

[barbicoh]

The biggest discussion with S21 FE is that it's a slight bump spec and is released really close with the upcoming S22. But what people don't realize is that the global supply issues will 100% make S22 so limited and everyone will end up waiting for like at least half a year to even have a chance to get an S22. Slowly S21 FE will look more and more enticing to buy especially for those people that want a new Samsung phone in the near future.

[kevangelinem]

Love your video! I'm not too much of a tech girl, I haven't even had social media in over 7 years! But I did just buy this phone, and this is my first great phone since the Windows phone came out over ~13 years ago. As a mom of a toddler, I am quite happy with my first "flagship" phone. I did get a great deal on it with metro, I paid $229, and that was including the first month's bill!!!! So, really, I paid ~$179. Couldn't ask for better!

[JR.]

I think people are forgetting this phone has the flagship SD888 so for alot of people around the world this phone is MUCH better than the flagsgip S21 series

[fenderable]

I just got an a52 5g. I think it's fantastic for what I need it for. Samsung did an excellent job on this mid-ranger.

[pawelodz]

Fan edition without microsd card slot? ;D What they take in this Samsung company? :D

[simpleisme]

I've been an S20 FE user for almost a year now. I have to upgrade on a wrong time last year to due my Galaxy A70 was dying on me. lol. But watching the review of S21 FE now... no charger and no expandable memory slot makes me appreciate my s20 FE more.. haha

[DariuszTech]

It's a decent device but not for the asking price. I have currently compared it to S21 and in my opinion regular version offers more for less money. I'm currently making another camera comparison between s21fe and a52a and have to say. Midrange Galaxy impressed me a lot 😉👌

[caerostirolla]

I'm keeping my S20 FE. Definitely. This is not much of an upgrade in comparison.

[jasonsantos]

The S21 FE has good features, but I don't think it fits the "fan edition" title. When I think fan edition, I think something with a great 120hz AMOLED, a good chipset, flagship like software update schedule/support, IP water resistance (which Chinese phones don't usually have) and of course an SD card and a headphone jack.

The S21FE fits most of these, but the upper mid range A52S 5G probably fits it even more. The chip is weaker and more of a 2019-2020 flagship chip (still good). But with a cheaper price, a headphone jack, an SD card and all around great specs, it seems like a phone that enthusiasts would appreciate.

Regardless, the S21FE is still a good semi flagship phone. Just not a proper Fan Edition in my opinion.

[montygill]

$599/£599 should be the right pricing for the Samsung S21 FE.

[Neko]

I want to upgrade my Galaxy S10, but I'm really disappointed to see that there is no more flagship samsung phone with both headphone jack and sd card reader.

[srosner]

Just get the s20 fe 5g or the A52s they are much cheaper and offer same if not better features

[erze]

Your T-shirt is legendary. 😁 The phone is a hard skip, the A52s 5G is much better value for the specs it offers.

[AutomotiveCNC]

In your article under the "Software, camera, first impressions" page #3 you mistakenly wrote "Price-wise, it's not really that competitive as the S20 5G is already selling for a lower price." instead of "Price-wise, it's not really that competitive as the S21 5G is already selling for a lower price.".

[dsm]

I've also chosen the S21 FE but with Exynos chip. As reviewed by GSMArena, the S21 and S21+ with Exynos variant has more battery life than compared to the S21 FE with SD 888. As we can see, the best SD chip is the 865/865+. The 888 and SD 8 G1 are not friendly battery life.

[nextfall]

Ive been holding onto my 4 year old LG phone for as long as I can but alas today the battery has finally died. I lose charge within an hour. It happened suddenly so I need to buy a new phone quickly. I was hoping to hold out for the Google 7 but 6 more weeks of this will kill me. The S21FE is now on sale here in AUS down to $675 so based on your excellent detailed review i'll pick one up tomorrow. Thanks again for the great work you all do.

[serevinvukele]

So many settings with Samsung and Android 12 now it's bewildering. I felt my s21+ battery life degraded after One UI4 upgrade. That looks like a dangerous road with cars travelling in the same side.