Samsung’s Galaxy S21 FE review: A solid $700 phone that comes at an awkward time

Samsung’s Galaxy S21 FE has just about everything you’d want from a phone. The camera is solid, the battery life is impressive, and it has a crisp screen that’s just the right size. The problem is that Samsung’s Galaxy S22 is likely just around the corner. Plus, the Pixel 6 is around the same price and has some advantages over the Galaxy S21 FE, especially when it comes to software.

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Check out our full written review for more details on the Galaxy S21 FE:
Wondering how the Galaxy S21 FE couple compare to the Galaxy S22? Here’s what we know based on the rumors:

[CNET]

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[superiortoall]

Someone made a point; I wonder if this “lower price” release is an attempt to pad the cost of the new 22 line up when it’s released.

[adilator]

Very good review and narration style. Although I wouldn't call $700 affordable.

[gerroricomabulay]

I really don't mind if the phone's back is made if glass, metal or plastic. You'll just gonna cover it with a case.

[Akuphon]

Finnish carriers were selling S21 FE last week with discounts as low as 499 € with Galaxy Buds Live. I think that was much more compelling than Pixel 6 (which isn't officially available here).

[elliekim]

I like the plastic ngl. You have 50% chance of breaking the phone glass panels since you have one less with a plastic back. Also the plastic feels premium unlike Samsung's older plastic like the S5. I just bought the S21 regular and I love it

[zachcarmichael]

Not a deal when The S20 FE was $600 MSRP last year. And if you were lucky like me, it dropped to $250 brand new, off contact during Black Friday at Walmart. That said, Pixel 6 is a far better value than the S21 FE.

[sunilnathani]

Samsung Galaxy S21 Fe, launched in 🇮🇳 on 11th Jan 2022 is first smartphone with 'Android 12' out of box.
- without charger in box, but supports 25w wired charging.
- Dual Nano sim card slot ( no expandable memory slot ).
6 gb / 128 gb
8 gb / 256 gb

[patsfanlife]

I bet you anything it has a nicer display than the pixel, regardless of resolution capabilities

[Vhsss_God]

The only android phones the consider this year
S22 -February
S22 ultra -February
Xiaomi 12 ultra -march
Sony xperia pro 4 or what ever its called
Pixel 7 pro -august
Vivo x80 -September
Or...
IPhone 14 pro /pro Max !

Personally I'd go for the s22 ultra cause it is about as good as the xiaomi 12 ultra overall but has an extra s-pen and nicer design :)
The vivo will probably be really great but not good enough to justify waiting...
I don't like 21:9 aspect ratios but the Sony will be perfection in many ways...
The pixel 7 will be so freaking good but again i cba the wait and Google might use an under display selfie cam and mess it up...

The iPhone 14 pro is the perfect phone hands down all around...But iOS isn't the perfect operating system for me so Its a no from me for now till they add split screen, third party app story support, side loading and proper downloading of pirated stuff and hacked apps, and introduce full on customisation

[eadruna]

S21 FE should be sold at $499 price tag. $550 is max

[SFBenjaminK]

I CANT WAIT for my S22 Ultra, thats the one gonna upgrade from my Note 20 Ultra

[k]

The simple plain design of FE is more appealing and evergreen than the pixel 6.

[xfilesmanson]

I got an S10+ in eBay auction for only $140. And the only thing wrong with it is cracks on the back. I'll just put a cover on it. And a minor hairline crack on the front edge of the glass. Pretty good deal?

[andyH_England]

It is a clever move. Rather than heavy discounting of last year's S21 line, they introduce a more expensive S21, the FE and get Samsung fans to pay top dollar again. Marketing tricks like this are Samsung's forte. The clever consumer will wait for the inevitable S21FE discounts when the S22 line arrives, or simply buy a cheaper S21 from last year. Do not pay the $700 as you are just giving Samsung more money than you should.

[KoenMiseur]

@CNET the Pixel 6 is only available in 7 countries so stop comparing any phone with it!

[tuyetnhungnguyenthi]

The call may operate at normal audio quality, if the signal is less than -5 dB.
With Jessie, the call will give you a choice to resume or hang-up the call, if the signal is not good at all. This will ensure that the call is not interrupted.
Without Jessie, if the signal is not good, the call will redirect to another UK voice and provide no conversation of Sara Dietschy.

[Chris]

Would this phone still be comparable to the likes of the "soon to be discounted" S21 series and the "already decently discounted" S20 series?

I can agree on the fact that by buying this phone you will get 3 years of more Major OS updates, and the hardwares are a decent upgrade from the previous S20 FE, but at that price, I'm sure the Pixel 6 might be worth the better value.

[rrich]

Decided on 21FE. Nice fit to my hand. Not so small like others.

[howyoudurrinhunneh]

Is this a review of the s21 FE or a commercial for the Pixel 6?