Samsung is Starting the New Year with a New Phone: The Galaxy S21 FE
As the new year begins, Samsung has already released its latest offering: the Galaxy S21 FE. This new phone is a variation of the popular Galaxy S21 series, but with one key difference - it's priced lower at $700, making it an attractive option for those who want to upgrade without breaking the bank.
The Galaxy S21 FE is meant to be a cheaper alternative to Samsung's premium Galaxy phones, but not so cheap that it compromises on performance. It shares the same Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 chip as the regular Galaxy S21, which provides a fast and snappy experience. Additionally, the phone can crank up its screen's refresh rate to 120Hz, making it feel responsive and smooth.
The Galaxy S21 FE has many features in common with Samsung's previous mid-range model, the Galaxy S20 FE. Both phones have a triple-lens camera setup, complete with a 12-megapixel wide-angle camera, 12-megapixel ultra-wide-angle camera, and 8-megapixel telephoto lens. They also both feature a 32-megapixel selfie camera on the front.
However, one key difference between the Galaxy S21 FE and its predecessor is its screen size. The Galaxy S21 FE boasts a larger 6.4-inch display, which is slightly bigger than the 6.2-inch screen on the regular Galaxy S21. Despite this increase in size, the phone still feels easy to use with one hand, thanks to its sleek and lightweight design.
Visually, the Galaxy S21 FE looks almost identical to the regular Galaxy S21, even when viewed from the front and back. The phone's matte texture gives it a subtle, premium feel that's hard to ignore. However, it's worth noting that the regular Galaxy S21 has a few design accents on its edges and camera bump that make it feel more luxurious.
In contrast, the Galaxy S21 FE's design is more understated, with a muted aesthetic that doesn't quite have the same wow factor as its premium counterpart. While this phone still feels sleek and lightweight in the hand, it's clear that Samsung prioritized functionality over flashy design.
One of the standout features of the Galaxy S21 FE is its battery life. The phone boasts a massive 4500mAh battery, which provides all-day use without needing to be recharged multiple times. We've been using the phone for almost a full day and still have around 70% of its capacity left, making it an excellent choice for those who want a phone that won't leave them scrambling to find a charger.
The Galaxy S21 FE also supports both 5G mmWave and sub-6GHz frequencies, providing fast data speeds wherever you go. It comes with 128GB of internal storage, although there's no headphone jack or expandable storage option available.
Interestingly, Samsung is offering two versions of the Galaxy S21 FE: one with 128GB of storage for $700, and another with twice that amount of storage (256GB) plus an additional 8GB of RAM for $770. This second version is clearly aimed at those who want a more premium experience without breaking the bank.
Of course, this raises the question - how will the Galaxy S21 FE compete in Samsung's crowded lineup of phones? Will it be able to stand out from its sibling devices, such as the regular Galaxy S21 and the newer Galaxy S22 series? The answer is uncertain, but one thing's for sure: the Galaxy S21 FE is a compelling option for those who want a new phone without spending top dollar.
It's worth noting that Samsung has already announced plans to release a new flagship model later this year, which will feature a 50-megapixel camera upgrade. If Samsung follows through on these rumors, it could potentially make the Galaxy S21 FE feel even more underpowered by comparison. However, until then, we can't say for certain how the Galaxy S21 FE will hold up against its competitors.
In the meantime, there's one other phone that's worth mentioning: the Google Pixel 6. Priced lower than the Galaxy S21 FE at $599, this Android device has garnered rave reviews for its camera design, processor, and overall user experience. If you're an Android fan who doesn't want to spend too much money on a new phone, the Pixel 6 is definitely worth considering.
Ultimately, we'll need to spend more time testing the Galaxy S21 FE before we can truly assess its merits. But for now, it's clear that this phone has the potential to be a solid option for those who want a new device without breaking the bank.