Galaxy A06 Vs Galaxy S21 FE 5G

Galaxy A06
Galaxy A06
Starting at

Refurbished price:108.00

Versus €186.96 new

See options
Galaxy S21 FE 5G
Galaxy S21 FE 5G
Starting at

Refurbished price:159.00

Versus €829.91 new

See options

Ratings

The Samsung Galaxy A06, released in August 2024, and the Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G, launched in January 2022, are both Android smartphones from Samsung. While the Galaxy A06 is positioned as a device for essential daily tasks, the Galaxy S21 FE 5G offers a more advanced feature set and higher performance. The primary distinctions lie in their display technology, processing power, and camera capabilities, catering to different user expectations and needs.

Scores

Durability

The longevity of a smartphone is influenced by its initial release date, software support, and physical resilience.

  • Release Timeline: The Galaxy A06 was released in August 2024, making it a newer device compared to the Galaxy S21 FE 5G, which launched in January 2022. This difference in release dates impacts their respective software support cycles.
  • Software Longevity: The Galaxy A06 (LTE version) is expected to receive 2 OS upgrades and 4 years of security updates, while the Galaxy S21 FE 5G, being a higher-tier device, typically benefits from a longer support period, often receiving more major Android version updates and extended security patches.
  • Physical Durability: The Galaxy A06 features a plastic back and frame, and the LTE version does not carry an official IP rating for dust and water resistance. In contrast, the Galaxy S21 FE 5G offers IP68 dust and water resistance, allowing it to withstand submersion in up to 1.5 meters of fresh water for 30 minutes, and features a glass front with Gorilla Glass Victus for enhanced screen protection.

Year of Release

2024

2022

OS

Android

Android

Foldable

No

No

Performance

The performance of these devices varies significantly, impacting how smoothly they handle applications and multitasking.

  • Processing Power: The Galaxy A06 is equipped with a MediaTek Helio G85 processor, which is suitable for everyday tasks such as browsing, social media, and light applications. The Galaxy S21 FE 5G, depending on the region, features either a Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 5G or an Exynos 2100 processor. These chipsets offer substantially more power, enabling smooth performance for demanding applications, graphic-intensive games, and extensive multitasking.
  • Memory and Storage: The Galaxy A06 comes with 4GB or 6GB of RAM and 64GB or 128GB of internal storage, expandable via a microSD card. The Galaxy S21 FE 5G offers 6GB or 8GB of RAM and 128GB or 256GB of internal storage, but it does not support expandable storage.
  • Battery Behavior: Both devices feature substantial battery capacities. The Galaxy A06 has a 5000 mAh battery, which users report can last a full day or more with moderate usage. The Galaxy S21 FE 5G has a 4500 mAh battery, generally providing a full day of use, though heavy users might find themselves needing to recharge by the evening. Both support 25W wired fast charging.

Memory (GB)

4 GB

6 GB

Screen quality

The visual experience differs significantly between these two models due to their display technologies and specifications.

  • Display Technology and Resolution: The Galaxy A06 features a 6.7-inch PLS LCD display with an HD+ resolution of 720 x 1600 pixels. This provides a clear viewing experience for general use. The Galaxy S21 FE 5G boasts a 6.4-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display with a Full HD+ resolution of 1080 x 2400 pixels. This results in sharper images, deeper blacks, and more vibrant colors.
  • Refresh Rate and Brightness: The Galaxy A06 typically has a 60Hz refresh rate, offering standard smoothness for scrolling and content consumption. The Galaxy S21 FE 5G features an adaptive 120Hz refresh rate, providing a much smoother visual experience, especially during scrolling and gaming. The S21 FE 5G also supports HDR10+ for enhanced contrast and color in compatible content.
  • Screen Protection: The Galaxy S21 FE 5G includes Corning Gorilla Glass Victus for improved scratch and drop resistance, a feature not typically found on the Galaxy A06.

Resolution

720 x 1600

1080 x 2340

Screen type

PLS LCD

Dynamic AMOLED 2X

Audiovisual

The camera systems on these smartphones are designed for different levels of photographic capability.

  • Rear Camera System: The Galaxy A06 features a dual-camera setup with a 50MP primary sensor and a 2MP depth sensor. This setup is capable of taking decent photos in good lighting conditions, with the depth sensor assisting in portrait mode. The Galaxy S21 FE 5G offers a more versatile triple-camera system, including a 12MP wide-angle lens with optical image stabilization (OIS), a 12MP ultrawide lens, and an 8MP telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom and OIS. This configuration allows for a wider range of photographic scenarios, from expansive landscapes to zoomed-in shots.
  • Front Camera and Video: For selfies, the Galaxy A06 has an 8MP front camera. The Galaxy S21 FE 5G features a higher-resolution 32MP front camera, which can capture more detailed selfies and supports Night Mode for low-light conditions. Both devices can record video, with the Galaxy A06 supporting up to 1080p at 30fps, while the Galaxy S21 FE 5G can record 4K video at 30/60fps from both its front and rear cameras, offering greater detail and flexibility for videography.
  • Photography Features: The Galaxy S21 FE 5G includes advanced features like Scene Optimizer, Auto HDR, and improved Night Mode, enhancing image quality across various conditions.

Miscellaneous

Beyond core specifications, several practical features differentiate these two Samsung smartphones.

  • Connectivity: The Galaxy A06 supports 4G LTE connectivity. The Galaxy S21 FE 5G, as its name suggests, offers 5G connectivity, providing faster mobile data speeds where available, alongside Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.0. The A06 supports Bluetooth v5.3.
  • Ports and Sensors: Both devices feature a USB Type-C port for charging and data transfer. The Galaxy A06 retains a 3.5mm headphone jack, which is absent on the Galaxy S21 FE 5G. For security, the Galaxy A06 has a side-mounted fingerprint sensor, while the Galaxy S21 FE 5G utilizes an in-display optical fingerprint sensor and also supports face recognition.
  • Design and Handling: The Galaxy A06 is slightly larger and heavier at 167.3 x 77.3 x 8mm and 189g, compared to the Galaxy S21 FE 5G's 155.7 x 74.5 x 7.9mm and 177g. The S21 FE 5G also features stereo speakers for a more immersive audio experience, a feature not typically found on the A06.

Weight

189 g

177 g

Screen size (in)

6.7

6.4

Network

4G

5G

SIM card

Dual Physical SIM

Physical SIM

Carrier compatibility

Unlocked

Unlocked

Connector

USB-C + Jack 3.5mm

USB-C

User feedback for the Galaxy A06 often highlights its strong battery life and adequate performance for basic daily tasks as key advantages. Users appreciate its reliability for communication, social media, and light browsing. However, common criticisms point to its lower-resolution display and camera performance, particularly in challenging lighting conditions, as areas where it falls short for more demanding users. Some users also note occasional lag with heavy multitasking.

For the Galaxy S21 FE 5G, users generally praise its vibrant AMOLED display, powerful processor, and capable camera system, which delivers good results in various scenarios. Its 5G connectivity and premium build quality are also frequently mentioned positives. On the other hand, some users have expressed concerns about its battery life, especially with the 120Hz refresh rate enabled, and the absence of a microSD card slot.

Users prioritizing extended battery life and essential smartphone functions for communication and light content consumption may find the Galaxy A06 well-suited to their needs. Its expandable storage is also a benefit for those who need ample space for media and files. Conversely, users who require a more fluid visual experience, higher performance for gaming and demanding applications, superior camera capabilities, and robust durability will likely lean towards the Galaxy S21 FE 5G. This device is also a strong choice for those who value faster connectivity with 5G. Both models are available as quality-assured refurbished options, providing a sustainable choice for consumers.

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