Galaxy S21 FE 5G Vs Galaxy S23 FE

The Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G, released in January 2022, and the Samsung Galaxy S23 FE, launched in October 2023, are both part of Samsung's 'Fan Edition' line, aiming to deliver a balanced smartphone experience. While they share a similar design philosophy and operate on the Android ecosystem, the newer Galaxy S23 FE brings updates in processing power, camera capabilities, and extended software support. Both devices offer a familiar Samsung One UI experience, but the S23 FE benefits from a more recent Android version out of the box.

The longevity of a smartphone is influenced by its release timeline, software support, and physical durability.

• Release Timeline: The Galaxy S21 FE 5G was released in January 2022, while the Galaxy S23 FE followed in October 2023. This nearly two-year difference means the S23 FE inherently offers a longer period of relevance from its launch date.
• Software Support: The Galaxy S21 FE 5G launched with Android 12 and is expected to receive major Android OS updates up to Android 16, with security updates continuing until early 2027. The Galaxy S23 FE, launching with Android 13, is projected to receive updates up to Android 17, extending its software lifespan further. This provides the S23 FE with an additional year of major OS updates compared to its predecessor.
• Durability: Both models feature an IP68 rating for dust and water resistance, indicating protection against immersion. The Galaxy S21 FE 5G uses Gorilla Glass Victus for screen protection, while the Galaxy S23 FE employs Gorilla Glass 5 on both its front and back panels. Gorilla Glass Victus generally offers enhanced drop protection over Gorilla Glass 5.

Performance in daily use is a key differentiator, impacting how smoothly applications run and how efficiently the device handles demanding tasks.

• Processor Capabilities: The Galaxy S21 FE 5G is powered by a processor from 2021 (Snapdragon 888 5G or Exynos 2100), while the Galaxy S23 FE features a newer generation processor from 2022 (Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 or Exynos 2200). This newer processor in the S23 FE generally translates to faster app loading times, more fluid multitasking, and improved performance in graphically intensive applications and games.
• System Responsiveness: Users of the Galaxy S23 FE often report a responsive experience, handling demanding applications and multitasking smoothly. While the S21 FE also offers capable performance for everyday tasks, the S23 FE provides a noticeable step up in raw processing power, which can be beneficial for users who frequently engage with resource-intensive software.
• Battery Behavior: Both devices are equipped with a 4500mAh battery. User experiences with battery life on the Galaxy S23 FE have been mixed, with some reporting initial rapid drain that improves over time as the device adapts to usage patterns. The Galaxy S21 FE 5G generally offers reliable all-day power for typical usage. Both support 25W wired fast charging and 15W wireless charging.

The display is the primary interface for interaction, and both models offer vibrant viewing experiences with some notable differences.

• Display Technology and Clarity: Both the Galaxy S21 FE 5G and Galaxy S23 FE feature a 6.4-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display with a Full HD+ resolution (1080 x 2400 pixels for S21 FE, 1080 x 2340 pixels for S23 FE) and a 120Hz refresh rate. This ensures sharp visuals and smooth scrolling on both devices.
• Brightness Levels: The Galaxy S23 FE offers a higher peak brightness of 1450 nits, which can improve visibility in bright outdoor conditions. The Galaxy S21 FE 5G has a peak brightness of around 1200-1300 nits. This difference means the S23 FE may offer a more comfortable viewing experience under direct sunlight.
• Screen Protection and Bezels: The Galaxy S21 FE 5G is protected by Gorilla Glass Victus, while the Galaxy S23 FE uses Gorilla Glass 5. The S21 FE is noted for having slightly smaller display bezels, particularly around the chin, which contributes to a higher screen-to-body ratio.

The camera systems on both devices are designed to capture a variety of moments, with the newer model introducing a higher-resolution main sensor.

• Main Camera Capabilities: The Galaxy S21 FE 5G features a 12-megapixel main camera, while the Galaxy S23 FE upgrades to a 50-megapixel main sensor, both with optical image stabilization (OIS). This higher megapixel count on the S23 FE can result in more detailed images, especially in good lighting conditions, and potentially better low-light performance through pixel-binning. However, some user feedback suggests that the S23 FE's image processing can sometimes lead to less vibrant colors or more noise compared to the S21 FE, despite the hardware upgrade.
• Ultra-wide and Telephoto Lenses: Both phones include a 12-megapixel ultra-wide camera with a 123-degree field of view and an 8-megapixel telephoto lens offering 3x optical zoom. This provides versatility for capturing expansive landscapes and zoomed-in shots on both models.
• Front Camera and Video Recording: The Galaxy S21 FE 5G has a 32-megapixel front camera, whereas the Galaxy S23 FE features a 10-megapixel front camera. While the S21 FE has a higher megapixel count, the S23 FE's 10-megapixel sensor is noted by some for better color accuracy and sharpness in selfies. For video, the S23 FE can record up to 8K resolution at 24 frames per second, while the S21 FE supports up to 4K video recording.