Galaxy S21 FE 5G Vs Galaxy S23+

The Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G, released in January 2022, and the Samsung Galaxy S23 Plus, launched in February 2023, are both Android smartphones from Samsung's Galaxy series. While both offer a premium Android experience, the S23 Plus benefits from a newer generation of internal components and camera enhancements, setting it apart from its predecessor.

When considering the practical lifespan of these devices, several factors come into play, including their release timelines, software support, and physical resilience.

• Release Timeline: The Galaxy S21 FE 5G was released in January 2022, making it approximately a year older than the Galaxy S23 Plus, which launched in February 2023. This difference in release date directly impacts the duration of software support each device is likely to receive.
• Software Longevity: Both phones run on the Android operating system, with Samsung typically providing several years of major OS updates and security patches. The S23 Plus, being the newer device, is expected to receive software support for a longer period, potentially extending its usable life by an additional year compared to the S21 FE 5G. The S21 FE 5G launched with Android 12, while the S23 Plus launched with Android 13.
• Physical Durability: Both devices feature an IP68 rating for dust and water resistance, indicating protection against immersion in water up to 1.5 meters for 30 minutes. The S21 FE 5G uses Corning Gorilla Glass Victus for display protection, while the S23 Plus features the newer Gorilla Glass Victus 2, along with an Armor Aluminum frame, which may offer slightly enhanced resistance to drops and scratches. The S21 FE 5G has a repairability score of 7.5/10 or 8.2/10, suggesting a relatively straightforward repair process for common issues. The S23 Plus also has a repairability score of 8.2/10, indicating a similar ease of repair.

The performance of a smartphone is crucial for daily tasks, from app usage to demanding games. These two models offer distinct experiences in this regard.

• Processing Power: The Galaxy S21 FE 5G is equipped with a processor that handles everyday applications and multitasking efficiently. Users generally report smooth operation for most tasks, though some have noted it can warm up during extended use or demanding activities, potentially leading to reduced performance. The Galaxy S23 Plus features a more advanced processor, designed to deliver enhanced speed and efficiency. This results in noticeably smoother performance for graphically intensive games, faster app loading times, and more seamless multitasking, even with numerous applications running simultaneously.
• Storage and Multitasking: The S21 FE 5G is available with 6GB or 8GB of RAM and storage options of 128GB or 256GB. The S23 Plus comes with 8GB of RAM as standard and offers 256GB or 512GB of internal storage, providing more headroom for demanding users and extensive media libraries. The increased RAM in the S23 Plus contributes to more fluid transitions between apps and better retention of background processes.
• Battery Behavior: The S21 FE 5G houses a 4500mAh battery, which typically provides a full day of moderate use, though heavy usage, especially with 5G connectivity, can lead to more frequent charging. The S23 Plus features a larger 4700mAh battery. Coupled with its more efficient processor, this generally translates to extended battery life, with many users experiencing comfortable usage throughout a busy day.

The display is a primary interface for any smartphone, and both the S21 FE 5G and S23 Plus offer vibrant viewing experiences with some key differences.

• Display Technology and Clarity: Both devices feature a Dynamic AMOLED 2X display, known for its deep blacks, high contrast, and vibrant colors. The S21 FE 5G has a 6.4-inch display with a resolution of 1080 x 2400 pixels, providing a clear and detailed image. The S23 Plus offers a slightly larger 6.6-inch display with a resolution of 2340 x 1080 pixels (FHD+), maintaining excellent clarity for its size.
• Brightness and Refresh Rate: Both phones support a 120Hz refresh rate, ensuring smooth scrolling and responsive interactions. This adaptive refresh rate adjusts based on content, helping to conserve battery life. The S23 Plus generally offers higher peak brightness, which can improve outdoor visibility and HDR content viewing compared to the S21 FE 5G.
• Viewing Experience: Users of the S21 FE 5G often praise its display quality, noting its suitability for media consumption. The S23 Plus, with its slightly larger screen and enhanced brightness, provides an expansive and immersive viewing experience, making it well-suited for users who frequently watch videos or engage with visually rich applications.

Photography capabilities are a significant consideration for many users, and both the Galaxy S21 FE 5G and S23 Plus offer versatile camera systems.

• Rear Camera Systems: The Galaxy S21 FE 5G features a triple-camera setup on the rear, consisting of a 12MP wide-angle lens, a 12MP ultra-wide-angle lens, and an 8MP telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom. This configuration allows for a range of photographic styles, from expansive landscapes to zoomed-in shots. The Galaxy S23 Plus upgrades the main sensor to 50MP, alongside a 12MP ultra-wide and a 10MP telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom. The larger main sensor on the S23 Plus generally captures more detail and performs better in varied lighting conditions.
• Photography Performance: The S21 FE 5G's camera is capable of producing good quality photos in well-lit environments, with users often finding it satisfactory for everyday use. However, some users have reported inconsistencies in color profiles between lenses and a potential degradation in camera performance after software updates. The S23 Plus offers improved low-light performance and more consistent image processing, leading to clearer and more vibrant photos across different scenarios. However, some users have noted that Samsung's post-processing can sometimes over-sharpen or alter colors, particularly in 50MP mode.
• Video and Audio: Both devices are capable of recording high-quality video, with the S23 Plus offering enhanced stabilization and potentially better audio capture due to its newer hardware and processing. The S23 Plus also features a 12MP front camera with autofocus, an upgrade from the S21 FE 5G's 32MP fixed-focus front camera, which can result in sharper selfies and video calls. Both phones include stereo speakers, providing a good audio experience for media consumption.