Galaxy S21 FE 5G Vs Galaxy S24

The Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G, released in January 2022, and the Samsung Galaxy S24, launched in January 2024, represent different generations within Samsung's smartphone lineup. While both devices offer a premium Android experience, the S24 introduces a more advanced processor, enhanced camera capabilities, and a significantly extended software support policy. Both operate on the Android platform, with the S24 launching with a newer version and a commitment to longer updates.

The practical lifespan of a smartphone is often influenced by its release timeline and the manufacturer's commitment to software updates. These factors determine how long a device remains secure and compatible with new applications.

• Release Timeline: The Galaxy S21 FE 5G was released in January 2022, while the Galaxy S24 followed two years later in January 2024. This difference in launch dates directly impacts their remaining support windows.
• Software Longevity: The Galaxy S21 FE 5G typically receives around four years of Android OS updates and five years of security updates from its release. In contrast, the Galaxy S24 benefits from Samsung's updated policy, promising seven years of both OS and security updates, extending its software relevance significantly longer. [1, 4, 13, 21, 33, 39]
• Repairability: The Galaxy S24 has demonstrated a high repairability score, with some assessments giving it a 9/10 or 9.5/10. [5, 6, 7, 8] This is partly due to design choices like easily removable batteries with pull tabs, though screen removal can still be challenging. [5, 6, 7, 9] Information on the specific repairability score for the S21 FE 5G is less prominent, but Samsung generally aims for a degree of repairability across its devices.

Performance in smartphones is a combination of processing power, memory, and battery efficiency, all contributing to the user's daily experience with applications and multitasking.

• Processing Capabilities: The Galaxy S21 FE 5G is powered by a processor from 2021, either the Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 5G or the Exynos 2100, depending on the region. [10, 26, 36, 40] The Galaxy S24 features a newer generation processor, either the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 for Galaxy or the Exynos 2400. [1, 3, 11, 12, 13] This newer hardware in the S24 allows for smoother handling of demanding applications, more efficient multitasking, and improved performance in graphically intensive games.
• Battery Behavior: The Galaxy S21 FE 5G is equipped with a 4500 mAh battery. [18, 26, 29, 35] The Galaxy S24 has a 4000 mAh battery. [1, 2, 3, 14] Despite the S24's smaller capacity, its more efficient processor and software optimizations aim to provide comparable or improved real-world battery endurance for many users, with some reports indicating about 1.5 days or 34 hours of use for moderate users. [20, 28] However, heavy usage, especially with gaming or camera, can lead to more frequent charging for the S24. [20, 28, 34]
• Storage and Responsiveness: Both devices offer various storage configurations, typically starting from 128GB and going up to 256GB or 512GB, paired with 6GB or 8GB of RAM. [1, 2, 3, 12, 13, 18, 26, 29, 32, 40] The S24's newer memory and storage technologies contribute to faster app loading and overall system responsiveness.

The display is a primary interface for smartphone interaction, and differences in technology, resolution, and brightness can significantly impact the viewing experience.

• Display Technology and Size: Both the Galaxy S21 FE 5G and the Galaxy S24 feature Dynamic AMOLED 2X displays, known for their vibrant colors and deep blacks. The S21 FE 5G has a 6.4-inch display, [18, 24, 26, 29, 31, 39] offering a slightly larger viewing area compared to the S24's 6.2-inch screen. [1, 2, 3, 12, 16]
• Brightness and Clarity: The Galaxy S24 offers a higher peak brightness of up to 2600 nits, [1, 12, 16, 43] making it more visible in bright outdoor conditions compared to the S21 FE 5G's peak brightness of around 800-1200 nits. [24, 31, 39] Both displays feature a 1080 x 2400 pixel resolution, providing clear and sharp visuals for everyday use. [2, 3, 12, 16, 24, 26]
• Refresh Rate and Protection: Both models boast a 120Hz refresh rate for smooth scrolling and fluid animations. The S24 features an adaptive refresh rate that can scale down to 1Hz, contributing to power efficiency, and is protected by Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2. [1, 12, 16] The S21 FE 5G uses Corning Gorilla Glass Victus. [18, 26]

Camera systems are a key differentiator, with advancements in sensor technology, processing, and software features continually improving photographic and videographic capabilities.

• Rear Camera System: The Galaxy S21 FE 5G includes a triple rear camera setup with a 12 MP wide lens (with OIS), an 8 MP telephoto lens (3x optical zoom, OIS), and a 12 MP ultrawide lens. [10, 19, 24, 26, 31, 37, 38] The Galaxy S24 also features a triple rear camera system, but with a 50 MP wide sensor (with OIS), a 10 MP telephoto lens (3x optical zoom), and a 12 MP ultrawide lens. [1, 2, 13, 16, 17, 23] The S24's higher resolution main sensor and improved image processing generally result in more detailed and vibrant photos, particularly in well-lit conditions. [17, 23]
• Front Camera and Video: The S21 FE 5G has a 32 MP front camera, [19, 24, 26, 37, 38] while the S24 features a 12 MP front camera with autofocus. [2, 13, 17, 23] Both devices are capable of recording 4K video at 30/60fps, with the S24 also offering 8K video recording at 30fps. [23, 26, 37] The S24 benefits from newer software algorithms and AI features that can enhance photo and video quality, including improved low-light performance and stabilization. [12, 17]
• Photography Experience: Users of the S21 FE 5G generally find its cameras capable for everyday photography, though some note inconsistencies in color profiles between lenses and less impressive low-light performance. [38, 39] The S24 aims for more natural color reproduction compared to previous Samsung models and offers useful AI editing tools, though these were also rolled out to some S23 series phones. [17]