Galaxy S21 FE 5G Vs Galaxy S24 Ultra

The Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G, released in January 2022, and the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra, launched in January 2024, represent different tiers and generations within Samsung's smartphone lineup. While both operate on the Android platform, the S24 Ultra, as a more recent flagship, introduces significant advancements in processing power, camera capabilities, and long-term software support compared to the S21 FE 5G.

The longevity of a smartphone is influenced by its release timeline, software support, and physical resilience. These two devices offer different expectations in these areas.

• Release Timeline & Software Support: The Galaxy S21 FE 5G, released in early 2022, typically receives four generations of Android OS updates and five years of security updates from its launch. In contrast, the Galaxy S24 Ultra, launched in early 2024, benefits from Samsung's extended commitment, promising seven years of OS upgrades and security updates, ensuring a longer period of current software features and security patches.
• 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 Gorilla Glass Victus for screen protection, while the S24 Ultra incorporates the newer Gorilla Glass Armor, designed for enhanced scratch resistance and durability. The S24 Ultra also features a titanium frame, offering a robust build.
• Repairability: The Galaxy S24 Ultra has received high repairability scores, with some assessments giving it a 9 out of 10, noting that many components are accessible, though the display can be challenging to remove without damage. Information on the S21 FE 5G's specific repairability score is less widely detailed, but generally, Samsung devices from that era offered moderate repairability.

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

• Processing Power: The Galaxy S24 Ultra features a current-generation processor, enabling it to handle intensive applications, complex multitasking, and advanced gaming with high responsiveness. The Galaxy S21 FE 5G, equipped with a processor from an earlier generation, still offers capable performance for everyday use and most applications, but may show limitations with the most graphically demanding games or heavy multitasking over time.
• Multitasking and Storage: The S24 Ultra typically comes with 12GB of RAM, providing ample capacity for seamless app switching and background processes. The S21 FE 5G is available with 6GB or 8GB of RAM, which is sufficient for general use but may offer less headroom for extensive multitasking compared to the S24 Ultra. Storage options for the S24 Ultra range up to 1TB, while the S21 FE 5G offers up to 256GB.
• Battery Behavior: The S24 Ultra is noted for its extended battery life, often lasting more than a full day even with intensive use, attributed to its 5000mAh battery and efficient processor. The S21 FE 5G, with a 4500mAh battery, generally provides a full day of use for moderate users, though heavy usage may require more frequent charging.

The display is a primary interface for user interaction, and both devices offer vibrant viewing experiences with distinct characteristics.

• Display Technology and Clarity: Both phones feature Dynamic AMOLED 2X displays, known for deep blacks and vibrant colors. The S24 Ultra has a larger 6.8-inch display with a higher QHD+ resolution (1440 x 3088 pixels), resulting in a sharper image with 505 PPI. The S21 FE 5G has a 6.4-inch display with a Full HD+ resolution (1080 x 2400 pixels), providing clear visuals at 401 PPI.
• Brightness and Refresh Rate: The S24 Ultra offers a significantly higher peak brightness of 2600 nits, improving visibility in bright outdoor conditions. The S21 FE 5G has a peak brightness of 1200 nits. The S24 Ultra features an adaptive refresh rate that dynamically adjusts from 1Hz to 120Hz, optimizing smoothness and battery efficiency. The S21 FE 5G offers a 120Hz refresh rate, but it is typically fixed or switches between 60Hz and 120Hz, which can impact battery consumption.
• Viewing Experience: The S24 Ultra's larger, higher-resolution display with superior brightness and adaptive refresh rate provides a more immersive and fluid viewing experience, particularly for media consumption and detailed work. The S21 FE 5G still delivers a good visual experience for everyday tasks and media, but without the same level of refinement.

The camera systems on these devices cater to different photography needs, with the S24 Ultra offering a more advanced and versatile setup.

• Rear Camera System: The Galaxy S24 Ultra features a quad-camera setup, including a 200MP main sensor, a 12MP ultrawide, a 50MP telephoto with 5x optical zoom, and a 10MP telephoto with 3x optical zoom. This configuration provides extensive zoom capabilities and high-resolution imaging. The S21 FE 5G has a triple-camera system with a 12MP wide, 12MP ultrawide, and an 8MP telephoto lens offering 3x optical zoom.
• Photography Performance: The S24 Ultra's advanced sensors and processing contribute to detailed images, improved low-light performance, and enhanced zoom quality, even at higher digital zoom levels. Users have noted its versatility and consistent performance across various conditions. The S21 FE 5G delivers good quality photos in well-lit conditions, suitable for social media and casual photography, but its low-light performance and zoom capabilities are less refined than the S24 Ultra.
• Video Recording: The S24 Ultra supports up to 8K video recording at 30fps and 4K at 120fps in Pro Video mode, offering high-resolution and slow-motion options. The S21 FE 5G can record 4K video at 30/60fps. Both devices offer optical image stabilization for smoother video.