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 operate on the Android platform with Samsung's One UI, the Galaxy S24+ introduces significant advancements in display technology, processing power, and long-term software support. This comparison will explore the practical differences between these two models to help users determine which device best suits their needs.

When considering the longevity of a smartphone, both software support and physical durability play crucial roles. The Galaxy S24+ offers a substantially longer period of software updates compared to the Galaxy S21 FE 5G.

• Release Timeline and OS Support: The Galaxy S21 FE 5G, released in January 2022, launched with Android 12 and is expected to receive its final major OS update with Android 16. In contrast, the Galaxy S24+, released in January 2024, launched with Android 14 and is guaranteed seven generations of OS updates, extending its support until Android 21. This means the S24+ will receive software updates for several years longer.
• Update Frequency: The Galaxy S21 FE 5G initially received monthly security updates, but this transitioned to a quarterly schedule as of October 2025. The Galaxy S24+ benefits from Samsung's commitment to seven years of security updates, ensuring regular patches for an extended period.
• Physical Durability: Both devices feature an IP68 rating for dust and water resistance, indicating protection against immersion in water. The Galaxy S21 FE 5G uses Gorilla Glass Victus for screen protection, while the newer Galaxy S24+ upgrades to Gorilla Glass Victus 2 on both the front and back, offering enhanced resilience.

The performance of a smartphone impacts everything from app loading times to gaming experiences and overall system responsiveness. The Galaxy S24+ features a more recent and powerful internal architecture.

• Processing Capabilities: The Galaxy S21 FE 5G is equipped with a processor that handles multitasking and demanding applications effectively for its generation. The Galaxy S24+, however, incorporates a newer generation processor designed for ultra-fast performance, ensuring smoother operation for intensive tasks, complex applications, and advanced AI features.
• Multitasking and Responsiveness: With 6GB or 8GB of RAM, the Galaxy S21 FE 5G provides adequate memory for typical daily usage. The Galaxy S24+ comes with 12GB of RAM, allowing for more seamless multitasking and quicker transitions between numerous open applications.
• Battery Behavior: The Galaxy S21 FE 5G has a 4500 mAh battery, which some users found to last a full day with regular use, though heavy usage often required an earlier recharge. The Galaxy S24+ features a larger 4900 mAh battery, and user reports suggest it offers significantly longer endurance, often lasting a full day or even up to 1.5 to almost 3 days for lighter users. The S24+ also supports faster 45W wired charging compared to the S21 FE 5G's 25W.

The display is a primary interface for smartphone interaction, and both models offer vibrant viewing experiences, though with notable differences in technology and capabilities.

• Display Technology and Clarity: Both devices feature Dynamic AMOLED 2X displays, known for deep blacks and vibrant colors. The Galaxy S21 FE 5G offers a 6.4-inch Full HD+ (2340x1080px) resolution. The Galaxy S24+ steps up to a larger 6.7-inch display with a Quad HD+ (3120x1440px) resolution, providing a noticeably sharper image.
• Brightness and Outdoor Visibility: The Galaxy S21 FE 5G has a peak brightness of 1200 nits, ensuring good visibility in various lighting conditions. The Galaxy S24+ significantly increases this to a peak brightness of 2600 nits, making it exceptionally bright and easy to view even in direct sunlight.
• Refresh Rate and Smoothness: The Galaxy S21 FE 5G features a 120Hz refresh rate for smooth scrolling, but it is not adaptive. The Galaxy S24+ boasts an adaptive refresh rate ranging from 1Hz to 120Hz, thanks to its LTPO panel. This adaptive technology allows the screen to dynamically adjust its refresh rate based on content, contributing to smoother visuals and improved power efficiency.

For many users, the camera system is a key factor in choosing a smartphone. Both the Galaxy S21 FE 5G and Galaxy S24+ offer versatile camera setups, with the newer model featuring enhancements in sensor technology and processing.

• Rear Camera System: The Galaxy S21 FE 5G includes a triple camera setup with a 12MP wide, 12MP ultrawide, and an 8MP telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom. The Galaxy S24+ also features a triple camera system, but with a higher resolution 50MP main sensor, a 12MP ultrawide, and a 10MP telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom.
• Photography Performance: The Galaxy S21 FE 5G is noted for producing good all-round results with vibrant colors and clear photos, even in low light. The Galaxy S24+ delivers outstanding photos with crisp details and deep colors across various lighting conditions, with its main camera performing particularly well.
• Video Recording and Audio: Both phones support 4K video recording at 60 frames per second. The Galaxy S24+ extends this capability to 8K video recording at 30 frames per second. Both devices offer stereo speakers and Dolby Atmos support for an enhanced audio experience.