Galaxy S21 FE 5G Vs Galaxy S25

The Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G, released in January 2022, and the Samsung Galaxy S25, launched in February 2025, represent different generations within Samsung's smartphone lineup. While both devices offer a comprehensive Android experience, the Galaxy S25 introduces significant advancements in processing power, display technology, and software longevity, reflecting three years of technological evolution. Both operate on the Android platform, with the S25 benefiting from a more recent version and extended support.

When considering the practical lifespan of these devices, their release timelines and software support policies are key differentiators.

• Release Timeline: The Galaxy S21 FE 5G was released in January 2022, making it an older model compared to the Galaxy S25, which launched in February 2025. This three-year difference directly impacts their remaining software support and overall practical lifespan.
• Software Longevity: The Galaxy S25 was released with Android 15 and is promised 7 years of OS and security updates, extending its support well into the future. In contrast, the Galaxy S21 FE 5G launched with Android 12 and will receive fewer major Android version updates and security patches over its lifetime, meaning its software support will conclude sooner.
• Durability Features: Both devices feature IP68 dust and water resistance, allowing submersion in up to 1.5 meters of freshwater for up to 30 minutes. The Galaxy S21 FE 5G uses Corning Gorilla Glass Victus for screen protection, while the Galaxy S25 upgrades to Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2 on both the front and back, offering enhanced resistance against drops and scratches.

The performance capabilities of the Galaxy S21 FE 5G and the Galaxy S25 show a notable generational leap, impacting how smoothly they handle various tasks.

• Processing Power: The Galaxy S25 is equipped with a significantly newer and more efficient processor, designed to handle demanding applications and multitasking with greater ease and responsiveness. This newer architecture also supports advanced AI features integrated into the device. The Galaxy S21 FE 5G, while capable for everyday use, features an older generation processor that may show limitations with the most intensive applications or future software updates.
• Multitasking and Responsiveness: The Galaxy S25 typically comes with 12GB of RAM across all models, providing ample capacity for seamless multitasking and keeping numerous applications open in the background without slowdowns. The Galaxy S21 FE 5G offers configurations with 6GB or 8GB of RAM, which is sufficient for most users but may experience more frequent app reloads when juggling many demanding tasks.
• Storage Options: Both devices offer various internal storage capacities, starting from 128GB, but neither supports expandable storage via a microSD card.
• Battery Behavior: The Galaxy S21 FE 5G features a 4500mAh battery, which generally provides lasting power for a full day of moderate to heavy use. The Galaxy S25 has a 4000mAh battery, but its more efficient processor and display technology contribute to decent battery life, often lasting a full day with moderate usage, though some reports indicate it might be less robust than other devices in its segment.

Both smartphones feature high-quality displays, but the Galaxy S25 incorporates newer technology for an enhanced visual experience.

• Display Technology and Brightness: Both devices utilize Dynamic AMOLED 2X display technology, offering vibrant colors and deep blacks. However, the Galaxy S25 boasts a significantly higher peak brightness of 2600 nits, making it considerably easier to view content clearly in bright outdoor conditions compared to the Galaxy S21 FE 5G's 1200 nits.
• Resolution and Refresh Rate: Both phones feature Full HD+ resolutions (1080x2400 for S21 FE 5G and 1080x2340 for S25) and a smooth 120Hz refresh rate, ensuring fluid scrolling and responsive interactions. The Galaxy S25 further benefits from LTPO technology, allowing for a more adaptive refresh rate that can conserve battery life by dynamically adjusting based on content.
• Screen Size and Protection: The Galaxy S21 FE 5G has a slightly larger 6.4-inch display, while the Galaxy S25 features a 6.2-inch display. Both are protected by Gorilla Glass, with the S25 featuring the newer Gorilla Glass Victus 2 for improved durability.

The camera systems on both devices are capable, but the Galaxy S25 offers advancements in sensor technology and video recording.

• Rear Camera System: The Galaxy S25 features a triple rear camera setup with a 50MP main sensor, a 12MP ultrawide lens, and a 10MP telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom. The Galaxy S21 FE 5G also has a triple camera system, consisting of a 12MP wide, a 12MP ultrawide, and an 8MP telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom. The higher resolution main sensor on the S25 can capture more detail.
• Low-Light and Video Quality: The Galaxy S25 benefits from a newer image processing engine and AI enhancements, contributing to improved low-light performance and overall image quality. It also supports 8K video recording at 30 frames per second, a feature not available on the S21 FE 5G, which records up to 4K at 60 frames per second. Both devices offer optical image stabilization on their main and telephoto lenses for steadier shots.
• Front Camera and Audio: The Galaxy S21 FE 5G has a 32MP front-facing camera, while the Galaxy S25 features a 12MP front camera. Both are capable of recording 4K video at 30/60fps. Both phones include stereo speakers for an immersive audio experience during media consumption.