Hey guys! Today, we're diving deep into the Samsung S21 FE to see if it still holds up in today's crowded smartphone market. With so many new devices hitting the shelves, it's crucial to understand where this Fan Edition stands. We'll be checking out its performance, camera capabilities, display quality, and overall value for money. So, buckle up, and let's get started!

Design and Build Quality

When it comes to design, the Samsung S21 FE doesn't stray too far from its flagship siblings. It sports a sleek, minimalist look with a contour-cut camera housing that seamlessly blends into the body. The phone feels great in hand, thanks to its lightweight design and matte finish, which not only looks premium but also does a decent job of repelling fingerprints. You'll find the power button and volume rocker on the right side, which are easily accessible. The USB-C port and speaker grille are located at the bottom. While the phone lacks a 3.5mm headphone jack, which might be a bummer for some, it’s a common trend these days. The build quality is solid, and the phone feels sturdy, giving you confidence that it can withstand daily wear and tear. The IP68 rating for water and dust resistance is a welcome addition, offering extra peace of mind. Overall, the design is modern, clean, and functional, making the S21 FE a visually appealing device.

Display

The display is one area where the Samsung S21 FE truly shines. It features a vibrant 6.4-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display with a 120Hz refresh rate. This combination results in incredibly smooth scrolling, fluid animations, and an immersive viewing experience. The colors are rich and punchy, typical of Samsung's AMOLED panels, making everything from photos to videos look stunning. The high refresh rate makes a noticeable difference, especially when gaming or browsing social media. The screen gets plenty bright, ensuring excellent visibility even under direct sunlight. The resolution is sharp enough to make text and images appear crisp and clear. Whether you're watching your favorite movies, playing graphics-intensive games, or simply browsing the web, the S21 FE's display delivers a top-notch visual experience. It's easily one of the best features of this phone, and it makes a significant impact on the overall user experience. The display is protected by Gorilla Glass Victus, which provides excellent scratch resistance, adding to the phone's durability. The slim bezels around the screen further enhance the immersive experience, making the display feel even larger. All in all, the Samsung S21 FE offers a display that is hard to fault, providing vibrant visuals and smooth performance.

Performance and Software

Under the hood, the Samsung S21 FE packs a punch with either the Snapdragon 888 or the Exynos 2100 chipset, depending on the region. Both chipsets are powerful and capable of handling demanding tasks with ease. Whether you're gaming, multitasking, or running resource-intensive apps, the S21 FE delivers smooth and responsive performance. The phone is equipped with ample RAM, ensuring that apps stay open in the background and you can switch between them seamlessly. The Snapdragon variant generally performs slightly better in gaming and sustained workloads, but the Exynos version is no slouch either. The phone runs on Samsung's One UI, which is based on Android. One UI is feature-rich, offering a wide range of customization options and useful features like Samsung DeX, which allows you to connect your phone to a monitor for a desktop-like experience. Samsung has also promised several years of software updates, ensuring that your phone stays up-to-date with the latest features and security patches. While One UI can feel a bit overwhelming at first due to the sheer number of options, it is generally well-optimized and user-friendly. The Samsung S21 FE provides a fluid and responsive user experience, making it a joy to use on a daily basis. The combination of powerful hardware and well-optimized software ensures that you can tackle any task with ease.

Camera

Let's talk cameras! The Samsung S21 FE boasts a versatile camera system that includes a 12MP primary sensor, a 12MP ultra-wide lens, and an 8MP telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom. This setup allows you to capture a wide range of shots, from stunning landscapes to detailed close-ups. The main camera delivers excellent image quality with vibrant colors, good dynamic range, and plenty of detail, especially in well-lit conditions. The ultra-wide lens is great for capturing expansive scenes, although there is some slight distortion around the edges. The telephoto lens provides useful zoom capabilities, allowing you to get closer to your subject without sacrificing too much image quality. The S21 FE also excels in low-light photography, thanks to its Night Mode, which brightens up the scene and reduces noise. The front-facing camera captures detailed and flattering selfies. The camera app is packed with features, including Single Take, which captures a variety of photos and videos with a single tap, and Pro Mode, which gives you more control over the camera settings. The Samsung S21 FE also records high-quality video at up to 4K resolution. Overall, the camera system is versatile and capable, making it a great choice for both casual photographers and those who want more control over their shots. The image processing is typical of Samsung, with boosted colors and contrast, which many users find appealing.

Battery Life

Battery life is always a crucial factor when considering a new smartphone. The Samsung S21 FE comes with a 4,500mAh battery, which provides decent but not exceptional battery life. Under moderate usage, you can expect to get through a full day on a single charge. However, if you're a heavy user who spends a lot of time gaming or streaming videos, you might need to top up the battery before the end of the day. The phone supports 25W fast charging, which can charge the battery from 0% to 50% in about 30 minutes. It also supports wireless charging and reverse wireless charging, which is a convenient feature for charging your earbuds or other accessories. While the battery life isn't the best in its class, it's adequate for most users. Power users might want to consider carrying a portable charger or adjusting their usage habits to extend the battery life. The adaptive battery feature, which learns your usage patterns and optimizes battery performance, can also help to improve battery life. Overall, the Samsung S21 FE offers a satisfactory battery experience, but it's not a standout feature.

Value for Money

Now, let's talk about value for money. The Samsung S21 FE was initially priced competitively, but its value proposition has changed over time as newer phones have been released. Whether it's still worth buying depends on your budget and what you're looking for in a smartphone. If you can find it at a discounted price, it offers a great combination of features and performance for the money. However, if it's priced too close to newer models, you might want to consider those instead. The S21 FE offers a flagship-level experience at a more affordable price point, making it a compelling option for those who don't want to spend a fortune on a smartphone. It's a well-rounded device that excels in most areas, including design, display, performance, and camera. The long-term software support from Samsung is also a significant advantage. However, the battery life could be better, and the lack of a headphone jack might be a deal-breaker for some. Ultimately, the Samsung S21 FE's value depends on its current price and your individual needs and preferences. If you prioritize a great display, capable camera, and smooth performance, it's definitely worth considering, especially if you can find it at a good price.

Conclusion

So, is the Samsung S21 FE still worth buying? In short, yes, it can be, especially if you find it at a good price. It offers a compelling blend of features and performance that make it a solid all-around smartphone. The vibrant display, capable camera system, and smooth performance make it a joy to use on a daily basis. While the battery life and lack of a headphone jack are minor drawbacks, they don't detract too much from the overall experience. If you're looking for a flagship-level experience without breaking the bank, the Samsung S21 FE is definitely worth considering. Just be sure to compare its price to newer models before making a decision. Ultimately, it's a well-rounded device that offers excellent value for money.