Galaxy S21 FE vs. Galaxy S21 vs. Galaxy S20 FE in direct comparison

Samsung Galaxy S21 FE Image: © Samsung 2022

A look at the hardware data shows that the Galaxy S21 FE has the best processor: the Snapdragon 888 is in some cases clearly superior to the Exynos 2100 developed by Samsung and the Qualcomm Snapdragon 865. But: even the weakest chip of the comparison is still beyond doubt in terms of performance. All processors are also well suited for gaming, video editing or social media.

With 6GB of RAM, the Galaxy S21 FE and S20 FE are big enough for the 128GB model. For enthusiasts and demanding users, the 8GB of RAM in the S21 is more enticing.

All phones are equipped with Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5, NFC, USB 3.2 and Samsung DeX. Unfortunately, the Galaxy S21 and S21 FE don't have microSD memory card slots.

Conclusion: You get plenty of performance with all smartphones. You get the most "power" from the Galaxy S21 FE. Like the S21, it does without a microSD slot.

cameras

If you attach particular importance to the camera, the Galaxy S21 has the advantage in the comparison. That's thanks to the 64-megapixel telephoto sensor, which has been replaced by an 8-megapixel sensor on the S21 FE. Video recordings up to 8K are only possible with the S21.

Surprising detail: Technically, the cameras of the S20 FE and the S21 FE are largely identical. Compared to the S21, you can even record selfie videos in 4K at 60fps. The 32-megapixel front camera makes it possible.

Conclusion: The differences between the cameras of the S21 FE, S21 and S20 FE are surprisingly small. And that's exactly what makes the S20 FE exciting for those who film and take lots of photos. You get a smartphone with a microSD card slot and very good sensors.

battery

25 watt fast charge, 15 watt wireless charge, 4.5 watt reverse wireless charge – they all have it. With this last function, you charge another phone or a contactless smartwatch via the back of your smartphone.

In fact, the weak point of the Galaxy S21 is the battery with the lowest capacity. You can get through the day better with the FE models.

Conclusion: If you are used to charging your phone every day as a frequent user, it doesn't matter if your new smartphone has a 4000 or 4500 mAh battery. However, the S20 FE and S21 FE last longer than the S21.

operating system

Samsung Galaxy S21 FE Image: © Samsung 2022

If the latest operating system is always important to you, the Samsung Galaxy S21 FE might be the best choice. Because it already comes with Android 12 and the One UI 4.0 interface. Samsung is promising three major updates for its top smartphones, so the S21 FE will get Android 13, Android 14, and Android 15. The Samsung Galaxy S20 FE, on the other hand, will likely end after Android 13. The Galaxy S21 is expected to again receive Android 14.

Conclusion: Currently, the Galaxy S21 FE, S21 and S20 FE ship the latest Android 12. The biggest difference is the end of support for the next versions of the operating system from Google. This is where the latest phone, the S21 FE, has a clear advantage.

Value for money

The Galaxy S20 FE, which cost 629 euros without commitment when it was released in September 2020, is now a real price breaker. It has long been available for (well) less than 500 euros, which makes the S20 FE an attractive phone for bargain hunters.

The Galaxy S21 cost 849 euros (128 GB model) when it was released, the price has not dropped too much and in some places it is similar in price to the new S21 FE for 749 euros (128 GB) without commitment.

Conclusion: The Galaxy S20 FE is a powerful smartphone at a currently attractive price. There's a lot of high-end tech here for the price of a high-end phone. The S21 models offer more, but they are significantly more expensive. The S21 FE can outperform the S21 with a powerful battery, the best view of Android updates, and the fastest processor.

Galaxy S21 FE vs Galaxy S21 vs Galaxy S20 FE: Which one should I buy?

Samsung Galaxy S21 FE Image: © Samsung 2022

Which smartphone is the best? You can probably imagine – the question cannot be answered in such a general way. But:

Do you like hitting? bargainTake the Galaxy S20 FE: Lots of performance, great camera, cutting-edge tech – there's not much to complain about.

Amateur photographers and videographers also make a great choice with the S20 FE. The cameras are nearly identical to the S21 FE, but you get a handy microSD memory card slot, which the S21 series lacks.

Gamers and Demanding Users Get the fastest processor and 120Hz display for ultimate entertainment with the S21 FE. It's also prepared for the future thanks to three upcoming Android updates.

Lovers of compact and elegant smartphones choose the S21. The smartphone looks great, has a nice finish and fits perfectly in the hand. The camera is a few shades better than the S21 FE.

In the end, it can be said: in the Galaxy S21 FE vs Galaxy S21 vs S20 FE comparison, there is no clear winner, because all three smartphones are excellent, but have their individual advantages and disadvantages.