The Samsung Galaxy S21 FE (Fan Edition) is a device that aims to strike a balance between premium features and affordability. As part of Samsung’s Fan Edition lineup, it takes inspiration from the flagship Galaxy S21 series while trimming some of the excess to hit a more accessible price point. But does it manage to deliver a compelling experience without too many compromises? Let’s dive in.

Design and Build Quality

At first glance, the Galaxy S21 FE carries a design language that’s unmistakably Samsung. It features a sleek plastic back—though it feels more premium than the term "plastic" might suggest—with a matte finish that resists fingerprints. The camera module seamlessly blends into the metal frame, mirroring the contour-hugging design of the S21 series. The phone is available in several vibrant colors, including Graphite, Olive, Lavender, and White, catering to different aesthetic preferences.

Weighing in at 177 grams and measuring 7.9mm in thickness, the S21 FE feels light and comfortable in hand. It’s also IP68-rated for dust and water resistance, a feature often missing in mid-range devices. The inclusion of Gorilla Glass Victus on the front adds durability, though the absence of a charger in the box might disappoint some users.

Display

The Galaxy S21 FE sports a 6.4-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display with a Full HD+ resolution (1080 x 2400 pixels). The panel is vibrant, with deep blacks and excellent contrast, thanks to its AMOLED technology. A 120Hz refresh rate ensures smooth scrolling and responsive touch interactions, though it’s worth noting that the refresh rate is adaptive, meaning it can drop to 60Hz to conserve battery when needed.

Outdoor visibility is strong, with a peak brightness of 1200 nits, making it easy to use under direct sunlight. The punch-hole cutout for the front camera is minimal, and the symmetrical bezels contribute to an immersive viewing experience. Whether you’re streaming videos, gaming, or just browsing, the display is one of the phone’s standout features.

Performance and Software

Under the hood, the Galaxy S21 FE is powered by either the Exynos 2100 or Snapdragon 888 chipset, depending on the region. Both variants are paired with 6GB or 8GB of RAM and 128GB or 256GB of storage (unfortunately, there’s no microSD card slot for expansion). Performance is snappy, handling multitasking and demanding apps with ease. Casual gamers will find the experience smooth, though heavy gaming sessions might cause some thermal throttling over time.

The phone runs Samsung’s One UI 4.0 (upgradable to newer versions), which is layered over Android 12. One UI is feature-rich, with plenty of customization options, but it does come with some pre-installed bloatware. Samsung promises four years of major OS updates, which is commendable for a device in this segment.

Camera Performance

The S21 FE features a triple-camera setup: a 12MP primary sensor with OIS, a 12MP ultra-wide lens, and an 8MP telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom. Daylight photography is excellent, with accurate colors, good dynamic range, and sharp details. The ultra-wide lens does a decent job, though there’s some distortion at the edges. Low-light performance is respectable, thanks to Night Mode, but it’s not quite on par with flagship devices.

The 32MP front-facing camera captures detailed selfies, and Samsung’s software processing ensures skin tones look natural. Video recording tops out at 4K 60fps, with stabilization that works well for handheld shooting. Overall, the camera system is versatile, though it doesn’t quite match the prowess of the S21 Ultra.

Battery Life and Charging

A 4500mAh battery powers the S21 FE, which should comfortably last a full day with moderate usage. Heavy users might need a top-up before bedtime, especially if the 120Hz refresh rate is left on constantly. The phone supports 25W wired fast charging, 15W wireless charging, and 4.5W reverse wireless charging. While the wired charging speed isn’t class-leading, it’s serviceable, taking about an hour to go from 0% to 100%.

Audio and Connectivity

The S21 FE comes with stereo speakers tuned by AKG, delivering clear and balanced sound. There’s no 3.5mm headphone jack, so wireless or USB-C headphones are necessary. Connectivity options include 5G, Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.0, and NFC. The under-display fingerprint sensor is fast and reliable, though facial recognition is less secure.

Key Specifications:

Display: 6.4-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X, 120Hz, 1080 x 2400 pixels

Processor: Exynos 2100 / Snapdragon 888 (region-dependent)

RAM: 6GB / 8GB

Storage: 128GB / 256GB (non-expandable)

Rear Cameras: 12MP primary (OIS), 12MP ultra-wide, 8MP telephoto (3x zoom)

Front Camera: 32MP

Battery: 4500mAh, 25W wired, 15W wireless charging

OS: Android 12 with One UI 4.0

IP Rating: IP68 dust/water resistant

Weight: 177g

Final Verdict

The Samsung Galaxy S21 FE is a well-rounded device that offers flagship-like features at a more palatable price. It excels in display quality, performance, and design, though it makes a few compromises in areas like charging speed and camera versatility. If you’re looking for a premium Samsung experience without the flagship price tag, the S21 FE is a compelling choice—just don’t expect it to match the absolute best in every category.