The Galaxy S21 FE (short for Fan Edition) was launched just moments before the S22 models were announced.
The purpose of the FE model is to offer a cheaper alternative to Samsung's flagship series, but when it sells for NIS 2,400, the regular S21 sells for NIS 2,750 and the S22 another second here, the question arises how does it justify its existence?
This review will try to put you in a bit of a mess.
For an overview of the regular Galaxy S21
First of all, before we get into the technical matters, it is worth noting that similar to the kit of the regular S21 models, here too you will not get a charger, as Samsung says it helps it to preserve the environment.
On the other hand, it provides the fast charge separately in different operations, which probably do not harm the planet.
Design: Galaxy S21 FE - thin, light and protected from water
Similar to the regular S21, this is also a device that comes from a plastic body (the frame is aluminum), but unlike the more expensive model, here Samsung did not combine different colors in the frame and lens, to slightly break its appearance.
The device that came to me had a matte black back, which was very sensitive to fingerprints.
This is a lightweight smartphone - 177 grams and also thin - 7.9 mm. Samsung has maintained its water resistance - 1.5 meters for 30 minutes (IP68). Also, there is a type of glass - Gorilla Glass Victus. This is the latest and protected glass from the Corning company.
Screen: Galaxy S21 FE - A sharp screen with a high image refresh rate
This model comes with the same screen technology as in the regular S21.
This is the very high-quality Dynamic AMOLED 2X technology, which features a high image refresh rate of 120 Hz for a smooth display of the interface and support for content in the HDR10 Plus.
In short, this is a color rich and sharp image.
The resolution still stands at 1080 by 2400 pixels, with the screen itself being larger in this model 6.4 inches compared to 6.2 inches in the regular model.
Galaxy S21 FE, Photo: Tzachi Hoffman
Interface: Galaxy S21 FE - Android 12 has arrived
The Galaxy S21 FE is the first smartphone I use with Android 12, although since I got this model for review, more Samsung devices have started getting this update.
In addition, it includes the One UI interface in version 4.0 of the South Korean manufacturer, it includes among other things easier identification of the activity of the microphone or camera, using a green dot that lights up every time they work, keeping your exact location confidential so that apps get only approximate location Yours, quick access to the emoji files you have created for yourself through the Samsung keyboard, correcting English errors on the keyboard using the Grammarly service, redesigning the widgets and having easier access to their selection.
Of course, Samsung still allows call recording via its dial menu as well as the WiFi Calling service and the Smart Things app for controlling smart home products.
Galaxy S21 FE, Photo: Tzachi Hoffman
Hardware: Galaxy S21 FE - fast with 5th generation
In terms of processing power, the regular S21 and S21 FE come with the same processing power - Samsung Exynos 2100 home processor with 8GB of working memory, 128GB of storage and support for 5th generation cellular networks. Both are of course very fast and I did not suffer from any problems with them. While working.
Both come with WiFi 6, Bluetooth 5.0 and NFC.
There is a difference in the fingerprint sensor, although both are embedded under the screen, but in the regular S21 model it is an ultrasonic sensor, while in the S21 FE it is optical.
The sensor here is fast, but not very.
Also, there are good stereo speakers here with a slightly wide sound thanks to the use of Dolby Atmos.
Camera: Galaxy S21 FE - Dual Optical Zoom 3
In the photography category, we find here a photo array with 3 sensors: 12 megapixels with f / 1.8 aperture key including optical image stabilizer and auto focus, the second sensor is telephoto - 8 megapixels with f / 2.4 aperture key, dual optical zoom 3, auto focus And optical image stabilizer (this is one of the main differences between the two models, when in the regular S21 you get a 64 megapixel sensor but with a dual 3 and non-optical hybrid zoom, which is less good), the sensor for wide photography (123 degrees) is 12 megapixels with f / 2.2.
Galaxy S21 FE,
All this data manages to produce a good camera here, not one at the level of a flagship device, but definitely a good one.
The colors are natural and not as rich as Samsung tends to offer in its cameras, this is not a disadvantage or an advantage, a matter of preference.
Seeing that this camera has difficulty dealing with enclosed spaces with imperfect lighting, on the other hand, in night shots, you get an image that does not suffer from excessive noise.
Also, the combination of the optical zoom allows you to approach distant objects without interruption.
The selfie camera comes with a 32 megapixel sensor with f / 2.2 compared to 10 megapixels in the regular model but with auto-focus.
It manages to produce good, clean images with relatively natural colors and there is also the option of making a portrait mode (bokeh).
Battery: Galaxy S21 FE - Disappointing battery
Samsung tends to produce devices from its flagship series with disappointing batteries, ones that at best come with unnecessary energy at the end of the day.
In the new model Samsung has incorporated a battery with a capacity of 4500 mAh as opposed to 4,000 mAh in the standard S21, but the performance is still not something.
For example, my battery lasted from 7 in the morning until 9 in the evening, when I had 8% energy left in the battery (screen time of 3:15 hours).
The smartphone supports a 25 watt wired charge, which is supposed to charge 50% of the energy within 30 minutes.
Samsung does not provide a charger in the kit, so I could not test this option.
The wireless charge is 15 watts and there is also the option of reverse wireless charging, for charging other devices, for example, headphones.
Price
: NIS 2,400
Bottom line, the Galaxy S21 FE offers a cheaper option for Samsung's flagship series, it has an excellent screen, lightweight design with water protection, wireless charging and fast hardware.
On the other hand, there is some compromise here in the camera, even though it offers good performance and the battery is disappointing.
Posted on The Gadget Reviews
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