The Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 4G is a device that sits in a peculiar spot in Samsung’s lineup. It’s positioned as a more affordable alternative to the flagship S21 series, yet it carries enough premium features to make it a compelling choice for those who want high-end performance without the flagship price tag. Having spent considerable time with this phone, I’ve come to appreciate its balance of performance, design, and value—though it’s not without its compromises.

Design and Build Quality

At first glance, the Galaxy S21 FE 4G looks strikingly similar to its flagship siblings. It sports the same contour-cut camera housing that blends seamlessly into the metal frame, giving it a cohesive and premium aesthetic. The back panel is made of plastic, which might disappoint some users expecting glass, but Samsung’s matte finish does an excellent job of resisting fingerprints and providing a secure grip. The phone feels solid in hand, and the IP68 rating for dust and water resistance is a welcome addition at this price point.

The 6.4-inch Dynamic AMOLED display is one of the standout features of this device. It’s vibrant, with deep blacks and excellent contrast, making it a joy for media consumption. The 120Hz refresh rate ensures smooth scrolling and responsive touch interactions, though it’s worth noting that the resolution is capped at 1080p, which might not satisfy pixel purists. Still, for most users, this display is more than adequate.

Performance and Software

Under the hood, the Galaxy S21 FE 4G is powered by the Exynos 2100 (or Snapdragon 888 in some regions), paired with 6GB or 8GB of RAM depending on the variant. This chipset delivers flagship-level performance, handling everything from multitasking to graphically intensive games with ease. I didn’t experience any noticeable lag or stuttering during my usage, though the phone does warm up under prolonged heavy loads—a common trait of high-performance chipsets.

OneUI 4, based on Android 12, runs smoothly on this device. Samsung’s software has come a long way in terms of polish and usability, offering a clean interface with thoughtful customization options. The company promises three major Android updates, which means the S21 FE 4G will likely receive support up to Android 15, giving it a decent lifespan in terms of software updates.

Camera Performance

The camera setup on the S21 FE 4G is versatile, featuring a 12MP primary sensor, a 12MP ultra-wide, and an 8MP telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom. Daylight photos are excellent, with accurate colors and good dynamic range. The ultra-wide lens does a commendable job of minimizing distortion, though it struggles a bit in low-light conditions. The telephoto lens is useful for getting closer to subjects without sacrificing detail, though it’s not as sharp as the primary sensor.

Low-light performance is decent but not exceptional. Night mode helps brighten shadows and reduce noise, but it’s not quite on par with the best in this category. The 32MP front-facing camera captures detailed selfies, though it tends to over-smooth skin in certain lighting conditions. Video recording is solid, with support for 4K at 60fps and reliable stabilization.

Battery Life and Charging

The 4,500mAh battery provides a full day of moderate usage without much trouble. With the 120Hz refresh rate enabled, you might need to top up by evening if you’re a heavy user. The phone supports 25W wired fast charging, 15W wireless charging, and 4.5W reverse wireless charging. While the charging speeds aren’t class-leading, they’re sufficient for most users. Unfortunately, Samsung no longer includes a charger in the box, so you’ll need to supply your own.

Final Verdict

The Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 4G is a well-rounded device that offers a near-flagship experience at a more accessible price. It excels in display quality, performance, and software support, while the camera system and battery life are good but not outstanding. The plastic back and lack of a charger in the box might irk some buyers, but these are minor quibbles in an otherwise excellent package. If you’re looking for a premium Android phone without the flagship price, the S21 FE 4G is a strong contender.

Key Specifications:

Display: 6.4-inch Dynamic AMOLED, 1080 x 2400 resolution, 120Hz refresh rate

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

RAM: 6GB or 8GB

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

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

Front Camera: 32MP

Battery: 4,500mAh with 25W wired charging, 15W wireless charging

OS: Android 12 with OneUI 4 (upgradable to Android 15)

Other Features: IP68 rating, in-display fingerprint sensor, stereo speakers