Samsung finally presented the Galaxy S21 FE (or “Fan Edition”) today at CES 2022. This is basically an optimized version of the S21 from last year that the company is sale for $ 700 starting January 11th. That’s $ 100 less than the regular S21, and for the price, this year’s model has the same 5nm processors, 120Hz refresh rate (in a slightly larger screen), and a similar triple camera system. However, the S21 FE has a larger battery and comes with Android 12. We’ll have a full review soon, but based on our brief hands-on with a review device, the S21 FE seems like a well-rounded device.
At first glance, the S21 FE isn’t quite as conspicuous as last year’s flagship. While it features a similar bump in the upper left corner for its camera module, its case doesn’t have a glossy finish like the original S21. I prefer the previous style – this one is kind of boring. But the S21 FE feels sturdy and its matte surface helps it to withstand fingerprints too
The S21 FE is also available in a different color set than the original: This time you have the choice between lavender, olive, silver or black (this is the color of my sample device).
Cherylnn Low / Engadget
At 177 grams (or 6.2 ounces), the S21 FE is slightly heavier than the S21, which is reasonable considering the larger 6.4-inch screen on the newer model. The display continues to run with Full HD + and looks bright and sharp. However, don’t expect S Pen support here like the S21 + and Ultra. Like the S21, the Fan Edition does not support the Samsung stylus either.
Aside from size, the biggest difference between the S21 FE and the original model is in their rear view cameras. While both versions have a similar 12-megapixel main camera with an f / 1.8 aperture, the FE’s ultra-wide-angle lens has a slightly wider field of view of 123 degrees. Also, the FE’s telephoto camera uses an 8-megapixel sensor, while the S21’s 64-megapixel, although both offer 30x space zoom.
During my hands-on time with the S21 FE, I haven’t really subjected the cameras to rigorous testing and so far I haven’t seen any major image quality issues. Pictures came out colorful and clear. Oddly enough, the FE’s front camera is 32 megapixels sharp, while that of the original is only 10 megapixels. The selfies I’ve taken with it so far were indeed crisp and sharp and individual strands of my damaged hair were painfully clear.
Cherylnn Low / Engadget
These optimizations are similar to the S20 FE different from the S20. Samsung said it has sold 10 million units of the S20 FE in just over a year since the phone launched in the fourth quarter of 2020, making this model one of the best-selling Galaxy smartphones of last year.
Since this is just a quick hands-on and not our full review, I can’t yet say how the S21 FE will compete with other phones in this price range. But already now it looks like tough competition the pixel 6, which offers great cameras and software for the same price, even though it has a polarizing design.
Although the combination of features for the relatively lower price tag could make the S21 FE an attractive phone for many Samsung fans, the company picked an inconvenient time to bring this device to market. With next-generation flagships likely to appear on the horizon, Galaxy buyers might be tempted to wait and see what the company could bring at this launch. Even if you’re looking to buy a new Galaxy S series handset now, at least wait until we can test the S21 FE in more detail before you spend your money.
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