Only the telephoto and ultrawide cameras are different, both coming with slightly smaller sensors and the telephoto with a dimmer aperture. Meanwhile, the specs of the telephoto camera are unchanged from those of the S20 FE, with a 1/4.4in f/2.4 sensor, a 3x optical zoom capability and OIS. Network : The bandwidths supported by the device may vary depending on the region or service provider Estimated against the usage profile of an average/typical user. Independently assessed by Strategy Analytics between 2021.12.08–12.20 in USA and UK with pre-release versions of SM-S901, SM-S906, SM-S908 under default setting using 5G Sub6 networks (NOT tested under 5G mmWave network). Actual battery life varies by network environment, features and apps used, frequency of calls and messages, number of times charged, and many other factors.

Requires optimal 5G connection. Availability and actual speed may vary depending on country, carrier and user environment. Fast Wireless Charging 2.0 at 10W or higher is currently available with Wireless Charger Stand (EP-N5200) and Wireless Charger Duo Pad (EP-P5200). Wireless Chargers sold separately. Other wireless chargers compatible with WPC support wireless charging under 5W. Actual charging speed may vary depending on the actual usage, charging conditions and other factors. Wireless charger requires power connection. Recommend using Samsung charging cable and/or travel adapter for optimal performance. Estimated against the usage profile of an average/typical user. Independently assessed by Strategy Analytics between 2021.06.18–06.23 in USA and 2021.12.08–12.20 in the UK with pre-release versions of SM-G990 under default setting using 5G Sub6 networks (NOT tested under 5G mmWave network). Actual battery life varies by network environment, features and apps used, frequency of calls and messages, number of times charged, and many other factors.Battery: Actual battery life varies by network environment, features and apps used, frequency of calls and messages, number of times charged, and many other factors.

If we have a criticism, it’s that on the rear camera, the autofocus was a little iffy for close-up subjects, both ones that were very close like flowers, and ones taken at a medium distance like pets. It’s something you can toggle while taking a picture, but in the case of furry friends, you often don’t have the time to manually change the focus. Limited to Samsung or other brand smartphones with Qi wireless charging, such as Galaxy Z Fold3 5G, Galaxy Z Flip3 5G, Galaxy S21 5G, Galaxy S21+ 5G, Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G, Galaxy Z Fold2, Galaxy Note20, Galaxy Note20 Ultra, Galaxy S20, S20+, S20 Ultra, Z Flip, Note10, Note10+, S10e, S10, S10+, Fold, S9, S9+, S8, S8+, S8 Active, S7, S7 edge, S7 Active, S6, S6 edge, S6 Active, S6 edge+, Note9, Note8, Note FE, Note5 and wearables such as Galaxy Buds Pro, Galaxy Buds Live, Galaxy Watch3, Galaxy Watch Active2, Galaxy Watch Active, Gear Sport, Gear S3, Galaxy Watch and Galaxy Buds. If battery power is lower than 30% Wireless PowerShare may not function. May not work with certain accessories, covers, other brand devices or some Samsung wearables. May affect call reception or data services, depending on your network environment. That’s right, this is a plastic phone - or maybe we should call it Glasstic, which is Samsung’s marketing term for it, even though its similarities to glass (a common smartphone material) end with the name. There are pros and cons of a plastic phone: it’s more durable and easier to grip, but it feels a little cheap in the hand.On the front of the phone is a 32MP snapper - that’s a jump up from the 10MP on the other S21 models - but resolution isn’t necessarily the be all and end all of camera quality. Network: 5G network availability may vary depending on the country, network provider and user environment. The most notable difference, however, is that the Galaxy S21 FE has opted for Qualcomm’s top-end Snapdragon 888, rather than going for Samsung’s homemade Exynos 2100 equivalent (found inside the normal S21 in the UK). Architecturally speaking, both of these chipsets are pretty much identical, so there’s a good chance you won’t notice a difference between the two in regular use anyway – but we’ll find out later in this review. Samsung Galaxy S21 FE review: Price and competition It’s a similar story when it comes to gaming. The S21 FE beat the Pixel 6’s Tensor chipset in the GFXBench Manhattan benchmarks, drawing level with the S21’s score from last year. It’s worth mentioning that while the iPhone 13’s off-screen frame rate might look impressive, unlike the S21 FE, you’re limited by a bog-standard 60Hz display. Provided the game supports it, high frame-rate gaming is definitely on the cards for the S21 FE.

You’d be forgiven for confusing the Galaxy S21 FE with its non-FE siblings, because other than its size, it’s a dead ringer for the vanilla and Plus members of its family. Galaxy S21 FE 5G is rated as IP68. Based on test conditions for submersion in up to 1.5 meters of freshwater for up to 30 minutes. Not advised for beach or pool use. SM-G990B, SM-G990B/DS, SM-G990U, SM-G990U1, SM-G990W, SM-G990E, SM-G9900, SM-G990B2, SM-G990U2, SM-G990W2 What’s more, many mid-range phones like the Realme GT, Moto G200, Pixel 5 and iPhone SE (2020) cost a lot less, and most come with comparable specs that make them more tempting mobiles.Like those aforementioned mobiles, the FE has the same rear camera, Contour Cut bump to house its three lenses. One tiny difference is that the FE uses plastic material around these rear cameras whereas the S21 features metal.