A Galaxy fan’s dream
The Samsung Galaxy S23 FE is a fan’s dream with all of the options and enhancements you might hope for regarding all the things from processing energy to cameras and design. It’s price contemplating as a viable improve to a extra entry-level telephone.
ForSturdy, improved display with Vision BoosterHigher, sooner processorNicer general designAgainstNot an enormous step up in options
Don’t commerce in simply but
There’s no main cause to commerce within the Samsung Galaxy S21 FE simply but, until you’re off contract and prepared for an improve. But the enhancements are slight so that you would possibly need to maintain onto this system for a couple of extra years, or improve to one thing else within the S23 Series for a much bigger step-up.
ForSturdy, brilliant screenLong-lasting batteryAgainstCameras not as greatPlastic backNot as highly effective processorComes with older OS (however updateable)
Samsung Galaxy FE telephones are designed particularly for followers: the “FE” in the identical denotes “Fan Edition” and with every new model of the system, Samsung considers suggestions from its customers to construct upon what folks love and what they need to see. When contemplating FE version telephones, two fashions price embody the Samsung Galaxy S23 FE vs. Samsung Galaxy S21 FE. Naturally, the previous is the most recent mannequin whereas the latter was launched final 12 months. But is there a viable cause to get the newer model? We’ll discover that right here.Samsung Galaxy S23 FE vs Galaxy S21 FE: Do they give the impression of being totally different?Why you’ll be able to belief Android Central
Our skilled reviewers spend hours testing and evaluating services and products so you’ll be able to select the very best for you. Find out extra about how we take a look at.(Image credit score: Andrew Myrick / Android Central)First off, let’s think about how they give the impression of being. The simply launched Samsung Galaxy S23 FE has a sturdy 6.4-inch display and is available in extra enjoyable colors like Mint, Purple, Cream, and Graphite finishes, in addition to Samsung unique colours Indigo and Tangerine. The display, manufactured from Corning Gorilla Glass 5, is a Dynamic AMOLED 2x with eye consolation protect, which is designed to assist scale back blue gentle whenever you’re utilizing it for one thing like gaming or watching movies for a protracted time frame. It boasts 1,080 x 2,400-pixel decision, barely larger than the Galaxy S21 FE. The telephone itself has an aluminum body with a glass again and employs recycled supplies within the manufacturing course of. Boasting 128GB or 256GB built-in storage, it has a 4,500mAh sensible battery that Samsung says can run all day and intuitively conserves vitality. At 209 grams, the 5G telephone is barely heavier than the Samsung Galaxy S21 FE in addition to a tad larger. It’s IP68 water-proof. However, what actually stands out in regards to the aesthetics of the Samsung Galaxy S23 FE is that it’s designed to look extra like its premium sisters within the Galaxy S23 household. It has a flat design with round cut-outs for the cameras and a sleeker end general. Thus, if you would like one thing that appears extra premium, you’ll favor the Samsung Galaxy S23 FE.(Image credit score: Nicholas Sutrich / Android Central)The Samsung Galaxy S21 FE, in the meantime, is available in extra muted colours like Olive, Graphite, Lavender, or white. It has the identical 6.4-inch Dynamic AMOLED display (,1080 x 2,340) with and a properly slimmed down bezel, nevertheless it’s comprised of aluminum with a plastic versus glass again. The Infinity-O show, manufactured from powerful Gorilla Glass Victus, options Eye Comfort Shield as effectively. It, too, has 128GB or 256GB storage and the identical 4,500mAh battery that lasts all day, together with 5G. The telephone can be IP68 dust- and waterproof, so you’ll be able to confidently take it nearly wherever to seize recollections. As famous, it’s a bit lighter than the Galaxy S23 FE, seemingly due at the least partially to the plastic versus glass again. So, it is a issue price contemplating as effectively.Samsung Galaxy S23 FE vs Galaxy S21 FE: Comparing specsBefore we dive into extra about these two Fan Edition telephones, let’s see what’s actually totally different in regards to the new telephone versus the older mannequin primarily based on specs.Swipe to scroll horizontallyHeader Cell – Column 0 Samsung Galaxy S23 FESamsung Galaxy S21 FEOSAndroid 13 (One UI 5.1)Android 12 (upgradeable to Android 13), One UI 4 (updateable to 5.1, nation dependent)ColoursMint, Purple, Cream, Graphite (Samsung unique Indigo, Tangerine)White, Graphite, Lavender, OliveDisplay Size6.4 inches6.4 inchesScreen KindDynamic AMOLED 2xDynamic AMOLED 2xRefresh Charge120Hz120HzProcessorSnapdragon 8 Gen 1Qualcomm Snapdragon 888RAM8GB6GB, 8GBStorage128GB, 256GB (not expandable)128GB, 256GB (not expandable)Digicam50MP Wide, 8MP Telephoto with 3x optical zoom, 12MP ultra-wide, 10MP entrance12MP Wide, 8MP Telephoto, 12MP ultra-wide, 32MP frontSpeakersStereo SpeakersStereo SpeakersBattery4,500mAh4,500mAhWireless ChargingYesYesBluetooth5.35.0Water ResistantIP68IP68Cellular5G5GSize6.22 x 3.01 x 0.32 inches6.13 x 2.93 x 0.31 inchesWeight209 grams177 gramsSamsung Galaxy S23 FE vs Galaxy S21 FE: Features and features(Image credit score: Andrew Myrick / Android Central)Now that you could see how these two telephones examine when it comes to specs, let’s get right down to the nitty-gritty about what makes them totally different relating to options and features. The greatest variations right here lie within the processing energy and cameras. The Samsung Galaxy S23 FE has a greater processor with a Snapdragon 8 Gen 1. It additionally comes with 8GB RAM to begin, skipping over the slower 6GB RAM possibility. It additionally comes loaded with Android 13 in addition to Samsung One UI 5.1. While you’ll be able to replace the Samsung Galaxy S21 FE to this OS as effectively, it could help fewer updates sooner or later. Available with an optical fingerprint sensor, the Samsung Galaxy S23 FE helps super-fast charging with the elective wall charger, in addition to wi-fi charging. Like different Galaxy units, it’s going to work seamlessly with suitable Galaxy units just like the Samsung Buds, Tab, and different Galaxy telephones. This contains the brand new Samsung Galaxy Buds FE and Tab S9 FE, which have been launched on the similar time. In phrases of the digicam, you get an improved pro-grade digicam system that features a 50MP wide-angle digicam that’s a lot better than the one within the Samsung Galaxy S21 FE. It has additionally a 12MP ultra-wide digicam, 8MP telephoto digicam with 3x optical zoom, and a 10MP selfie digicam that’s really not as excessive decision because the one within the earlier technology telephone. The stand-out function for the Samsung Galaxy S23 FE is Vision Booster, which helps optimize show settings to breed colours extra precisely, regardless of the lighting situation. It additionally options Nightography for improved night time photographs and movies that present wealthy colours and decreased noise. Additionally, there’s a function referred to as Photo Remaster than can sharpen blurry photographs.(Image credit score: Nicholas Sutrich / Android Central)In comparability, the Samsung Galaxy S21 FE comes with a Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 processor, which isn’t fairly as snappy. It comes with both 6GB or 8GB RAM relying on the storage capability possibility you select. So, in case you’re choosing the 128GB storage model, you’ll be coping with much less RAM. It’s nonetheless first rate, however in case you multitask, sport, stream movies, and use different bandwidth-intensive duties, you would possibly discover the distinction. As famous, since this telephone is older, it comes with Android 12 and Samsung One UI 4, however you’ll be able to replace the OS variations. It, too, has an optical fingerprint sensor and works with suitable Samsung Galaxy units. In his evaluation, Android Central’s Nicholas Sutrich appreciates that the telephone comes with 120Hz refresh fee enabled proper out of the field, saying the “best experience can be had without tweaking a single thing.” This telephone additionally helps wi-fi charging in addition to reverse wi-fi charging, and Sutrich says he had no points getting a full day’s use out of the telephone by means of his evaluation interval. On event, he was even capable of rise up to 2 days with lighter use. For the cameras, you get a lesser fundamental digicam at simply 12MP ultra-wide and 12MP wide-angle in addition to a lesser telephoto lens at 8MP. The selfie digicam, nonetheless, is best with 32MP decision, so in case you take loads of selfies or use it for recording social media movies, you would possibly really favor the older telephone. There can be the 30z area zoom function that can lock in to the topic as you zoom and assist scale back shakiness.Samsung Galaxy S23 FE vs Galaxy S21 FE: Which do you have to purchase?(Image credit score: Andrew Myrick / Android Central)Now comes the large determination: between the Samsung Galaxy S23 FE vs. Samsung Galaxy S21 FE, which do you have to purchase? Both are succesful Fan Edition telephones you’ll be happy with. Naturally, the newer fashions boasts enhancements over the older one. Namely, this features a sooner, higher processor, Android 13 and Samsung One UI 5 out of the field, a greater fundamental digicam, and the helpful Vision Booster function which makes the display a step-up, even when it’s the identical sort and dimension (with barely larger decision as effectively). But the Samsung Galaxy S23 FE isn’t an enormous step-up from the Samsung Galaxy S21 FE. If you already personal a Samsung Galaxy S21 FE and also you get pleasure from it, there’s no cause to hurry to improve. If the RAM is a deciding issue, you need to think about upping to 256GB anyway, which isn’t a lot by at this time’s requirements. This is very so since neither telephone has expandable reminiscence. Bottom line: in case you’re shopping for new, wait and go for the Samsung Galaxy S23 FE. If you already personal a Samsung Galaxy S21 FE, you’ll be able to maintain out a bit longer, or improve to a different of the very best Samsung Galaxy smartphones for an much more premium expertise, albeit at the next value.
The premium Fan Edition telephone
As the very best Fan Edition telephone you should purchase proper now, the Samsung Galaxy S23 FE boasts improved processors, a greater digicam, Vision Booster, and a modern, new design. It appears dearer than it’s, making it a great premium possibility for die-hard followers on a funds.
Still an amazing telephone
The Samsung Galaxy S21 FE isn’t any slouch within the specs division, and it isn’t an enormous step down from the Galaxy S23 FE, particularly when you’ve got or need the 256GB, 8GB RAM possibility. If you discover related pricing between the 2, undoubtedly go for the newer telephone. But when you’ve got considered one of these already, maintain onto it for now.