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When Samsung released the Galaxy S21 FE in early 2022, it was celebrated as a more affordable version of the flagship S21, boasting premium features at a mid-range price. Fast forward to 2025, and the question arises: is the S21 FE still a worthwhile purchase today? With rapid advancements in smartphone technology and new devices being launched each year, potential buyers are right to wonder if older models like the S21 FE can still hold their own. This article takes a detailed look at the S21 FE in 2025 to determine its value, performance, and relevance in the current market.
The S21 FE continues to hold a modern and sleek appearance even in 2025. Its 6.4-inch display paired with thin bezels still provides an immersive experience. The phone sports a plastic back with a matte finish, a design choice that was met with mixed reactions at launch but has aged well in terms of durability and grip.
With a metal frame, IP68 water and dust resistance, and relatively lightweight construction, the S21 FE offers a build quality that matches many of today’s mid-range and even some premium-tier devices.
The Galaxy S21 FE boasts a 120Hz AMOLED display with vibrant color reproduction and deep contrast levels. Even by 2025 standards, the screen is impressive for both media consumption and daily tasks. While newer flagships may now offer LTPO panels with adaptive refresh rates and possibly even 8K support, the S21 FE’s display still stands out as more than adequate for most users.
For general browsing, video streaming, and even mobile gaming, the display leaves little to be desired, especially at its current price point in 2025.
Powered by either the Exynos 2100 (international version) or Snapdragon 888 (U.S. version), the S21 FE performs decently even three years after its release. These processors were flagship-level chipsets in 2021 and although they’re no longer top of the line, they handle everyday tasks well.
In 2025, users can expect smooth multitasking, gaming with moderate settings, and seamless app navigation. However, it’s important to note that the thermal performance may lag behind newer, more efficient 4nm and 3nm chips found in current smartphones.
So far, most mainstream apps are still compatible and optimized for Android 13 and Android 14, ensuring the S21 FE continues to provide a fluid user experience. However, as more apps leverage AI-based processing and heavy graphical content, signs of aging may become more apparent in the next couple of years.
While newer models are pushing camera innovation with periscope zoom, large sensors, and built-in AI processing, the S21 FE’s triple rear camera setup still holds its own:
The camera system delivers vibrant photos with good dynamic range in daylight, along with decent low-light performance thanks to software optimization. However, it may fall short in emerging computational photography trends that dominate 2025 flagships.
Video quality peaks at 4K 60fps and is still more than sufficient for content creators starting out or casual users documenting everyday moments. Features such as super steady mode, slow-motion, and Director’s View add to the versatility of the S21 FE camera set.
Samsung committed to four years of major Android updates and five years of security updates for select models starting in 2021. Since the S21 FE was released in early 2022, it’s likely to receive Android updates through 2026. As of 2025, the device should be on Android 14 with at least one major update remaining.
This makes the phone secure and reasonably futureproof for users who prioritize long-term software support.
The S21 FE features a 4,500mAh battery, which originally offered a full day’s use under moderate activity. In 2025, users will likely notice some battery degradation depending on usage habits, but the device should still comfortably last through a day for light or moderate users.
Charging speeds may feel outdated compared to 80W+ and even 100W+ fast chargers found in newer models, but for the average user, the difference isn’t game-changing.
By 2025, the S21 FE is available at significantly reduced prices, especially on refurbished or second-hand markets. Some carriers may still offer it as a budget option in plans, and worldwide, it has become a popular choice among first-time smartphone users, backup phone seekers, or those looking for great value at under $300.
The Galaxy S21 FE in 2025 is not designed for power users or those seeking the latest innovations in mobile technology. However, it remains an excellent value smartphone for a wide range of users. Here’s a quick breakdown:
If you’re a casual user, someone looking for a secondary device, or a buyer on a tight budget, the S21 FE still ticks many boxes. For those wanting cutting-edge performance and top-tier specs, it may be worth exploring newer options from Samsung’s A-series or flagship S-series.
In conclusion, while the S21 FE may no longer be a flagship killer, it continues to live up to Samsung’s promise of offering quality performance and features to a wider audience—even in 2025.
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