Samsung Galaxy S21 FE test: simple, efficient … it’s still “yes” in 2023

A Samsung Galaxy S is a powerful phone, but it is above all a statutory object. It must therefore have an impeccable design, immediately recognizable. The Galaxy S21 series had struck a blow in this field with a photo module perfectly integrated into the hull. This gave the products of airlines and a lot of personality. The S21 FE follows this logic, while bringing some changes to differentiate yourself.

Test Samsung Galaxy S21 Fe 5G: despite a late arrival, it is worth it

The Samsung Galaxy S21 Fe 5G smartphone is the last in the S21 series to have been presented, just before the Galaxy S22, to complete the range of mobiles that the manufacturer wants to be affordable, but with a minimum of compromise. It takes up the codes of other S21 mobiles, but with, according to Samsung, taking into account user expectations. It is distinguished by its configuration worthy of a high -end model of the past year including a Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 processor with 6 or 8 GB of RAM, an AMOLED screen as Samsung knows how to do them, refreshes at 120 Hz and has Three photo sensors at the rear. We were able to test it for a while and here are our impressions.

Main technical characteristics of the Samsung Galaxy S21 FE:

• 6.4 inch AMOLED screen, 1080×2400 pixels 120 Hz
• Chipset Qualcomm Snapdragon 888
• 6 or 8 GB of RAM
• 128 or 256 GB of non -extensible internal storage
• Triple photo sensor 12+12+8 megapixels
• 32 megapixel front sensor
• Fingerprint reader under the screen
• 4500 mAh battery compatible load 25 watts, wireless and inverted load
• Operating system: Android 12 with a ONE UI 4 software overlay

Design of the Samsung Galaxy S21 Fe

THE Design of the Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G is not surprised by the same vein as the other smartphones in the S21 series. His edges are rounded, But not too much either, giving it a certain class. Its dimensions are average since it is 7.9 mm thick for a weight of 177 grams which is less than the competition. This is represented by the OnePlus 9 Pro, Oppo Find X3 Pro, Xiaomi Mi 11i, Xiaomi Mi 11, Xiaomi 11t Pro or Realme GT 5G with which it shares the processor. Only the Sony Xperia 5 III, another competitor, is more light, accusing 168 grams on the scale.

On the color side, the Samsung Galaxy S21 Fe 5G is available in several colors (olive, white, black and lavender). We tried it in black. He is rather sober and matt. Its optical block which seems to want to return to the left profile of the smartphone (looking from the back) is actually contained at the back of the smartphone. You can see the photo sensors inscribed in three circles with an identical diameter, which is appreciable to the eye. The block is on a certain thickness. The flash is deported, next to it, on the same plane as the rest of the back of the device. The fingerprints are extremely limited and you must really have very dirty hands to leave brands. The turn of the smartphone is made of metal showing its antennas. On the right profile, there is the standby button and the one that manages the sound volume. They are ideally positioned, not too high or too low to fall naturally under the fingers. On the upper profile, there is only a microphone and nothing on the left profile. Finally, on the lower edge, we note the presence of the drawer for SIM cards. Unfortunately, it is not possible to insert a memory card to extend the storage capacity of the device. It is therefore necessary to choose your version between the one that has 128 or the other of 256 GB. The USB-C connector is also present as well as a speaker. However, the mobile offers stereo sound. He is rather satisfactory and benefits from a certain dynamism. It must be recognized that there is not really a difference between the power released to the right compared to the speaker on the left, which is a good thing and far from running the streets.

Like its big brothers, the Galaxy S21 FE 5G is equipped with a fingerprint reader installed under the screen. He turned out to be perfect only to our tester, flawless and rather responsive to unlock the mobile. Too bad it is so low, its base being 1.3 cm from the bottom of the smartphone sometimes forcing a small gymnastics of the thumb. We would have preferred a higher position.

For connectivity, the Galaxy S21 Fe 5G is compatible Wi-Fi 6 which allows him to offer important flows. he is also 5G, Bluetooth and NFC for contactless payment and pairing with other devices embarking this technology. This is also the case of competition which offers the same connectivity possibilities.

A very high quality screen on the Galaxy S21 FE 5G

The Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G is equipped with a Flat Dynamic AMOLED 2X 6.4 -inch screen displaying a definition of 1080×2400 pixels refreshed at 120 Hz. For videos, note compatibility with the HDR10 and even HDR10+format, supported by Samsung, like the OnePlus 9 Pro, Oppo Find X3 Pro, Mi 11i, Mi 11, 11t Pro from Xiaomi. The latter has, in addition, the particularity of supporting the Dolby Vision format, like the iPhone 12 and iPhone 13. This is not the case with the Galaxy S21 FE 5G.

The definition of the screen is higher on the OnePlus 9 Pro, the Oppo Find X3 Pro, the Xiaomi Mi 11 which brings better readability, but which consumes slightly more. The screen of the Galaxy S21 FE 5G is pierced at the top in the center to make room for the front photo sensor. The edges are very fine. Only the “chin”, the lower part, is thicker. Of all the most recent mobiles we have been able to test, it is the one that offers the smallest chin. The screen is therefore flat like those of the Mi 11i, 11t Pro from Xiaomi, but also those of the Sony Xperia 5 III and Realme GT 5G. Of course, the brightness is adaptive. In the parameters, it is possible to block the refresh frequency on 120 Hz or on 60 Hz, But impossible to let the mobile choose to optimize the consumption of the battery and, at the same time, offer a lowest experience possible. You can choose between lively or natural mode for colored patterns and it is also possible to play on the white balance.

An interface of the friendly and up -to -date system

The Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G is animated by the Android 12 system with a one UI 4 overlay.0 developed by the manufacturer. The security update dated January 1, 2022 at the time of our test. The smartphone uses exactly the same interface as the other mobiles of the brand.

We are entitled to Many possibilities of personalization, in particular some directly from your wallpaper image for better harmonization. Gesture navigation is provided, but it is also possible to use the three virtual keys at the bottom of the screen. The multitasking manager displays the applications in use in the width direction with the possibility of closing them all in one gesture. Some, among the most used, are also available in the form of shortcuts at the bottom of the screen. It’s very useful. A space to search for a recorded element on the mobile is also accessible. Research includes applications, content of these as well as recorded files in the storage space. Overall, the interface proposed by the S21 FE 5G is very ergonomic and quite pleasant to use on a daily basis. If you want to know more, we invite you to read our previous Samsung smartphones tests.

What performances should we expect ?

Technically speaking, we mentioned it a little higher, the Samsung Galaxy S21 Fe 5G benefits from a Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 processor, The one that was installed in the most high -end mobiles of last year, this year being “dedicated” to the Snapdragon 8 Gen 1. Chipset is associated with 6 or 8 GB of RAM, Depending on the chosen version. Note that there is therefore 128 or 256 GB of non -extensible storage space. With such a configuration, he therefore competes with the high -end models of 2021 like the Oppo Find X3 Pro, OnePlus 9 Pro, Xiaomi Mi 11, Xiaomi Mi 11i, Xiaomi 11t Pro, Realme GT 5G and Sony Xperia 5 III. Like them, on the Galaxy S21 FE 5G, we are entitled to excellent performance which offers very good fluidity and make the mobile very pleasant to use without any jerk or latency time. The deadlines for going from one application to another are extremely short and we can indulge in video games with a maximum of details while enjoying good playability. Like all other smartphones tested, we have submitted it to several performance measurement tools of which here are the main results.

What is the Galaxy S21 FE 5G for photos is worth ?

For multimedia, the phone is completely capable of reading streaming content with HD quality. For photos, he has same 12 megapixel sensors which are installed on the Galaxy S21 Except that it is equipped with a 64-megapixel telephoto lens for a 3x optical zoom, while the Galaxy S21 Fe 5G is embarked, as Third module, an 8 megapixel telephoto lens with 3x zoom. It is ultimately the same configuration as the Galaxy S20 FE 5G. At the front, there is a 32 megapixel sensor. With the Galaxy S21 FE 5G, we were able to get very beautiful photos that approach a lot of those taken by the Galaxy S21. For day -taken images, the results are actually quite close with a good dive, a controlled colorimetry and a certain dynamism. When the night comes, the Galaxy S21 FE 5G tends to contrast a little more than the Galaxy S21 with a fairly limited digital noise, which is appreciable. The independent analysis laboratory DXOMARK allocated a score of 120 to the Galaxy S21 FE 5G while the Galaxy S21 obtained a score of 116.

The interface of the proposed camera application is very classic With the main options at the top of the screen, zoom levels 0.5x, 1x and 3x immediately available and the different shooting modes. From left to right, there is: single take, portrait, photo, video and more. This last menu is customizable. We can add other modes to those already displayed among the bixby vision functions (recognition of objects), ar zone, ar doodle, pro, panorama, food, night, video portrait, professional video, super idle, slowdown, hyperlapse and double registration.

A slightly fair autonomy … in 120 Hz

To operate, the Galaxy S21 FE 5G is equipped with a battery with a capacity of 4,500 mAh, like his predecessor. On the other hand, it can recharge a little faster since it supports the load at 25 watts, Like the Galaxy S21 against 18 Watts for the Galaxy S20 Fe 5G. We can also count on the wireless load and reverse load or “shared” as Samsung calls it to recharge headphones, for example. With a full load, we were able to use the mobile for a day which is not extraordinary, but is explained by the fact that we have chosen to stay in 120 Hz mode in the screen consuming more battery than ‘in 60 Hz, but less fluid. Count about 1 hour 15 minutes to completely recharge the mobile which is far from the fastest, but it is a bias on the part of the manufacturer who prefers to bet on a higher battery life at the expense of a large load speed.

Our opinion on the Samsung Galaxy S21 Fe

The Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G smartphone offers a Very attractive design and an Excellent grip, Without forgetting a user -friendly interface and very good performance. Its screen is also of very high level. The photos they deliver are completely satisfactory, of a quality slightly higher than those offered by the Galaxy S21. We can only blame him for an impossibility of extending his internal storage capacities and a slightly fair autonomy which could have been greater by being able to adjust the frequency of refreshment of the screen. The fact remains that it came out long after the Galaxy S21 today offered at almost affordable prices, ultimately almost more interesting than those displayed by the Galaxy S21 Fe 5G. The new Galaxy S22 is not very far either in terms of price since the same configuration is only offered € 80 (on the basis of official prices) offering performance, increased photos in a more compact format with a screen slightly smaller but very bright.

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Samsung Galaxy S21 FE test: simple, efficient … it’s still “yes” in 2023

We tested the Galaxy S21 Fe. Without further ado, discover our full review of the latest Fandom Edition model available.

The Galaxy S21 was launched on January 11, 2022 – both a year after the Galaxy S21 and shortly before the last Galaxy S22. If some had doubts when he was announced at the end of 2020, the Galaxy S20 Fe was (and remains) a success for the Korean manufacturer. Also, with the shortage of components, we thought that Samsung could ignore the Fandom Edition model.

But these fears were ultimately baseless. With this new S21 Fe model, Samsung is trying to offer newcomers, a smartphone with all the main characteristics of the S21 range. But for a much more attractive price. We spent a few weeks with this product, here is our test of the Galaxy S21 Fe.

For those who prefer the video, you can also discover below the S21 Fe test on our YouTube channel. Otherwise, you can scroll lower to read our more detailed smartphone test.

The technical sheet of the Samsung Galaxy S21 Fe, still in 2023 ?

Before reading our test. Here is the technical sheet of the Galaxy S21 Fe. As you can see, Samsung has integrated many elements that allow this model to position itself among the elite, even in 2023. From a value for money, it is excellent.

– Ultrahd video capture at 60FPS
– Slow down up to 960fps in 1080p
– Optical video stabilization up to 4K
– Video recording in 21: 9
– Super stabilized 1080p super stabilized video cam

– Single Shot mode
Photo (Ai Best Moment, Ultra Wide Shot, Live Focus, Ai Filter, Smart Crop)
Video (Forward and backward videos, original video)

The device is sold with few accessories like many smartphones in 2022: in the box there is a USB-C cable and hand-free-free handlers/kits AKG as well as user notices for a first handling. Nothing very original in itself. No need to look for the charger, it is no longer included.

At what price to buy the Galaxy S21 Fe in 2023 ?

The biggest difference between the Galaxy S21 Fe and the S20 Fe is the disappearance of the microSD port that some will be able to blame the manufacturer. Now, with a memory of 128 GB or 256 GB, it is more than enough to store a large volume of photos, videos and other content on the smartphone.

At the time of the release, the price of the Galaxy S21 Fe was 759 euros for the 128 GB version and 829 euros for the 256 GB version. However, it can be found at more advantageous prices in certain resellers in 2023. Consult our comparator below to find the best offers of the moment.

Galaxy S21 Fe at the best price Basic price: 759 €

What is the design of the galaxy s21 fe ?

Because this smartphone is fundamentally a Galaxy S21, there is a design inspired by the S21 series released in 2021. But this year, the Galaxy S21 Fe is however more compact than its predecessor. If the difference in size remains minimal, we appreciate this news which is linked to a slightly smaller screen but also fine screens edges. They allow you to give a general higher -end impression. Suddenly, the grip is better when it remains a large smartphone in itself.

The back is still made of plastic with a so -called “soft touch” finish and you can tell you that it is pleasant in everyday life. The photo block is integrated into the back and allows a specific rendering in the general design level. In addition to a more compact size, we will also note a lighter weight, which is not to displease us. If the global finish of the Galaxy S21 Fe does not compete with the other Galaxy S21, it remains high -end and we have it for its money.

We liked the colors of the past year and we find it a shame that Samsung was somewhat sat in 2022 while the smartphone is still intended for a young and trendy audience. Afterwards, nothing will prevent the user from acquiring a case in the desired colors. On the front side of the smartphone, if the screen is smaller, it should be noted that the punch no longer offers the small silver circle present on the S20.

As we can imagine and as we have seen in our test, the Galaxy S21 Fe offers an optical fingerprint sensor under the screen. If we have not noted any particular concern for use, we would have liked Samsung to place it above. On the S21 Fe, it is found particularly low. With the volume buttons, the switch and/or standby button is found on the right edge, which leaves the left edge of the virgin smartphone.

What is the screen of the Galaxy S21 FE in 2023 worth ?

The Galaxy S21 FE is equipped with an infinity-o amoled screen with a full HD definition+. No quad HD+ like his big brothers but do we really need it every day ? If it is not the best slab of the Korean manufacturer, the screen of the Galaxy S21 Fe is nonetheless excellent. The blacks are deep and the colors are obvious. The colorimetry is mastered, the angles of visions are good and we had no problem of visibility in full sun.

In addition to all this, the Samsung Galaxy S21 Fe offers a screen with a 120Hz refreshment rate. For those who have not followed everything, the main interest of a 120 Hz screen is the overall display fluidity and as we spend our days scrolling pages or timelines, the interest is quickly seen On web pages or twitter.

After, to be honest, it is not an obligation either and come back to smartphones with “simple” 60Hz screens do not really worry. But it is a significant comfort and once you have tasted it, difficult to go back. This remains an argument and we appreciated it on this Galaxy S21 Fe during our test.

Samsung offers stereo speakers and with support from Dolby Atmos. Obviously, we are talking about a loudspeaker and the uses that result from it. The fact remains that the speakers are quite standard in itself and that is enough for small content. Finally, you had to expect it, the Galaxy S21 Fe does not offer a 3.5mm jack port. Note that the S21 FE is delivered with good quality AKG headphones.

What is the autonomy of the Galaxy S21 Fe ?

On the Android side, the Galaxy S21 FE also comes with the Oneui 4 overlay that we find pleasant and complete. It has Android 12. The 120 Hz screen is always a significant plus on a daily basis. The experience is quite close to Android Stock with a few small additions and always third -party publishers.

In any case, we are in known ground and there are not really real revolution since all manufacturers now offer an experience close to Android Stock. Note that we are always entitled to Dex which can work both alone and on a PC or a Mac.

On the performance side, the Galaxy S21 Fe offers a Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 chip. It is currently one of the best SOC for an Android smartphone if it is not the best while waiting for its successor. We did a test of the Galaxy S21 Fe with all the Gourmet Games like Genthin Impact, Call of Duty Mobile, or Dead Cell and there is not much to say except that it was Fluide.

The Galaxy S21 FE offers a 4500mAh battery, which is in itself a minimum given the size of the screen, the rate of refreshing of the screen or the Snapdragon Soc. After the first days, the Galaxy S21 FE has stalled on our habits, which allows me to easily hold an entire day in autonomy.

In our uses, the smartphone offered between 5h and 6 hours of screen per day with an end of the day around 35%-40%. This is not the best in the field but the Galaxy S21 FE ensures the essentials. We find fast recharging as well as wireless recharge. For recharging, we have the possibility of recharging your smartphone from 0 to 100% in just over an hour.

How is the Galaxy S21 FE in photo and video defends itself ?

Because it is a Galaxy S anyway, the photo part of the Samsung Galaxy S21 FE obviously remains one of its strengths. So yes, we do not reach the new features offered by his big brothers (especially the Galaxy S21 Ultra), but we still find a very sufficient quality for a large majority of us. The photo block of the Galaxy S21 FE is similar to the Galaxy S21/S21+ with the famous photo block composed of three cameras, a main big angle, a ultra-angle and a tele-photo.

Regarding the photos, Samsung continues to offer fairly contrasting photos but the Galaxy S21 FE is doing quite well with results similar to what the Galaxy S21 offers. The colors are always a little warmer than normal. We will also note this Samsung trend of slightly underexposing the photos, which causes some details to lose in dark areas.

But in reality and in good light condition, there is not really concerns to be done and the photos are successful. We find a rather efficient and consistent ultra-angle with the main camera. This year, Samsung has made efforts on the tele-photo and more particularly its clearer rendering, which makes it possible to compensate for the lack of the objective of the objective.

In low light conditions, Samsung’s night mode is doing well with photos in itself more natural than some competitors and to our surprise, we have not used night mode so much since the basic capture was enough for the more often.

Better than words, concrete examples:

On the front, the Galaxy S21 FE offers a 32 megapixel sensor. If we have not noted big flaws, Samsung always has this tendency to smooth and “interpret” somewhat clichés. If this can please fans of beauty selfies, those who are looking for more realistic results will remain disappointed.

Regarding the video, in our test, the Galaxy S21 FE uses what the manufacturer’s premium smartphones offer and it is doing well. Stabilization is effective and there is an action-cam mode with stabilization fairly close to Gopro Hypersmooth technology. The videos are rich in detail and offer a good dynamic, we will just regret a strong scrolling on the video that makes you lose video focal length.

Samsung Galaxy S21 FE test: a good smartphone but which arrives too late

Samsung declines its Galaxy S21 in a new version, called Fe. A smartphone that takes up what made the success of the first model while making some adjustments in order to differentiate themselves. Does the South Korean manufacturer give us an interesting product for the consumer or do we have an interest-free model ? Answer right away.

• Price and availability
• Features
• A design inherited from the Galaxy S21
• A well -calibrated amoled screen
• A powerful processor for a powerful smartphone
• A pleasant use under Android 12
• A powerful camera
• A satisfactory autonomy
• Comments

Samsung Galaxy S21 Fe at the best price

THE Galaxy S21 Fe (for Fan Edition), is a new version of the Galaxy S21. The goal is to offer an experience similar to the classic high -end, while modifying some elements to seduce a new audience.

Click here to buy it on Samsung.Com

Samsung had already tried the experience in 2020 with the Galaxy S20 Fe, which was cheaper than its model in its 4G version. For this new iteration, the South Korean manufacturer has made an amazing choice not to bet on a lower price, since this S21 Fe is more expensive than the classic S21.

The idea here is to offer a new approach to the smartphone. Samsung tries to combine what is the strength of S21 and S21+ to offer us the ideal compromise. But Samsung manages to convince with a product with the difference so little marked ? What could lead the user to prefer this FE version rather than the classic, or even wait for the upcoming arrival of S22 ? A question to which we will try to answer in this test.

Price and availability

The Galaxy S21 Fe was released on January 11, 2022 in France. It is available on the official Samsung website as well as from partner resellers. It is sold in two versions. The first (which we have in testing) is displayed at 759 euros and has 6 GB of RAM and 128 GB of storage. A second version with 8 GB of RAM and 256 GB of storage is marketed at 829 euros.

For comparison, the Galaxy S21 (which serves as a model for the FE) was sold from 859 euros when it was released. Today, It is displayed at 649 euros on the Samsung website. We must admit that we do not really understand the logic of selling the FE more expensive than the S21, but be.

The Galaxy S21+ was located far above price, since it was marketed from 1059 euros. For the ultra S21, the flagship of the range, it was necessary to count 1259 euros minimum.

A slightly strange tariff placement smartphone, therefore. It remains to understand what would be the reasons that would push the consumer to go to a FE rather than a classic model ..

Samsung Galaxy S21 Fe at the best price

Features

One would have thought that Samsung would offer a “light” smartphone for this FE version, in order to seduce an audience that does not necessarily want to break its piggy bank for a smartphone. That nenni ! The technical sheet of this S21 FE is that of a pure high -end and is very close to that of the classic S21. You even have to play the games of the seven differences to see the changes made.

Galaxy S21 Fe
Screen	6.4 ” FHD+ 120Hz 2400 x 1080 pixels Gorilla Glass 7
Chipset	Snapdragon 888
BONE	Android 12 + One UI 4
Ram	6/8 GB
Storage	128/256 GB
microSD	No
Main sensor	12 MP wide angle f / 1.8 12 MP ultra wide angle f / 2.2 8 MP Telephoto F / 2.4
Selfie sensor	32 MP (f / 2.2)
Battery	4500 mAh Recharge 25W
5g	Yes
Biometry	Ultrasonic imprint scanner under the screen
Water resistance	IP68

The Galaxy S21 FE has a 6.4 -inch flat amoled screen. Size level, it is thus slightly above its elder (6.2 inches). The slab adopts a definition of 2400 x 1080 pixels and a 120 Hz refresh rate (not dynamic). Inside, we find A Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 processor. Interesting data, since the other Galaxy S21 are equipped with Exynos 2100 processors in Europe. Its battery is 4,500 mAh (against 4000 mAh for the S21) with a fast load of 25 watts.

Finally, the smartphone has a photo module made up of three sensors: a main 12 megapixel, an ultra wide angle of 12 megapixels as well as an 8 megapixel telephoto. The classic S21 had a 64 megapixel telephoto. Finally, the front camera is 32 megapixels (against 10 on the S21).

In short, a high -end technical sheet for this S21 FE. If there were no concessions strictly speaking in relation to the basic model, we note a photo module all the same efficient. We appreciate the largest battery as well as the slightly larger screen. These changes are minor and do not seem to justify the existence of this new model in an already complete range.

Admittedly, it has everything a premium smartphone can offer, but it really justifies spending more while the S21 is cheaper ? It is now time to see what this terminal is worth in everyday life.

A design inherited from the Galaxy S21

A Samsung Galaxy S is a powerful phone, but it is above all a statutory object. It must therefore have an impeccable design, immediately recognizable. The Galaxy S21 series had struck a blow in this field with a photo module perfectly integrated into the hull. This gave the products of airlines and a lot of personality. The S21 FE follows this logic, while bringing some changes to differentiate yourself.

So we find the same visual. The photo module, which seems to come out of the edge, is present and has three sensors aligned vertically, with the flash placed on the side. However, we notice that it comes from the main hull compared to the S21 and does not adopt a different color to stand out. It blends perfectly into the landscape, which gives the smartphone a more “pass” look. We like it or we don’t like it, it’s a matter of taste.

The rear shell replaces the glass of the S21 by matcarbonate matte. It has the merit of strengthening its solidity, but makes it less chic. This material also avoids attracting fingerprints. What to seduce the most maniacs of users. The terminal is available in four colors: olive, lavender, white and graphite (black). It is the latter that we test.

On the slightly curved slices, we find that classic. No Jack 3 port.5 mm, nor a microSD slot (as on the S21). On the lower edge, we notice the classic USB type-C port, the hood for the SIM card as well as the speaker.

On the right edge, there is the volume and ignition button/Bixby. Everything is in its place.

The slab of the S21 FE does not surprise either. We have a 20: 9 screen which stretches over the entire facade of the terminal (86%facade screen ratio). The edges are present, but discreet, which brings certain visual comfort. We always notice the punch at the top in the center.

As on other smartphones in the range, The fingerprint sensor is integrated into the screen. Even if we find it a little low to our taste (you really have to go get it with your finger) it is effective. We have not known any failure in a week of testing. He couple with facial recognition (deactivable) which works perfectly. Very pleasant to use.

In hand, The S21 Fe is pleasant. The imitation metal plastic material is very soft under the fingers. The smartphone is quite heavy (177 grams), but its weight is perfectly distributed in the chassis, which does not interfere with use. If it is the same thickness as the classic S21 (7.9 mm, measurement made at the sensor), its main chassis is slightly thicker. This allowed Samsung to integrate a battery of a larger capacity (we will come back below). Note also that it is IP68 certified, which is resistant to water and dust.

In short, we have a smartphone once again extremely finished. If he does not have the chic of classic S21, he still happens to display a design worthy of a high -end. In hand and use, it is very pleasant. Very beautiful work from Samsung.

A well -calibrated amoled screen

The Samsung Galaxy S21 FE has a 6.4 -inch Amoled slab. It is therefore larger than the classic S21, which has a 6.2 -inch slab. In size, it is still placed below the S21+, which sports it a 6.7 -inch screen.

The S21 FE screen adopts a definition in Full HD+ (2400 x 1080 pixels) as well as a 20: 9, usual format on the range. Like the other models, the slab is equipped with a 120 Hz refreshment rate. This brings more comfort than the classic 60 Hz, even in the menus, since the number of images displayed per second is higher. However, it should be noted that this is not a dynamic rate. The screen is 120 Hz and will remain so in any case, even when you watch a 24 -frame series per second.

In the parameters, it is obviously possible to choose a refresh rate at 60 Hz to save a little battery. As usual, the user can also choose a color profile according to two determined: lively (default) and natural. If he wants to go further, he can also manually adjust the temperature.

We have, as always, analyzed the screen using our probe. Without surprise, The results are good, very close to what we had with the other terminals in the range. Amoled obliges, the contrast is infinite. Blacks are synonymous with extinguished pixel and whites are brilliant. This brings perfect visibility in dark scenes when you watch a series, for example. This also allows the terminal to have an Always-on-Display mode.

Color temperature is also controlled In all modes, very close to the 6500K video standard. In terms of colors, lively mode tends to make them more fluorescent. This is a technique used by manufacturers to make their screens more flattering in the eyes of the user. Here we have an average delta e of 4.4 (3 and below being excellent). When we look more closely, it is the primary colors that are accentuated to give a “Whaou” effect to the whole. By wedging the screen in natural mode, we have a 3 -3 medium delta e (only light greens are a bit failing). This is this one that you will have to choose to look at your photos.

Finally, the brightness of the screen exceeds The 500 nits to the maximum. Correct data reinforced by a big work carried out on the reflections. The consequence is that the visibility is good, even outside per day of great sun. In short, we have an excellent screen. Samsung has always used us to offer us the best slabs on the market and this S21 FE is no exception to the rule.

Regarding the audio part, We have a powerful and correct sound, Despite a certain high volume distortion and a small lack of bass level. Two speakers are present: one on the lower edge and one hidden under the screen. Both bring comfort to stereo and are well placed. An improvement compared to the classic S21, in which the second speaker was figuration. A good copy, given the format.

A powerful processor for a powerful smartphone

The Galaxy S21 FE has a SOC Qualcomm Snapdragon 888. This is an interesting choice, since the other S21s are equipped with Samsung Exynos 2100 SOC in Europe. Our test model also has 6 GB of RAM and 128 GB of memory. As a reminder, the Snapdragon 888 was the most powerful Qualcomm processor for the year 2021, before being replaced by the Snapdragon 8 Gen 1. It has equipped most of the high -end on the market. So we are facing a smartphone that has it under the hood.

The thing is confirmed during our benchmarks. In terms of pure power, We are at the top of the basket. The Galaxy S21 FE is simply one of the most efficient terminals we have tested, alongside the Xiaomi 11 Ultra or the OnePlus 9 (equipped with the same processor). It is also elbowed with the classic Galaxy S21, but the distance widely on the graphic part, so in video games.

It feels like use. Everything is fluid, fast, without jerk. We have not noticed any slowdown or crash during our test week. That power is confirmed in games. Titles like Wild Rift or Glosehin Impact are going to perfection. For the latter, we are stable at 60 images per second with the graphics adjusted to the maximum. The heat is also well disseminated through the chassis. If it is obviously felt under the fingers, it is not embarrassing, or disturbing.

A pleasant use under Android 12

The Galaxy S21 Fe is equipped with’Android 12 with the One UI overlay in version 4. As a reminder, Android 12 is the new version of Google’s OS and was introduced with the Pixel 6. It does not really shake up uses, but brings some appreciable little things, here adapted with the overlay of Samsung.

Android 12 introduced A new design called “Material You”. It takes up the outline of the old one but seeks to make it clearer, simpler. Likewise, a color theme is now natively integrated to customize your interface. We also appreciate various new features, such as a small green point which tells you that your camera or your microphone is in operation. All the new features of Android 12 are listed in our file.

Samsung has done a good job with its overlay for this new version. The manufacturer has kept its design codes while modernizing them. We always regret a still cloth settings or a bixby always present (default associated with the ignition key), but everything cannot be perfect. In use, one UI 4 is always pleasant and the brand’s followers will quickly find their reflexes. But an overlay is above all a matter of taste, we like it or we don’t like.

Finally, it should be noted that the other smartphones in the range also benefit from Android 12. The S21, S21+ and S21 Ultra received the update some time ago and offer exactly the same thing as the S21 Fe on this point.

A powerful camera

For this photo part, Samsung has taken over the classic S21 module by modifying it slightly. We therefore have a main 12 megapixel sensor (f/1.8), an ultra wide angle sensor of 12 megapixels (f/2.2) as well as an 8 megapixel telephoto (f/2.4). It was the latter that was changed, since it was 64 megapixels on the first model.

In fact, we therefore have a photo part very similar to that of S21, which was already greatly taken up from that of the Galaxy S20. The captured shots are balanced both in terms of light and colors. By day, we have very satisfactory results.

The ultra wide angle is correct, but we note A weakness in the telephoto, Logically less good than that of S21. The FE has an X3 optical zoom and an X30 digital zoom (with the Smart Lock option that locks the place you take in photos).

The close -ups are very convincing. We appreciate the very reactive autofocus which allows you to have fun on small objects. It is also ideal for taking subjects constantly in motion as children or animals.

The Night mode of S21 Fe is not the best on the market (the pixel 6 largely surpasses it) but still offers pleasant and precise shots when the light is missing. Here, it is obviously the AI ​​that comes in reinforcement. Moreover, the night mode is automatically offered by the on -board software when the conditions require it.

As for the video, the Galaxy S21 Fe can Film in 4K and 60 images per second. It also has all the features of the S21, such as the double recording which allows you to film with the front camera and the classic camera at the same time.

Ultimately, we have an excellent smartphone in the photo. Even if he is not the best on the market, he will convince the most demanding.

A satisfactory autonomy

The Galaxy S21 FE has a 4500 mAh battery, More than the Galaxy S21 with its 4000 mAh battery. To this is added an Snapdragon 888 processor, supposed to be less energy -consuming than the exynos 2100 of the basic model. The FE therefore has all the cards in hand to be better.

In normal use with the 120 Hz wedged screen (a little GPS, play, social networks and internet navigation), the smartphone is without problem to hold a whole day. At bedtime, we found A battery oscillating between 25 and 30 %, which is good and represents a small improvement compared to the previous model. By wedging the screen at 60 Hz, we gain between 10 and 15% of battery, which is huge.

The Galaxy S21 FE is compatible with quick charging of 25 watts. A charge not so fast, since we have realized the smartphone from 1 to 100% in just under an hour and a half, What is a lot. Note that the compatible charger is not delivered in the box. It will therefore be necessary to buy it separately, only a USB type-C wire being sold with the smartphone. The S21 FE is of course compatible with conventional chargers, but the realities will be longer.