Samsung Galaxy S21 FE offers dual SIM card
Article Overview:
The Samsung Galaxy S21 FE offers dual SIM card slots as a unique feature in the US market, allowing users to carry two cellular subscriptions simultaneously. However, beyond this feature, the phone struggles to justify its existence.
The Galaxy S21 FE closely resembles last year's Galaxy S21 but comes at a slightly lower base price of $699.99. Given its similarity to the previous model and its proximity to the Galaxy S22 launch, the article finds it challenging to recommend the S21 FE unless someone specifically needs a dual-SIM phone.
Design and Features:
The Galaxy S21 FE shares the same basic design as the Galaxy S21, featuring a matte back panel and a camera bump placed in the upper right corner. It is slightly larger than the standard Galaxy S21 but smaller than the S21 Ultra.
The phone boasts a 6.4-inch, 120Hz display with an optical fingerprint sensor, and it is rated IP68 waterproof. Notably, the S21 FE swaps out the SD card slot present in the S20 FE for a second SIM tray, enabling the dual SIM functionality.
Performance and Battery Life:
Powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 processor and running Android 12 with Samsung extensions, the S21 FE offers two RAM and storage configurations: 6GB/128GB and 8GB/256GB. The phone exhibits thermal throttling during benchmark tests, performing more like the S20 series than the S21 series.
Despite this, the phone manages power well and provides decent battery life, with approximately 11 hours and 40 minutes of video playback time.
Network and Connectivity:
The S21 FE boasts a true dual-SIM slot, a rarity in the US market. It also supports millimeter-wave 5G and the new C-band networks from AT&T and Verizon, offering potential performance improvements in various regions.
However, the article points out that even though the phone is physically capable of eSIM functionality, this feature may not be available at launch.
Camera Performance:
The S21 FE's camera system is similar to the S21, with a 12MP ultra-wide, 12MP main, and 8MP 3x zoom rear sensors. However, the front camera has been upgraded to 32MP. The S21 FE's camera interface is smoother than the S20 FE's, and low-light performance has improved, particularly for selfies.
The article notes that while the S21 FE's camera is an improvement, similar improvements can be found in the S21 and potentially the upcoming S22.
Timing and Recommendation:
The article views the Galaxy S21 FE as an odd product released at an odd time. It suggests that the S21 FE's existence might be driven by supply chain deals and marginal profit rather than offering significant new features.
With the impending launch of the Galaxy S22 and other Samsung models, the timing of the S21 FE's release is questioned. The article advises potential buyers to wait for the S22 launch and consider purchasing a used S21 model instead, given the lack of substantial advantages offered by the S21 FE.
Pros and Cons:
Pros highlighted in the article include the dual physical SIM slots, powerful front-facing camera, and solid connectivity. On the other hand, the aggressive processing power throttling and the lack of notable improvements over the Galaxy S21 are considered cons.
Bottom Line:
The Samsung Galaxy S21 FE offers dual-SIM functionality and a lower price compared to the standard S21 model. However, given its similarities to the previous model, the article suggests waiting for the Galaxy S22 launch for potential new features and reduced prices of used S21 models.
The S21 FE is acknowledged as a decent phone, particularly for users needing dual-SIM capability in a flagship phone designed for US networks.
