SM-G990B, SM-G990B/DS, SM-G990U, SM-G990U1, SM-G990W, SM-G990E, SM-G9900, SM-G990B2, SM-G990U2, SM-G990W2 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. Images shown here are for representational purpose only, actual may vary. All features, specifications and prices are subject to change without prior notice. Model availability may vary from location to location. 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.

Not everyone might notice or care about this, as the phone isn’t slow by any means, but it’s worth nothing that the phone is just not as snappy as you’d expect for its specs. As tech reviewers, we’d be remiss if we didn’t point this out. 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. 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 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.

S Pen Pro and S Pen Fold Edition sold separately. Only use the Samsung S Pen Pro or the S Pen Fold Edition designed exclusively for Galaxy Z Fold3 5G. All other S Pens or stylus pens not designed for Galaxy Z Fold3 5G (including those by other manufacturers) may damage the screen. Measured diagonally, Galaxy S21 FE 5G’s screen size is 16.29cm (6.4") in the full rectangle and 15.89cm (6.3") with accounting for the rounded corners; actual viewable area is less due to the rounded corners and camera hole. network availability and connection speed may vary depending on the country, network provider 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. Requires optimal 5G connection. Availability and actual speed may vary depending on country, carrier and user environment. 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. This telephoto snapper may be lower-res than the S21’s, but it’s actually paired with the same lens, which allows for 1.1x optical or 3x hybrid zoom; this seeming downgrade therefore won’t make a huge difference for most people.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. Measured diagonally, Galaxy S21 FE 5G’s screen size is 6.4" in the full rectangle and 6.3” with accounting for the rounded corners; actual viewable area is less due to the rounded corners and camera hole. User Available Memory: User memory is less than the total memory due to storage of the operating system and software used to operate the device features. Actual user memory will vary depending on the operator and may change after software upgrades are performed.

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. The S21 FE 5G’s cameras are pretty close to what you get with the older Galaxy S21. Indeed, the main camera’s specifications are identical, shooting 12MP images from a 1/1.76in, f/1.8 sensor with 1.8um pixels and optical image stabilisation (OIS). 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. So if you’re only a light phone user, you might find the Galaxy S21 FE’s lasting power is just fine; but if you like to use your mobile a lot, it might not be enough.Galaxy Z Fold3 5G and Z Filp3 5G is rated as IPX8. IPX8 is 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. Not dust resistant. Though some of the specs are different, the Samsung Galaxy S21 FE’s camera performance is largely comparable to that of the S21 and S21 Plus. We would even say there are far more similarities than there are differences. That 888 chipset is a 5G-enabled one, so the Galaxy S21 FE can connect to next-gen networks if you have a 5G contract and are in an area that allows for it. The chip is also paired with 6GB or 8GB RAM, depending on the model of phone you opt for. 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. 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.