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What we think
The PerfectRec phone team Learn more
Updated January 10, 2024·
If camera quality is a priority for you, the Samsung Galaxy S21 offers slightly better still photo and video quality than the S20 FE, and has a more powerful telephoto lens. However, if battery life is crucial, the S20 FE has a longer battery life than the S21. Both phones have large screens; the S20 FE's screen is a bit larger, which could enhance viewing experience, but this also makes the phone slightly heavier and bigger. The S21 has a newer processor and more RAM, which might result in better overall performance and speed. If you're looking to save money, the Galaxy S21 is less expensive, despite being newer. Both have plastic backs, no headphone jacks, and support for 5G, wireless charging, and Wireless DeX for desktop-like experience. Give Feedback
this description is based on the product variant with some specs and product variant with some specs. At the time of writing, the variant with some specs cost some dollars and the variant with some specs cost some dollars.
Advantages of the Samsung Galaxy S20 FE
- Good battery life
Advantages of the Samsung Galaxy S21
- Good for taking photos
- Fair for recording videos
- Very good display quality
- Good performance
Key differences
Overall Camera Quality
6.2
7.2
The Samsung Galaxy S21 has good overall camera quality, while the Samsung Galaxy S20 FE has only fair overall camera quality.
The Samsung Galaxy S20 FE has fair cameras, with its selfie quality and photos dynamic range being described as fair and poor respectively, which are less desirable for those who value high-quality selfies and balanced photo exposure. In comparison, the Samsung Galaxy S21 offers better cameras with a good selfie quality and fair photos dynamic range, making it a better choice for consumers who prioritize above-average selfie shots and more even photo lighting but at a possibly higher cost.
Photo Quality
6.3
7.0
The Samsung Galaxy S21 takes good photos, while the Samsung Galaxy S20 FE takes only fair photos.
The Samsung Galaxy S20 FE delivers fair photos partially due to its lower selfie quality and a less sophisticated photo software experience in comparison to the S21, which scores higher in both aspects providing a better overall photo experience. Also, the Galaxy S21 enhances the photo-taking experience with better low light performance and camera versatility, aiding the production of good photos.
Video Quality
5.5
6.6
The Samsung Galaxy S21 takes only fair videos, while the Samsung Galaxy S20 FE takes poor videos.
The Samsung Galaxy S21 produces high-quality videos with the best Video Software experience and stabilization, making it superior for smooth and clear footage, plus it supports HDR10+ enhancing the video dynamic range, particularly in varied lighting conditions. On the other hand, the Samsung Galaxy S20 FE still offers good video capabilities with good stabilization and dynamic range, but it falls slightly behind the S21 in low light performance and mic quality, although its videos are generally well-regarded and capable for most uses.
Battery
7.8 Hours
6.7 Hours
The Samsung Galaxy S20 FE has 7.8 hours of battery life. The Samsung Galaxy S21 has 6.7 hours of battery life.
Screen Size
The Samsung Galaxy S20 FE has a screen size of 6.5 inches and the Samsung Galaxy S21 is 6.2 inches.
Cost
$198
$145
$50
$100
$150
$200
$250
$300
The Samsung Galaxy S20 FE has a price of $198 and the Samsung Galaxy S21 costs $145.
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How the Samsung Galaxy S20 FE and the Samsung Galaxy S21 compare to other phones
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| Samsung Galaxy S20 FE | Samsung Galaxy S21 |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$198 | $145 | ||
Brand | |||
Brand | Samsung | Samsung | |
Operating System | |||
Operating System | Android | Android | |
Release Date | |||
Release Date | October 2, 2020 | January 29, 2021 | |
SCREEN | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Screen Size | |||
Screen Size | 6.5" | 6.2" | |
Resolution | |||
Resolution | 2400 x 1080 | 2400 x 1080 | |
Variable refresh rate | |||
Variable refresh rate | No | No | |
Pixels Per Inch | |||
Pixels Per Inch | 405 | 421 | |
Display Type | |||
Display Type | OLED | OLED | |
INTERNAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Processor | |||
Processor | SD865 | SD888 | |
Internal Storage | |||
Internal Storage | 128 GB | 128 GB | |
RAM | |||
RAM | 6 GB | 8 GB | |
CAMERA | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Overall Camera Quality Score | |||
Overall Camera Quality Score | 6.3/10 | 7.2/10 | |
Photos Score | |||
Photos Score | 6.4/10 | 7/10 | |
Videos Score | |||
Videos Score | 5.5/10 | 6.6/10 | |
Rear Cameras | |||
Rear Cameras | Main, Ultrawide, Telephoto | Main, Ultrawide, Telephoto | |
Main Camera | |||
Main Camera | 12 megapixels + OIS | 12 megapixels + OIS | |
BATTERY | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Battery Life | |||
Battery Life | 7.8 Hours | 6.7 Hours | |
Battery Capacity | |||
Battery Capacity | 4500 mAh | 4000 mAh | |
Wireless Charging | |||
Wireless Charging | Yes | Yes | |
Wireless charging Speed | |||
Wireless charging Speed | 15 W | 15 W | |
Reverse wireless charging | |||
Reverse wireless charging | Yes (4.5 watts) | Yes (4.5 watts) | |
PHYSICAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Size | |||
Size | 6.29" x 2.93" | 5.97" x 2.8" | |
Weight | |||
Weight | 6.70 oz | 5.96 oz | |
Back Material | |||
Back Material | Plastic | Plastic | |
Stereo Speakers | |||
Stereo Speakers | No | No | |
CONNECTIVITY | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Dual SIM | |||
Dual SIM | No | Yes | |
Bluetooth Version | |||
Bluetooth Version | 5.0 | 5.0 | |
A2DP | |||
A2DP | Yes | Yes | |
WiFi Version | |||
WiFi Version | 6 | 6 | |
NFC | |||
NFC | Yes | Yes | |
US 5G Bands | |||
US 5G Bands | (SA/NSA/Sub6)2, 5, 41, 66, 71 | (SA/NSA/Sub6/mmWave)2, 5, 25, 41, 66, 71, 260, 261 (SA/NSA/Sub6)1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41, 66, 77, 78 | |
OTHER FEATURES | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Biometric unlock | |||
Biometric unlock | Face unlock, Fingerprint sensor: Under Display | Face unlock, Fingerprint sensor: Under Display | |
Unlockable Bootloader | |||
Unlockable Bootloader | No | No | |
Color | |||
Color | Cloud Navy, Cloud Red, Cloud White, Cloud Orange, Cloud Lavendar, Cloud Mint | Phantom Gray, Phantom White, Phantom Violet, Phantom Pink | |
Stock Android | |||
Stock Android | No | No | |
SD Card | |||
SD Card | Yes | No | |
Shopping
Samsung Galaxy S20 FE
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Dig into reviews and images
Android Authority
Eric Zeman | March 2023
"The Samsung Galaxy S20 FE is a fine phone. The flat display glass may turn off some, but the 120Hz refresh rate turned me on. I really liked the overall size and usability of the phone, and the six different colors mean you’ll likely find a version to suit your personal style. Other pros include solid performance, excellent battery life, and straightforward software."
Samsung Galaxy S21
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Dig into reviews and images
Android Central
Huseman Joe | February 2022
"The Galaxy S21 delivers the flagship Samsung experience in a phone that's much more pocketable (and affordable) than the top-end S21 Ultra.The triple-camera system is incredibly capable, Samsung's One UI 3.1 software is chock-full of features and settings to mess with, and I've not once missed having expandable storage."
Get a great deal on the Samsung Galaxy S20 FE or the Samsung Galaxy S21
About Samsung
Samsung is one of the most recognizable names in the smartphone industry, standing as the undisputed best-selling brand of Android smartphones in the United States for many years now. Samsung is known for offering a variety of smartphones in all available price points, as well as for implementing cutting-edge technology and innovative features in their flagship devices, ones that often shape the market going forward. The company offers its own unique spin on Android, called One UI, which focuses on offering a multitude of features and is heavily customizable, according to user preference.
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Why trust us
This information was produced and vetted by the PerfectRec phones team. We are a product research and recommendation organization that meticulously reviews and evaluates the latest phone information and makes it digestible for you.
By the numbers
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About the phone team
Joe Golden, Ph.D
CEO and Phones Editor
Joe is an entrepreneur and lifelong electronics enthusiast with a Ph.D in Economics from the University of Michigan.
Jason Lew
Staff Expert & Software Engineer
Jason is a staff expert and software engineer that has been making laptop recommendations for 7 years and moderates one of the largest laptop subreddits.
Chandradeep Chowdhury
Staff Expert & Software Engineer
Chandradeep is a staff expert and software engineer and expert in televisions and monitors. He’s been making monitor recommendations for ten years.
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Phones Expert
Seth is a US-based product expert focusing on smartphones and he is a moderator of one of the largest smartphone subreddits. His tailored recommendations have helped him earn over 87k comment karma, putting him in the top 1% of Redditors.
Efthimis Kotanidis
Phones Expert
Efthimis is a Greece-based product expert focusing on smartphones. He has been recommending phones for 4 years and his recommendations on Reddit have earned him over 35k karma.
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