The Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G arrived as the company’s “Fan Edition” take on its 2021 flagship line, distilling the most-requested features of the Galaxy S21 series into a single, more accessible package. Announced on January 4, 2022 and released a few days later on January 7, it pairs a flagship-grade Snapdragon 888 (or Exynos 2100, depending on region) with a 120Hz Dynamic AMOLED 2X display, a versatile triple camera, and Samsung’s long-running software support promise.
Years after launch, the S21 FE 5G has matured into a compelling value proposition rather than a cutting-edge headliner, and that shift is exactly what this article focuses on. Rather than simply restating numbers, we break down where this phone still earns its keep, where age shows, and which type of buyer gets the most from it today. All hardware claims here track Samsung’s official documentation and regulatory listings; the full numbers live in the dedicated specifications table below.
Full Specifications
Network
| Technology | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / EVDO / LTE / 5G |
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| CDMA 800 / 1900 & TD-SCDMA | |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 |
| CDMA2000 1xEV-DO | |
| 4G bands | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 17, 20, 26, 28, 32, 38, 40, 41, 66 – International |
| 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 12, 13, 29, 25, 26, 28, 38, 39, 40, 41, 46, 48, 66, 71 – USA | |
| 5G bands | 1, 3, 5, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41, 66, 78 SA/NSA/Sub6 – International |
| 41, 66, 71, 260, 261 SA/NSA/Sub6/mmWave – USA | |
| Speed | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE (5CA) Cat19 1600/200 Mbps, 5G |
Launch
| Announced | 2022, January 04 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, January 07 |
Body
| Dimensions | 155.7 x 74.5 x 7.9 mm (6.13 x 2.93 x 0.31 in) |
| Weight | 177 g (6.24 oz) |
| Build | Glass front (Gorilla Glass Victus), plastic back, aluminum frame |
| SIM | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| IP68 dust tight and water resistant (immersible up to 1.5m for 30 min) |
Display
| Type | Dynamic AMOLED 2X, 120Hz, HDR10+ |
| Size | 6.4 inches, 100.5 cm2 (~86.7% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2340 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~403 ppi density) |
| Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus |
Platform
| OS | Android 12, up to 4 major Android upgrades, One UI 8 |
| Chipset | Qualcomm SM8350 Snapdragon 888 5G (5 nm) – Version 1Exynos 2100 (5 nm) – Version 2 |
| CPU | Octa-core (1×2.84 GHz Cortex-X1 & 3×2.42 GHz Cortex-A78 & 4×1.80 GHz Cortex-A55) – Version 1Octa-core (1×2.9 GHz Cortex-X1 & 3×2.80 GHz Cortex-A78 & 4×2.2 GHz Cortex-A55) – Version 2 |
| GPU | Adreno 660 – Version 1Mali-G78 MP14 – Version 2 |
Memory
| Card slot | No |
| Internal | 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 6GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM |
| UFS 3.1 |
Main Camera
| Triple | 12 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), 1/1.76", 1.8µm, dual pixel PDAF, OIS 8 MP, f/2.4, 76mm (telephoto), 1/4.5", 1.0µm, PDAF, OIS, 3x optical zoom 12 MP, f/2.2, 13mm, 123˚ (ultrawide), 1/3.0", 1.12µm |
| Features | LED flash, auto-HDR, panorama |
| Video | 4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60/120/240fps, HDR10+, gyro-EIS |
Selfie camera
| Single | 32 MP, f/2.2, 26mm (wide), 1/2.74", 0.8µm |
| Features | HDR |
| Video | 4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60fps, gyro-EIS |
Sound
| Loudspeaker | Yes, with stereo speakers |
| 3.5mm jack | No |
| 32-bit/384kHz audio |
Comms
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO |
| NFC | Yes |
| Radio | Unspecified |
| USB | USB Type-C, OTG |
Features
| Sensors | Fingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| Samsung DeX (desktop experience support) |
Battery
| Type | Li-Ion 4500 mAh |
| Charging | 25W wired, PD3.0, 50% in 30 min 15W wireless Reverse wireless |
Misc
| Colors | White, Graphite, Lavender, Olive |
| Models | SM-G990B, SM-G990B/DS, SM-G990U, SM-G990U1, SM-G990W, SM-G990E, SM-G9900, SM-G990B2, SM-G990U2, SM-G990W2, SM-G990U3 |
| SAR | 0.77 W/kg (head) 0.90 W/kg (body) |
| SAR EU | 0.95 W/kg (head) 1.48 W/kg (body) |
| Price | € 185.00 / $ 129.99 / £ 148.00 |
Our Tests
| Performance | AnTuTu: 566529 (v8), 719696 (v9) GeekBench: 3049 (v5.1) GFXBench: 56fps (ES 3.1 onscreen) |
| Display | 792 nits max brightness (measured) |
| Camera | Photo / Video |
| Loudspeaker | -26.9 LUFS (Good) |
| Battery (old) | Endurance rating 92h |
Price and Availability
The Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G offers a compelling combination of features and performance. While the base price is around €185, the actual cost may vary depending on your location and retailer. Below, you’ll find the approximate price of the Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G converted into various currencies. Please note that these are estimates based on recent exchange rates as of June 11, 2026 and may not reflect the exact price you’ll find at a retailer.
- United States: $213
- Japan: ¥34,270
- United Kingdom: £160
- Australia: A$305
- Canada: C$298
- Taiwan: NT$6,760
- Denmark: kr1.381
- Saudi Arabia: ﷼801
- South Korea: ₩325,324
- Germany: €185
- Brazil: R$1.106
- Vietnam: ₫5.600.275
- Kenya: KSh 27,692
- India: ₹20,349
- Indonesia: Rp 3.825.746
- Nigeria: ₦289,024
- Pakistan: ₨59,438
- Philippines: ₱13,105
- Bangladesh: ৳২৬,২২৮
Where the Galaxy S21 FE 5G Lands on Value Today
The S21 FE was conceived as a “flagship-lite” device, and that positioning has only become more favorable over time. With flagship internals from the 2021 cycle now available at mid-range money, the phone delivers a genuinely premium feel — IP68 dust and water resistance, an aluminum frame, wireless charging, and Samsung DeX — that most phones in its current price bracket simply do not offer. For shoppers who prioritize a polished overall experience over the latest silicon, it remains one of the more sensible Samsung buys on the second-hand and clearance market.
Design and Build: Premium Touches at a Friendlier Tier
At 155.7 x 74.5 x 7.9 mm and 177 g, the S21 FE 5G is comfortably one-hand friendly and noticeably lighter than many modern flagships. The construction mixes a Gorilla Glass Victus front with a plastic back and an aluminum frame — a sensible compromise that keeps weight and cost down without feeling cheap. Crucially, it retains full IP68 ingress protection (rated for immersion up to 1.5 m for 30 minutes), a feature still rare at this price. The color choices — White, Graphite, Lavender, and Olive — lean understated, matching the phone’s grown-up, no-frills character.
Display: A 120Hz AMOLED That Still Impresses
The 6.4-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X panel is the standout reason to consider this phone. With a 1080 x 2340 resolution (~403 ppi), a 120Hz refresh rate, and HDR10+ support, scrolling is fluid and content looks vivid. Our measured peak brightness of 792 nits means the screen holds up reasonably well outdoors, and the relatively compact 6.4-inch footprint with an ~86.7% screen-to-body ratio strikes a nice balance between immersion and usability. For media, gaming, and everyday browsing, this display still feels distinctly flagship.
Performance: 2021 Flagship Silicon, 2020s Expectations
Powered by the Snapdragon 888 (Version 1) or Exynos 2100 (Version 2), both built on a 5 nm process, the S21 FE 5G remains capable for demanding tasks. Benchmark figures back this up: AnTuTu scores of 566,529 (v8) and 719,696 (v9), a GeekBench result of 3,049 (v5.1), and 56fps in GFXBench’s ES 3.1 onscreen test. Paired with up to 8GB of RAM and fast UFS 3.1 storage in 128GB or 256GB capacities, real-world responsiveness stays strong. The trade-off is the Snapdragon 888’s well-documented thermal behavior, so sustained heavy gaming can throttle — worth noting for power users, though everyday performance is rarely a concern.
Camera System: Flexible Triple Setup
Samsung gave the S21 FE a genuinely versatile rear array: a 12 MP wide (f/1.8, OIS, dual pixel PDAF), an 8 MP telephoto (f/2.4) with 3x optical zoom and OIS, and a 12 MP ultrawide (f/2.2) with a 123-degree field of view. That dedicated optical zoom is something many rivals omit, and OIS on two of the three lenses helps in low light. Video tops out at 4K@60fps with HDR10+ and gyro-EIS, while the 32 MP front camera handles selfies and 4K video capably. It is a well-rounded system that favors consistency over gimmicks.
Battery and Charging: Dependable, If Not Cutting-Edge
A 4500 mAh Li-Ion cell drives the phone, and our endurance testing returned a solid 92-hour rating, comfortably covering a full day for most users. Charging is where age shows: 25W wired charging (PD3.0, rated to 50% in 30 minutes) is reasonable but no longer fast by current standards. The bonus is 15W wireless charging plus reverse wireless charging — convenience features that remain uncommon in this segment and add real day-to-day flexibility.
Software and Longevity
The S21 FE 5G shipped with Android 12 and Samsung’s One UI, and it was covered by Samsung’s commitment of up to four major Android upgrades. As reflected in current listings showing One UI 8, the device has aged into newer software, extending its useful life well beyond launch. Combined with security updates, this longevity is a core part of the value argument and a meaningful advantage over short-supported budget alternatives.
Connectivity and Extras
Connectivity is comprehensive: 5G (SA/NSA/Sub6, with mmWave on U.S. variants), Wi-Fi 6 (dual-band), Bluetooth 5.0, NFC, and USB Type-C with OTG. Positioning covers GPS, GLONASS, BDS, and Galileo. An under-display optical fingerprint sensor handles biometrics, and stereo speakers (measured at a good -26.9 LUFS) with 32-bit/384kHz audio round out the experience. There is no 3.5mm jack and no microSD slot, so storage choice at purchase matters.
Who Should Buy the Galaxy S21 FE 5G
This phone suits buyers who want an authentic flagship feel — premium display, IP68, wireless charging, optical zoom, and DeX — without paying flagship prices. It is ideal for Samsung loyalists upgrading from an older mid-ranger, media-focused users, and anyone who values a compact, well-supported device. Hardcore mobile gamers chasing sustained peak performance or buyers who need the fastest possible charging may want to look elsewhere.
Conclusion
The Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G has aged into one of Samsung’s smarter value picks: a phone that still delivers a flagship-grade 120Hz AMOLED, a flexible triple camera with optical zoom, IP68 durability, wireless charging, and years of software support. Its dated charging speed and the Snapdragon 888’s thermals are the main compromises. If you want a premium, well-rounded Samsung experience at a mid-range price — and you can confirm current pricing and availability before buying — the S21 FE 5G remains an easy phone to recommend.
Official references
- Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G official product page – Primary manufacturer source for model identity, official positioning, feature claims, and core hardware specifications.
- Samsung Newsroom Galaxy S21 FE 5G announcement (news.samsung.com) – Official launch source to corroborate announcement details, availability context, and Samsung-stated headline specifications.
- FCC Equipment Authorization System – Primary U.S. regulator database for model/FCC ID validation, wireless approvals, SAR filings, and radio-related documentation.
- Wi-Fi Alliance Product Finder – Primary certification database for verifying Wi-Fi capability and certification details for specific Samsung model variants.
- Bluetooth SIG Product Listings (bluetooth.com) – Primary Bluetooth qualification source for confirming Bluetooth support and certified model listings.
