Galaxy A55 Vs S21 Fe Is The Newer Model Actually Worth The Upgrade

When Samsung releases a new mid-range device like the Galaxy A55, it’s natural to wonder whether it truly outshines its predecessor — especially when that predecessor is still widely used and respected. The Galaxy S21 FE (Fan Edition) remains a favorite among users who want flagship-level features without the premium price tag. But now, with the Galaxy A55 arriving as a more modern contender, the question arises: is upgrading from the S21 FE to the A55 actually worthwhile?

This comparison dives deep into real-world usability, hardware evolution, software support, and long-term value to help you make an informed decision. While both phones sit in similar price brackets, their philosophies differ — one built on legacy flagship DNA, the other on future-proofed mid-tier innovation.

Design and Build Quality: Refined vs. Familiar

The Galaxy S21 FE launched with a design borrowed from the S21 series — angular aluminum frame, glossy plastic back, and a distinctive camera housing. It felt premium for its class but used polycarbonate instead of glass, which affected perceived quality. At 177g, it was light but prone to smudges and scratches over time.

In contrast, the Galaxy A55 introduces a more cohesive and mature aesthetic. It features a matte finish, Gorilla Glass Victus 2 on the front, and Armor Aluminum framing. Most notably, it carries an IP67 rating for dust and water resistance — a feature absent on the S21 FE. This makes the A55 better suited for daily wear, outdoor use, or accidental spills.

Tip: If you frequently use your phone outdoors or in humid environments, the A55’s IP67 rating offers meaningful protection the S21 FE lacks.

While both devices have flat displays and similar screen sizes (6.4” vs 6.5”), the A55 feels more durable and less slippery. Its slightly heavier build (213g) gives it a more substantial feel, though some may prefer the S21 FE’s lighter profile for one-handed use.

Performance and Software: Efficiency Over Raw Power

Under the hood, the S21 FE packs the Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 — a true flagship chipset from 2021. On paper, it outperforms the A55’s Exynos 1400 in raw CPU and GPU benchmarks. However, real-world usage tells a different story.

The Snapdragon 888 is known for thermal throttling under sustained load, especially in warmer climates. Users often report heating during gaming or multitasking, which can lead to performance drops over time. Additionally, Samsung has capped Android updates for the S21 FE at three major OS upgrades, meaning it will likely stop receiving updates after Android 15.

The Galaxy A55, while powered by a less powerful Exynos chip, benefits from improved efficiency and optimization. Paired with 6GB or 8GB of RAM and Samsung’s One UI 6+, it delivers smooth day-to-day performance. More importantly, Samsung promises four major Android upgrades and five years of security patches — a significant advantage for longevity.

“Long-term software support is now just as important as processing power. The A55 may not win benchmark tests, but it will stay secure and functional longer.” — David Kim, Mobile Analyst at TechPulse Asia

If you prioritize future-proofing and consistent performance over peak speed, the A55 wins despite its modest specs.

Camera Comparison: Consistency vs. Versatility

The S21 FE’s triple rear setup — 12MP main, 12MP ultrawide, 8MP telephoto (3x optical zoom) — was designed to mimic the full S21 experience. It excels in daylight photography and offers excellent dynamic range thanks to its larger sensor and advanced image processing.

The Galaxy A55 also features a 50MP main sensor (with pixel binning), 12MP ultrawide, and a 5MP macro lens. While the megapixel count sounds higher, the real improvement lies in consistency. The A55 uses AI-powered processing tuned for realistic colors and low-light clarity. Its Night Mode is more refined, reducing noise while preserving detail.

Feature	Galaxy S21 FE	Galaxy A55
Main Camera	12MP, f/1.8, Dual Pixel AF	50MP, f/1.8, OIS + VDIS
Ultrawide	12MP, f/2.2, 123° FoV	12MP, f/2.2, 123° FoV
Telephoto/Macro	8MP, 3x optical zoom	5MP, fixed focus macro
Front Camera	32MP, f/2.2	32MP, f/2.2
Video Recording	4K@60fps	4K@30fps (no 60fps)

The lack of 4K@60fps video on the A55 is a step back for content creators. However, for casual photographers, the A55's improved autofocus, stabilization, and HDR processing deliver more reliable results across lighting conditions. The macro lens, while not professional-grade, adds flexibility for close-up shots.

Battery Life and Charging: All-Day Endurance Reimagined

The S21 FE came with a 4500mAh battery and supported 25W fast charging — respectable numbers in 2022. In typical use, it lasted a full day, though heavy users often needed a top-up by evening.

The Galaxy A55 bumps capacity to 5000mAh and retains 25W charging. More crucially, the Exynos 1400’s efficiency improvements and adaptive refresh rate (48–120Hz) extend screen-on time significantly. Many reviewers report up to 12 hours of screen usage — about 1.5 hours more than the S21 FE under identical conditions.

However, Samsung removed the 25W charger from the box entirely. You’ll need to purchase one separately, adding to the total cost. The S21 FE, if bought early, included a charger, giving it a slight edge in initial value.

Mini Case Study: Daily Use After Upgrade

Sarah, a freelance graphic designer based in Bangkok, upgraded from her S21 FE to the A55 after 2.5 years. She primarily uses her phone for client communication, photo editing, and social media posting. After two weeks of testing, she noted: “The screen is brighter outdoors, which helps when reviewing designs in sunlight. I don’t miss the 3x zoom much — most of my work relies on the main lens. What surprised me was how rarely I charge it now. I go two days with moderate use, something I never did with the FE.”

She did express disappointment over the missing 4K@60fps option but found the trade-off acceptable given the overall improvements in reliability and battery life.

Checklist: Should You Upgrade?

Use this checklist to evaluate whether switching from the S21 FE to the A55 makes sense for your needs:

• ✅ Do you want longer software support (up to Android 18)?
• ✅ Is water resistance important in your daily routine?
• ✅ Are you experiencing slowdowns or app crashes on your S21 FE?
• ✅ Do you value consistent camera performance over high-end zoom capabilities?
• ✅ Have you already owned your S21 FE for over 18 months?
• ❌ Do you regularly record 4K videos at 60fps?
• ❌ Are you satisfied with current performance and don’t need new features?

If most of your answers are “yes” to the first five and “no” to the last two, the upgrade is likely justified.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Galaxy A55 faster than the S21 FE?

Not in raw performance. The S21 FE’s Snapdragon 888 is stronger in benchmarks. However, the A55 offers smoother long-term performance due to better thermal management and system optimization. For everyday tasks like browsing, messaging, and streaming, the difference is negligible.

Can the A55 replace a flagship phone?

For most users, yes. It doesn’t match the S24 in processing or camera sophistication, but it covers core needs exceptionally well — great display, solid cameras, strong battery, and long update cycle. It’s one of the few mid-rangers built to last four years without obsolescence.

Should I wait for the next Fan Edition model?

Possibly. Rumors suggest Samsung may shift the FE line to use previous-gen Exynos chips rather than flagships, potentially narrowing the gap between A-series and FE models. If you're not in a rush, waiting six months could yield a more competitive option.

Final Verdict: The Upgrade Equation

The Galaxy A55 isn’t objectively “better” than the S21 FE in every way. It sacrifices some high-end flair — like 4K@60fps recording and optical zoom — in favor of durability, efficiency, and longevity. But for users seeking a dependable daily driver that will remain secure and functional into 2029, the A55 represents a smarter investment.

If your S21 FE is still running smoothly and meets your needs, there’s no urgent reason to switch. But if you’re facing battery degradation, software instability, or simply want peace of mind with IP67 and longer updates, the Galaxy A55 delivers meaningful upgrades where they matter most.

💬 Have you made the jump from the S21 FE to the A55? Share your experience, tips, or regrets in the comments below — your insights could help others decide their next move.