Is The Galaxy S21 Fe Still Worth It Or Is The A54 A Better Buy

As smartphone lifecycles shorten and new models flood the market annually, consumers face a growing dilemma: when does holding onto a proven device make more sense than upgrading to a newer, often more affordable alternative? The Samsung Galaxy S21 FE (Fan Edition), released in early 2022, was praised for delivering flagship-level features at a mid-range price. Two years later, its successor in value—Samsung’s Galaxy A54—has taken center stage as a compelling contender in the upper mid-tier segment. But which phone truly offers better long-term value in 2024?

This isn’t just about specs on paper. It’s about real-world usability, software support, camera quality, battery longevity, and overall ownership experience. Whether you're considering a used S21 FE or a brand-new A54, understanding how these devices stack up today can save you money—and frustration—down the line.

Performance and Hardware: Flagship Roots vs. Modern Efficiency

The Galaxy S21 FE launched with the Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 (or Exynos 2100 in some regions), a true flagship chipset at the time. This processor powered Samsung’s top-tier S21 series and delivered excellent performance across gaming, multitasking, and productivity. Even now, the S21 FE handles most apps and games smoothly, though it can run warm under sustained load due to the chip’s power inefficiency.

In contrast, the Galaxy A54 runs on the Exynos 1380, a mid-range chip built on a more efficient 5nm process. While not as powerful as the Snapdragon 888 in raw benchmarks, the Exynos 1380 provides snappy day-to-day performance with better thermal management and battery efficiency. For users who don’t push their phones to the limit, the difference in real-world speed is minimal.

Tip: If you frequently play graphics-intensive games or use AR apps, the S21 FE’s superior GPU may still justify its use despite thermal quirks.

Benchmark Comparison (Approximate)

Device	Chipset	Geekbench 5 (Single/Multi)	GPU
Galaxy S21 FE	Snapdragon 888 / Exynos 2100	1100 / 3300	Adreno 660 / Mali-G78
Galaxy A54	Exynos 1380	950 / 3100	Mali-G68

While the S21 FE wins on peak performance, the A54 delivers consistent responsiveness without overheating—a trade-off many average users will appreciate.

Display and Design: Refresh Rate vs. Durability

Both phones feature 6.4-inch Super AMOLED displays with FHD+ resolution and 120Hz refresh rates, making scrolling and animations smooth on either device. However, there are subtle but important differences.

The S21 FE uses Gorilla Glass 5 on the front and back, while the A54 steps up to Gorilla Glass 5 on the front and **Gorilla Glass Victus** on the back—a notable improvement in scratch and drop resistance. Additionally, the A54 retains an IP67 water and dust resistance rating, matching the S21 FE’s protection level.

Design-wise, the S21 FE has a more premium feel with its matte polycarbonate back and aluminum frame, whereas the A54 uses a plastic frame. Still, the A54 feels solid in hand and offers improved durability for everyday wear and tear.

Camera Showdown: Consistency Over Peak Performance

The S21 FE came with a triple rear setup: 12MP main, 12MP ultrawide, and 8MP telephoto with 3x optical zoom. This configuration allowed for greater versatility, especially in zoomed shots. Its main sensor performs well in daylight and decently in low light, aided by Samsung’s mature image processing algorithms from the flagship line.

The A54 drops the telephoto lens in favor of a simpler dual-zoom system relying on digital cropping. Its 50MP main sensor (with pixel binning to 12.5MP) captures sharper details in good lighting, and the updated processing engine handles HDR and night scenes more naturally than earlier A-series models. The ultrawide is also improved over past generations, though still prone to softness at the edges.

“Mid-range cameras have closed the gap significantly. For social media and casual photography, the A54’s consistency often beats the S21 FE’s occasional high peaks.” — Lena Park, Mobile Photography Analyst

If you regularly shoot portraits or need optical zoom, the S21 FE remains relevant. But for everyday point-and-shoot needs, the A54 produces more reliable results with less effort.

Software and Longevity: Where the A54 Pulls Ahead

This is perhaps the most critical factor in 2024. The Galaxy S21 FE launched with Android 12 and is guaranteed up to four OS upgrades, meaning it will receive updates through Android 16. However, given its 2022 release, it’s already two major versions in and may see diminishing optimization over time.

The Galaxy A54, released in 2023, ships with Android 13 and promises **four OS upgrades and five years of security patches**, aligning it with Samsung’s current premium support policy. That means it could be supported until 2028—an enormous advantage for long-term ownership.

Tip: Always check remaining software support when buying a used or older model. Five years of updates significantly extend a phone’s usable life.

Software Support Timeline

Feature	S21 FE	A54
Launch OS	Android 12	Android 13
Final OS	Android 16 (expected)	Android 17 (expected)
Security Patches Until	~2026	~2028
Current Update Status	Android 14	Android 14

For users prioritizing future-proofing, the A54 is clearly the better investment.

Battery Life and Charging: Endurance vs. Speed

The S21 FE packs a 4500mAh battery and supports 25W fast charging (charger not included). In typical use, it lasts a full day, though heavy users may find themselves topping up by evening. Wireless charging and reverse wireless charging are welcome extras.

The A54 increases capacity slightly to 5000mAh and improves endurance through the more efficient Exynos 1380. It supports only 25W charging (also not included), but the larger battery and optimized software mean it often stretches into a second day of moderate use.

Neither phone charges particularly quickly compared to rivals offering 65W or higher, but the A54’s combination of larger battery and efficiency gives it the edge in real-world stamina.

Real-World Decision: Who Should Choose Which?

Consider Maria, a college student looking to replace her aging iPhone 8. She wants a reliable Android phone under $400 that will last three years without slowing down. She takes lots of photos for Instagram, streams music daily, and occasionally plays mobile games.

She found a used S21 FE for $280 in excellent condition. Tempting—but after checking update logs, she learned it hadn’t received the latest security patch yet, while the A54 at $379 was fully updated and promised longer support. She also realized the A54’s brighter display and better low-light camera would suit her late-night study sessions and campus events.

Maria chose the A54. Not because it’s “better” in every way, but because it better fits her actual usage and long-term needs.

Quick Buying Checklist

• ✅ Assess your need for optical zoom and flagship-grade performance
• ✅ Check remaining software update eligibility
• ✅ Prioritize battery life if you’re away from chargers often
• ✅ Consider build quality and screen protection, especially if you’re accident-prone
• ✅ Compare prices for both new and certified-used units
• ✅ Factor in accessories—neither phone includes a charger

Frequently Asked Questions

Can the Galaxy S21 FE still run modern apps smoothly?

Yes, for most applications including social media, streaming, and productivity tools. However, intensive tasks like video editing or high-end gaming may cause noticeable heating and throttling.

Is the Galaxy A54 waterproof?

It has an IP67 rating, meaning it can survive immersion in up to 1 meter of water for 30 minutes. It’s dustproof and suitable for use in rain or humid environments.

Does the S21 FE have a better display than the A54?

They share similar panel types and specs, but the S21 FE’s display is slightly brighter (up to 1200 nits vs. 1000 nits). In direct sunlight, the difference is minor; both are excellent for indoor and outdoor viewing.

Final Verdict: Value Today Wins Over Legacy Prestige

The Galaxy S21 FE was a standout device in 2022—an exceptional blend of flagship DNA and accessible pricing. But in 2024, its age shows in thermal behavior, software maturity, and declining resale confidence. While it remains a capable phone, especially at discounted prices, it no longer represents the best long-term value.

The Galaxy A54, meanwhile, delivers thoughtful refinements: better durability, longer software support, improved camera consistency, and superior battery life. It may lack the S21 FE’s raw power, but it excels where most users spend their time: daily reliability, future readiness, and peace of mind.

If you’re choosing between them new or refurbished, the A54 is the smarter buy for nearly all users. The S21 FE is only worth considering if found at a steep discount (<$250) and you specifically need its telephoto lens or prefer its slimmer profile.

🚀 Ready to make your move? Evaluate your priorities—performance now vs. longevity—and choose the phone that aligns with how you actually use technology. Share your experience or questions below to help others decide!