Is The Samsung S21 Fe Still Worth It Or Is The A15 A Better Buy Now

As smartphone innovation slows and prices rise, many consumers are reevaluating value across older flagship models and newer mid-range devices. The Samsung Galaxy S21 FE (Fan Edition), launched in early 2022, once represented premium specs at a reduced price. Meanwhile, Apple’s A15 Bionic chip—powering the iPhone 13 series and later reused in the iPhone SE (3rd gen)—continues to deliver strong performance years after its debut. But in 2024, which device makes more sense for a new buyer: the aging Android flagship or a current iPhone built on proven silicon?

This isn’t just about raw speed or camera megapixels. It’s about longevity, software support, ecosystem fit, and real-world usability. Whether you're upgrading from an older device or switching platforms, understanding where each option excels—and where it falls short—is critical to making a smart investment.

Performance: Chipset Longevity vs Real-World Speed

The heart of any smartphone is its processor. The S21 FE runs on either the Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 (in most global markets) or Exynos 2100 (in select regions). Both were top-tier chips in 2021, capable of handling multitasking, gaming, and intensive photography with ease. However, the Snapdragon 888 has been criticized for thermal throttling under sustained load, meaning performance can dip during long gaming sessions or video recording.

In contrast, the iPhone models powered by the A15 Bionic—like the iPhone 13 or the 2022 iPhone SE—deliver exceptional efficiency. Despite being over two years old, the A15 remains faster in single-core tasks than most current Android chips, thanks to Apple’s tight integration between hardware and software. Apps launch quickly, animations stay smooth, and even demanding games run without hiccups.

Tip: If you prioritize consistent app responsiveness and don’t plan to upgrade for 3+ years, the A15’s optimized iOS environment often feels snappier long-term than spec sheets suggest.

Software & Update Support: A Key Differentiator

Software support is where the gap widens significantly. Samsung promises four major Android OS updates and five years of security patches for the S21 FE. That means it will likely receive updates through 2026. While respectable, this still lags behind Apple’s track record.

iPhones with the A15 chip are expected to receive iOS updates until at least 2027—possibly longer, given that some A11-powered iPhones received updates for six years. This extended support means better long-term security, access to new features, and improved app compatibility.

“Apple’s ability to maintain software relevance for older devices gives them a clear edge in sustainability and resale value.” — David Kim, Mobile Analyst at TechInsight Weekly

For users who keep phones beyond three years, this difference is decisive. An iPhone 13 with A15 today behaves much like it did in 2021; the S21 FE, while still functional, shows minor UI stutters as One UI evolves beyond its original optimization window.

Camera Comparison: Flexibility vs Consistency

The S21 FE boasts a triple-lens rear system: 12MP main wide, 12MP ultra-wide, and an 8MP telephoto with 3x optical zoom. It supports 8K video recording (though impractical for most), advanced HDR, and AI-enhanced night mode. In daylight, photos are vibrant and detailed, especially when shooting landscapes or group shots using the wide-angle lens.

On paper, the iPhone 13 (A15) has fewer lenses—just dual 12MP (wide and ultra-wide)—but Apple’s computational photography compensates. Smart HDR 4, Deep Fusion, and Photographic Styles produce natural-looking images with excellent dynamic range. Low-light performance is consistently strong, and video recording tops out at 4K/60fps with cinematic mode, unmatched in stabilization and depth control.

Feature	Samsung S21 FE	iPhone (A15)
Main Sensor	12MP, f/1.8	12MP, f/1.6
Telephoto Lens	Yes (3x zoom)	No
Video Max	8K @ 24fps	4K @ 60fps (Cinematic Mode)
Night Mode	Auto HDR processing	Advanced Night mode +深度融合
User Preference	Vibrant, saturated colors	Natural, true-to-life tones

While the S21 FE offers more versatility with its telephoto lens, the iPhone delivers more reliable point-and-shoot results. For casual photographers, consistency often trumps flexibility.

Battery Life & Charging: Efficiency Over Peak Capacity

The S21 FE packs a 4500mAh battery, larger than the iPhone 13’s 3240mAh unit. Yet, real-world endurance tells a different story. Thanks to the A15’s power efficiency and iOS optimization, the iPhone often lasts equally long—or longer—despite the smaller cell. Moderate users report 1.5-day battery life on the iPhone SE (2022), while the S21 FE typically requires daily charging.

Charging is another divergence. The S21 FE supports 25W fast wired charging and 15W wireless charging—features absent on the A15 iPhones, which max out at 20W wired and 7.5W MagSafe. If rapid top-ups matter, Samsung holds the advantage.

Tip: Use adaptive brightness and dark mode on the S21 FE to reduce power drain from its 120Hz display, which can shorten battery life if left at full refresh rate.

Real-World Example: Two Users, Two Choices

Consider Sarah, a college student looking for her next phone. She values long software support, good call quality, and doesn’t want to upgrade again for at least four years. She chooses the iPhone SE (2022) with the A15 chip. Though compact and lacking a high-refresh screen, it integrates seamlessly with her MacBook and AirPods. Even in 2024, it receives iOS 17 updates and performs smoothly.

Then there’s James, a travel blogger who shoots lots of landscape photos and needs zoom capability. He finds a refurbished S21 FE at a steep discount ($299). The 120Hz display enhances his media consumption, and the telephoto lens helps capture distant landmarks. However, he notices occasional lag when editing videos in Adobe Premiere Rush—a reminder that raw specs don’t always translate to fluid creative workflows.

Their experiences highlight a key truth: the “better” phone depends on usage patterns, not benchmarks alone.

Checklist: Choosing Between S21 FE and A15 iPhone

• ✅ Need telephoto zoom or wider aspect ratio? → Consider S21 FE
• ✅ Prioritize long-term software updates (5+ years)? → Lean toward A15 iPhone
• ✅ Already in Apple ecosystem (Mac, iPad, Watch)? → iPhone integration wins
• ✅ Want faster charging and expandable storage options? → S21 FE has advantages
• ✅ Prefer natural photo tones and superior video? → A15 iPhone is stronger
• ✅ Budget under $350? → Refurbished S21 FE may offer best spec-per-dollar

Frequently Asked Questions

Can the S21 FE still run modern apps smoothly?

Yes, for everyday tasks like browsing, messaging, and streaming, the S21 FE performs well. However, some graphically intense games and pro-grade photo/video apps may show slowdowns due to aging thermals and GPU limitations.

Is the A15 outdated in 2024?

No. The A15 remains one of the fastest mobile processors available. Its combination of CPU efficiency and iOS optimization ensures it handles all current apps effortlessly. Only with future iOS versions (iOS 18+) might noticeable slowdowns appear.

Which phone holds resale value better?

Historically, iPhones retain value significantly better. After two years, an iPhone 13 typically keeps 50–60% of its original price, while the S21 FE drops to around 30–40%. This makes the A15-powered iPhone a smarter financial choice for those planning to resell.

Final Verdict: Value Now vs Value Over Time

The Samsung S21 FE remains a compelling option if you find it at a deep discount—especially for users who appreciate Android customization, a high-refresh display, and versatile cameras. At sub-$300, it delivers near-flagship specs that still outpace many budget phones.

However, if you plan to keep your phone for three years or more, prioritize seamless updates, ecosystem integration, and consistent performance, the A15-powered iPhone is the better investment. It may lack certain hardware features, but its software longevity, build quality, and reliability make it a standout in the mid-tier market.

Ultimately, “worth it” depends on your priorities. For raw specs and immediate gratification, the S21 FE shines. For enduring performance and peace of mind, the A15 iPhone proves that sometimes, older tech—when well-optimized—still leads the pack.

💬 Still deciding which fits your lifestyle? Share your use case below and let’s help you pick the right device for your needs.