Is The Samsung S21 Really Worth The Upgrade From The S20 Fe 2

For users still enjoying a Samsung Galaxy S20 FE, the arrival of newer models like the S21 raises a practical question: is it time to upgrade? The S21 launched as a flagship successor with refined design and improved internals, but how much real-world benefit does it offer over the already capable S20 FE? This isn't just about specs on paper—it's about whether the differences translate into meaningful improvements in daily use, photography, longevity, and overall satisfaction.

The answer depends on your priorities, usage patterns, and expectations. For some, the S21’s subtle refinements justify the cost. For others, especially those satisfied with their S20 FE’s performance, staying put may be the smarter move. Let’s break down the key areas where these phones differ—and where they don’t.

Design and Build: Refinement Over Revolution

The most immediate difference between the S21 and the S20 FE lies in their design language. The S20 FE features a plastic back with a sporty, slightly bulky aesthetic—lightweight and durable, but clearly mid-tier in feel. In contrast, the S21 adopts a sleeker, more minimalist look with a matte polycarbonate back (still plastic, but premium-feeling) and an integrated metal camera housing that flows seamlessly into the frame.

This unified rear module reduces the camera bump significantly and improves pocketability. While both devices are IP68-rated for dust and water resistance, the S21 feels more cohesive and modern in hand. However, the size and weight difference is minimal—the S21 is only 3g lighter and slightly narrower, making ergonomics very similar.

Tip: If design and tactile quality matter to you, the S21’s seamless camera bar and matte finish offer a noticeable step up in perceived luxury.

Display and Screen Experience

Both phones feature vibrant Dynamic AMOLED 2X displays with 120Hz refresh rates, which means smooth scrolling and responsive touch input. The S20 FE has a 6.5-inch flat display with FHD+ resolution (1080 x 2400), while the S21 offers a slightly smaller 6.2-inch screen at the same resolution. Despite the size difference, pixel density is nearly identical (~393 PPI), so sharpness is comparable.

The S21’s display edges are slightly curved at the top and bottom, but it remains mostly flat—unlike older Galaxy flagships with aggressive curves. Both support HDR10+ and automatic brightness adjustment. In practice, outdoor visibility, color accuracy, and viewing angles are excellent on both, though the S21’s display calibration is marginally better out of the box.

If you're coming from the S20 FE, you won’t experience a dramatic leap in visual quality. The real advantage of the S21 here is consistency with Samsung’s flagship line—smaller size, tighter bezels, and a more balanced form factor for one-handed use.

Performance and Software Longevity

Under the hood, the differences become more tangible. The S20 FE launched with either the Snapdragon 865 or Exynos 990, depending on region. The S21, however, runs on the newer Snapdragon 888 (or Exynos 2100 in select markets). While both are powerful chips, the Snapdragon 888 delivers roughly 20–25% better CPU performance and up to 30% faster GPU speeds.

In everyday tasks—browsing, messaging, streaming—both phones perform fluidly. But under sustained loads like gaming, multitasking, or video editing, the S21 maintains higher performance with less throttling. It also benefits from improved AI processing and modem efficiency.

Software support is another critical factor. Samsung promises four major Android OS updates and five years of security patches for the S21 series. The S20 FE also qualifies for this extended support, meaning both will likely receive updates until 2025 or 2026. So, in terms of software lifespan, there’s no compelling reason to upgrade solely for future-proofing.

“Flagship chipsets aren’t just about speed—they influence thermal management, app launch times, and long-term responsiveness.” — David Kim, Mobile Hardware Analyst at TechPulse Asia

Camera Comparison: Incremental Gains

The camera systems on both phones share similar hardware: a 12MP main sensor, 12MP ultra-wide, and 64MP telephoto with 3x hybrid zoom. However, the S21 introduces updated image processing algorithms and improved low-light optimization through its newer ISP (Image Signal Processor).

In daylight, photos from both devices are nearly indistinguishable. The S21 tends to apply slightly more aggressive sharpening and contrast, which can make images look punchier but occasionally less natural. At night, the S21’s Night Mode processes images faster and retains better detail in shadows, thanks to better noise reduction and multi-frame stacking.

Video recording sees modest gains too. Both support 8K at 24fps, but the S21 offers improved stabilization and audio focus during cinematic shots. For casual photographers, these upgrades are nice but not transformative. Enthusiasts who shoot frequently in challenging lighting may appreciate the edge.

Feature	Samsung S20 FE	Samsung S21
Main Camera	12MP, f/1.8, Dual Pixel AF	12MP, f/1.8, Dual Pixel AF
Ultra-Wide	12MP, f/2.2, 123° FoV	12MP, f/2.2, 120° FoV
Telephoto	8MP, f/2.4, 3x optical zoom	64MP, f/2.0, 3x hybrid zoom
Low-Light Performance	Very good	Better with faster processing
Video Recording	8K@24fps, 4K@60fps	8K@24fps, 4K@60fps + improved stabilization

Battery Life and Charging: A Trade-Off

The S20 FE packs a 4,500mAh battery, while the S21 steps down to 4,000mAh. Combined with the more power-hungry Snapdragon 888, this results in noticeably shorter battery life. Real-world testing shows the S21 lasting around 5–6 hours of screen-on time with mixed usage, compared to 7–8 hours on the S20 FE.

Neither phone includes a charger in the box, and both support 25W fast wired charging and 15W wireless charging. The smaller battery means the S21 needs more frequent top-ups, especially for heavy users. If all-day endurance is a priority, the S20 FE holds a clear advantage.

Tip: Enable Adaptive Battery and reduce screen brightness to extend S21’s battery life without sacrificing usability.

Real-World Example: Sarah’s Upgrade Dilemma

Sarah has used her S20 FE since 2021. She loves its battery life and durability but noticed apps taking longer to load recently. Curious about the S21, she borrowed one for a week. She appreciated the smoother animations and better low-light photos but found herself charging twice a day—a downgrade from her current routine. Ultimately, she decided against upgrading. “It felt faster, yes,” she said, “but not enough to give up my battery life and pay full price for a two-year-old phone.”

Her experience reflects a growing trend: incremental upgrades no longer deliver the same impact as past generational leaps. When your current device still performs well, the cost-benefit ratio shifts.

Upgrade Checklist: Should You Make the Move?

Before deciding, ask yourself the following:

• Am I experiencing slowdowns or app crashes on my S20 FE?
• Do I value a more compact, premium-feeling design?
• Do I frequently shoot photos in low light or record high-quality video?
• Can I accept shorter battery life for improved performance?
• Is the price of the S21 justified compared to refurbished or newer budget models?

If most answers are “yes,” the upgrade makes sense. If not, consider waiting for a more significant leap—or investing in accessories like a battery case or better camera lens add-ons instead.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the S21 faster than the S20 FE?

Yes, the S21’s Snapdragon 888 offers about 20–25% better CPU and GPU performance, which translates to faster app launches and smoother multitasking, especially in demanding games or creative apps.

Does the S21 have better battery life?

No. Despite efficiency improvements, the S21’s smaller 4,000mAh battery and more powerful chipset result in shorter battery life compared to the S20 FE’s 4,500mAh cell.

Can I expect longer software support on the S21?

No significant difference. Both the S20 FE and S21 are eligible for four Android OS updates and five years of security patches, meaning both should remain supported through 2025–2026.

Final Verdict: Is the Upgrade Worth It?

The Samsung Galaxy S21 is a technically superior device to the S20 FE, with a more refined design, faster processor, and improved camera processing. But superiority doesn’t always equal value. For users whose S20 FE still performs reliably, the upgrade offers refinement rather than revolution.

If you prioritize battery life, durability, and value, sticking with the S20 FE—or even upgrading to a newer model like the S23 FE—is a smarter financial and practical decision. But if you crave the latest performance, enjoy mobile photography, and prefer a compact flagship form factor, the S21 remains a compelling option—especially at discounted prices.

🚀 Ready to evaluate your next move? Assess your current phone’s performance, compare real-world reviews, and consider selling your S20 FE to offset costs. Sometimes, the best upgrade is knowing when *not* to upgrade.