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

For many smartphone users, the decision to upgrade isn’t just about new features—it’s about whether those improvements translate into meaningful daily gains. If you're still using the Samsung Galaxy S20 FE, a device praised for its balance of performance and affordability, you might be wondering: does the S21 bring enough to the table to justify the cost and hassle of switching?

The answer depends on your priorities—whether you value incremental hardware upgrades, refined design, or future-proofing your device. The S21 isn't a revolutionary leap from the S20 FE, but it does offer subtle yet significant refinements that could matter more than they initially appear.

Design and Build: A Step Toward Premium

The most immediate difference between the S20 FE and the S21 is in their physical presence. The S20 FE, while durable and functional, leans toward a sporty, utilitarian aesthetic with its plastic back and chunkier frame. In contrast, the S21 adopts a minimalist, premium look with a matte plastic back (in most models) and an integrated metal camera housing that flows seamlessly into the frame.

This design shift isn’t just cosmetic. The S21 feels more compact despite having a slightly smaller 6.2-inch display compared to the S20 FE’s 6.5-inch screen. The reduced size improves one-handed usability, and the slimmer bezels enhance immersion. While both phones are IP68-rated for dust and water resistance, the S21’s build gives the impression of a higher-tier device—even if the materials underneath aren’t drastically different.

Tip: If you value a sleeker, more pocketable design and don’t use a bulky case, the S21’s form factor alone may justify the upgrade.

Performance: Similar Power, Better Efficiency

Under the hood, both phones are powered by flagship-grade processors—the S20 FE uses either the Snapdragon 865 or Exynos 990 (depending on region), while the S21 features the newer Snapdragon 888 or Exynos 2100. On paper, this represents a generational jump, but real-world performance differences are less dramatic than expected.

In day-to-day tasks like browsing, messaging, and streaming, both devices perform nearly identically. However, the S21 pulls ahead in sustained workloads and gaming. The Snapdragon 888 offers better thermal management and improved GPU efficiency, which translates to smoother gameplay over long sessions. Benchmark tests show around a 15–20% increase in CPU and GPU performance, but most users won’t notice this unless they’re pushing their phone to its limits.

One downside: early reports noted that the Snapdragon 888 in the S21 could run hotter than expected under heavy load. Samsung addressed this in later software updates, but it’s worth noting that the S20 FE, with its older but more thermally efficient chip, sometimes handles prolonged use more consistently.

Camera Comparison: Refined, Not Revolutionary

The camera setup is where expectations often outpace reality. Both phones feature triple rear cameras: a 12MP main sensor, a 12MP ultra-wide, and a telephoto lens. The S21 adds a few software-driven enhancements, including improved AI scene optimization and better low-light processing through its \"Night Mode 2.0.\"

In direct comparisons, the S21 produces slightly sharper images with more accurate color reproduction, especially in mixed lighting. Its 3x hybrid zoom performs better than the S20 FE’s 3x digital zoom, thanks to improved image stabilization and processing algorithms. Video recording also sees a modest upgrade, supporting 8K at 24fps (same as S20 FE), but with better stabilization and dynamic range.

However, for casual photographers, the differences are subtle. If you’re not editing photos professionally or printing large-format images, the S20 FE’s camera remains more than capable.

“Smartphone camera improvements have plateaued in recent years. The gains are now in fine-tuning, not reinvention.” — David Kim, Mobile Imaging Analyst at TechInsight Group

Battery and Charging: A Trade-Off

Here’s where the S21 makes a noticeable compromise. 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 shorter battery life—especially when using 5G or high refresh rate settings.

In real-world testing, the S21 typically lasts a full day with moderate use but struggles to reach 1.5 days, whereas the S20 FE can comfortably stretch into a second day under similar conditions. Charging speeds remain identical: 25W wired, 15W wireless, and reverse wireless charging. Neither phone includes a charger in the box, following Samsung’s eco-friendly shift.

If long battery life is a top priority, this downgrade could be a dealbreaker.

Feature	Samsung S20 FE	Samsung S21
Display Size	6.5” FHD+ Super AMOLED	6.2” FHD+ Dynamic AMOLED 2X
Processor	Snapdragon 865 / Exynos 990	Snapdragon 888 / Exynos 2100
Battery Capacity	4,500 mAh	4,000 mAh
Charging	25W wired, 15W wireless	25W wired, 15W wireless
Rear Cameras	12MP + 12MP + 8MP	12MP + 12MP + 64MP
Water Resistance	IP68	IP68
Starting Price (Launch)	$699	$799

Real-World Example: Sarah’s Upgrade Dilemma

Sarah has been using her S20 FE since late 2020. She loves its battery life and doesn’t take professional photos, but she’s noticed apps loading slightly slower and occasional stutters when multitasking. After seeing ads for the S21, she considered upgrading.

She tested both devices side-by-side at a retail store. While the S21 felt snappier in app launches, the difference wasn’t transformative. What impressed her most was the S21’s cleaner design and crisper display. However, when she checked battery stats, she realized she’d lose nearly two hours of screen time based on her usage patterns.

In the end, Sarah decided to wait. She concluded that the upgrade didn’t solve any major pain points—and with the S22 and S23 already released, the price-to-benefit ratio didn’t add up.

Upgrade Checklist: Is the S21 Right for You?

Before making the switch, ask yourself the following:

• Do I prioritize a more compact, premium design over battery longevity?
• Am I frequently gaming or using performance-intensive apps where the Snapdragon 888 would make a difference?
• Do I care about marginal camera improvements in low light or zoom quality?
• Is my current S20 FE showing signs of wear, lag, or battery degradation?
• Can I get the S21 at a significant discount (e.g., trade-in, sale)?

If most of your answers are “yes,” the upgrade holds merit. Otherwise, you may be better off saving for a more substantial leap, such as the S23 or S24 series.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can the S21 last longer than the S20 FE in terms of software support?

Yes. The S21 launched with Android 11 and is guaranteed up to four generations of OS upgrades, meaning it will receive updates through Android 15. The S20 FE also gets similar support, so there’s little difference in long-term software lifespan.

Does the S21 have a headphone jack?

No. Like most flagship Samsung phones since the S10 line, the S21 omits the 3.5mm jack. The S20 FE retains it—a notable advantage for users with wired headphones.

Is the S21 worth buying in 2024?

As a standalone device today, probably not—at least not at full price. However, if you find it used or refurbished for under $300, and you value its design and performance edge, it becomes a more compelling option.

Final Verdict: Incremental, Not Essential

The Samsung Galaxy S21 is a well-built, capable smartphone that refines the formula of the S20 FE. It offers a sleeker design, slightly better cameras, and stronger peak performance. But these improvements come at the cost of battery life and at a price premium that’s hard to justify unless your current device is struggling.

For most S20 FE owners, the upgrade isn’t essential. The gains are incremental—noticeable in side-by-side tests but rarely impactful in everyday use. If you’re happy with your current phone, extending its life with a new battery or case might be a smarter investment.

But if you’ve been waiting for a reason to move to a more compact, modern flagship experience—and you can get the S21 at a steep discount—it could be a satisfying step forward.

💬 Have you upgraded from the S20 FE to the S21? Share your experience in the comments and help others decide whether the jump is worth it.