When Samsung introduced the Galaxy S21 FE, it was hailed as the ultimate blend of flagship features at a mid-range price. But now, with the release of the Galaxy A35 in 2024, the landscape of Samsung’s affordable lineup has shifted. The A35 brings modern design, improved durability, and stronger software support — all while landing in a similar price bracket. So, is the older S21 FE still a smart buy, or has the A35 taken over as Samsung’s top value pick in 2024?
This isn’t just about specs on paper. It’s about real-world performance, longevity, camera quality, and what actually matters to users who want a reliable Android experience without breaking the bank. Let’s break down both phones across key categories to see which delivers more in today’s market.
Design and Build Quality: Modern vs Proven
The Galaxy S21 FE, launched in early 2022, features a polycarbonate body with a glossy finish and subtle textured back panel. While lightweight and comfortable to hold, its plastic build lacks the premium feel of glass or metal. It does, however, include IP67 water and dust resistance — a rare feature at this price point when it launched.
In contrast, the Galaxy A35 steps up with a matte frosted glass back (on higher trims) and an aluminum frame, giving it a more refined look and better grip. It also improves on protection with IP67 rating and Gorilla Glass Victus, offering better scratch and drop resistance than the S21 FE’s older Gorilla Glass 5.
The A35’s design language aligns more closely with Samsung’s current flagships, making it feel newer and more future-proof. Meanwhile, the S21 FE’s rounded edges and speaker cutouts are starting to look dated in 2024.
Display and Screen Experience
Both phones feature 6.4-inch Super AMOLED displays with Full HD+ resolution and 120Hz refresh rates — excellent for smooth scrolling and responsive touch. However, differences emerge in brightness and outdoor visibility.
The A35 boasts a peak brightness of up to 1000 nits, significantly brighter than the S21 FE’s ~800 nits. This makes the A35 far more usable under direct sunlight, a crucial advantage for outdoor commuters or travelers.
Additionally, the A35 uses a flat screen with reduced glare and fewer edge distortions, whereas the S21 FE’s slightly curved edges can cause color shifting and accidental touches. For media consumption and reading, the A35 offers a cleaner, more consistent viewing experience.
Performance and Software Support
Under the hood, the S21 FE runs on the Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 (or Exynos 2100 in some regions), a flagship chip from 2021. While powerful at launch, it’s known for heat generation and throttling during extended gaming or multitasking. In 2024, it still handles everyday apps well but shows signs of aging under heavier loads.
The A35, meanwhile, uses the Exynos 1380 — a mid-tier chipset built on a more efficient 5nm process. It doesn’t match the raw power of the 888, but it’s cooler, more power-efficient, and optimized for sustained performance. Real-world usage like web browsing, social media, and even light gaming feels snappier due to smoother UI tuning.
“Software longevity often outweighs raw hardware power in budget devices.” — Lena Park, Mobile Analyst at TechPulse Asia
Where the A35 truly pulls ahead is in software support. It ships with Android 14 and is guaranteed four major OS updates and five years of security patches, meaning it will be supported until 2029. The S21 FE, despite being a “Fan Edition,” only receives three OS upgrades and is now capped at Android 14, with security updates likely ending by late 2025.
If you plan to keep your phone for more than two years, the A35’s update policy is a decisive advantage.
Camera Comparison: Consistency Over Peak Performance
| Feature | Galaxy S21 FE | Galaxy A35 |
|---|---|---|
| Main Sensor | 12 MP, f/1.8, Dual Pixel AF | 50 MP, f/1.8, OIS |
| Ultrawide | 12 MP, f/2.2 | 12 MP, f/2.2 |
| Front Camera | 32 MP, f/2.2 | 13 MP, f/2.2 |
| Video Recording | 4K@60fps | 4K@30fps |
| OIS | No (main cam) | Yes (main cam) |
The S21 FE’s camera system was impressive in 2022, leveraging proven sensors from the S21 series. Its 32MP front camera captures sharp selfies, and the main sensor produces vibrant, well-balanced photos in daylight. However, low-light performance is inconsistent, and the lack of optical image stabilization (OIS) leads to blurrier shots in motion or dim conditions.
The A35 addresses this with a 50MP main sensor that includes OIS — a first for the A-series at this price. While pixel-binned to 12.5MP for better light capture, it delivers sharper, steadier images, especially after dark. The ultrawide is identical, but processing improvements in 2024 result in less distortion and better dynamic range.
On the front, the S21 FE wins on paper with a higher-resolution selfie cam, but the A35’s 13MP shooter benefits from newer AI processing, producing more natural skin tones and better background separation in portrait mode.
For most users, the A35 offers more consistent results across lighting conditions, even if it can’t match the S21 FE’s peak photo quality in ideal scenarios.
Battery Life and Charging
The S21 FE packs a 4500mAh battery and supports 25W fast charging (charger not included). In mixed use, it lasts a full day, though heavy users may need a top-up by evening. Wireless charging is supported — a feature absent on the A35.
The A35 increases capacity to 5000mAh, enhancing endurance. With the more efficient Exynos 1380 and optimized One UI 6, it routinely exceeds 1.5 days of moderate use. However, it only supports 25W charging and lacks wireless charging capability.
Charging speed is comparable, but the A35’s larger battery gives it a clear edge in total uptime — critical for users who travel or work away from outlets.
Real-World Example: Maria’s Upgrade Dilemma
Maria, a freelance photographer and traveler, owned an S21 FE since 2022. By early 2024, she noticed slower app launches, overheating during editing, and shorter battery life. She considered buying a used S21 FE for $250 but ultimately chose the new A35 at $429.
She found the A35’s OIS invaluable for capturing stable shots on moving trains, and the brighter screen made reviewing photos outdoors much easier. Despite missing wireless charging, the extra battery life meant fewer portable chargers. Most importantly, knowing the phone would receive updates until 2029 gave her peace of mind for long-term use.
“I thought I’d miss the flagship chip,” she said, “but the A35 feels faster in daily tasks because everything is smoother and cooler.”
Which Should You Buy in 2024?
If you’re shopping today, the answer depends on your priorities:
- Choose the S21 FE if: You find it heavily discounted (under $300), want wireless charging, or prefer a proven camera in daylight.
- Choose the A35 if: You value longer software support, better build quality, improved low-light photography, and longer battery life.
In most cases, the A35 is the smarter investment in 2024. It may not have the “flagship” badge, but it delivers a more balanced, future-ready experience. The S21 FE remains capable, but its age is showing in thermal management, software lifespan, and design relevance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the S21 FE still good in 2024?
Yes, the S21 FE is still functional for everyday tasks like calls, messaging, and streaming. However, its processor runs hot under load, and software updates are ending soon. It’s best suited as a secondary phone or for users on a very tight budget.
Does the A35 support 5G?
Yes, the Galaxy A35 supports 5G across all major bands, including sub-6GHz frequencies used by carriers in the U.S., Europe, and Asia. It ensures compatibility with current and near-future network standards.
Can the A35 replace a flagship phone?
For most non-gamers and casual users, yes. The A35 offers a great display, solid cameras, and long-term software support. While it won’t match an S24 in raw speed or zoom capability, it covers core needs exceptionally well.
Final Verdict: The A35 Is the New Budget Champion
The Galaxy S21 FE was a trailblazer — a taste of flagship luxury at a mid-range price. But in 2024, it’s no longer the best value. The Galaxy A35 builds on lessons learned, offering better durability, longer support, improved cameras with OIS, and a brighter, more usable display.
Samsung has redefined what a budget-friendly Samsung phone can be. The A35 isn’t just a successor; it’s an evolution — one that prioritizes longevity, consistency, and real-world usability over headline-grabbing specs.
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