Samsung A35 Vs S21 Fe Is The Newer A Series Actually Better For The Price

When choosing a mid-range Samsung smartphone, two models consistently appear on buyers’ shortlists: the Galaxy A35 and the Galaxy S21 FE. One is a newer addition to Samsung’s affordable A-series lineup; the other is a rebranded flagship with premium DNA. But does the freshness of the A35 outweigh the pedigree of the S21 FE? For budget-conscious consumers who still want strong performance and solid build quality, this comparison matters. Let’s break down what each phone offers and whether the newer model truly delivers better value.

Design and Build Quality: Plastic vs Premium Feel

The Galaxy A35 features a modern, minimalist design with a matte finish that resists fingerprints. It’s built with Gorilla Glass 5 on the front and Gorilla Glass Victus on the back — an unusual upgrade for the A-series. The frame is aluminum, which gives it a sturdier feel than most plastic-bodied phones in its class. At 8.8mm thick and 201g, it’s slightly heavier than average but feels balanced in hand.

In contrast, the S21 FE also uses plastic on the back but pairs it with an aluminum frame and Gorilla Glass 3. While the materials are slightly older, the overall design language — borrowed from the S21 series — feels more refined. Its contoured camera housing and flush-mounted lenses give it a sleeker profile. However, the older glass and lack of IP67 rating (the A35 has IP67) make it less durable in wet conditions.

Tip: If you frequently use your phone outdoors or in humid environments, the A35’s higher water resistance may be a deciding factor.

Display Showdown: Brightness vs Smoothness

The A35 comes with a 6.6-inch Super AMOLED display at 1080p resolution and a 120Hz refresh rate. Peak brightness reaches 1000 nits, making it highly usable under direct sunlight — one of the best in its price range. Colors are vibrant, blacks are deep, and motion remains smooth during scrolling and gaming.

The S21 FE matches that with its own 6.4-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X panel, also at 1080p and 120Hz. However, it only hits around 800 nits peak brightness. In practical terms, that means the A35 wins in outdoor visibility. The smaller screen size of the S21 FE might appeal to users who prefer compact handling, but the difference in brightness is noticeable when switching between the two.

Both support adaptive refresh rates, adjusting between 48Hz and 120Hz based on content to save battery. Neither has curved edges, which many users appreciate for reduced accidental touches.

Performance and Software: Exynos vs Snapdragon Legacy

The A35 runs on the Exynos 1380 chipset — a capable mid-tier processor built on a 5nm process. Paired with 6GB or 8GB of RAM, it handles everyday tasks like web browsing, social media, and video streaming without issue. Gaming performance is decent: titles like Genshin Impact run at medium settings with occasional frame drops.

The S21 FE, depending on region, uses either the Snapdragon 888 or Exynos 2100 — chips that were flagship-grade in 2021. On paper, they outperform the Exynos 1380 significantly. However, real-world usage reveals trade-offs. The Snapdragon 888 is known for heat buildup, especially during extended gaming sessions, leading to throttling. The Exynos version isn’t much cooler. So while raw power favors the S21 FE, sustained performance can falter.

“Flagship chips from previous generations often deliver peak performance but struggle with thermal management over time.” — Rajiv Mehta, Mobile Hardware Analyst at TechPulse Asia

Software-wise, both phones launched with Android 13. The A35 promises four major OS updates and five years of security patches, aligning with Samsung’s newer commitment to long-term support. The S21 FE originally promised three OS upgrades, now nearing its final update cycle. This makes the A35 a smarter long-term investment for users who plan to keep their phone beyond two years.

Camera Comparison: Consistency Over Specs

The A35 features a triple rear setup: 50MP main (f/1.8), 8MP ultrawide (f/2.2), and 5MP macro (f/2.4). The main sensor supports Optical Image Stabilization (OIS), crucial for low-light shots and steady video. Samsung’s processing applies natural color tuning, though HDR handling can be inconsistent in high-contrast scenes.

The S21 FE packs a 12MP main (f/1.8, OIS), 12MP ultrawide (f/2.2), and 8MP telephoto (f/2.4) with 3x hybrid zoom. The telephoto lens adds versatility the A35 lacks. Photos in daylight are excellent — detailed and well-balanced. Low-light performance remains strong thanks to Night Mode, but grain appears faster than on newer sensors.

For video, both shoot 4K at 30fps. The S21 FE benefits from advanced stabilization algorithms from the flagship line, making handheld footage smoother. However, the A35’s more recent image processing engine handles dynamic range better in mixed lighting.

Real-World Example: Travel Photography

Sophia, a digital nomad based in Thailand, used both phones during a month-long trip through northern provinces. She found the S21 FE’s telephoto lens invaluable for capturing temple details from a distance. But she preferred the A35 for jungle hikes — its brighter screen made framing easier under canopy shade, and the IP67 rating gave her peace of mind during sudden monsoon rains. “I ended up relying more on the A35,” she said, “even though I thought I’d love the S21 FE’s pro features.”

Battery Life and Charging: Efficiency Wins

The A35 houses a 5000mAh battery, while the S21 FE has a slightly smaller 4500mAh unit. Despite the S21 FE’s more powerful chip, both last about a full day with moderate use. However, the A35 consistently lasts longer due to better power efficiency from the Exynos 1380 and optimized software.

Charging speed differs significantly. The A35 supports 25W fast charging (charger sold separately), reaching 50% in about 30 minutes. The S21 FE supports 25W as well but includes the charger in-box in some regions — a diminishing perk. Neither supports wireless charging, which is expected at this price point.

Battery Longevity Tip

Tip: Enable adaptive battery settings and avoid draining below 20% regularly to extend battery lifespan on either device.

Detailed Feature Comparison Table

Feature	Samsung Galaxy A35	Samsung Galaxy S21 FE
Release Year	2024	2022
Chipset	Exynos 1380	Snapdragon 888 / Exynos 2100
RAM Options	6GB / 8GB	6GB / 8GB
Storage	128GB / 256GB (expandable)	128GB / 256GB (non-expandable)
Battery	5000mAh	4500mAh
Charging	25W wired	25W wired
Display	6.6” FHD+ 120Hz, 1000 nits	6.4” FHD+ 120Hz, 800 nits
Rear Cameras	50MP + 8MP + 5MP	12MP + 12MP + 8MP (telephoto)
Water Resistance	IP67	IP68
OS Updates	4 major upgrades	3 major upgrades (mostly completed)
Price (Launch)	$449	$599

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Galaxy A35 worth upgrading to from the S21 FE?

If you prioritize battery life, screen brightness, future software support, and better water resistance, yes. However, if you rely heavily on telephoto photography or want maximum processing power for intensive apps, the S21 FE still holds value — especially if bought secondhand at a discount.

Can the A35 replace a flagship experience?

For most users, absolutely. Daily tasks, media consumption, and even light gaming feel seamless. The absence of a telephoto lens and slightly lower app optimization for Exynos aren’t dealbreakers for general use. With longer update support, it may even outlast the S21 FE in usability.

Which phone holds resale value better?

Historically, S-series models retain value better due to brand perception. However, the A35’s longer update promise and newer release date could improve its resale longevity. Expect the S21 FE to depreciate faster, especially as it nears end-of-support status.

Final Verdict: Value Trumps Vintage

The Galaxy S21 FE was a compelling proposition when new — a near-flagship experience at a mid-range price. But time has shifted the balance. The Galaxy A35, despite being part of Samsung’s traditionally budget-focused A-series, brings meaningful improvements: brighter display, better water resistance, larger battery, expandable storage, and longer software support.

While the S21 FE still wins in raw performance and zoom capability, those advantages come with compromises: aging hardware, shorter update life, and dimmer outdoor visibility. For the average user — someone who texts, browses, takes casual photos, and streams content — the A35 delivers a more consistent, future-proof experience.

In the battle of \"newer A-series vs older fan edition,\" the answer leans clearly toward the A35. It proves that Samsung’s A-line isn’t just catching up — in key areas, it’s surpassing older flagships in practical value. If you’re shopping today, especially at current pricing where the A35 often retails below $450, it’s the smarter buy for nearly everyone.

🚀 Ready to make your decision? Consider trying both in-store or opting for the A35 if buying online — its blend of durability, brightness, and long-term support makes it the true value champion in 2024.