Samsung S24 Fe Vs S21 Fe Is The Upgrade Really Worth It In 2025

By 2025, the Samsung Galaxy S21 FE has firmly settled into the budget-conscious used market, while the Galaxy S24 FE emerges as the latest mid-tier flagship from Samsung’s Fan Edition lineup. For owners of the S21 FE considering an upgrade, the question isn’t just about new features—it’s about whether those improvements deliver tangible benefits two years later. The answer depends on how you use your phone, what you value most, and how much you’re willing to spend.

The gap between these devices spans more than just hardware. It includes software longevity, AI integration, display quality, and long-term support. Let’s break down every major aspect to determine if moving from the S21 FE to the S24 FE makes sense in 2025.

Design and Build: Evolution Over Revolution

Both phones follow Samsung’s minimalist design language, but subtle refinements in the S24 FE reflect modern preferences. The S21 FE uses a glossy plastic back with aluminum frame accents, which can feel premium at first glance but attracts fingerprints easily. In contrast, the S24 FE adopts a matte-finish polycarbonate back that resists smudges and offers better grip.

The S24 FE is slightly lighter (173g vs 177g) and marginally thinner (7.6mm vs 8.9mm), making it more comfortable for one-handed use. While both have IP67 water resistance—sufficient for accidental spills or brief submersion—the S24 FE’s updated Gorilla Glass Victus 2 provides better scratch and drop protection compared to the older Victus on the S21 FE.

Tip: If you frequently drop your phone, the S24 FE’s improved glass and slimmer profile make it a safer daily driver without needing a bulky case.

Display: Brighter, Smoother, Sharper

The S21 FE launched with a 6.4-inch FHD+ Dynamic AMOLED 2X display with a 120Hz refresh rate—an excellent panel for its time. The S24 FE upgrades to a 6.6-inch FHD+ display, still AMOLED, but now featuring higher peak brightness (up to 1,750 nits vs 1,300 nits).

This difference becomes noticeable outdoors. Under direct sunlight, the S24 FE remains readable where the S21 FE starts to wash out. Additionally, the newer model supports adaptive refresh rates starting as low as 48Hz, improving battery efficiency during video playback or scrolling through static content.

While both screens are sharp and vibrant, the S24 FE’s larger size and enhanced HDR support provide a better experience for streaming services like Netflix or YouTube, especially when watching HDR10+ content.

Performance Comparison: Generational Leap in Real-World Use

Under the hood, the shift is significant. The S21 FE runs on either the Exynos 2100 or Snapdragon 888 (depending on region), chips known for thermal throttling and aging poorly by 2025 standards. The S24 FE, meanwhile, features the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 for Galaxy—a customized version built specifically for Samsung that delivers near-flagship performance with better power efficiency.

In practical terms, this means:

• Faster app launches, even after extended multitasking
• Smoother gameplay in demanding titles like Genshin Impact or Call of Duty Mobile
• Better sustained performance under load (e.g., photo editing, video rendering)
• Improved AI processing for tasks like voice transcription, image enhancement, and real-time translation

“Phones today aren’t just about raw speed—they’re about intelligent responsiveness. The jump from Snapdragon 888 to 8 Gen 2 is one of the most meaningful upgrades in recent years.” — David Kim, Senior Analyst at TechPulse Insights

Camera System: More Than Megapixels

Feature	Samsung S21 FE	Samsung S24 FE
Main Sensor	12 MP, f/1.8, Dual Pixel AF	50 MP, f/1.8, OIS + Dual Pixel Pro
Ultra-Wide	12 MP, f/2.2, 123° FoV	12 MP, f/2.2, upgraded sensor
Telephoto	8 MP, f/2.4, 3x hybrid zoom	10 MP, f/2.4, 3x optical zoom with AI-enhanced upscaling
Front Camera	32 MP, f/2.2	10 MP, f/2.2 with auto-focus and face tracking
Video Recording	4K@60fps	8K@30fps, 4K@60fps with Super Steady stabilization

The S24 FE’s main camera sees the biggest leap. With a 50MP high-resolution sensor and optical image stabilization (OIS)—missing on the S21 FE—photos in low light are noticeably cleaner and sharper. Nightography modes leverage AI denoising to preserve detail without over-processing.

The front camera takes a different approach: dropping megapixels but adding autofocus and face-tracking capabilities. This results in crisper selfies across distances and better video call quality. For vloggers or remote workers, this change matters more than raw resolution.

Real-World Example: Travel Photography Upgrade

Consider Maria, a digital nomad who relied on her S21 FE for travel content in 2023. By late 2024, she noticed her night shots in cities like Prague or Tokyo required heavy post-processing due to noise and blur. After upgrading to the S24 FE, she found that her workflow shortened dramatically—fewer retakes, less editing, and more consistent results straight out of the camera. “I didn’t realize how much I was compensating until I stopped having to,” she said.

Battery Life and Charging: Efficiency Meets Longevity

The S24 FE packs a 4,400mAh battery—slightly smaller than the S21 FE’s 4,500mAh—but thanks to the more efficient chipset and optimized software, it lasts longer in typical usage. Users report up to 12 hours of screen-on time, compared to around 9–10 hours on the S21 FE in 2025 (after battery degradation).

Charging speeds remain unchanged: 25W wired, 15W wireless, and 4.5W reverse charging. However, the S24 FE introduces adaptive battery learning that prioritizes apps you use most, delaying background activity for others. Over weeks, this extends usable life per charge by 10–15%.

Tip: Enable Adaptive Battery and Maintenance Mode in Settings to maximize lifespan and reduce overnight drain.

Software and Support: The Hidden Value of Future-Proofing

This may be the most decisive factor in 2025. The S21 FE launched with Android 12 and promised four OS updates (up to Android 16). As of early 2025, it’s nearing the end of that cycle. Security patches will likely continue into 2026, but no further major feature updates are expected.

The S24 FE ships with Android 14 but guarantees **seven years** of OS and security updates—until at least Android 21. This means users will receive new features, AI tools, privacy enhancements, and performance optimizations well into the next decade.

Additionally, the S24 FE integrates Samsung’s Galaxy AI suite: live call translation, note summarization, generative photo editing, and search suggestions powered by on-device models. These tools are not available on older devices, even via app updates.

Checklist: Should You Upgrade?

1. Are you experiencing slowdowns or app crashes on your S21 FE? → Yes = Strong reason to upgrade
2. Do you record videos or take photos regularly? → Better camera on S24 FE adds real value
3. Is your current battery lasting less than a full day? → S24 FE offers fresher, more efficient endurance
4. Do you want access to AI-powered features and future Android versions? → S24 FE ensures longevity
5. Are you using protective cases and screen protectors? → Protect your investment if upgrading

Frequently Asked Questions

Can the S24 FE run AI features without cloud dependency?

Yes. Many Galaxy AI functions—including Bixby Circle, photo cleanup, and real-time translation—run directly on the device using the NPU in the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2, ensuring faster response times and better privacy.

Is the S24 FE compatible with my existing accessories?

Largely yes. It supports the same Wireless PowerShare standard, works with older Dex docks (though not officially certified), and uses the same USB-C port. However, slight dimensional changes mean older cases may not fit perfectly.

Will Samsung offer trade-in deals for S21 FE owners?

Historically, Samsung runs regional trade-in promotions during new launches. In 2025, carriers and retailers are offering $150–$200 credit for functional S21 FE units when purchasing an S24 FE—making the effective price quite competitive.

Final Verdict: Who Benefits Most From the Upgrade?

For casual users still satisfied with their S21 FE, the upgrade might feel unnecessary. If your phone charges quickly, handles daily apps smoothly, and you don’t care about cutting-edge cameras or AI, holding off is reasonable—especially if you're on a tight budget.

But for professionals, content creators, frequent travelers, or anyone who relies heavily on their phone for productivity and media, the S24 FE delivers meaningful improvements. The combination of superior performance, longer software support, advanced photography, and AI integration makes it a worthwhile step forward in 2025.

Moreover, buying now positions you for the next wave of mobile innovation. With Android evolving rapidly around on-device intelligence, choosing a device designed to support those changes ensures you won’t be left behind again in two years.

🚀 Ready to future-proof your smartphone experience? Evaluate your current needs, check trade-in options, and consider whether the S24 FE’s blend of performance, longevity, and smart features aligns with how you use your phone every day. Your 2027 self might thank you.