For fans of Samsung’s Fan Edition series, the decision to upgrade from the S21 FE to the S24 FE isn’t as straightforward as it might seem. While both phones deliver flagship-inspired experiences at mid-tier prices, the differences between them could justify — or deter — a new purchase. With improved processors, updated cameras, and enhanced software support, the S24 FE promises meaningful upgrades. But if you’re already using an S21 FE in good condition, is spending $600+ truly necessary?
This detailed comparison breaks down every critical aspect — hardware, software, real-world usability, and long-term value — to determine whether the jump from S21 FE to S24 FE makes financial and functional sense.
Design and Build: Evolution Over Revolution
The S21 FE and S24 FE share a familiar aesthetic DNA. Both feature flat aluminum frames, glossy plastic backs (Glasstic), and a centered triple-camera module. At first glance, they look nearly identical. However, subtle refinements in the S24 FE make a noticeable difference in hand.
The S24 FE adopts slightly sharper edges and a more compact footprint despite having a larger 6.7-inch display compared to the S21 FE’s 6.4 inches. This is due to reduced bezels and a smaller punch-hole cutout. The newer model also feels sturdier thanks to Gorilla Glass Victus 2 on the front and improved water resistance (IP67 on both, but better sealing in practice).
While neither phone turns heads with cutting-edge design, the S24 FE refines what worked before — delivering a more modern feel that aligns closer to Samsung’s Galaxy S24 standard model.
Performance: Generational Leap in Speed and Efficiency
Under the hood, the most significant change lies in the chipset. The S21 FE launched with the Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 (or Exynos 2100 in some regions), a powerful but notoriously hot-running chip. In contrast, the S24 FE features the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 for Galaxy — a customized version of the latest flagship processor optimized for efficiency and AI capabilities.
This isn't just a clock speed bump; it's a complete architectural overhaul. Benchmarks show up to 45% faster CPU performance and nearly double the GPU efficiency. Real-world benefits include smoother multitasking, quicker app launches, and noticeably better thermal management during gaming or extended video recording.
“Thermal throttling was the Achilles’ heel of the S21 FE. The S24 FE finally solves that with intelligent power distribution and superior cooling.” — David Kim, Mobile Hardware Analyst at TechPulse Asia
Beyond raw speed, the S24 FE supports longer software updates — seven years of OS and security patches versus four on the S21 FE. That means Android 17 support in 2027 for the S24 FE, a major advantage for users who keep phones long-term.
Camera Comparison: Smarter, Not Just Sharper
On paper, both phones carry similar setups: a 50MP main sensor, 12MP ultra-wide, and 8MP telephoto with 3x optical zoom. But image processing has evolved dramatically between generations.
The S24 FE leverages AI-powered computational photography to enhance dynamic range, reduce noise in low light, and improve subject tracking. Its Night Mode produces brighter, cleaner photos with more natural color tones. Video stabilization is also significantly better, especially when walking or filming in motion.
One standout addition is the improved autofocus algorithm, which locks onto subjects faster — particularly useful for pet and child photography. While the S21 FE still takes respectable shots in daylight, the gap widens in challenging lighting.
| Feature | S21 FE | S24 FE |
|---|---|---|
| Main Sensor | 12MP (f/1.8) | 50MP (f/1.8) |
| Ultra-Wide Aperture | f/2.2 | f/2.2 |
| Telephoto Zoom | 3x Optical | 3x Optical |
| Night Mode Quality | Good | Excellent |
| AI Enhancements | Limited | Advanced (Gen AI Upscaling) |
| Video Recording | 4K@60fps | 4K@60fps + HDR10+ editing |
If you frequently edit photos or shoot in dim environments, the S24 FE’s imaging pipeline offers tangible improvements.
Battery Life and Charging: Incremental Gains, Better Management
The S21 FE packs a 4500mAh battery, while the S24 FE increases capacity slightly to 4700mAh. On the surface, this seems minor — but combined with the energy-efficient Snapdragon 8 Gen 3, results are impressive.
In standardized mixed-use testing (browsing, messaging, streaming, calls), the S24 FE lasts about 1 hour and 15 minutes longer than its predecessor. More importantly, standby drain is reduced thanks to smarter background app management and adaptive refresh rate (48–120Hz vs 48–120Hz on S21 FE, but with tighter control).
Charging speeds remain unchanged: 25W wired, 15W wireless, and 4.5W reverse wireless. No leap forward here, but Samsung includes a slight firmware improvement that reduces charging heat, extending long-term battery health.
Real-World Example: Daily Use After Upgrade
Jessica, a freelance photographer in Seoul, upgraded from her S21 FE after 28 months of daily use. She noticed immediate differences: her gallery loaded faster when sorting RAW files, GPS locked quicker during outdoor shoots, and her phone stayed cooler during drone footage transfers. “It felt like going from a reliable sedan to a sports car — same route, but everything responds instantly,” she said.
She also appreciated the extra year of guaranteed updates, crucial for relying on her phone as her primary work device. Though the camera didn’t revolutionize her workflow, the consistency in low-light JPEG output reduced post-processing time by nearly 30%.
Should You Upgrade? A Practical Checklist
Before making the move, consider your current situation. Use this checklist to evaluate whether the S24 FE is worth the investment:
- ✅ Is your S21 FE showing signs of slowdown or overheating?
- ✅ Do you want access to AI features like Circle to Search or generative photo editing?
- ✅ Are you planning to keep your phone for 3+ years? (S24 FE gets 7 years of updates)
- ✅ Do you value brighter, crisper displays in sunlight?
- ✅ Can your carrier offer trade-in credit or installment plans?
- ❌ Is your S21 FE still performing well with no major issues?
- ❌ Are you satisfied with current camera quality and battery life?
If most of your answers are “yes” to the positives and “no” to the concerns, upgrading makes strong sense. But if your S21 FE still runs smoothly, the improvements may not be urgent enough to justify cost.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can the S24 FE run demanding games better than the S21 FE?
Absolutely. Thanks to the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 and improved thermal design, the S24 FE maintains stable frame rates in titles like Genshin Impact and Call of Duty: Mobile without throttling. The S21 FE often drops to 45fps after 10 minutes due to heat buildup.
Does the S24 FE have an always-on display improvement?
Yes. The S24 FE uses a higher-brightness panel (up to 1750 nits peak) and refined AOD settings, allowing clearer visibility under direct sun. You can also customize fonts and layouts more extensively through One UI 6.1.
Is the price difference justified?
At launch, the S24 FE costs around $100 more than the S21 FE did at release. However, factoring in longer software support, future-proof performance, and AI functionality, the total cost of ownership over three years is actually lower with the S24 FE.
Final Verdict: Who Should Upgrade?
The S24 FE isn’t a radical reinvention — it’s a precision upgrade. For users frustrated by the S21 FE’s heating issues, aging software support, or desire for smarter photography tools, the new model delivers meaningful enhancements across the board.
However, if your S21 FE is less than two years old and functioning well, hold off unless you deeply value AI integration or plan to keep your phone beyond 2027. In that case, the extended update promise alone makes the S24 FE a smarter long-term investment.
Ultimately, this isn’t a must-upgrade for everyone — but for those seeking sustained performance, better efficiency, and next-gen features, the S24 FE proves the upgrade is, indeed, worth it.
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