The long-anticipated Samsung Galaxy S21 FE is lastly right here and it has some large footwear to fill, its predecessor being greater than well-received by the Android group. The brand new cellphone brings key enhancements, however a number of delays imply it is probably not arriving at the very best time and will battle to duplicate the success of its predecessor.
From killing the flagships to becoming a member of them
The thought behind the unique “Fan Version” was to supply a premium set of options and highly effective {hardware} at a lower cost level. And though the launch value of the Galaxy S20 FE wasn’t precisely low, it did come right down to very cheap ranges, particularly the 4G variant.
The brand new mannequin solely is available in 5G taste, which signifies that your pushed to spending extra even should you do not worth the NR connectivity notably extremely.
We’re not saying the Galaxy S21 FE is not worthy of its value. In spite of everything it has an LTPO excessive refresh price OLED show (no granular refresh price management like the opposite flagship Samsungs, although), flagship Snapdragon 888 SoC, quick charging, stereo audio system and a nicely balanced set of cameras together with a correct 3x telephoto one. That final bit is usually uncared for in reasonably priced flagships.
This implies the Galaxy S21 FE is positioned extra as one other flagship and a correct member of the S21 lineup than an undercutting various.
The Galaxy S21 FE is in no man’s land
Nonetheless the Galaxy S21 FE is being launched in January of the following yr as an alternative of September as its predecessor, which places it means too near the launch of the Galaxy S22 collection. This implies it’s going to face comparisons with the vanilla Galaxy S22 greater than the Galaxy S21.
The vanilla Galaxy S21 is a smaller flagship at present obtainable for €120 lower than the Fan Version whereas the S21+ matches the S21 FE’s value. So except the upcoming Galaxy S22 prices significantly greater than the Fan Version, it will be fairly complicated for somebody trying into Samsung’s obtainable flagship choices.
Positive, there are a few benefits the S21 FE has over its siblings. As an illustration, the Snapdragon 888 model is extra extensively obtainable so it is a very nice various to anybody in search of a Snapdragon-powered Samsung gadget. In case you do not just like the Exynos for some motive.
Additionally, the 3x optical zoom might very nicely show to be a greater various to the S21’s digital zoom, which isn’t excellent in some circumstances.
Moreover, Samsung guarantees important enchancment in picture processing, particularly at night time, and a few neat post-processing methods resembling the item removing software.
However are these actually sufficient to tip the scales so you will not get the precise flagships from final yr or look ahead to the upcoming Galaxy S22?
Some fan-favorite options are not noted
Regardless of the worth going up, Samsung nonetheless makes use of a plastic again for the smartphone. Positive, the entrance is protected by Corning’s newest and best Gorilla Glass Victus sheet, and also you get correct water and dirt safety on the €750 value level you would be forgiven for anticipating a glass again. A lesson the Galaxy S21 and S21+ needed to be taught the onerous means.
Extra importantly, although, the lacking microSD card slot will certainly disappoint some potential patrons. In spite of everything, the Galaxy S20 FE was one of many few remaining smartphones with high notch chipset and a microSD slots and followers favored that.
There would possibly nonetheless be hope
Without having the distinctive positioning and significantly better timing of its predecessor the Galaxy S21 FE would possibly nonetheless be an incredible smartphone for lots of people. In spite of everything, €750 is probably not low-cost, nevertheless it’s not up there with the costliest flagships both.
And we all know higher than to guage a smartphone by the numbers on its specs sheet alongside – the general person expertise and bundle is what issues. If Samsung managed to really optimize its digicam or battery life higher than the Galaxy S21 within the time it had since their launch, the S21 FE may very well find yourself a winner even when it is not in a position to match the gross sales numbers of its predecessor.
So keep tuned for our full assessment to search out out extra in regards to the handset’s battery life, digicam efficiency and new software program options.
