Samsung Galaxy S21 FE - Should You Buy in 2023
The S21 FE in a Crowded Market
Samsung launched the Galaxy S21 FE (Fan Edition) in January 2022, intending to provide flagship features at a slightly more affordable price. It was based on the popular Galaxy S21 series, combining performance, premium design, and software longevity.
But now that we're deep into 2023, the real question is — should you still consider buying the Galaxy S21 FE or are there better options out there?
If you're on a budget but still want flagship-grade performance, this blog will help you decide.
π Samsung Galaxy S21 FE: Full Specifications
Specification | Details |
---|---|
Display | 6.4" FHD+ Dynamic AMOLED 2X, 120Hz |
Processor | Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 (India & Global) |
RAM & Storage | 6GB/128GB or 8GB/256GB |
Camera Setup | Triple Rear: 12MP + 12MP + 8MP |
Battery | 4500 mAh with 25W wired and 15W wireless charging |
Operating System | Android 12 at launch, upgradeable to Android 16 |
Security | In-display fingerprint + Face Unlock |
Weight | 177 grams |
Build | Plastic back, Gorilla Glass Victus front, IP68 water/dust resistance |
✅ 8 Reasons Why S21 FE is Still a Smart Buy in 2023
1. Flagship-grade Performance at Lower Price
Powered by the Snapdragon 888, the S21 FE still handles gaming, video editing, multitasking, and high-performance tasks easily. It may not be the latest chip, but in 2023, it remains strong enough for everything, including heavy apps like PUBG, CODM, and Genshin Impact.
π Buy Now on Amazon – Available under ₹35,000
2. Superb AMOLED Display with 120Hz Refresh Rate
The 6.4-inch AMOLED 2X panel offers vibrant colors, deep blacks, and excellent outdoor visibility. Combined with a 120Hz refresh rate, it's ultra-smooth for browsing, gaming, and watching videos.
If you love binge-watching Netflix or YouTube, the display is a major selling point.
3. Future-Proof with Android Updates Till 2026-27
The S21 FE was launched with Android 12, and Samsung has promised 4 years of Android OS updates and 5 years of security patches.
This means it will get Android 13, 14, 15, and even Android 16, making it more future-ready than most mid-range phones.
4. Lightweight & Premium Design
At just 177 grams, it's incredibly comfortable in hand, especially compared to bulky 200g+ smartphones. The matte-finish plastic back doesn’t feel cheap and comes in trendy colors like Olive, Graphite, Lavender, and White.
5. Great Camera Setup for Social Media Lovers
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12MP Main: OIS enabled, excellent daylight shots
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12MP Ultrawide: Wide field for landscapes and group shots
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8MP Telephoto: 3x optical zoom, surprisingly clear
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32MP Front: Selfies with good skin tones and detail
Low-light performance is decent, thanks to Night Mode, and 4K video recording is available for both front and rear.
πΈ Perfect for Instagram reels, YouTube vlogging, and Snapchat stories.
6. Wireless Charging & IP68 Water Resistance
These two features are missing in most budget and mid-range phones. The Galaxy S21 FE supports wireless charging, reverse wireless charging, and has an IP68 rating — meaning protection against dust and water splashes.
It’s a compact beast packed with premium features.
7. Massive Price Drop in 2023
When launched, it was priced at ₹54,999, but now:
π In 2023, the S21 FE is available at ₹32,999–₹36,999 on Amazon during sales, depending on storage.
π Click Here to Check Today's Amazon Price
Compared to its original price, it’s a steal deal today.
8. Excellent Value Over Galaxy A-Series or M-Series
Many users opt for Galaxy A54 or M14 in 2023. While those phones are good, the **S21 FE has:
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Faster chipset (Snapdragon 888 > Exynos 1380)
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Better cameras (Telephoto + OIS)
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Wireless Charging
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Better display quality
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More Android updates
If you're confused between Galaxy A54 vs S21 FE — the S21 FE wins hands down.
⚠️ Few Downsides You Should Know
While the S21 FE is a great deal in 2023, it’s not perfect.
❌ 1. Average Battery Life
The 4500 mAh battery gives 4.5–5 hours screen-on-time, which is okay but not as good as newer phones with 5000+ mAh batteries.
❌ 2. No Charger in the Box
Like other premium Samsung phones, you don’t get a charger. You’ll have to buy a 25W fast charger separately.
π Buy Samsung Official 25W Charger on Amazon
❌ 3. Plastic Back
Though well-built, some users might prefer glass or metal backs for a more premium feel.
π S21 FE vs Other Phones in 2023
Feature | Samsung S21 FE | Galaxy A54 | Pixel 6 |
---|---|---|---|
Processor | Snapdragon 888 | Exynos 1380 | Google Tensor |
Display | 6.4" AMOLED 120Hz | 6.4" AMOLED 120Hz | 6.4" OLED 90Hz |
Wireless Charge | ✅ Yes | ❌ No | ✅ Yes |
Water Resistance | ✅ IP68 | ✅ IP67 | ✅ IP68 |
Android Update | Till Android 16 | Till Android 16 | Till Android 15 |
Price (Amazon) | ₹32K–₹36K | ₹34K–₹38K | ₹40K–₹45K |
π Verdict: S21 FE offers the best combination of price, power, and features.
π‘ Who Should Buy the Galaxy S21 FE in 2023?
YES — Go For It If You:
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Want flagship experience under ₹35,000
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Need long-term Android updates
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Prefer wireless charging + IP68
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Love social media content creation
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Want a balanced phone for work, play, and content
NO — Skip It If You:
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Need 2-day battery backup
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Want a glass or metal finish
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Prefer ultra-fast 65W+ charging
π¬ What Are Users Saying?
⭐ "Still the best flagship under ₹35K."
⭐ "Performance is superb, cameras are just right."
⭐ "Only con — battery drains fast while gaming, but it charges quick."
Users on Reddit and Amazon praise it as the most underrated flagship of 2022 that makes total sense in 2023.
π Final Verdict: Is Galaxy S21 FE Worth Buying in 2023?
✅ Yes, 100% YES — but only at the current discounted price.
At under ₹35,000, the Samsung Galaxy S21 FE offers flagship-level performance, excellent cameras, premium features like wireless charging, and long-term software support — all in a sleek design.
It easily outclasses most phones in its segment, and thanks to the Snapdragon 888, it's still blazing fast in 2023.
π Buy Samsung Galaxy S21 FE on Amazon Now
π₯ Grab it during sale events to get even better discounts and bank offers.
π¬ Comment Below: Are you planning to buy the Galaxy S21 FE in 2023? Share your thoughts!