The Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 256GB is a device that sits in a curious spot in Samsung’s lineup—neither a flagship nor a budget offering, but something that bridges the gap with surprising finesse. As a "Fan Edition" model, it inherits much of the DNA from the flagship S21 series while making strategic cuts to hit a more accessible price point. But does it deliver enough to justify its place in the market? Let’s dive in.

Design and Build: At first glance, the S21 FE looks strikingly similar to its more expensive siblings. The matte plastic back (Samsung calls it "glasstic") is a departure from the glass used in the S21 and S21+, but it doesn’t feel cheap. In fact, it’s a practical choice—lighter, more durable, and less prone to fingerprints. The phone retains the sleek, minimalist design language of the S21 series, with a contoured camera module that blends seamlessly into the frame. It’s available in a range of vibrant colors, which adds a touch of personality often missing from more premium devices.

The 6.4-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display is where the S21 FE truly shines. With a 120Hz refresh rate and Full HD+ resolution, it’s every bit as smooth and vibrant as the panels on the S21 and S21+. Colors pop, blacks are deep, and brightness is more than adequate for outdoor use. The only minor gripe is the slightly thicker bezels compared to the flagship models, but they’re hardly noticeable in daily use.

Performance: Under the hood, the S21 FE packs either a Snapdragon 888 or an Exynos 2100, depending on the region. Both are flagship-tier chips from 2021, and they deliver performance that’s more than capable for everything from casual browsing to intensive gaming. The 256GB storage option (sadly, there’s no microSD expansion) ensures plenty of room for apps, photos, and videos. Paired with 8GB of RAM, multitasking is a breeze, and I never encountered any lag or stuttering during my testing.

One area where the S21 FE falls short is battery life. The 4,500mAh cell is decent but not exceptional. With moderate use—streaming, social media, and some photography—I typically ended the day with around 20-30% left. Heavy users might need to top up before bedtime. The 25W wired charging feels a bit sluggish in 2023, especially when competitors are pushing 65W or even 100W. Wireless charging and reverse wireless charging are nice to have, though.

Camera System: The triple-camera setup on the S21 FE is a slight step down from the S21’s but still impressive. The 12MP main sensor captures detailed, well-balanced shots in good lighting, and the 12MP ultrawide is great for landscapes or tight spaces. The 8MP telephoto lens offers 3x optical zoom, which is handy, though it struggles a bit in low light. Night mode helps, but don’t expect miracles. The 32MP front camera is a highlight, delivering sharp selfies with accurate skin tones.

Video recording is solid, with 4K at 60fps supported across all cameras. Stabilization is excellent, making this a great phone for vloggers or anyone who shoots a lot of video on their phone. The software features, like Single Take and Director’s View, add creative flexibility, though they’re not unique to the S21 FE.

Software and Longevity: The S21 FE ships with Android 12 and Samsung’s One UI 4, which is clean, feature-rich, and highly customizable. Samsung promises four years of major Android updates and five years of security patches, which is among the best in the industry. This makes the S21 FE a solid long-term investment, especially considering its mid-range pricing.

Final Verdict: The Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 256GB is a compelling option for those who want flagship-like features without the flagship price tag. It nails the essentials—great display, strong performance, and a versatile camera system—while making sensible compromises in areas like build materials and charging speed. If you can find it at a discount (which is likely, given its age), it’s an even better deal. Just be mindful of the battery life if you’re a power user.

Key Specifications:

Display: 6.4-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X, 120Hz, Full HD+ (1080 x 2400)

Processor: Snapdragon 888 or Exynos 2100 (region-dependent)

RAM: 8GB

Storage: 256GB (non-expandable)

Rear Cameras: 12MP main (f/1.8), 12MP ultrawide (f/2.2), 8MP telephoto (f/2.4, 3x optical zoom)

Front Camera: 32MP (f/2.2)

Battery: 4,500mAh, 25W wired charging, 15W wireless charging, 4.5W reverse wireless charging

OS: Android 12 with One UI 4 (upgradeable to Android 14)

Dimensions: 155.7 x 74.5 x 7.9 mm

Weight: 177g

Colors: Graphite, Olive, Lavender, White