The Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G, launched in January 2022, remains a noteworthy option in the mid-range smartphone market as we head into April 2025. Known as the “Fan Edition,” it brings flagship-grade features like a 120Hz AMOLED display, 5G connectivity, and a capable camera system at a more accessible price point. In this article, we’ll explore the Samsung Galaxy S21 FE’s specifications, current price in India, pros and cons, and its relevance today—optimized for SEO to help you decide if it’s still worth buying.
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Whether you’re after the best 5G phone under ₹30,000 or a reliable daily driver, this guide has everything you need.
Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G: Key Specifications
Here’s a quick overview of the Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G specs:
- Display: 6.4-inch FHD+ Dynamic AMOLED 2X, 120Hz refresh rate, Gorilla Glass Victus
- Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 (5nm) or Exynos 2100 (region-dependent)
- RAM & Storage: 6GB/8GB RAM, 128GB/256GB storage (non-expandable)
- Camera: Triple rear (12MP main + 12MP ultra-wide + 8MP telephoto), 32MP front
- Battery: 4500mAh with 25W fast charging, 15W wireless charging
- OS: Android 12 (upgradable to Android 15), One UI 7
- Connectivity: 5G, 4G LTE, Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.0, USB-C, NFC
- Price in India (April 2025): Starting at ₹27,999 (varies with offers)
Design and Build Quality
Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G boasts a sleek, lightweight design at just 177g, thanks to its plastic back. Available in Graphite, Olive, Lavender, and White, its matte finish resists fingerprints while maintaining a premium feel. An aluminum frame adds durability, while Gorilla Glass Victus protects the 6.4-inch display.
With an IP68 rating, it withstands water and dust. The Contour Cut camera module blends seamlessly into the back, enhancing its modern look. At 7.9mm thick, it’s slim, pocket-friendly, and easy to hold.
Display: Vibrant and Smooth
The Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G features a 6.4-inch Full HD+ Dynamic AMOLED 2X display with a 120Hz refresh rate, delivering smooth scrolling and vivid visuals. With a resolution of 1080 x 2400 pixels and a peak brightness of around 1200 nits, it excels in sunlight and supports HDR10+ for enhanced contrast in videos. While it doesn’t offer the adaptive refresh rate of newer flagships, the fixed 120Hz mode ensures a fluid experience for gaming and browsing.
Compared to IPS LCDs in its price range, the AMOLED panel offers deeper blacks and richer colors, making it ideal for Netflix, YouTube, or casual gaming like BGMI. It’s a highlight that keeps the S21 FE competitive in 2025.
Performance: Still Snappy in 2025
Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G runs on the Snapdragon 888 (or Exynos 2100 in some regions), still powerful in 2025. With 6GB or 8GB RAM, it handles multitasking and gaming well, though demanding titles like Genshin Impact may need tweaks to prevent overheating.Running Android 15 with One UI 7, it nears the end of its three-year OS update cycle but gets security updates until January 2026. While not the latest, the Snapdragon 888 keeps it smooth for everyday use.
Camera: Dependable Photography
The Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G sports a triple-camera setup:
- 12MP Main (f/1.8): With OIS, it captures sharp, vibrant daylight shots; Night Mode boosts low-light performance.
- 12MP Ultra-Wide (f/2.2): Offers a 123-degree field of view, great for landscapes, though details soften at the edges.
- 8MP Telephoto (f/2.4): Provides 3x optical zoom for decent close-ups.
The 32MP front camera excels for selfies and video calls in good lighting, though it struggles in dim conditions. Video recording tops out at 4K 60fps, with stabilization ensuring smooth footage. While it doesn’t match 2025 flagships with 50MP+ sensors, it’s reliable for casual photography and social media.
Battery Life: Solid but Not Stellar
The 4500mAh battery in the Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G offers all-day endurance for moderate use—think 6-7 hours of screen-on time with browsing, streaming, and calls. Heavy 5G usage or gaming can drain it faster, often requiring a top-up by evening. The 25W fast charging gets it to 50% in about 30 minutes (charger not always included), and 15W wireless charging adds convenience.
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Compared to newer mid-rangers with 5000mAh+ batteries, it’s average, but the power-efficient display and processor help stretch its longevity.
Software: One UI 7 in 2025
Launched with Android 12 and One UI 4, the Galaxy S21 FE 5G has received updates up to Android 15 with One UI 7 by April 2025—its final major OS upgrade. This brings refined customization, improved multitasking, and battery optimization. Security patches will continue quarterly through January 2026, keeping it protected. While some bloatware persists, most can be disabled, and features like Samsung DeX (desktop mode) add versatility.
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Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G Price in India (April 2025)
As of April 2025, the Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G starts at ₹27,999 for the 6GB/128GB variant, with the 8GB/256GB model around ₹31,999. Prices often drop during sales on Flipkart, Amazon India, and Samsung’s official site, with bank offers or exchange deals pushing it below ₹25,000. It competes with newer options like the Samsung Galaxy A55 5G and Poco F6 in the sub-₹30,000 segment.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Stunning 120Hz AMOLED display
- IP68 water and dust resistance
- Reliable Snapdragon 888 performance
- Wireless charging support
- Security updates until January 2026
Cons:
- No expandable storage
- Average battery life for heavy users
- No more OS updates after Android 15
- Charger not included in some regions
Who Should Buy the Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G in 2025?
The Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G is ideal for:
- Budget-conscious buyers wanting 5G and a premium display
- Users who value water resistance and wireless charging
- Samsung fans seeking a lightweight, dependable phone
If you need the latest software, a bigger battery, or cutting-edge performance, newer models like the Galaxy S23 FE or Poco F6 might suit you better. For deal hunters, its discounted price in 2025 makes it a steal.
Conclusion
In April 2025, the Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G remains a solid mid-range contender, offering a vibrant AMOLED screen, 5G support, and flagship-like features at a reduced price. While it’s showing its age with no further OS updates and average battery life, its design, display, and security support keep it relevant. For those upgrading from older devices or seeking a budget 5G phone, it’s a worthy pick—especially at a discount.
Ready to buy? Check the latest offers on Flipkart, Amazon India, or Samsung’s official store to grab the Galaxy S21 FE 5G at its best price yet!