The Samsung Galaxy S21 Fan Edition is finally a reality. After many rumors, sky-high expectations and several leaks, the smartphone is finally in stores. Are we dealing with a wonderful device or is it all a bit disappointing?
In this article I’m going to explain it to you calmly. Last week I used the device as my default phone. On the basis of five things I’ll tell you why the Samsung Galaxy S21 FE is a very good smartphone on the one hand, but on the other hand just misses the mark.
Samsung Galaxy S21 FE: lots of good choices
The Samsung Galaxy S21 Fan Edition actually does a lot of things right. I list the three most notable things below:
#1 What a fantastic display
Let’s start with the smartphone’s display. In fact, the Samsung Galaxy S21 FE sacrifices virtually nothing in that area. The device is equipped with a 6.2-inch AMOLED screen with a refresh rate of 120Hz. It has a resolution of 1080 x 2400 pixels and a pixel density of 411ppi.
The screen of the device (Image: Mark Hofman / WANT)
With this, the smartphone barely sacrifices anything compared to the regular S21. Even better: that screen is 0.2-inch smaller. So with the S21 FE, you get an excellent smartphone when you want to use it for playing games or watching movies and series.
#2 A great battery
The battery on the Samsung Galaxy S21 FE is also a delight. It’s not the most impressive battery in the entire market, but it’s a damn good one. In this area too, the new model manages to leave the regular S21 behind. The device does this with a 4500mAh battery that you can quickly charge with a power of 25W.
With this, the Galaxy S21 Fan Edition is able to easily take you one and a half days in tow. So it’s ideal for when you’re on the go!
#3 Safe, but very enjoyable
The design of the Samsung Galaxy S21 Fan Edition will no doubt look familiar to you. Indeed, it is very similar to the S21 itself, but also to the model that appeared last year. Perhaps a bit safe, but very nice.
Tight in the paint (Image: Mark Hofman / WANT)
I won’t talk about the material of the smartphone (I will do that at the cons), but the device is really nice to hold. Weighing 175 grams, S21 FE is, despite its 6.4-inch screen, very light. That’s good, because smartphones are getting heavier and heavier.
So are you looking for a phone that is comfortable to handle and not too heavy? Then this is without a doubt a wonderful option for you!
Samsung Galaxy S21 FE: Samsung throws its own windows in.
Unfortunately, there are also drawbacks to the smartphone. The Samsung Galaxy S21 FE has a few things that Samsung has not thought through properly. It kind of throws its own windows in that regard.
#1 Slightly too cheap
“Wait a minute. Are you going to sit around complaining that the smartphone is too cheap?” No, of course not. In terms of price, the device itself is hearty and may even be a little cheaper. But the material Samsung uses could be better.
The imposing display screen (Image: Mark Hofman / WANT)
In fact, the company has chosen to provide the Samsung Galaxy S21 FE with a plastic back. There is nothing wrong with that in principle if you choose good material, but it is very clear where the company is cutting costs. The plastic on this device feels very cheap and even makes noise when you press it in certain places. A real shame.
Oh and don’t shake the device back and forth too hard either. It won’t make you happy.
#2 World Cup throw in your own windows
Unfortunately, the Samsung Galaxy S21 Fan Edition can never reach its full potential. For that, Samsung is really throwing its own windows in. The company really should have released the device earlier, because now it is simply too late.
After all, the Galaxy S21 Fan Edition is supposed to serve as a cheaper option as the S21 itself. But considering that model is now almost a year old, that price difference is not too bad. Where the Fan Edition is sold for €749, you can get started with the S21 for thirty euros more. An upgrade I do not have to think about for a second.
Triple camera system (Image: Mark Hofman / WANT)
On top of that, the Samsung Galaxy S22 series is coming in less than a month. In that respect, I don’t really understand the choice to release in January. Maybe the new smartphones will be extremely expensive, but that is not in line with expectations after many rumors.
It feels a bit like Samsung wanted to bring the Galaxy S21 FE to the market in a hurry, but doesn’t give the device the time and space it deserves. And that’s a real shame.
Samsung Galaxy S21 FE: not completely unimportant
The following are not necessarily good or bad, but they are important to know.
#1 Prices and availability
Of course, it is important to know what that Samsung Galaxy S21 Fan Edition actually costs. Via Samsung’s official website, it is possible to purchase the device for €749. This means that you get the model with 128GB and 6GB RAM. Want to go one step higher? Then it is also possible to go for the 256GB / 8GB model. This will cost you €819.
The smartphone can be purchased in Graphite, Olive, Lavender and White colors.
In its box (Image: Mark Hofman / WANT)
#2 Camera system does its job
The camera system of the Samsung Galaxy S21 Fan Edition is fine. Especially for its price. The device features a triple-camera system on the back. This consists of a 12-megapixel wide, 12-megapixel Ultra-Wide and 8-megapixel telephoto lens. On the front is a 32-megapixel selfie camera.
The camera system is nothing to write home about, but certainly not bad either. Taking photos is a joy in some situations, a bit different in others. If you really want to buy a smartphone for photography, then this is not the best. If you don’t care that much, but just want to take good pictures, then this is a great device for you. Then this device is very good for you!
Samsung Galaxy S21 FE: buy it or leave it?
At a suggested retail price of €749, it seems very much like you should just buy the Samsung Galaxy S21 FE. Once again, Samsung is leaving out the right things to keep costs down and offering consumers a lot of great stuff.
The only problem is that the regular Galaxy S21 is almost as expensive right now AND Samsung is coming out with the Galaxy S22. Not just in a few months, but in less than a month.
You won’t make a misbuy, but keep in mind that this is not your best option for this money.
