Samsung Galaxy S21 vs. Samsung Galaxy S20 FE: Which should you buy?

Samsung Galaxy S21 FE is the best overall Samsung Galaxy S21. The Galaxy S21, a small and affordable flagship phone with three excellent cameras and the most recent One UI 3.1 software, is even better. You can get the S21 at a great price with Samsung's current trade in offers. Amazon Pros Gaming-optimized Snapdragon 8888 $700Trade-in agreements aggressiveDesign is smaller and more compactPros of the Newer OneUI 3.1 software No microSD slotThere is no charger included in the box. The S20 FE is a fantastic phone at a great cost. It also has many of the same features as the S21. This is the most affordable Galaxy S series option, with a bigger screen and many great colors. Amazon Pros Expandable microSD Storage - $600Telephoto optical 3x cameraRetailers for $100 lessCons of larger batteries Older specifications and softwareTrade-ins are less generousThe Galaxy S20 FE was launched last fall and set a new standard in affordable flagships from Samsung. It offered almost everything that higher-end models could offer for hundreds of dollars less. With a flat display and a plastic body, the Galaxy S21 is a follower of the FE. It also has the same super-powerful specs as its pricier counterparts. Which of these models is right for you?Samsung Galaxy S21 vs. Samsung Galaxy S20FE: The Battle of the Budget BangersSource: Hayato Huseman/ Android CentralPlastic is no longer a dirty word. The Galaxy S21 FE and S20 FE have polycarbonate backs, which help reduce the overall cost without compromising build quality. It is top-quality hardware that does not creak or bend. Plastic is also less likely to shatter than glass in the best Samsung phones.The Galaxy S21 is smaller than the S20 FE, and the bezels around its display are tighter. The S21 has a more modern design and a sleeker camera housing. However, both phones have similar triple-camera systems. Last year, the Galaxy S20 FE was a hit with its top-end Snapdragon 865 processor. The S21 takes it to the next level with the Snapdragon 888. This processor focuses on gaming performance, 5G support and image processing for photos.Both phones are IP68 dust and water-resistant and come with 128GB internal storage. The S20 FE only has one storage option, but the S21 offers 8GB RAM and 256GB internal storage. This is in contrast to the 6GB available on the S20 FE. However, the FE has microSD support which is an advantage over the S21. You will need to prepare for your storage requirements at the time you purchase the S21.Category Galaxy S21 Galaxy S20 F Operating System Android 11+ One UI 3.1 Android 11. + One.UI 3.0 Display 6.2 in, 2400x1080 (41 ppi), resolution, Dynamic MOLED 2X 6.5 in, 2400x1080 (47 ppi), resolution, Super AMOLED Plus Processor Snapdragon 865 Storage 128/256GB 8GB 128GB and 6GB Rear Camera 12MP /1.8, 1.28m (wide).12MP,/2.2, 1.4m Ultra-wide64MP,/2.0,0.8m Telephoto. 12MP,/1.8,1.8m (wide).12MP, /2.2., 1.12m (ultrawide).8MP, (/2.4), 1.0m Telephoto Front Camera 10MP. /2.2. 1.22m 32MP. Battery 4000mAh 4500mAh Water Resist IP68 Dimensions 159.8x74.5x 8.4mm 190g 159.8x74.5x 8.4mm 190gBoth devices have a stunning screen. The S20 FE's screen is 6.5 inches larger, while the S20 FE measures in at 1080p and has a super-smooth 120Hz refresh speed. Both phones run Android 11 with Samsung’s One UI interface. However, the S20 FE is now running One UI 3.0. The Galaxy S21 comes with One UI 3.1. This includes new features such as the ability to replace the Samsung Free feed left of the home screen by the Google Discover feed.The camera system is a major focus on each phone. Both feature identical triple-camera arrays of 12MP primary sensors, supported by ultra-wide cameras and telephoto cameras. Although the main and ultra wide sensors are almost identical, the S20FE uses an optical 3x Telephoto sensor while the S21 crops in to a higher resolution image in order to achieve the same effect. Both phones will deliver similar results, with 3x zoom coming from the telephoto camera and up to 30x due to Samsung's Hybrid Optic Zoom technology.The real deal is that the Galaxy S21 can be purchased for as low $100 via aggressive trade-in deals. Although you can get a few hundred off the S20FE's retail price (which is usually a little less than the S21), the current S21 price is hard to beat if you already have a new phone to trade-in. The S20 FE is the best option for you, but the S21 is the better choice if you are stuck between the two.Samsung Galaxy S21 5G trade-in deals make it an outstanding deal. The Galaxy S21 is a small, affordable flagship that features three excellent cameras and the most recent One UI 3.1 software. You can get the S21 at an unbelievable price with Samsung's current trade in offers. Amazon: $800Samsung - $800Best Buy: $800Samsung Galaxy S20FE 5G - Even Better Value This is the most affordable Galaxy S series option, with a bigger display and many great colors. Amazon: $600Best Buy: $600B&H: $600