We analyzed 883 reviews from actual users of the Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G to understand its real-world performance. Our method looks past star ratings to focus on what truly matters to owners.
We identified the most discussed aspects of the phoneālike its screen, camera, performance, and battery. We then measured the sentiment for each mention, calculating the precise percentage of positive, neutral, and negative feedback. This approach provides a detailed, data-driven view of where the phone shines and where it fails.
š° Value for Money: Great Deal, Hidden Costs
When it comes to the Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G’s value for money, the narrative is a complex tale of user satisfaction being heavily dependent on the price paid at checkout. While many users feel they’ve secured a flagship-level experience for a bargain, this positive sentiment is consistently undermined by frustrations over what’s missing from the box.
Value vs. Cost
The strongest driver of positive sentiment is the phone’s overall satisfaction relative to its cost, scoring a respectable 72%. For many, the S21 FE hits a sweet spot, delivering premium features without the premium price tag, especially when purchased during a sale.
This feeling of a smart purchase is a recurring theme, with one customer noting itās an “all-rounder flagship for not so flagship price!” Another user who nabbed the phone with a discount felt they got a deal that was impossible to pass up, stating:
For almost 60% off its list price (with an extra Samsung coupon), how could I refuse this offer from Samsung?
For these buyers, the phone is seen as an “outstanding tool with much higher quality and versatility that I had anticipated,” making it feel like an incredible value.
Frustration Over Missing Pieces
However, this satisfaction is sharply contrasted by a significant pain point: unexpected costs and missing items, a factor that scored a dismal 15% in positive sentiment, falling 6 points below the category average. This number reflects a common and frustrating out-of-the-box experience where essential accessories are absent. Users are immediately faced with additional purchases, which sours the initial feeling of a great deal.
As one person plainly stated:
I had to purchase the charger for the phone separately as it didn’t come with one.
Another user pointed out the related expense of modern design choices, saying they “sorta miss the headphone jack, but using Bluetooth more….just another expense.” This sentiment reveals that the initial price tag doesn’t tell the whole story, leading to buyer’s remorse for some.
Competitive Landscape
This complicated value proposition becomes clearer in a competitive context. Compared to its direct rival, the Google Pixel 7, the S21 FE appears to be the more satisfying purchase for those who choose it, scoring 13 points higher on overall satisfaction vs. cost (72% vs. 59%). This indicates that when users weigh their options, many who land on the Samsung feel they made the superior choice.
One reviewer who switched from Google confirmed this, explaining:
I am especially glad I returned the Pixel to buy the S21 FE because in my experience it is leaps and bounds the better phone of the two.
Yet, the S21 FE’s value is challenged from within Samsungās own lineup. The more budget-friendly Galaxy A53 5G actually scores higher for satisfaction versus cost (78% vs. 72%). This suggests that buyers looking for pure bang-for-your-buck might be better served by a cheaper model, a point one user made directly:
I didn’t notice much difference in this phone than the Galaxy A14 that I bought for my daughter, and that phone cost a few hundred dollars less than the FE21.
Trade-Off: You get a near-flagship experience at a mid-range price, but this comes at the cost of essential accessories and the risk that a cheaper phone might offer better overall value.
šø Camera: Great, But Frustrating
Regarding the camera performance of the Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G, the story is one of impressive capability that clearly satisfies most users, yet is marked by specific frustrations that prevent a universally perfect experience. The core strength lies in its fundamental output, with Image and Video Quality earning an 86% positive score, a full 8 points above the category average of 78%.
Users are frequently delighted by the results, describing how “the camera pictures are really super good” and that the “video and picture quality are great.” This satisfaction is rooted in what owners feel is a fundamentally solid hardware and software combination, with one praising the “excellent triplet rear camera setup.”
Usability and Consistency Issues
However, this high-level satisfaction masks a layer of significant user frustration. While Camera Features and Modes also scores well above average at 72% positive (compared to the 61% category average), a vocal group of users finds the system difficult to manage. The experience is described as unintuitive, with one user noting:
Changing photo options when taking a picture not as user friendly as previously versions either.
More critically, for some, the impressive potential for image quality doesn’t always translate into reality. These users report serious inconsistencies, leading to deep disappointment. One owner states, “You cannot upload or send the pictures to anyone without them looking like early 2000s pictures,” while another laments that “The pictures don’t focus properly.”
Competitive Landscape
In the competitive landscape, the S21 FEās camera makes a compelling case for itself. It not only matches but slightly edges out the highly regarded Google Pixel 7 on raw image and video quality (86% vs. 84%).
Its most dramatic advantage, however, is in versatility. The S21 FEās Zoom Capabilities earn a 64% positive rating, which absolutely dwarfs the scores of both the Google Pixel 7 (44%) and the Samsung Galaxy A53 5G (33%). This 20-point lead over its main competitor means that for buyers who value the flexibility to capture distant subjects, the S21 FE offers a tangible advantage that its rivals simply cannot match.
Trade-Off: It offers a more versatile and powerful camera system than its key competitors, but this performance comes with a learning curve and frustrating inconsistencies that some users will not tolerate.
š± Screen: Smooth Motion, Sticky Touch
For the Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G, the screen experience is a tale of two extremes, a dichotomy of brilliant performance and deep frustration. While the overall visual quality is lauded, the real delight for users lies in a specific, hidden metric: screen smoothness and refresh rate.
This factor achieves a perfect 100% positive sentiment, soaring a remarkable 25 points above the category average. This isn’t just a technical specification; it creates a tangible feeling of luxury and speed in everyday use. As one owner described after upgrading, the device feels like a significant step up:
this phone is so much quicker, the screen is very impressive in fluidity
Touchscreen Responsiveness Issues
However, this buttery-smooth performance is sharply contrasted by a significant failing in a more fundamental area: touchscreen responsiveness. Scoring a dismal 36% in positive sentimentāa full 7 points below the already low category averageāthis issue becomes a constant source of irritation for many.
The problem isn’t just minor lag; it’s a breakdown in the basic usability of the phone. Users report flaws with very real consequences, noting the screen has:
little to no sensitivity at the lower and upper edges
This can make it difficult to perform simple actions, like trying to:
press ‘accept’ on a phone call.
The frustration is palpable, with one user lamenting:
I can press, pound, or swipe to no result.
Competitive Comparison
This critical weakness becomes even more nuanced when placed in a competitive context. Compared to the Google Pixel 7, which scores an almost unusable 16% for touch responsiveness, the S21 FEās 36% suddenly looks like a relative strength.
One user who switched from the Pixel found the S21 FE to be a massive improvement:
Another huge upgrade over the Pixel is the responsiveness of the screen; there was such a noticeable difference… it was a relief.
Yet, in a surprising twist, the S21 FE’s display quality and vibrancy (81%) is outshined by its more affordable sibling, the Samsung Galaxy A53 5G, which boasts an 88% positive score in the same area.
This creates a confusing choice for buyers: sacrifice some responsiveness for the A53’s superior vibrancy, or endure the S21 FE’s touch issues for a smoother refresh rate?
Trade-Off: The stunningly fluid 120Hz display is a genuine highlight, but it comes at the cost of inconsistent touch responsiveness that can undermine the entire premium experience.
šØ Design: Beauty, But Barebones
The physical design of the Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G presents a classic case of aesthetic appeal clashing with functional compromises. While users are broadly captivated by its visual and tactile qualities, they are deeply frustrated by whatās missing. The phoneās most celebrated design element is its aesthetics, with 78% of users expressing positive sentiment about its look and feel. This isn’t just a superficial appreciation; it’s about how the phone integrates into their lives.
One user praised its premium feel despite its price, stating:
The design is simple but elegant.
Another summed up the pure visual enjoyment by saying they:
love the sleek design, color and shape!
Design Features and Changes
However, this satisfaction is starkly contrasted by a significant source of user frustration: its design features and changes. This factor scores a meager 18% in positive sentiment, a dramatic 22 points below the category average of 40%. This number reflects a widespread feeling that Samsung has stripped away core functionalities that users depend on.
The removal of the SD card slot is a recurring pain point, prompting one user to ask in exasperation:
Who the hell didn’t put an sd card slot in it?
The loss of the headphone jack is another major grievance, with one person simply pleading:
Put the headphone jack back!
These aren’t minor complaints; they represent a perceived loss of control and practicality that leaves users feeling short-changed.
Competitive Comparison
This internal conflict is sharpened when viewed against its direct competitors. The S21 FE’s poor 18% score for design features is even lower than the Google Pixel 7‘s 21% and is completely overshadowed by its sibling, the Samsung Galaxy A53 5G, which scores a much more respectable 35% on the same factor. This means a buyer can find those missing features on a comparable, and in some cases cheaper, Samsung device.
Yet, the S21 FE does have a key advantage over the Google Pixel 7 in build quality, scoring 70% to the Pixel’s 45%. Some users actively prefer Samsungās approach, with one explaining:
I actually love not having glass on the back of the phone, the matte plastic material used on the FE is what I would consider ideal for any phone.
This creates a clear choice for consumers: opt for the more durable-feeling S21 FE, or choose a competitor that retains the functional features Samsung has abandoned.
Trade-Off: Users get an attractively designed and durable-feeling phone but must accept the frustrating removal of fundamental features like the headphone jack and expandable storage, which are better implemented in competing devices.
š„ Performance: Multitasker’s Hot Mess
When evaluating the performance of the Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G, users tell a story of two extremes. On one hand, the device delivers a stellar multitasking experience, but on the other, it suffers from a thermal management problem so severe that it undermines its own capabilities.
Powerful Multitasking
The high point for users is undoubtedly the phone’s ability to juggle multiple applications. With a multitasking capability score of 93%, a full 10 points above the category average, the S21 FE provides a fluid and responsive experience that empowers heavy users.
This isn’t just about switching between apps without lag; for many, it transforms the device into a primary productivity tool. As one owner explained:
I’m usually texting, scrolling through social media, emails, listening to music on youtube music and editing photos with Adobe Lightroom on this phone and it does it with ease.
Another user put it more bluntly, stating:
After I got this phone, I never used my laptop. All I need, I’m doing on the phone.
Severe Thermal Management Issues
However, this impressive power comes at a steep, and often hot, price. The phoneās most significant failing is its thermal management, which scored a dismal 14% in positive sentimentāless than half the category average of 33%.
This isn’t a minor annoyance; for many, it’s a crippling issue. Users report the phone becomes physically uncomfortable and functionally compromised during routine tasks. One owner detailed the severity of the problem, noting:
it still gets too hot to operate. I took a temperature reading of my screen the last time it got too hot…it read 44ā°C.
Another frustrated user called the constant overheating “a joke,” while one reported that just carrying the phone in a pocket in a warm climate “caused the adhesive to soften enough that the backplate came off.”
Competitor Comparison
This performance paradox is thrown into sharp relief when compared to its rivals. The S21 FE’s superior multitasking power (93%) gives it a clear edge over the Google Pixel 7 (80%), a difference one user praised as “a relief” after experiencing lag on the Pixel.
Yet, the phone’s most damning comparison comes from within Samsung’s own family. The much cheaper Galaxy A53 5G boasts a thermal management score of 40%, nearly three times better than the S21 FE’s 14%. This data reveals that for all its processing muscle, a fundamental design flaw makes the S21 FE less reliable under pressure than its more affordable sibling.
Dealbreaker: While its multitasking prowess is impressive on paper, the severe and consequential overheating makes the Galaxy S21 FE a frustrating and unreliable performer for anyone who plans to use its power.
š¾ Software & Operating System: Familiarity vs. Failure
The Software & Operating System on the Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G tells a story of deep conflict, where a comfortable, feature-rich experience is constantly undermined by severe reliability issues. While some users find comfort in Samsung’s user interface, the story behind the numbers reveals a foundation riddled with instability that leaves many feeling betrayed.
The primary source of user satisfaction comes from a sense of familiarity and customization, with user experience and UI smoothness earning a 65% positive sentiment score. For long-time Samsung customers, this is a significant comfort, as one user explained:
The user interface is the same as all previous Samsungs I’ve had, which I like as I know my way around from the beginning.
This ease of use is further enhanced by robust personalization options, which another owner praised, stating the phone:
Allows you to customize with endless possibilities.
For these users, the day-to-day operation feels intuitive and powerful, a key reason they stick with the brand.
Software Stability and Issues
However, this positive experience is built on shifting sands. The phone’s biggest failing is its fundamental software stability and issues, which garnered a shockingly low 18% positive ratingāa full 9 points below an already low category average of 27%.
This isn’t about minor glitches; it’s about critical failures that shatter user trust. Owners describe a constant battle with the device, with one recounting:
keep losing Wi-Fi when I am home and even to the point where it even loses my username and password and I have to enter it again and again and again.
The emotional toll of this unreliability is palpable, as another user shared their fear:
It is frustrating, exhausting, and scary because I worry that I will need to call 911… and have to wait for my phone to finally restart.
Competitive Context
In a competitive context, this creates a confusing picture for potential buyers. The S21 FEās UI smoothness, at 65% positive, is notably higher than the Google Pixel 7ās 55%, suggesting a more polished and user-friendly daily navigation experience. Yet, the relief ends there.
While the S21 FE’s stability (18% positive) is technically better than the Pixel 7’s disastrous 10%, it’s still so poor that users describe spending:
3 days troubleshooting with no success and frustration insanity.
The pervasive bugs turn a familiar interface into a source of constant anxiety.
Dealbreaker: For many users, the frustration of random freezes, connectivity failures, and catastrophic bugs will make the otherwise familiar and customizable interface an unacceptable risk.
š Battery: Fast Charge, Faster Drain
The battery performance of the Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G is a story of significant compromise, where a single point of convenience fails to mask a core experience of frustration.
While some users find moments of relief, the underlying data reveals a power system that consistently underperforms, creating daily anxiety for its owners.
Charging Speed: A Necessary Lifeline
The one bright spot for users is the phone’s charging speed, which earns a 58% positive sentiment score. This is not far behind the category average of 69% and represents a lifeline for those constantly running low on power.
The practical benefit is clear: when the battery inevitably dies, the recovery is quick. As one user noted, the “Battery charges super quick,” allowing them to get back up and running with minimal delay. This feature provides a crucial, if temporary, fix for the phone’s deeper power issues.
Battery Drain: The Core Frustration
However, this rapid charging is less a luxury and more an absolute necessity due to the phone’s dismal performance in holding a charge. The most damning evidence lies in user experiences with battery drain patterns, which received a shockingly low 5% positive ratingāa full 10 points below the category average of 15%.
This isn’t just a minor inconvenience; it’s a fundamental failure that dictates how people use their phones, turning them into anxious power-watchers. One userās review vividly captures this frustration:
I bought this 3 months ago, battery life had deteriorated… Battery goes from 100 to 40 in an hour and a half, I had to buy 2 chargers for this phone and a power bank as well.
This demonstrates how the poor performance directly leads to extra cost and hassle.
Poor Value Compared to Cheaper Models
The sense of a poor deal is magnified when compared to other devices, including Samsung’s own more affordable Galaxy A53 5G. The A53 boasts an 80% positive score for general battery life, a staggering 30 points higher than the S21 FE’s 50%.
This means buyers of the less expensive model are enjoying a far more reliable, all-day experience, while S21 FE owners are often, as one put it, “stuck with a paperweight after 7pm most days.” This internal competition makes the S21 FEās battery feel like a significant downgrade for a supposedly more premium “Fan Edition” device.
Dealbreaker: The necessity of its fast-charging capability to compensate for a fundamentally unreliable battery makes the S21 FE’s overall power experience a significant liability for most users.
Bottom Line
- ā The 120Hz display is the standout feature, earning a perfect 100% positive score for its fluidity.
- ā ļø Performance is a critical flaw, with severe overheating (14% positive score) and abysmal battery drain (5% positive) crippling daily use.
- š» It feels like a step back for loyal users; removing the SD card and headphone jack scored a meager 18% positive rating.
- š It’s beaten by cheaper siblings; the Galaxy A53’s battery life scores a massive 30 points higher.
- š Its camera’s telephoto zoom is a key advantage over rivals, outscoring the Google Pixel 7 by a significant 20 points.
- š” While it boasts a great screen and zoom, critical overheating, software bugs, and battery failures make this “Fan Edition” a frustrating daily driver.