Samsung Galaxy S21 FE release date, specs, price and features

Samsung's Galaxy S21 series hit shelves at the beginning of 2021 and nearly a year later, the company has now revealed the heavily-rumoured Galaxy S21 Fan Edition, or Galaxy S21 FE. 

The Galaxy S21 FE succeeds the excellent Galaxy S20 FE, hitting the sweet spot between price and features once again. Here is everything you need to know.

Release date and price

• CES 2022 reveal
• 11 January 2022 availability
• From £699 in the UK

The Samsung Galaxy S21 Fan Edition model was announced on 4 January 2022, during the CES trade show in Las Vegas. It will go on sale on 11 January 2022.

In terms of price, the Galaxy S21 FE comes in a 5G only model, which starts at £699 in the UK. This is cheaper than the Galaxy S21, and for reference, it is the same price as what the Galaxy S20 FE 5G model started at in the UK when it launched in October 2020.

The 256GB model will cost £749 in the UK.

squirrel_widget_6434958

Design

• Similar to Galaxy S21 series
• Plastic 
• IP68 rating
• 155.7 x 74.5 x 7.9mm, 177g

The Samsung Galaxy S20 FE featured a design similar to the Galaxy S20 series, but made a couple of changes in order to reduce the price, like a plastic rear instead of glass.

The Galaxy S21 FE does the same but with a design similar to the Galaxy S21 and S21+. It comes in Lavender, Olive, Graphite and White colour options, and it is IP68 water and dust resistant, as the Galaxy S20 FE was.

There's a flat display with a punch hole camera in the centre at the top, while the rear sees a colour-matched camera housing in the top left corner. Unlike the S20 FE, the camera housing on the S21 FE falls into the frame, as it does on the Galaxy S21, for a more traditional and simpler design.

There is no microSD card slot on the Galaxy S21 FE and no 3.5mm headphone jack. 

Display

• 6.4-inches
• Full HD+
• 120Hz refresh rate

The Samsung Galaxy S21 FE has a 6.4-inch screen with a Full HD+ resolution (2340 x 1080). That puts it in between the Galaxy S21 and Galaxy S21+ in terms of size.

Both the S21 and S21+ have a Full HD+ display too and both come with a variable 120Hz refresh rate. The Galaxy S1 FE offers a 120Hz refresh rate too, which will drop to 60Hz, depending on what you are doing on the device. There's also a 240Hz Touch Sampling Rate when in Gaming Mode.

A flat display is present on the Galaxy S21 FE, along with a centralised punch hole front camera, and you'll find a Super AMOLED panel for rich colours, deep blacks and bright whites.

Hardware and specs

• Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 or Exynos 2100, 6/8GB RAM
• 128GB/256GB storage options
• 5G

The Samsung Galaxy S21 FE comes in 128GB and 256GB storage options, like its predecessor. As mentioned, the S21 FE doesn't offer microSD support for storage expansion, which the Galaxy S21 and S21+ don't either.

It is a 5G device only, with no 4G LTE variant too, as there is with the Galaxy S20 FE. It will also run on Android 11. 

Though currently unconfirmed by Samsung, the Galaxy S21 FE is thought to be running on the Qualcomm Snapdrgon 888 or the Eyxnos 2100, depending on the region, like the Galaxy S21 series. There is a choice of 6GB of RAM - a little less than the Galaxy S21 - and 8GB RAM.

Battery capacity is 4500mAh and there is support for fast charging, wireless charging and reverse wireless charging.

Camera

• Triple rear camera (12MP + 12MP + 8MP)
• 32MP front

The Samsung Galaxy S21 FE features a triple camera comprised of 12-megapixel, 12-megapixel and 8-megapixel sensors. Its make up consists of main, ultra-wide and telephoto lenses.

The 12-megapixel main camera with has an f/1.8 aperture, and optical image stabilisation. The 12-megapixel ultra-wide lens has 123-degree field of view and f/2.2 aperture and the 8-megapixel telephoto lens has an f/2.4 aperture and 30X Space Zoom on board. Other features include Dual Recording, Night Mode and Portrait Mode.

The front camera is a 32-megapixel selfie snapper with an 81-degree field of view, 0.8µm pixels and an f/2.2 aperture.

Samsung Galaxy S21 FE rumours: What happened?

Here is everything we heard about the Galaxy S21 FE before it launched.

24 December 2021: Samsung Galaxy S21 FE leaks in hands on video, twice

The Samsung Galaxy S21 FE appeared in two separate hands on videos, one showing off the Lavendar colour, the other offering more detail and showing off the Graphite colour.

21 December 2021: Samsung Galaxy S21 FE launch date and pricing leaks

A number of reports surfaced suggesting the Galaxy S21 FE will launch on 11 January and cost £699/€769 for the 128GB variant and £749/€839 for the 256GB model.

17 December 2021: Full Samsung Galaxy S21 FE specs and features revealed 

WinFuture published a list of specifcations and details about the Galaxy S21 FE, including the camera specs.

15 December 2021: Latest Samsung Galaxy S21 FE leak shows the midranger in different colours

Leaker Ev Leaks posted a number of fresh renders of the Galaxy S21 FE in various colours.

collection:

Evan Blass renders

6 December 2021: Samsung Galaxy S21 FE user manual confirms device is coming

Serial leaker Evan Blass - also known as @Evleaks - tweeted a link to the Samsung Galaxy S21 FE support user manual on the company's website. 

18 November 2021: Real hands on pictures of the Samsung Galaxy S21 FE leaked

Hands-on pictures of a real Galaxy S21 FE from Samsung, reveal many previously leaked features to be accurate.

15 November 2021: Samsung Galaxy S21 FE specs and design leak in full

Samsung Galaxy S21 FE marketing materials leaked, offering a full view of the design and specifications.

collection:

Coinbrs leak

11 November 2021: Galaxy S21 FE lands on the Google Play Console in Snapdragon and Exynos variants

Samsung's Galaxy S21 FE made a pit stop at the Google Play Console ahead of launch, all but confirming its existence. The phone appeared in two variants: one with the Snapdragon 888 processor, and another with the Exynos 2100. 

8 November 2021: Samsung Galaxy S21 FE to debut 4 January during CES 2022 Unpacked event

A second report corroborates speculation that the Samsung Galaxy S21 FE will be announced during CES 2022 in Las Vegas.

2 November 2021: Samsung Galaxy S21 FE could finally debut at CES 2022

SamMobile reported the Galaxy S21 FE will launch at CES 2022. The site is reasonably sure its sources are correct: "As of right now, the Galaxy S21 FE launch at CES 2022 is virtually confirmed," it wrote.

26 Ocotber 2021: Is Samsung Galaxy S21 FE back on the cards?

A leaked image of what is claimed to be a "screen protector placement" device labelled "S21 FE", alongside the reemergence of a support page for its model designation suggest the Samsung Galaxy S21 FE is still in the works.

20 October 2021: Samsung Galaxy Unpacked Part 2 didn't reveal Galaxy S21 FE

The Samsung Galaxy Unpacked Part 2 event took place on 20 Ocotber, but no Galaxy S21 FE was revealed.

13 October 2021: Samsung to hold Galaxy Unpacked Part 2 event soon, maybe new phones on their way?

Samsung sent out invites for its Galaxy Unpacked Part 2 event, though little was given away in terms of what would be revealed.

28 September 2021: Samsung Galaxy S21 FE scrapped? Chip shortage may take its toll

Korean site Digital Daily, in an exclusive, cited a Samsung Electronics representative confirming the cancellation of the October S21 FE Unpacked event - who then goes on to say "We are [Samsung is] reviewing the smartphone launch itself".

1 September 2021: Samsung Galaxy S21 FE expected to arrive October

Jon Prosser of Front Page Tech has claimed the Samsung Galaxy S21 FE will be available to pre-order from 20 October and available to buy from 29 October. 

31 August 2021: Samsung Galaxy S21 FE user manual suggests no microSD

Sammobile reported that it obtained the Samsung Galaxy S21 FE user manual and there is no mention of microSD. There is also said to be no 3.5mm headphone jack.

13 August 2021: Samsung Galaxy S21 FE gets certified by Bluetooth SIG

The Samsung Galaxy S21 FE has been certified by the Bluetooth SIG suggesting its launch is getting closer.

10 August 2021: Samsung accidentally reveals Galaxy S21 FE in Instagram post

9to5Google spotted a post from Samsung's official Instagram account that appears to show the unannounced Galaxy S21 FE in a Back to School advert. 

23 July 2021: Samsung Galaxy S21 FE won't be announced at Unpacked

LetsGoDigital reported that it has seen official documentation from Samsung that says the Galaxy S21 FE won't be introduced at Galaxy Unpacked.

21 July 2021: Samsung confirms Galaxy Unpacked for 11 August

Samsung has sent out official invites for its next Galaxy Unpacked event that will take place on 11 August.

12 July 2021: 11 August Samsung Galaxy Unpacked to be packed with launches, see them here

Evan Blass posted a number of short videos to his Twitter account, indicating what Samsung is expected to announce at Unpacked on 11 August, with the Galaxy S21 FE one of the devices. 

8 July 2021: Samsung Galaxy S21 FE pics and specs shown in TENAA listing

The Samsung Galaxy S21 FE appeared on TENAA, China's Telecommunication Equipment Certification Center, with device pictures and a number of specs.

7 July 2021: Samsung Galaxy S21 FE shown from every angle thanks to leaked gifs

Leaker Evan Blass posted a number of short videos to his Twitter page, revealing the Samsung Galaxy S21 FE from every angle. Unfortuantely, the tweet has since been removed.

2 July 2021: Samsung Galaxy S21 FE colours revealed in picture leak, but there might be some bad news

The Samsung Galaxy S21 FE appeared in another leak, showing off the colours expected. The leak also mentioned Exynos as the processor though.

30 June 2021: Samsung Galaxy Unpacked 2021 could take place on 11 August

A leaked render of the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 3 suggests Unpacked event could take place on 11 August. It's not clear if the S21 FE will arrive alongside the Z Flip 3 and Z Fold 3 or at a separate event later on.

23 June 2021: Samsung Galaxy S21 FE to be delayed? End of 2021 now rumoured

A report claimed the Samsung Galaxy S21 FE might be delayed until the last quarter of 2021. It was originally rumoured to be coming in August 2021. 

17 June 2021: 3C document reveals Samsung Galaxy S21 FE passes through certification

A leaked 3C document, first uncovered by MyFixGuide, reveals that the Galaxy S21 FE will feature support for 25W fast charging.

11 June 2021: More Samsung Galaxy S21 FE specs revealed by benchmark test

Geekbench reported the Samsung Galaxy S21 FE on a benchmark with the Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 chipset and 8GB of RAM.

9 June 2021: Here's what the Samsung Galaxy S21 FE will look like in every colour

Evan Blass tweeted an image of the Samsung Galaxy S21 FE in every colour with green, white, blue, grey and violet shown. The image also showed the device off from every angle.

collection:

Evan Blass leak

21 May 2021: Samsung Galaxy S21 FE will have Snapdragon 888 and 6GB RAM, according to benchmark test

The Samsung Galaxy S21 FE appeared on a benchmark test running the Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 and 6GB of RAM. It also is listed as running Android 11.

11 May 2021: Samsung eyeing an August Unpacked event to launch Fold 3, Flip 3 and Galaxy S21 FE

Industry sources claim Samsung is planning an event for August, where it is expected to reveal the the Z Fold 3, Z Flip 3 and the Galaxy S21 FE.

6 May 2021: Samsung Galaxy S21 FE on track for August reveal, in four colours

Ross Young tweeted claiming the Galaxy S21 FE is starting production in July and set to come in Gray, Light Green, Light Violet and White colour options.

12 April 2021: Here's what the Samsung Galaxy S21 FE will look like

Steve Hemmerstoffer (OnLeaks) posted a number of high resolution renders of the Galaxy S21 FE to The Voice plaform, along with a few details. 

collection:

Steve Hemmerstoffer leak

18 March 2021: Samsung Galaxy S21 FE could launch on 19 August, S7 Lite tablet in June

Evan Blass revealed a leaked Samsung mini roadmap that suggests the Samsung Galaxy S21 FE could launch on 19 August 2021. 

13 February 2021: Samsung Galaxy S21 FE mid-ranger might arrive later this year

Sammobile claimed the Galaxy S21 FE could already be in development with a model number SM-G990B. The site said it will have 5G, come in 128GB and 256GB storage options, and have Android 11. It is also said to be coming in gray/silver, pink, violet, and white colours when it launches in the second half of this year.

15 November 2020: Samsung Galaxy S21 FE expected in 2021

Leaker Max Weinbach tweeted that the Samsung Galaxy S21 FE was one of the flagships to expect from Samsung in 2021.

Samsung flagships to expect this year:

S21 FE
S21
S21+
S21 Ultra
Z Fold 3
Z Flip 3
Z Fold FE

— Max Weinbach (@MaxWinebach) November 15, 2020

from Pocket-lint https://ift.tt/3bcYW6u
via IFTTT