The Samsung Galaxy S21 FE Is a Budget Friendly S21 With a Lot of Power

The Samsung Galaxy S21 FE Is a Budget Friendly S21 With a Lot of Power
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The Samsung Galaxy S21 FE (Fan Edition) is now available in Australia from the Samsung eStore and Samsung Experience Stores, along with Samsung retailers and telco partners.

In 2020, Samsung released the original Samsung Galaxy S20 FE, the first FE device. It was well-received, including by me. Though the FE edition name continued with its flagship tablet, it took some time before the S21 FE was made official.

“The Galaxy S21 FE offers Australians great value and is packed with the best Galaxy features our fans love including a fast processor, awesome camera and an all-day battery with fast charging,” says Garry McGregor, the vice president of the mobile experience division at Samsung Electronics Australia.

“Priced from just $999, this is one of the most stylish and feature-packed smartphones on the market today.”

That price does make this phone very attractive, giving Samsung a firm contender in the below $1,000 market. This phone directly competes with the iPhone SE (and the iPhone 13 Mini), the Google Pixel 6 and the Asus Zenfone 8.

Samsung Galaxy S21 FE
Image: Samsung

Samsung Galaxy S21 FE specs

Aesthetically, the S21 FE looks a lot like the original S21 device, with a few small differences (such as the lack of a second tone on some colours). Here are the specs you’ll find in the Samsung Galaxy S21 FE:

  • CPU: Snapdragon 888 chip
  • GPU: Adreno 660
  • Screen: 6.4” FHD+ Dynamic AMOLED 120hz display with 240hz touch sampling rate in Game Mode
  • RAM: 6GB RAM (128GB model), 8GB RAM (256GB model)
  • Storage: 128GB and 256GB
  • Rear Cameras: 12MP wide, 12MP ultrawide and 8MP telephoto
  • Front camera: 32MP selfie camera
  • Battery: 4,500mAh
  • Connectivity: 5G, sub-6Ghz and mmWave 5G on both models
  • Biometrics: Fingerprint sensor
  • Weight: 238g
  • Colour options: Black and White
  • IP rating: IP68
  • OS: Samsung One UI 4.0

Samsung Galaxy S21 FE
Image: Samsung

Pricing and availability

With two models available, the S21 FE has two different price points. The 128GB device costs $999, while the 256GB device costs $1,099. Both devices are available in Graphite, Olive, Lavender and White.

You can purchase the Samsung Galaxy S21 FE from Samsung through the Samsung eStore or through one of the physical Samsung Experience Stores, however, you can pick the phone up from other retailers.

Telstra, Optus and Vodafone all offer the Samsung Galaxy 21 FE on 12, 24 and 36 month plans, with Telstra also offering the phone for outright purchase. Keep in mind that, if you’re a new customer, you’ll need to sign up on a plan from one of these providers to purchase the phone through them.

Telstra Galaxy S21 FE (128GB) plans

Telstra Galaxy S21 FE (256GB) plans

Optus Galaxy S21 FE (128GB) plans

Optus Galaxy S21 FE (256GB) plans

Vodafone Galaxy S21 FE (128GB) plans

Vodafone Galaxy S21 FE (256GB) plans

Woolworths Galaxy S21 FE (128GB) plans

Woolworths Galaxy S21 FE (256GB) plans

Alternatively, the S21 FE is also available from retailers like Amazon, Harvey Norman, JB Hi-Fi, Mighty Ape and Officeworks.

If you purchase the phone from a participating retailer before January 30, you’ll score yourself a complimentary pair of Galaxy Buds 2, priced at $219.

This article has been updated since it was first published.


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At Gizmodo, we independently select and write about stuff we love and think you'll like too. We have affiliate and advertising partnerships, which means we may collect a share of sales or other compensation from the links on this page. BTW – prices are accurate and items in stock at the time of posting.