Samsung’s Fan Edition Galaxy S21 Is Finally Here

Following in the footsteps of its predecessor, Samsung's fan-inspired version of its Galaxy S21 smartphone is finally here! Larger, more affordable, and better-equipped than the standard model, the 5G-ready Galaxy S21 FE kicks off 2022 in impressive style. But, ultimately, it's something of a last hurrah for the S21 lineup. That's because, supply chain issues notwithstanding, the all-new S22 range is just around the corner.

However, that should do nothing to detract from what the Galaxy S21 Fan Edition offers right now, especially for the money.

Newly unveiled, the Samsung Galaxy S21 Fan Edition looks to build upon the success of the standard Galaxy S21 and the earlier Galaxy S20 FE. However, with its $699 price tag, it's $100 cheaper than the regular $799 Samsung Galaxy S21. Despite this, it has the same processor, a bigger screen, an improved triple-lens camera, and a 128 GB capacity by default.

Screenwise, it's only a slight increase in size compared to the existing Samsung Galaxy S21. The FE's display is just a fraction larger at 6.4 inches versus the standard S21's 6.2-inch screen. As such, it's still some way behind the Galaxy S21 5G and S21 Ultra 5G with their 6.7 and 6.8-inch displays. But, of course, these are $1,000 to $1,200 handsets, and many would argue that the Fan Edition's 6.4-inch screen represents the perfect balance of display space, ease of use, and portability.

Elsewhere, the Samsung Galaxy S21 FE is essentially indistinguishable from the 2021 model Galaxy S21 5G, particularly in terms of appearance. It does benefit from a larger battery, though, packing a 4,500-mAh solution compared to the 4,000-mAh battery in the regular S21 smartphone.

As a Fan Edition phone, Samsung says that the Galaxy S21 FE 5G allows buyers to get the most from the activities they love. The same is true, they report, whether someone is a gaming guru or a social media star. In addition, the Galaxy S21 FE comes in four colors. These include olive, lavender, and black and white finishes.

Moreover, four different cameras and a host of built-in gaming-focused features certainly help the Fan Edition-branded S21-era Galaxy handset to feel like every inch the smartphone Samsung promises it to be. It also boasts IP68-rated waterproofing, meaning that it's ready for action on various other fronts, too.

While the Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G is waterproof up to five feet deep for as long as 30 minutes, it's not immune to everything that life has to throw at it. For comprehensive protection, buyers should purchase a Samsung Galaxy warranty from Upsie. Upsie’s affordable subscription warranties protect smartphones from all manner of eventualities, including manufacturer defects and accidental mishaps.

Benefits of choosing Upsie include industry-leading levels of protection and a choice of convenient local repair and replacement options. Best of all, Upsie's premium smartphone warranties cost just $9.99 per month.

You can purchase an Upsie warranty for Samsung Galaxy smartphones, both new and used.

The Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G joins the rest of the Galaxy S21 lineup just weeks ahead of the anticipated launch of the all-new Galaxy S22. The launch of the Galaxy S22, of course, begs one key question: Should you buy the Galaxy S21 FE 5G or wait for the S22?

The all-new Samsung Galaxy S22 is likely to come in early February. And those who order first should receive their S22 handsets before the end of the month. However, ongoing supply chain issues could push both of these dates back significantly.

With that, the S21 FE 5G is the obvious choice for anyone looking for a mid-range Samsung handset right now. The Galaxy S21 Fan Edition will also remain at least $100 cheaper than any subsequent S22 Galaxy handset. As a result, the Galaxy S21 FE represents a significant saving. The newly unveiled Fan Edition could see potential buyers saving $200 or more on the cost of a Galaxy-branded phone.

In addition to the upcoming Samsung Galaxy S22, there are other alternatives out there, too. Examples include the OnePlus series and Apple's various iPhones, such as the smaller but less-costly current-generation iPhone SE at under $400 and the $699-$799 iPhone 13 and iPhone 13 mini.

Yet, most notable is the Google Pixel 6. It's a broadly similar Android handset that's also $100 cheaper than even Samsung's entry-level Fan Edition S21.