Opinion
Samsung’s Galaxy S21 FE is the most worthy phone of 2022
The Galaxy S21 FE 5G was the first Samsung smartphone launched this year. I have been using this device for quite a while now as my daily driver. And, now all I want to say about it is that Samsung Galaxy S21 FE is the most worthy phone of 2022.
Being a tech writer, I have used a lot of smartphones. It’s not that I didn’t like any other phone apart from the Galaxy S21 FE. But some smartphones, which have good features, are more expensive, and less pricey phones do not have such good functions. And if some phones have good features at a low cost, then their design is not that satisfactory.
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Be it design, performance, camera, display, or software, the affordable flagship Samsung Galaxy S21 FE is much better than many other high-end phones of this year and that is why I call it the most worthy phone of 2022. Here’s what I loved most about this smartphone –
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Processor:
The Galaxy S21 FE equips the Octa-Core Samsung Exynos 2100 5nm EUV processor paired with 8GB LPDDR5 RAM and 128GB internal storage. This processor handles almost any task thrown at it with ease.
At the time of my usage – which includes social media apps, continuous browsing, and watching videos on YouTube, the Galaxy S21 FE performed very well. I have also played casual games in it and that too ran smoothly.
Camera:
Samsung offers three rear cameras for the Galaxy S21 FE smartphone and all are quite commendable. This camera setup consists of a 12MP primary camera (with f/1.8 aperture), an 8MP telephoto camera (with f/2.4 aperture, 3X optical zoom, 30x Super-Resolution Zoom), and a 12MP 123-degree ultra-wide camera (with f/2.2 aperture).
All three cameras perform very well in the daylight but the night shots’ details are not so satisfactory. However, the low-light images have been improved compared to the Galaxy S20 FE. Lastly, the 32MP front camera also captures good selfies.
Software:
The biggest thing which makes Galaxy S21 FE the best smartphone of this year is its pre-loaded Android operating system. Samsung launched the Galaxy S21 FE smartphone with Android 12-based One UI 4.0 software system.
Most notably, it is eligible for Samsung’s new software update policy. It means it will get four generations of Android upgrades and five years of security patches. It has recently grabbed its first major software update which is Android 13-based One UI 5.0.
- Don’t forget to read – One UI 5 update made my Galaxy S21 FE AWESOME, thanks Samsung!
Design:
Samsung brings a Galaxy S21-like design for the Galaxy S21 FE that has a contour-cut camera module. However, there are some minor changes – the shell around the cameras is plastic, the display is flat, and has a thin metal frame.
The back is made of plastic but it doesn’t feel cheap anywhere, whereas, it has a soft matte finish which made me fall in love with the design. Also, the device comes in four beautiful colors – White, Lavender, Graphite, and Olive. And, Graphite and Lavender are my favorites.
In July 2024, Samsung launched One UI 6.1.1 based on Android 14 alongside the Galaxy Z Flip 6 and Galaxy Z Fold 6. This major update includes a range of new AI features and enhancements to improve user experience.
By early September 2024, Samsung began rolling out One UI 6.1.1 for older flagship devices, with the Galaxy S24 series being the first to receive it. This rollout started after a gap of approximately two months following the debut of One UI 6.1.1.
Currently, One UI 6.1.1 update is available for several devices, including the Galaxy S24 series, Galaxy S23 series (including the Galaxy S23 FE), Galaxy S22 series, Galaxy Z Flip 4, Galaxy Z Flip 5, Galaxy Z Flip 3, Galaxy Z Fold 4, Galaxy Z Fold 5, and Galaxy Z Fold 3. Samsung is actively working to ensure that this major update reaches all compatible devices across various regions.
However, questions arise regarding non-flagship devices. Unfortunately, non-flagship devices including those in the Galaxy A, M, and F series are not set to receive One UI 6.1.1. Instead, these devices might get some features of the One UI 6.1.1 in the upcoming One UI 7 update.
It is expected that recently launched models like the Galaxy A55, Galaxy A25, Galaxy M55, and more will include some One UI 6.1.1 features with the One UI 7 update.
However, there is no official confirmation regarding the availability of One UI 6.1.1 for non-flagship devices. Users of the Samsung Galaxy A, M, and F series are disappointed due to the lack of access to One UI 6.1.1.
While One UI 6.1.1 is limited to flagship devices, One UI 7 should bring some of those features to non-flagship models. If you have a Galaxy A, M, or F series phone, we’d like to hear your thoughts. You can share your opinions in the comments on our social media platforms.
[Changelog] One UI 6.1.1 and Galaxy AI revolutionize your Galaxy S24 experience!
Samsung’s relationship with Google is rock solid. Both companies collaborate on different products to benefit their consumer base. Is it the right time for Samsung to develop a Galaxy-dedicated OS or at least Android for Galaxy?
Google worked with Samsung to optimize Android for foldables and tablets. The company had even launched Android 12L, a version dedicated to large-screen devices. Now, Samsung should work with Google to optimize Android for Galaxy devices.
Samsung flagships are equipped with pro-grade hardware specifications. The company manages to optimize the One UI software accordingly. Meanwhile, there are still a lot of areas, that require significant improvements.
Benefits of Android for Galaxy
Samsung fine-tunes Android for Galaxy products. Meanwhile, Android for Galaxy will make things a lot better, eventually benefitting end users. It shouldn’t be the Tizen approach, but a collaborative progress.
Android optimized for Galaxy devices should allow users to enjoy the power and personalization of the OS. Its optimization level for Galaxy devices will offer faster app launches, performance improvements, and longer battery life.
Samsung owns Exynos, Galaxy AI, Good Lock, and a lot of stunning services. A combined approach can significantly uplevel the user experience. Functional capabilities would also be boosted, taking Galaxy’s experience to a whole new level.
Difficulties
Android’s presence is vast. It’s available across different brands including Xiaomi, OnePlus, Oppo, and so on. Samsung is unquestionably the biggest Android vendor but Google could find it difficult to optimize Android for all Galaxies.
The Korean tech giant itself tests and deploys security updates on Galaxy devices. Various applications are already available with better features than Google services such as the Internet. Even Google takes inspiration from Galaxies to develop features for Pixel phones.
Samsung not only has flagship phones, but also brings budget, mid-range, and premium mid-range phones. These products use different hardware such as camera and processor, requiring a need for unified software. Just a collective approach is required to end all kinds of difficulties.
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Should Samsung & Google embark on this stunning journey?#Samsung #Android #OneUI pic.twitter.com/HT2S5xfzfV
— Sammy Fans – We ♥ Samsung! (@thesammyfans) August 29, 2024
Google’s Pixel 9 series is official with pretty new AI stuff. The most notable thing that changed with this year’s Pixel phones is the Android installation. I guess, Google took a sip of poison to push Samsung Galaxy’s Android OS superiority further.
Pixel 9 series comes with Android 14, rather than the latest OS. Pixel 8 series and later devices are supported by seven years of OS updates. However, the Pixel 9 will get one less Android upgrade than that it deserves to have.
Google’s decision puts the Pixel 9 together with last year’s Pixel 8 series. Both lineups will end their major upgrade life at Android 21. Well, Pixel phones are neither durable nor Google provides satisfactory support, so don’t expect more than 1 year of service.
The decision, however, aligns with Samsung’s superiority, let’s decode.
The Galaxy S25 series will be the first (imp) to come with Android 15 pre-installed. You can guess how things have been decided by downgrading the Pixel 9 lineup. As a Samsung fan, I always wanted H2 Galaxy products to come with the latest OS.
The Galaxy Z Flip 6 and Z Fold 6 also come with Android 14. The OS was released in October last year and is still arriving pre-installed. Google ultimately filled the OS gap between Galaxy foldables and Pixel phones at a cost of Pixel downgrade.
Android 15 might be released on the official channel in October as last year. Eligible Pixel phones will start getting the major firmware update. Samsung is also expected to begin the One UI 7 update rollout for Galaxy models by the end of October.
In the first phase, Samsung’s Android 15 will arrive on flagship phones. However, the Korean tech giant won’t make other users wait much. The One UI 7 update rollout may begin for all eligible Galaxy models before 2024 ends.