If you're looking for a more budget-friendly option, the Samsung Galaxy S10+ could be the right choice and it also offers a headphone jack which the S21 FE lacks. However, if you prioritize having a more current phone with a higher refresh rate screen for smoother visuals, the S21 FE with its 120Hz display might be worth the additional expense. The S21 FE also has a slightly longer battery life and superior camera quality for both photos and videos compared to the S10+. Keep in mind that the S21 FE is a more recent model which may offer a longer software support lifespan, but it's made with a plastic back as opposed to the glass back of the S10+. Give Feedback
this description is based on the product variant with some specs and product variant with some specs. At the time of writing, the variant with some specs cost some dollars and the variant with some specs cost some dollars.
Advantages of the Samsung Galaxy S10+
Good battery life
Very good display quality
Advantages of the Samsung Galaxy S21 FE
The Samsung Galaxy S21 FE has no clear advantages over the Samsung Galaxy S10+.
Key differences
Overall Camera Quality
5.4/10
7.0/10
The Samsung Galaxy S21 FE has good overall camera quality, while the Samsung Galaxy S10+ has poor overall camera quality.
The Samsung Galaxy S21 FE has better cameras than the Galaxy S10+ because the S21 FE's software for processing photos and selfies is superior, including in challenging lighting conditions and for dynamic range. Additionally, the S21 FE offers a greater variety of camera features which contributes to improved overall camera versatility and selfie quality compared to the Galaxy S10+.
Photo Quality
5.4/10
6.9/10
The Samsung Galaxy S21 FE takes only fair photos, while the Samsung Galaxy S10+ takes poor photos.
The Samsung Galaxy S10+ takes poor photos because of its low selfie quality compared to the Samsung Galaxy S21 FE, which takes good photos, indicating better performance in key aspects such as selfie resolution, software, dynamic range, and low light capabilities. Additionally, the S21 FE's camera versatility further enhances the photo-taking experience, contributing to its superior photo quality.
Cost
$234
$770
$0
$200
$400
$600
$800
$1,000
$1,200
The Samsung Galaxy S10+ has a price of $234 and the Samsung Galaxy S21 FE costs $770.
The Samsung Galaxy S21 FE and Samsung Galaxy S10+ both have poor videos.
The Samsung Galaxy S10+ produces poorer quality videos due to lower scores in video resolution/framerate, video software experience, video stabilization, video dynamic range, and video low light performance, when compared to the Samsung Galaxy S21 FE, which has higher scores in these categories. Furthermore, the S21 FE also has a better mic quality, enhancing the overall video recording experience.
Battery
7.3 Hours
6.7 Hours
The Samsung Galaxy S10+ has 7.3 hours of battery life. The Samsung Galaxy S21 FE has 6.7 hours of battery life.
Screen Size
The Samsung Galaxy S10+ has a screen size of 6.4 inches and the Samsung Galaxy S21 FE is 6.4 inches.
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How the Samsung Galaxy S10+ and the Samsung Galaxy S21 FE compare to other phones
"This handset gives you a big and immersive full-screen experience, very capable cameras and fast performance in a slick design. Samsung also deserves credit for how seamlessly the ultrasonic fingerprint sensor and Wireless PowerShare features work."
"The Galaxy S21 FE is a fine addition to Samsung's S21 lineup, retaining the very best features of those flagship phones for a more modest price. This is a solid phone, matching the performance of the top Android flagships from a year ago and delivering photos that hold their own against some of the best camera phones we've tested."
Get a great deal on the Samsung Galaxy S10+ or the Samsung Galaxy S21 FE
About Samsung
Samsung is one of the most recognizable names in the smartphone industry, standing as the undisputed best-selling brand of Android smartphones in the United States for many years now. Samsung is known for offering a variety of smartphones in all available price points, as well as for implementing cutting-edge technology and innovative features in their flagship devices, ones that often shape the market going forward. The company offers its own unique spin on Android, called One UI, which focuses on offering a multitude of features and is heavily customizable, according to user preference.
This information was produced and vetted by the PerfectRec phones team. We are a product research and recommendation organization that meticulously reviews and evaluates the latest phone information and makes it digestible for you.
By the numbers
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About the phone team
Joe Golden, Ph.D
CEO and Phones Editor
Joe is an entrepreneur and lifelong electronics enthusiast with a Ph.D in Economics from the University of Michigan.
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