If you prioritize a higher refresh rate and slightly better overall camera quality, the Samsung Galaxy S21 FE would be the better choice despite its higher price compared to the Samsung Galaxy S10e. However, if you're looking for a more budget-friendly option and are willing to accept a phone with older specifications, such as a lower refresh rate and slightly lesser camera performance, the Samsung Galaxy S10e could be for you. The S10e also includes a 3.5mm headphone jack, while the S21 FE supports 5G which could be important if you want faster data speeds. Keep in mind the S21 FE has a larger screen, but if compactness is preferred, the S10e's smaller form factor might be more appealing. 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 S10e
The Samsung Galaxy S10e has no clear advantages over the Samsung Galaxy S21 FE.
Advantages of the Samsung Galaxy S21 FE
The Samsung Galaxy S21 FE has no clear advantages over the Samsung Galaxy S10e.
Key differences
Overall Camera Quality
5.3/10
7.0/10
The Samsung Galaxy S21 FE has good overall camera quality, while the Samsung Galaxy S10e has poor overall camera quality.
The Samsung Galaxy S21 FE has a better camera setup than the Galaxy S10e primarily because it offers a well-rounded photography experience with good software enhancements, dynamic range, low light performance, and camera versatility, which are significant for overall image quality.
Photo Quality
5.3/10
6.9/10
The Samsung Galaxy S21 FE takes only fair photos, while the Samsung Galaxy S10e takes poor photos.
The Samsung Galaxy S21 FE takes better photos than the Samsung Galaxy S10e, primarily because the S21 FE has a notably higher selfie quality and offers a more advanced photos software experience. Also, it outperforms the S10e in low light performance and camera versatility, meaning it delivers clearer images in various lighting conditions and has more camera options to choose from.
Screen Size
The Samsung Galaxy S10e has a screen size of 5.8 inches and the Samsung Galaxy S21 FE is 6.4 inches.
Cost
$145
$770
$0
$200
$400
$600
$800
$1,000
$1,200
The Samsung Galaxy S10e has a price of $145 and the Samsung Galaxy S21 FE costs $770.
The Samsung Galaxy S21 FE and Samsung Galaxy S10e both have poor videos.
The Samsung Galaxy S10e provides an overall poor video experience, with notably lower scoring in areas like video stabilization, dynamic range, and low light performance compared to the Samsung Galaxy S21 FE, which achieves good performance across these aspects. Additionally, the Galaxy S21 FE benefits from upgrades in video software experience and microphone quality, which together contribute to its ability to capture good quality videos.
Battery
6.9 Hours
6.7 Hours
The Samsung Galaxy S10e has 6.9 hours of battery life. The Samsung Galaxy S21 FE has 6.7 hours of battery life.
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We’re constantly working to improve.
How the Samsung Galaxy S10e and the Samsung Galaxy S21 FE compare to other phones
"You’re getting nearly the full S10 experience without spending as much money and in a size that’s a lot more appealing across demographics. If you’re looking for a good, small Android, this is a phone that I think most people will enjoy without sacrificing much in quality."
"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 S10e 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
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Joe is an entrepreneur and lifelong electronics enthusiast with a Ph.D in Economics from the University of Michigan.
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Chandradeep is a staff expert and software engineer and expert in televisions and monitors. He’s been making monitor recommendations for ten years.
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Phones Expert
Efthimis is a Greece-based product expert focusing on smartphones. He has been recommending phones for 4 years and his recommendations on Reddit have earned him over 35k karma.