Samsung Galaxy S21 FE Real-World Test (Camera Comparison, Battery Test, & Vlog)

It's properly winter here in NYC and so I decided to take the new Samsung Galaxy S21 FE out for a day to do a camera comparison, battery test, and review while we check out some of my favorite winter foods here in my neighborhood. Come with me!
CHECK OUT THE NARWAL ROBOT!
Learn more about Narwal:
US: unlockr.co/NarwalT10US
CA: unlockr.co/NarwalT10CA
Leave a note "TheUnlockr" at check-out to receive accessories gift pack (side brush* 1 pair, filter*1, mop*1 pair & cleaning sheets*2 bags).
LINK(S) MENTIONED IN THE VIDEO:
(If you buy something from a link, I may earn a commission but you will not be charged any extra)
Best deals I could find on the Galaxy S21 FE: unlockr.co/SamsungGalaxyS21FE
SIGN UP FOR MY NEWSLETTER:
unlockr.co/EmailNewsletter
REPAIR YOUR IPHONE YOURSELF WITH PARTS FROM MY SHOP AND SAVE MONEY:
shop.theunlockr.com
UNLOCK YOUR PHONE:
Set your phone free! You can buy unlock codes to allow you to use any carrier with your phone, head here! - theunlockr.com/unlock-my-phone/
LETS CHAT:
Subscribe - kzbin.info?su...
Facebook - / theunlockr
Twitter - / theunlockr
Instagram - / theunlockr

[@Pokeonrocks5]

Your videos are amazing. The level of effort, the style, the history of NY. I moved out of the city at the start of the pandemic, and I’ve been dying to get back there. I’ll be able to go to the amazing places in your videos!

[@josh9455]

And yet another great video! Love seeing parts of New York I don’t get to see when I’m there due to time constraints. Keep up the great work!

[@harshalashar786]

It has been a while! Good to have you back on the screen, David. Good to have you back.

[@kristelleruisikr]

I literally love the way you do your reviews. The little journey/story you take other's on really keeps thing's interesting!!! Kudos! Subscribing now 🎉🎉🎉😁

[@TheUnlockr]

Thank you!! You can go back and watch the others in this series if you’re curious 😬 - kzbin.info/aero/PL1T5alEsQjqTsAT8MpTnt13PScN2CAarm

[@peterjackson6228]

Always enjoy your videos! I come for the local walk around, but enjoy the reviews of the products too. Hahahhaha love the outro "filming in the city...." 😂

[@alvinb3109]

I've been waiting for this review!

[@Trakusenpai]

Love these vides, I mean that. You are the best at real world smartphone usage testing!

[@TheUnlockr]

Thank you so much!

[@arkantochiron]

The last minute or so of this video 12:02 onwards, really sums up the fate of this phone. David is the S21 FE trying to make its presence felt, and all the trucks and sirens are the Pixel 6, Upcoming S22, S20 FE which is still a great phone etc. 😄

[@anthonyl.cawthornesr.7226]

Nice video love your ready world tests got to love NYC noises lol , but the Samsung FE is what it is . I think people should wait till the S22 or look at all the other phones coming out soon nice vlog David

[@TheUnlockr]

Thank you!

[@ruddynordin9215]

Finally..been waiting for new video since ur last.. 😍

[@sandiepyaadav]

Really liked the practical use of the phone. Thank you so much! :D

[@TheUnlockr]

Thank you!

[@peterzacho6481]

Next time I'm in New York I got to see more of those places.. great video as always 👍being from Denmark it's not a trip around the corner 😉

[@TheUnlockr]

Thank you for watching!

[@vatrinataylor7034]

I freaking love all your videos!!!! Learn about tech and history!!!!!1🤩🤩🥰🥰

[@TheUnlockr]

Aw thank you!

[@fernandofts23]

As always, the best review style.

[@HarlemVega520]

🤣"it just warms your insides" 🤣 the quote of the day God I love this channel

[@TheUnlockr]

Ha thank you!

[@MrVaiu]

The end outtakes are hilarious :D

[@Geo-Media]

Upgrading from an LG Stylo 6 to now a S21Fe 5g it's amazing for me. However those who have other most recent flagships might want to wait until the S22 comes out

[@AG-vt7xx]

LOL, just had to comment. Upgrading from LG Stylo 1 to S21 FE 5G. No longer have to twiddle my fingers waiting for the app to catch up... :) As for the review, meh...

[@Sana-ik8fo]

Does S21FE heat up on normal use ? I have heard some complaints regarding it

[@Geo-Media]

@@Sana-ik8fo it happened only once for me the 1st time I opened, charged, and used the heck out of it on day 1. After that never again for me at least

[@nsmwdkjsbdjsjdn299]

@@Sana-ik8fo the exynos one does a lot, the snapdragon 888 a bit less

[@liezelannloyola9439]

Haha me too, the phone I'm using right now is LG G7 and I'm planning to buy this one, not the S22.

[@venci005]

if only the battery is not the factor during these tests, then this S21 FE would be great, well the colder it gets, the battery is suffering from draining. Also, spicy stuff is awesome especially on winter. Thanks, David for the video 👍🏻

[@anns9275]

Thank you for the video . I have been waiting for it to decide if I should get the phone or not ❤️

[@TheUnlockr]

Thank you for watching!

[@bi11ie]

Really enjoy your Reviews…

[@Chemy.]

What a good video, have you think about collecting all the sounds and talking with someone to do industrial street music from it lol

[@TheUnlockr]

Thank you Chemy!

[@rahanrustframed1450]

Great video!!

[@Gary0557]

Noise following you about again David..

[@chryz910]

It's funny seeing how you just discovered Birria taco's, while i have them almost every Sunday and i have them 5 min away walking distance haha Saludos from México, Baja California!

[@christopherwalton3565]

Hi David, just wanted to say i really like your videos, you can tell that they are made with a lot of care and enthusiasm. I watch them as much for your adventures and the food as the tech, although they did really help me decide when getting my 13 pro max. Have you ever thought of doing a podcast with Mr Mobile?

[@Shmuel.Rosenfeld]

Which cell phone would you recommend up to $ 700? And if I want the Samsung s21 fe do you think I should wait for the 22 fe? And when will it be about to launch?

[@ChrisEsparza]

If this had come out four or five months ago, it's the phone I'd have right now. I'm sitting pretty with my Pixel 6 though. It's really everything I need.

[@MandoMTL]

Any overheating? It's more of a gaming/sustained load issue in the end, but just curious.

[@ChrisEsparza]

@@MandoMTL from time to time but really mostly while heavy duty gaming

[@JoeNokers]

@@MandoMTL I find on the pro (pre Jan update) that I had issues with heating whilst using video for calling, I think the chip does a ton of post process work even when using the cameras for calls which led to the phone getting hot and even dropped frames in duo when also trying to use the night mode. Aside from that it's been great for media consumption. My biggest complaint is that you can't use custom icon packs on the default launcher

[@LOUISVILLECARDINALS]

I'm loving my Pixel 6 i agree if this device came out before the pixel I would probably be using it now

[@alexmn604]

hows the battery life? screen on time

[@mad23151]

I love your Videos Great Tech and the best Tour Gide of New York and the best Food and Coffee Guide. Can't wait for my next trip to the Apple.

[@TheUnlockr]

Thank you!

[@Irish_Gordy]

The only place where first thing's first means coffee, not ads

[@TheUnlockr]

Thanks for watching!

[@GreliBelandres]

Awesome review btw

[@TheUnlockr]

Thank you!

[@josedecendra814]

I was sooo worried when the egg fell…😂😂😂 thx for the clarification though!😂

[@sudhanvaharish1310]

Yep I'd say wait for the S22 lineup and see what it has to offer

[@vvv1227]

I agree but way to costly maybe around 70k for s22 base model

[@dxelson]

It’s out, what do you think?

[@sudhanvaharish1310]

@@dxelson If you are a fan of the S-pen and want the best camera an android phone could offer right now then blindly go for the S22 Ultra. Else regular folks, like me, go for the S22+ - the best choise , get the best of both the extremes

[@rrivera497]

still you if looking to pay for a cheap phone s21 fe is worth it compare to a brand new $800 phone

[@BulkinKI2L]

And now we now...s22 poor battery life

[@danhacker1641]

Despite the fact that it's left me craving tacos at 11:30pm (UK time), that was another great review!

[@deanthompson1156]

Thank you, David, for the very honest review. I have been thinking about Samsung, again. My Motorola Moto G Power will end security updates in April, so I am starting to look at daily drivers. Since Samsung will launch the Galaxy S22 series in early February, I can wait to see what is coming on the horizon. I do like that the FE has Android 12 onboard and Samsung will commit to three OS updates, and four years of security updates. At least, I didn't see any snow in the 'hood. Love the bloopers. You are very fortunate to have great eateries close by. Take Care. Stay Warm.

[@TheUnlockr]

Thank you so much for watching and hope it helps with your decision, too!

[@deanthompson1156]

@iWajdi Good point. A difficult question. thanks for the reply.

[@kreigerbailey3550]

Portland, JAMAICA in the Building !!!!!!! 🇯🇲🇯🇲🇯🇲🇯🇲🇯🇲🇯🇲🇯🇲🇯🇲🇯🇲🇯🇲🇯🇲🇯🇲🇯🇲🇯🇲🇯🇲🇯🇲🇯🇲🇯🇲🇯🇲🇯🇲🇯🇲🇯🇲🇯🇲🇯🇲🇯🇲🇯🇲🇯🇲🇯🇲🇯🇲🇯🇲🇯🇲🇯🇲🇯🇲🇯🇲🇯🇲🇯🇲🇯🇲🇯🇲🇯🇲🇯🇲🇯🇲

[@CaesarConsuloProVita]

@Unlockr …if you ever come to Tucson, Arizona, there is lots of good Birria. The best birria is at a place called Rollies Mexican Patio. I know the owner….amazing, just amazing.

[@asaf6430]

So I did not quite understand if you recommend it or not? And if not then do you recommend buying the S22?

[@gouravsoni1598]

I think s22 Fe would be the best phone because when you see s21 Fe is challenging iPhone 13 almost 95% according to me and s22 ultra is like nothing so much upgraded in a sequence of ultra series instead of just producing some eye catching photos & nothing so a normal customer will buy iPhone 13 or s21 fe instead of this s22 ultra and interesting fact is Vivo x60 pro plus still give them a heavy compition if you want a another company camera phone (but honestly Vivo's front cam is so beautified in daytime but when it comes to night scenerios vivo is much better front cam is also good at that time 👍🏻❤️) by the way your videos are always soooo good brother cheers. love from india! ☺️💕

[@commiebobo]

Waiting for S22 was worth it, got this for $499 last week at Best Buy.

[@Chockster612]

Thinking, if you're in the Samsung ecosystem and want to stick with a Samsung phone, definitely wait for the S22 to come out before you make your choice. If ecosystem is not at issue, gotta say, the Pixel 6 gives more value for the price. Another great video and you're making us want to move to NY just for the spectacular dining options!! 😄

[@TheUnlockr]

Thanks!

[@anonymousperson5441]

For me 100$ nothing because has better experience better ip rating better fast charging free buds live better screen telephoto camera fast fingerprint and etc

[@harshilthamwala9970]

ya, it's a great phone and a little brother of s21. I think it is a great deal and as you said one should wait for the s22 lineup to get more discounts.

[@Gary0557]

Wow that soup and taccho!!

[@kevinhawthorne5257]

Awesome Video!

[@TheUnlockr]

Thanks for watching!

[@sam76558]

S20 FE ain't far behind ❤

[@timothyisidro4215]

Funny that I just randomly decided to re-watch the S20FE real world test and suddenly this video rolls out lol

[@TheUnlockr]

Ha thank you for rewatching any of my videos (and watching this one)!

[@Nighthawk-8050]

Dave you always give out great reviews glad I subscribed

[@TheUnlockr]

Thank you for being subscribed and watching my videos 🙏

[@Bitte33able]

Google pixel is the KING of the photography in the photograph of the hanging shoes the difference is very noticeable

[@DariuszTech]

Good test my friend. I have tested s21 Fe and also compared it with s21 and even cheaper a52s and have to say that's Fe doesn't blow my mind. This phone is decent but not for the price

[@halo2bounceguy]

$240 now with a s20 FE trade in. Can't pass that up myself

[@dmitraq]

@@halo2bounceguy new 450€ with no trade lol

[@bensonw]

me too use not new S21FE, S21FE battery life VS my A52 5G battery life, S21FE not good, my A52 battery life will use long time good,but now S21FE so cheap price , my A52 on use 1.6 year price so high, now A52 old price too cheap😂🤣🤡

[@s.l.1147]

Really love your real-world tests, but how could the video capabilities of the S21FE be so disappointing? I got the feeling, that even my old iPhone 8 Plus has better low light performance and compared to my new 13 Mini it's no comparison at all.

[@marcopn1174]

Did you test the exynos or snapdragon variant? thanks

[@JeremyDeBose]

I have zero interest in the phone, but still the best review. I’m thinking of finally visiting New York next year so I still mostly come for the lessons. The food truck parking trick is awesome.

[@TheUnlockr]

Thank you for watching regardless of the phone! Means a lot!

[@ntemples1]

Great video!! what camera do you use to do your vlogs?

[@TheUnlockr]

I use the phone (where the text is on the screen saying as much, of course) and I use a Sony A7S3 and a DJI Action 2

[@ntemples1]

@@TheUnlockr ahh thanks for the reply, yes I thought it must be the A7S3 such great image quality in your videos!

[@LouJ247]

Great review. Now a days all these devices have so many similarities, you can't really go wrong with any. Maybe you can do a pixel 6 pro follow-up 😀. Keep up the great content.

[@TheUnlockr]

Thank you!

[@Marimachavariani]

Hi, now S22 is out, is it still better option than S22? I mean batterywise..

[@Mullins718]

I always seen a huge line by the taco truck now I know why lol definitely gotta check it out.

[@KontrolStyle]

man, if Iphones had multitasking it would be the best phone :( - keep doing these reviews nonetheless, i love 'em! a phone.. actually outside.. wow. :)

[@TheUnlockr]

Thank you for watching my weird little format!

[@rszanger]

I'd really appreciate his honest and, more interesting reviews than other reviewers. S21 FE is a pretty good device for money and performance.

[@zencoin75]

It's a wait and watch deal . S22 and a53 are the phones i would like to wait for ....

[@gabe0582]

I'm coming from a Moto G power phone and could not wait for the s22 just wanted a good phone finally. So I got this a week before the s 22 and am happy with the purchase. I think it's well worth the 700.

[@sophieca6906]

Did you notice any overheating?

[@gabe0582]

@@sophieca6906 nope none

[@nikolina872]

i love your channel. Please post your videos in 4k60 fps

[@Dr-UnBox]

Personally, I like iPhones more and I like Apple more, but a nice episode from Samsung tests, I like it👌❤️

[@DanielBates71]

I purchased a S21 FE directly from Samsung in Feb 2022. The Pixel 6 had far too many bugs and was unstable in my opinion. I needed a new phone due to a cracked screen on my current S9+. Samsung sweetened the deal by giving me $150 for my old phone, with a cracked screen, and threw in a pair of Buds 2 ($150 value). The 256GB S21 FE has 8 GB of RAM, the same dependable Snapdragon processor, and Android 12 right out of the box. That means I'll be able to see Android 15 on this model unlike the original S21. This might not be the BEST phone but it is one of the better phones available today and the price is perfect.

[@raymars6503]

you got Snapdragon 888 version ? How the performance and battery so far ?

[@DanielBates71]

@@raymars6503 the performance is great. I never need worry about if the phone can handle an application. Battery life is great. I have charging restricted to 85% at night and the battery lasts all day.

[@AnalogFlava]

@@DanielBates71 and hows video quality for vlogging?

[@DanielBates71]

@@AnalogFlava The front facing camera is 32 MP. You can't buy a better selfie camera on any phone other than the S22 Ultra. Picture looks really good.

[@sophieca6906]

Did you experience any overheating of the phone?

[@tonio5321]

Watching on my s21 fe...... 😊

[@batemanlife]

One of my fave channels.. check. Although I have an S10 plus and it's fine, I still have upgraditis and had to resist buying this straightaway. Will wait to see what the S22 is like first. Thought Samsung might offer better deals in the UK upon release.

[@jonathanrezon8479]

Do u always use your phone 120 hz or just 60 hz? I use my phone on 120hz and realized that my battery is draining fast

[@youssefbo2152]

DOES IT HEAT UP QUICKLY?

[@mikldude9376]

No OIS on the front camera ???? looks a bit on the shaky side .

[@ishanbhatvlogs]

The night time wide angle videos look bad. Any idea how S22 performs for night time videos? Confused between S21 FE and S22

[@Dante440x]

dont know about gaming but so far the battery is very decent for normal usage apart from the charging speeds. And mine is even running on the Exynos 2100. Worth the money over the OP 9 series? definitely yes. I was on 9r and changed to this. Got the better camera, nice screen and animations, speakers, battery life, hand held feeling. There are some annoying settings which I'm learning how to deal with. But the trade off was worth it I guess.

[@droidblack5183]

What's the screen on time with 120 hz on

[@roei2086]

Just keep in mind the adaptive battery still "learning usage pattern" it will improve a lot in a week

[@TheUnlockr]

This has never made a significant difference in battery life for any device I've ever used so don't count on it

[@piotrkusy5235]

@@TheUnlockr i had about 3-4 hours sot on wifi÷lte for the first week and it grew each day after that, now i get about 8-9 sot on wifi (60hz) and 6,5h on lte, 7h sot wifi÷lte mix, so i cant agree

[@Jthall1990]

@@piotrkusy5235 how's the phone treating you now? I can get the 8GB version for $500

[@wo1162]

What you guys prefer s20fe or s21fe?

[@SuperRaymond888]

Good job.... 👍

[@TheUnlockr]

🙏

[@d3vastat0r89]

Do beware that while the Pixel 6’s price is attractive, it *IS* also a buggy mess.

[@SrLeo-vf3xo]

Awebo taquitos de birria 👌

[@ladycobra31]

I have the phone and I love playing with

[@adamchristopher9899]

I can get the s21fe for 399..I want to wait for the s22 but feel like it'll be way too expensive

[@niteshkujur4820]

Samsung is always durable and good 👍 👌

[@huajie666liu8]

Waiting for s22 with pen. 😊

[@FA7ALtheGOD]

I think this is a great device, it was just priced incorrectly.. especially considering the new S22 is right around the corner.

[@mikldude9376]

Hmmm , great might be overstating it just a little bit , the " Fan edition " name implies there is some feature or features that make it some old school special edition desired device . What can we say about it ? its an ok phone with you would have to say a fairly spartan set of unremarkable features , unremarkable battery life , an ok but unremarkable camera , no accessories in the box except a cable and sim key , and it makes phone calls ........ whoopeee :) .

[@jessijam5385]

@@mikldude9376 sounds like a hater :)

[@leejaztine]

I loved the vlog type review and the bloopers at the end. The sponsored part is kinda off for me. Overall, awesome video. More power!

[@TheUnlockr]

We all wish we didn't need sponsors but thank you for watching and tolerating it!

[@MrKagyal]

Such a nice chinese vacuuming robot!

[@CharlesWatson13]

Is the s22 better ?

[@GreliBelandres]

Which would you prefer, David. S21 FE or A52s 5G?

[@diddymies]

Really depends what you want. A52s is a stunning value, especially on sale.

[@aimd2551]

For the phone itself I would say S21 Fe but for "Overall" I think you can go to A52s 5G as you can get free case, charging adapter and screen protector.

[@tomswan3401]

5:41 dip the phone lenses in the broth.^^

[@davidjamgochian]

thanks for watching

[@RahulRmallutechie]

i should make video like yours...atleast people could see my place all around...always love this..but this video was shorter though :)

[@diegopdiegop]

I like Samsungs, but i would choose the pixel 6 over this phone any time.

[@parvekarmahesh]

Pixel 6a or samsung fe??...need a good camera...

[@arens4990]

Everything on this phone is perfect expect the battery life is there any way to improve it

[@ropliow8744]

Just keep a powerbank with urself I got the phone but its not arrived yet I also bought samsungs 10k mah wireless powerbank with the phone.

[@brandonminiman]

I love how this phone has flat edges

[@davidketley5359]

Just too fast you flicked the photographs so fast it was impossible to compare.

[@TaureanSmoke]

Personally I think this phone just proves how good Google did this year. Any other year the industry would say the Fe would be better than any pixel phone. But this year nobody can say that! Last year people got away with saying the pixel 5 was worse than the Fe which was an inaccurate statement but people still said it this year you can't even open your mouth!

[@d3vastat0r89]

My Pixel 6 was a dud, so I guess ymmv

[@thecoldbrewking]

from the beginning the front camera is pretty clear but needs OIS

[@ViralKabir]

How's your *HAIR TRANSPLANT* going my guy??!! 😂

[@monikaaggarwal9896]

I came to know about the phone but got an amazing place to eat udon 👍🏻.

[@TheUnlockr]

😬

[@SiMohamedMANAH]

Why not a second channel about travel food and coffee !?

[@TheUnlockr]

I might just start doing those videos here if you guys would watch them? lol

[@SiMohamedMANAH]

@@TheUnlockr yeah 👍 voting poll

[@QUARTERMASTEREMI6]

@@TheUnlockr Whatever content you’ve got, I’d watch it in a heartbeat! ❤️

[@RK1FX]

@@TheUnlockr I would

[@JoeNokers]

If I'm honest, your initial real world tests didn't grab me. It felt like a spare review without the details of something like Mr mobile, images are harder compare with the 4 way split when watching on mobile. But over time I really like how much more of a vlog it's become, I don't even like blogs! But it's nice to watch you go through your motions whilst also commenting on the phone. it's given you a good niche in the review community and I'm really enjoying the content.

[@JoeNokers]

I also really like that you cover some.of the less common smart phones such as those from Sony and Motorola

[@flicka25]

I love NY even more seeing it through your videos lol....the phone....I woul say better wait for the S22 launch because the prices might be similar to the vanilla variant. Or Samsung might just deop the price on the S21 FE, they do that all the time.

[@TheUnlockr]

Thank you for watching my weird videos! Lol

[@CijonsGaming]

I'm watching this video with my s21 fe

[@ladycobra31]

Were are you from