Should You Upgrade from the Galaxy S21 FE to the Galaxy S25 FE?
A spec-by-spec look at what actually changes when you move from the Galaxy S21 FE to the Galaxy S25 FE, 3 years apart.
Yes — the Galaxy S25 FE is a worthwhile upgrade
The Galaxy S25 FE is 3 years newer than the Galaxy S21 FE, and the BeastScore rises from 76.3 to 82.8. The biggest improvements: performance rated 8 points higher, camera rated 16 points higher, 400 mah bigger battery. Trade-offs to know: shorter optical zoom (−3x), 13 g heavier.
What you gain with the Galaxy S25 FE
- +Performance rated 8 points higher
- +Camera rated 16 points higher
- +400 mAh bigger battery
- +20W faster wired charging
- +0.3" larger screen
- +700 nits brighter peak display
- +Higher-resolution main camera (+38 MP)
- +2 GB more RAM
- +Launched $50 cheaper
What you give up
- −Shorter optical zoom (−3x)
- −13 g heavier
| Spec | Galaxy S21 FE | Galaxy S25 FE | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| BeastScore (overall) | 76.3 | 82.8 | +6.5 (9%) |
| Performance score | 72 | 80 | +8 (11%) |
| Camera score | 75 | 91 | +16 (21%) |
| Battery score | 78 | 78 | No real change |
| Display score | 86 | 88 | No real change |
| Battery capacity | 4,500 mAh | 4,900 mAh | +400 mAh (9%) |
| Wired charging | 25W | 45W | +20W (80%) |
| Wireless charging | 15W | 15W | No real change |
| Screen size | 6.4" | 6.7" | +0.3" (5%) |
| Refresh rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | No real change |
| Peak brightness | 1,200 nits | 1,900 nits | +700 nits (58%) |
| Main camera | 12 MP | 50 MP | +38 MP (317%) |
| Optical zoom | 3x | 0x | −3x (100%) |
| RAM | 6 GB | 8 GB | +2 GB (33%) |
| Weight | 177 g | 190 g | +13 g (7%) |
| Launch price | $699 | $649 | −$50 (7%) |
Upgrade if…
- You regularly run out of battery before the end of the day
- Photo quality is a priority for you
- You play demanding games or want the newest on-device AI features
- You use your phone outdoors a lot and want a brighter, smoother screen
- Your Galaxy S21 FE is 3+ years old and its battery has worn down
Galaxy S21 FE vs Galaxy S25 FE: Upgrade FAQ
Is it worth upgrading from the Galaxy S21 FE to the Galaxy S25 FE?
Yes — the Galaxy S25 FE is a worthwhile upgrade. The Galaxy S25 FE is 3 years newer than the Galaxy S21 FE, and the BeastScore rises from 76.3 to 82.8. The biggest improvements: performance rated 8 points higher, camera rated 16 points higher, 400 mah bigger battery. Trade-offs to know: shorter optical zoom (−3x), 13 g heavier.
What is the biggest difference between the Galaxy S21 FE and Galaxy S25 FE?
Performance rated 8 points higher: 72 on the Galaxy S21 FE vs 80 on the Galaxy S25 FE.
Does the Galaxy S25 FE have a bigger battery than the Galaxy S21 FE?
The Galaxy S25 FE has a 4,900 mAh battery versus 4,500 mAh on the Galaxy S21 FE (+400 mAh (9%)).
Who should upgrade to the Galaxy S25 FE?
Upgrade if: You regularly run out of battery before the end of the day; Photo quality is a priority for you; You play demanding games or want the newest on-device AI features; You use your phone outdoors a lot and want a brighter, smoother screen; Your Galaxy S21 FE is 3+ years old and its battery has worn down.