Samsung's Galaxy S21 FE has leaked yet again, this time revealing that the expected U.S. pricing for this upcoming mid-range smartphone isn't too steep. Being a Fan Edition, this model is a lower-cost phone that matches much of the beauty and power of the more expensive flagship models. Although it is going to arrive much later than the rest of the Galaxy S21 series, it should pack a punch and have plenty of power for gaming.
Last year, Samsung launched its Galaxy S20 FE, a first for the S-series, although the Galaxy Note previously had a fan edition of its own. The budget pricing proved popular and it turned out to be one of Samsung's best sellers in the United States. While the specifications are great, the build quality is lower, using an unrated glass rather than Gorilla Glass to protect the screen and a plastic back instead of metal covered with glass.
According to the latest leak by Roland Quandt of WinFuture, the price of the Samsung Galaxy S21 FE will be $699, the same cost as last year's Galaxy S20 FE. It makes more sense than an earlier leak that suggested the cost might be as high as $990 in the United States. The $699 price places the Fan Edition phone at $100 less than the base Galaxy S21 model and $300 below the Galaxy S21+. Specifications are said to be top-notch with a powerful Qualcomm Snapdragon 888, the same chip that powers the rest of the Galaxy S21 series. This is in addition to a large edge-to-edge 6.5-inch OLED display. A screen size that places it closer to the Galaxy S21+ than the S21.
Galaxy S21 FE Specs & Launch Date
Galaxy S21 FE leaks point to this upcoming lower-cost phone matching many of the specifications of its flagship namesake. Besides using the same processor, the new fan edition is rumored to also be available in 128 and 256-gigabyte storage options and be powered by a 4.500 mAh capacity battery. The budget pricing will probably be apparent in the durability, scratching easier with a plastic back and lower-grade glass that will be more susceptible to damage if dropped. A launch sometime in January of 2022 currently seems the most likely.
Build quality concerns can be handled with a case and screen protector, something that is commonplace even when springing for the more expensive models. In that regard, the Galaxy S21 FE might offer a screen nearly as large as the S21+ for $300 less. The drawback is the rumored two 12-megapixel and 8-megapixel triple-camera setup, compared to the two 12-megapixel and 64-megapixel triple cameras found on the flagship model. If telephoto isn't a must-have feature, then Samsung's Galaxy S21 FE might be a great option, based on the leaks.
Source: Roland Quandt/Twitter