Samsung’s Galaxy S21 FE has just about everything you’d want from a phone. The camera is solid, the battery life is impressive, and it has a crisp screen that’s just the right size. The problem is that Samsung’s Galaxy S22 is likely just around the corner. Plus, the Pixel 6 is around the same price and has some advantages over the Galaxy S21 FE, especially when it comes to software.
You can see the products featured in this video here 👇
Samsung Galaxy S21 FE
Samsung Galaxy S21
Pixel 6
*CNET may get a commission from these offers.
Check out our full written review for more details on the Galaxy S21 FE:
Wondering how the Galaxy S21 FE couple compare to the Galaxy S22? Here’s what we know based on the rumors:
Subscribe to CNET:
Like us on Facebook:
Follow us on Twitter:
Follow us on Instagram:
Follow us on TikTok:
Vedraj r.m
January 10, 2022 at 10:10 pm
Only 700??
Eduardo Lara
January 10, 2022 at 10:18 pm
Very bad timing 👎 I won’t get it 😕 It doesn’t worth its price 😕
Nestor G Suarez Hdz
January 10, 2022 at 10:42 pm
The timing of this model was caused by the chip shortage sadly.
Ellie Kim
January 10, 2022 at 10:19 pm
I like the plastic ngl. You have 50% chance of breaking the phone glass panels since you have one less with a plastic back. Also the plastic feels premium unlike Samsung’s older plastic like the S5. I just bought the S21 regular and I love it
Ellie Kim
January 11, 2022 at 12:54 am
@Adem Sofilić ok ? Good for you like glass backs ?
HJL1130
January 11, 2022 at 1:05 am
I’m also okay with plastic backs too.
Phillip Lemmon
January 11, 2022 at 1:16 am
That’s why the thing you should buy WITH the phone is a…..
Wait for it……..
CASE.
SMFH
Ellie Kim
January 11, 2022 at 1:20 am
@Phillip Lemmon orrrr you shouldn’t NEED to but one? So then either way why does it matter if the back is glass and then my point stands either way. Also your back can break in a case still SMH 🤦♀️
HJL1130
January 11, 2022 at 1:26 am
@Phillip Lemmon Why do I need a case? I used to be fine without one while phones used to be made out of aluminum blocks.
Cases are optional, and as a consumer, it would be nice for a change to see phones that are not 90 percent glass.
The Gentleman
January 10, 2022 at 10:24 pm
Should’ve priced at $500
Nawaf
January 10, 2022 at 10:24 pm
I would say only if its below 500 USD
1adayla
January 10, 2022 at 10:26 pm
Wonderful review!
THOMAS THE TANK ENGINE
January 10, 2022 at 10:35 pm
This is definitely to justify the price of the S22s. There really is no reason for this to exist otherwise. Can’t thing of anything that differentiates from the non-ultra S21s. And the price is NOT GOOD
Fionn Kilfeather
January 10, 2022 at 10:36 pm
I won’t buy it unless it’s an iPhone
Zalrasyad Zalfitri
January 10, 2022 at 10:36 pm
i can get one for just $589 here in Malaysia, for the 256GB & 8GB RAM variant, but exynos 2100 though coz we dont get the sd 888 here. got that price after I used my student email which qualifies under samsung Malaysia’s education offer. seriously thinking about upgrading from my s20 fe with sd865, i mean the exynos 2100 is a way better chip anyway compared to the sd865.
Yap Leong
January 11, 2022 at 12:00 am
Damn today only I know Samsung has education offer as well, wish I knew before I pre-order it
Mars Ultor
January 10, 2022 at 10:39 pm
I went from a S7 to a S21. And I don’t see the difference. Just a repackaged S7 with a new price tag to shove down our throats. I could have still used my S7 if it wasn’t bricked by unnecessary bloatware. And am I the only one who thinks 5g sucks balls?
Nestor G Suarez Hdz
January 10, 2022 at 10:51 pm
My 5G in my case is like 4G LTE….I’ve never had an S7 so I can’t really judge performance side-by-side but I would say that the new S21 does have a different processor from the S7…maybe for you don’t notice any speed responsiveness difference but the new model does have some newer features that does make it different like the 120hz refresh rate.
BTW I currently have the S20 5G.
GreenAppelPie
January 10, 2022 at 10:44 pm
Samsung phone are garbage
Damien Adams
January 10, 2022 at 10:46 pm
I take the pixel 6
Braxton Anderson
January 10, 2022 at 10:49 pm
Why haven’t you made a video about the EMO AI ROBOT pet?
pointlessfailure
January 10, 2022 at 11:03 pm
Who is buying 700 dollar phones?
Vhsss Tv
January 10, 2022 at 11:03 pm
The only android phones the consider this year
S22 -February
S22 ultra -February
Xiaomi 12 ultra -march
Sony xperia pro 4 or what ever its called
Pixel 7 pro -august
Vivo x80 -September
Or…
IPhone 14 pro /pro Max !
Personally I’d go for the s22 ultra cause it is about as good as the xiaomi 12 ultra overall but has an extra s-pen and nicer design 🙂
The vivo will probably be really great but not good enough to justify waiting…
I don’t like 21:9 aspect ratios but the Sony will be perfection in many ways…
The pixel 7 will be so freaking good but again i cba the wait and Google might use an under display selfie cam and mess it up…
The iPhone 14 pro is the perfect phone hands down all around…But iOS isn’t the perfect operating system for me so Its a no from me for now till they add split screen, third party app story support, side loading and proper downloading of pirated stuff and hacked apps, and introduce full on customisation
Mo A
January 10, 2022 at 11:13 pm
I guess anything under $1,000 is affordable these days.
VICK VICK
January 10, 2022 at 11:19 pm
Only 700? Hmmmm
I better wait for the S22
John Ferguson
January 10, 2022 at 11:42 pm
Why samsung why you had to make this phone so expensive when it is coming out so late I know you will have deals but why not just sell it at a lower price.
Gerro Rico Mabulay
January 10, 2022 at 11:43 pm
I really don’t mind if the phone’s back is made if glass, metal or plastic. You’ll just gonna cover it with a case.
All Techno
January 10, 2022 at 11:56 pm
Nice review… From Indonesia
Cheese Ball
January 11, 2022 at 12:42 am
Eww a liberal representative
Alex Aolaolagi
January 11, 2022 at 12:48 am
Only $700
αdяiη
January 11, 2022 at 12:50 am
Only 700 dollars? 🙄
HJL1130
January 11, 2022 at 1:04 am
Would this phone still be comparable to the likes of the “soon to be discounted” S21 series and the “already decently discounted” S20 series?
I can agree on the fact that by buying this phone you will get 3 years of more Major OS updates, and the hardwares are a decent upgrade from the previous S20 FE, but at that price, I’m sure the Pixel 6 might be worth the better value.
irfan M
January 11, 2022 at 1:26 am
Pixel has less battery and the users can reported that the phone is very buggy
Howard Osborn
January 11, 2022 at 1:16 am
I’ll wait for the s22 ultra.
Patsfan 4life
January 11, 2022 at 10:24 am
I bet you anything it has a nicer display than the pixel, regardless of resolution capabilities
TheReddkatt
January 11, 2022 at 12:14 pm
does anyone really care if a phone has squarer edges?
Mansurpur World
January 11, 2022 at 12:45 pm
Sorry but it s 800 € in Holland .. not cheap phone or midrange
525Lines
January 11, 2022 at 2:10 pm
It’s only $700.
howyoudurrinhunneh
January 11, 2022 at 2:19 pm
Is this a review of the s21 FE or a commercial for the Pixel 6?
Mister Nibba
January 11, 2022 at 2:28 pm
“Only 700$” smh mannn i hate white people
gaurav patange
January 11, 2022 at 2:52 pm
S21 fe is the best phone to have under 700 dollars
Casimiro Chor
January 11, 2022 at 2:58 pm
The P6 is nice and inexpensive, but it seems Google is trying to outdo Oneplus with it’s buggy software and delayed/pulled updates. Also, I think I’d rather spend $100 more to get thinner bezels, higher refresh and Dex. The price tag makes me think the S22 phones are getting a price hike. Either that or they’re going to stop production and burn off inventory soon, so the FE will be the only S21 option unless you buy used.
Samarth Haldankar
January 11, 2022 at 3:52 pm
I don’t like Samsung
Stijn
January 11, 2022 at 4:35 pm
“only” $700???
Jesus Gabriel DIAZ
January 11, 2022 at 5:12 pm
S21 FE also has DEX… right?
Joni Leinonen
January 11, 2022 at 5:19 pm
Does S21 FE really have long batterylife? I have read review that said the battery was bad.
WhatsApp ➕1 ⑤④⓪⑦②④⑥⑨⑦⑧
January 11, 2022 at 6:32 pm
🔝🔝🔝🔝🔝🔝
*thanks for watching*
*You have been selected among the* *lucky winners, inbox*
🔝🔝🔝
Jamie Evans
January 11, 2022 at 7:08 pm
looks dont matter they go in a case anyway … nice review ty
Kharnes warhammer.
January 11, 2022 at 7:13 pm
I Got the 21fe for 98$
D-NET
January 11, 2022 at 7:18 pm
She rockin that pink.
WhatsApp ➕1 ⑤④⓪⑦②④⑥⑨⑦⑧
January 11, 2022 at 7:27 pm
🔝🔝🔝🔝🔝🔝
*thanks for watching*
*You have been selected among the* *lucky winners, inbox*
🔝🔝🔝🔝🔝
karley stanton
January 11, 2022 at 7:51 pm
I bought the Pixel 6 right before thanksgiving. Pros: I love the speed of the phone, the battery life is phenomenal, I like some of the features that the Pixel line offers. Cons: The flashlight is a bit yellowish for my taste: the speakers aren’t that great at all, the fingerprint reader only works every other time, and my Biggest complaint is the camera. The main camera is fine but the front selfie camera is garbage, esp in lower light. It is grainy, splotchy, and my 7 year old phone took better selfies than this. Which….as my first ‘flagship’ phone, I am so disappointed. Not to mention this phone seems tall and narrow and feels weird to hold And it is a bit heavy. Soooo in saying all of this, for the first time, I am looking into a Samsung phone. Or, maybe bite the bullet and go with iPhone? Ugh, guys, I feel like I am at square one trying to figure out what to get 🙁
Jesse Pinkman
January 11, 2022 at 11:13 pm
Iphones have better selfies. Go for it if you do not have a problem with IOS
MrZyphR
January 12, 2022 at 12:06 am
@Jesse Pinkman also they are more compatible with social media apps. For example, on my fe and other samsungs when taking a pic on snapchat the phone does sharpening in the app so the image always looks different.
Pigeon Picker
January 11, 2022 at 8:23 pm
I got an S10+ in eBay auction for only $140. And the only thing wrong with it is cracks on the back. I’ll just put a cover on it. And a minor hairline crack on the front edge of the glass. Pretty good deal?
Ghost
January 11, 2022 at 8:26 pm
The S22 base model will also be $699.
I’d wait to see how good the Gen 1 processor is.
MrAmad3us
January 11, 2022 at 8:26 pm
120HZ is also available for Samsung mid-rangers (a51 etc)
WhatsApp ➕1 ⑤④⓪⑦②④⑥⑨⑦⑧
January 11, 2022 at 8:27 pm
Appreciate You for watching and commenting🤗🎄
Send a direct message right away,you just won a gift 🎁🎄🎄
Ramon Grullon
January 11, 2022 at 8:43 pm
Not buying they need to bring the sd card slot back
John Paul Raguindin
January 11, 2022 at 8:57 pm
Imo the s21 fe should’ve been $600 to compete against the pixel 6.
Lifegoeson 1
January 11, 2022 at 9:00 pm
How u get better battery life on this phone but my s21 get bad battery life come on Samsung this doesn’t make sense when realme and poco give way better phones with cheaper price s21fe should be price 600 or 599$ not 700$
Asiful Haque
January 11, 2022 at 9:45 pm
The thick bezels on the pixel kind of a turn off for me
Hackuna MyTatas
January 11, 2022 at 11:12 pm
‘only’ $700
nauxsi
January 12, 2022 at 12:53 am
Need something more pocket friendly.
Parrish Thomas
January 12, 2022 at 1:37 am
Pinky 😏
Yoshimatsu414
January 12, 2022 at 1:42 am
She’s talking like the S21 FE and the S22 are going to be in the same price range lol.
S K Toh
January 12, 2022 at 1:56 am
I will wait for the S22 Ultra.
Tech
January 12, 2022 at 1:58 am
Hi Cnet, The thick bezels on the pixel kind of a turn off for me 🙂
Mark
January 12, 2022 at 2:16 am
This price will drop fast, Boost mobile is already selling it for $399.
Daviot Kelly
January 12, 2022 at 3:25 am
Leaning toward the pixel.
vivek kuruppathethil
January 12, 2022 at 4:01 am
01:05 can I get the wallpaper
WhatsApp ➕1 ⑤④⓪⑦②④⑥⑨⑦⑧
January 12, 2022 at 5:54 am
Appreciate You for watching and commenting🤗🎄
Send a direct message right away,you just won a gift 🎁🎄
mark kevin Mangulabnan
January 12, 2022 at 6:02 am
Go for the pixel 6.
Merphine Sitorus
January 12, 2022 at 9:09 am
Tmobile just sent me a coupon for 50% off for this particular phone. I guess I’m a good customer.
Sourabh Tayade
January 12, 2022 at 10:02 am
That was an awful and poor production of phone review from CNET i have seen so far. I can clearly see the pan shots of s21 fe being taken by hand (as were seen shaking).
Kinda disappointed. Although the review was good
D Ruu
January 12, 2022 at 3:20 pm
Apple did the same thing with their 2020 version of the iPhone SE
D Ruu
January 12, 2022 at 3:21 pm
None of these phones cost no more than a couple hundred dollars I found that cost over $1000 you have to realize what are you really going to use it for most people have a phone for a status symbol and don’t even really use the phone for most of the capabilities
JohnMerced32
January 13, 2022 at 1:57 am
Is a Pixel 6 review? 🙄 WTF man! Let me know about the Galaxy S21FE that’s it that’s all, stop trying to sell us a Pixel 6! Horrible review 🤐
Amardeep Banga
January 13, 2022 at 11:44 am
Didn’t know you lived in Astoria. That’s kinda cool.
koen miseur
January 13, 2022 at 11:54 am
@CNET the Pixel 6 is only available in 7 countries so stop comparing any phone with it!
MrDidifar
January 13, 2022 at 2:13 pm
It comes with exynos 2100 in my country, so not a great deal..
Ranjit Bassi
January 13, 2022 at 3:37 pm
i want to replace my one plus 9 pro- no zoom out on selfie camera, battery drains fast. Any recommendations (not apple).
hardyk2010
January 13, 2022 at 5:46 pm
Stop saying “Galaxy” everytime & shave a minute off the video
Dperr
January 13, 2022 at 8:05 pm
ONLY $700?!?!?!?!?!
Charles Ngeru
January 13, 2022 at 9:26 pm
Am I the only one bothered by the way “$700” is mentioned in an acceptable tone?? LOL.
The review is nice nonetheless.
ye ye
January 14, 2022 at 1:26 am
you… don’t use color pallete?
Doubleofficial Gaming
January 14, 2022 at 1:56 am
Definitely not 700 bucks
Samy Otta
January 14, 2022 at 4:52 am
Overpriced
Wayne Gouin
January 15, 2022 at 2:28 am
$700 is considered affordable only due to the atrocious pricing of other phones
Sunil Nathani
January 15, 2022 at 5:52 am
Samsung Galaxy S21 Fe, launched in 🇮🇳 on 11th Jan 2022 is first smartphone with ‘Android 12’ out of box.
– without charger in box, but supports 25w wired charging.
– Dual Nano sim card slot ( no expandable memory slot ).
6 gb / 128 gb
8 gb / 256 gb
WhatsApp +➊(➌➎➋) ➏➍➊-➑➋➍➑
January 15, 2022 at 7:20 am
You were picked to stand a prize 🎁🎁👆🏾👆🏾.
Ben Haze
January 15, 2022 at 4:48 pm
Not sure I agree about the Samsung having better 5G coverage than the Pixel 6: the Google phone has far more compatibility with a vast array of 5G frequencies that all S21 don’t have. Am I missing something?
The Gadget Guru
January 15, 2022 at 9:18 pm
🤣 guess what I’m watching this on my s20fe right now as we speak 😁 feel free to chime in if you have any questions about the s20fe
Jaybles Kage
January 15, 2022 at 10:15 pm
Lol who is going to care what some pink hair says
Issie wizzie
January 16, 2022 at 7:27 pm
only 700 dollars ……what wrong the younger gen …….
Isaias Peñaloza
January 17, 2022 at 9:39 pm
Nice, you sold me with that Super Nintendo controller frame on the wall.
Neil knightley
January 18, 2022 at 12:01 am
Only 700 dollars !!