Samsung Galaxy A57 vs. Galaxy S21 FE: Is the Mid-Range Upgrade Worth It?

The Galaxy S21 FE had a rocky start in early 2022. It was overpriced even by today’s Fan Edition standards, and users of the Exynos 2100 version frequently reported overheating and inconsistent sustained performance. Despite these initial hurdles, the device carved out a niche for itself among Samsung enthusiasts who valued its flagship-adjacent features.

Many fans waited for the phone to mature and improve through software updates, and it eventually did. However, after an eventful run, the Galaxy S21 FE is now nearing the end of its life cycle. For many users, finding a replacement is sounding more appealing by the day as performance begins to lag behind modern standards.

Of note is that the S21 FE is now over four years old. While it has already received Android 16 with One UI 8.0, Samsung’s recent shifts in its One UI update schedule make it unclear whether this January 2022 Fan Edition phone will receive the subsequent One UI 8.5 update. This uncertainty makes the prospect of upgrading even more pressing.

Looking for a New Phone? Your Options Aren’t Limited

Galaxy S21 FE users looking to upgrade without breaking the bank have a few clear paths forward. Depending on your budget and urgency, you might consider these three distinct strategies:

• ✨ Arguably, the best value option is to wait for the Galaxy S26 FE, which is expected to launch this autumn.
• ✨ If you need an upgrade immediately, the Galaxy S25 FE serves as a stronger all-round choice for power users.
• ✨ If you’re on a tighter budget, the Galaxy A57 is a surprisingly solid alternative, even if it is technically "just" a mid-range phone.

Let’s focus on that last option. Even as a mid-range device, the Samsung Galaxy A57 makes a strong case because it is a much newer release. Here are the primary reasons why it serves as a decent S21 FE replacement:

• ✨ Cheaper than the FE line, though not by a massive margin.
• ✨ Larger 6.7-inch display, an increase from the S21 FE's 6.4 inches.
• ✨ Super AMOLED+ panel: While Dynamic AMOLED 2X is technically superior, the A57’s newer panel is noticeably brighter and features Gorilla Glass Victus+ protection.
• ✨ Modern design with an aluminum frame and Gorilla Glass Victus+ back, moving away from the plastic "Glasstic" feel.
• ✨ Increased RAM (8/12GB vs 6/8GB), which makes heavy multitasking much more comfortable.
• ✨ Enhanced connectivity featuring Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 6.0.
• ✨ Larger 5,000mAh battery compared to the S21 FE's 4,500mAh.
• ✨ Faster 45W wired charging, a significant jump from 25W.
• ✨ Guaranteed six OS upgrades starting from its launch year.
• ✨ A surprisingly capable Exynos 1680 4nm chipset.

Regarding that last point, the Exynos 1680 is genuinely more impressive than it may seem at first glance. For example, in the 3DMark Wild Life Extreme test, it performs at least on par with, or slightly better than, the Snapdragon 888 and Exynos 2100 found in older flagships.

Now, synthetic benchmarks don't tell the whole story, but those scores show that the mid-range chip is highly capable—or perhaps that the S21 FE's hardware is showing its age. Either way, because the Exynos 1680 is built on a 4nm process instead of 5nm, it is also significantly more power-efficient, leading to better thermal management and battery life.

So, while the Galaxy A57 is a mid-range phone through and through, it benefits from arriving on the market years after the S21 FE. It is a decent phone in its own right. Even if it might not be a massive upgrade across every single specification, it looks like a logical replacement for a lower price point than the FE series.

That said, moving to the A57 does mean giving up a couple of premium features, including Samsung DeX support and wireless charging. But if you need a replacement sooner rather than later, the Galaxy A57 remains a strong option if you can look past those few omissions.

Is the Galaxy A57 really faster than the Galaxy S21 FE?

While the Galaxy S21 FE was a flagship-tier device at launch, its Exynos 2100 or Snapdragon 888 chips are now several years old. The Galaxy A57's Exynos 1680 chipset is built on a newer 4nm process, which allows it to match or slightly exceed the S21 FE in sustained performance and graphical benchmarks like 3DMark, all while running cooler and more efficiently.

What features will I lose if I switch to the Galaxy A57?

The primary trade-offs when moving from an FE (Fan Edition) model to an A-series model are the loss of Samsung DeX (the desktop computing interface) and wireless charging. Additionally, while the A57 has a newer screen, the S21 FE's Dynamic AMOLED 2X technically offers better color accuracy and HDR peak performance in specific conditions.

How does the battery and charging compare between the two?

The Galaxy A57 is a clear winner in this category. It features a larger 5,000mAh battery compared to the 4,500mAh unit in the S21 FE. Furthermore, the A57 supports 45W fast wired charging, allowing you to top up the device much quicker than the 25W limit found on the aging S21 FE.

Will the Galaxy A57 last longer in terms of software?

Yes, significantly. The Galaxy S21 FE is nearing the end of its official major OS update path. In contrast, the Galaxy A57 launches with a promise of six generations of OS upgrades, ensuring that your device stays current with the latest Android and One UI features well into the late 2020s.

🔎 In conclusion, while the Galaxy S21 FE served as a powerful bridge between mid-range and flagship tiers for years, the natural progression of technology has made the Galaxy A57 a viable successor. By choosing the A57, users benefit from a more efficient processor, a more durable and modern design, and a vastly superior software support window. While the loss of DeX and wireless charging might sting for some, the overall improvements in battery life, charging speed, and display brightness make the Galaxy A57 an excellent value proposition for anyone looking to retire their aging S21 FE without overspending on a new flagship.