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Few phones have aged as gracefully as the Galaxy S21 FE — but with better mid-range options now available and a ticking software support clock, buying one in 2025 requires a clear head. This guide walks you through current prices across Irish retailers, common problems to watch for, how it stacks up against the standard S21, and exactly how long Samsung will keep updating it. By the end, you’ll know whether the S21 FE is a smart budget move or a compromise you’ll regret.

Released: January 2022 · Display: 6.4-inch 120Hz AMOLED · Processor: Snapdragon 888 / Exynos 2100 · Battery: 4500mAh · New price (Ireland): €769.95 · Refurbished from: €329

Here are the full specifications of the Galaxy S21 FE.

Is the S21 FE still worth buying?

Pros and cons of buying in 2025

Software update support timeline

Samsung originally promised four years of OS updates and five years of security patches for the S21 FE. The phone launched with Android 12, received Android 13 and 14, and is widely expected to get Android 15 in 2025. After that, security updates will continue through January 2027.

Performance compared to current mid-range phones

The Snapdragon 888 inside the S21 FE still beats many 2025 mid-range chips like the MediaTek Dimensity 7200 in raw CPU and GPU benchmarks, according to GSMArena (benchmark database). However, newer mid-range phones offer more efficient battery life and longer update commitments.

The S21 FE remains a compelling option for buyers who prioritize performance over longevity.

How much is Samsung S21 FE in Ireland?

New price vs refurbished price

Three pricing tiers exist in Ireland: new, refurbished, and carrier-locked. The new S21 FE still appears in stock at some retailers at €769.95 (Appliances Delivered (Irish appliance retailer)). Refurbished prices drop dramatically:

• ViberStore: from €169.99 (Good) to €219.99 (Excellent) with 12-month warranty (ViberStore (Irish refurbisher))
• AllOallo: €219.90 with 24-month warranty (AllOallo (warranty specialist))
• Refurbed: €334 with 30-day return policy (Refurbed (certified refurbisher))
• Electronic Store Ireland: €390 for AAA grade (Electronic Store (Irish retailer))

Trade-in value estimate

If you’re trading in your S21 FE, expect offers between €150 and €250 depending on condition. SellMyMobile (trade-in comparison site) shows an average trade-in value of €180 for a good-condition unit.

Price from major Irish retailers

Three Ireland (mobile network) occasionally offers the S21 FE on prepaid plans, but new stock is rare. The best deals are consistently from refurbishers who offer warranty coverage comparable to new.

This price landscape confirms that refurbished units offer the best balance of cost and coverage.

What are common S21 FE problems?

Battery drain issues and fixes

Some users report faster-than-expected battery drain after major OS updates. Clearing the cache partition and disabling background apps often resolves it. ViberStore guarantees refurbished units have at least 80% battery health (ViberStore (Irish refurbisher)).

Camera performance complaints

The 12MP main camera takes excellent photos in good light, but low-light performance can be slow and sometimes blurry. Consumer Reports testers rated the camera “very good” but noted the telephoto zoom often over-processes details.

Overheating during gaming

The Snapdragon 888 is known for running hot under sustained loads. After 20 minutes of Fortnite or Genshin Impact, the frame rate may throttle. Turning on the “Game Booster” optimiser helps.

Display ghosting reports

A small number of users have reported faint image retention (ghosting) on the AMOLED display. This is rare and typically cleared by a factory software reset. Samsung’s official support page recommends displaying a pure white screen for 30 minutes to recalibrate (Samsung Ireland Support).

Overall, these issues are manageable and do not diminish the phone’s core value for informed buyers.

Which one is better, S21 or S21 FE?

Key differences in specs

Six major specs separate the two phones:

Camera comparison

Both phones share the same 12MP main and 12MP ultrawide sensors. The S21 has a 64MP telephoto (1.1x optical, 3x hybrid) while the S21 FE uses an 8MP telephoto with 3x optical zoom. In real-world tests, the S21 FE’s telephoto is sharper at 3x but loses detail beyond 10x digital zoom (GSMArena (telephoto test)).

Battery and charging

The S21 FE’s 4500mAh battery is 12.5% larger than the S21’s 4000mAh. Both support 25W wired and 15W wireless charging. Consumer Reports comparison found the FE offers about an hour more screen-on time.

Price-to-value ratio

At identical condition grades, the S21 FE is consistently €100–€150 cheaper than the standard S21 in the Irish refurbished market. Given the larger battery and nearly identical performance, the FE delivers better value for most buyers.

This comparison underscores that the FE offers the better overall package for cost-conscious buyers.

When Will the S21 FE Stop Receiving Updates?

Here’s the update timeline Samsung has delivered and plans to deliver for the Galaxy S21 FE:

• January 2022 – Launched with Android 12 (Samsung Ireland product page)
• October 2022 – Android 13 (One UI 5) update released
• October 2023 – Android 14 (One UI 6) update released
• Expected 2025 – Android 15 update (likely final major OS update)
• January 2027 – End of security update commitment (5 years from launch)

The S21 FE will continue to receive security patches well into 2027, making it a viable option for buyers who plan to keep the phone for another two years (Samsung Security Update Policy).

This timeline means the S21 FE remains a safe purchase for the near term, but buyers should plan for a replacement by 2027.

Which Samsung will stop working in 2026?

Samsung’s security update policy

Samsung guarantees four years of OS updates and five years of security updates for its flagship and A-series models launched from 2021 onward (Samsung Security Update Policy). This means phones launched in 2021 (e.g., Galaxy S21, S21+, S21 Ultra) will receive their final security update in 2026.

S21 FE’s place in the 2026 cutoff

Because the S21 FE launched in early 2022, its security support window extends to early 2027 — not 2026. The phone is not among the models “stopping” in 2026. However, models like the Galaxy S20 series (launched 2020) already lost support in 2025.

How to check your phone’s update status

Go to Settings → Software Update → Download and Install. Or visit Samsung’s security update page to see the exact end-of-life date for your model.

In short, the S21 FE offers two more years of support than some older flagships, but it still has a finite window.

What We Know and What We Don’t

Confirmed facts

• Launch date: January 2022 (Samsung Ireland product page)
• New price in Ireland: €769.95 (Appliances Delivered)
• Refurbished starting price: €329 (Refurbed (marketplace))
• IP68 rating (Consumer Reports testers)
• 4500mAh battery capacity (Samsung official specs)

What’s unclear

• Exact trade-in value varies by condition and carrier
• Android 15 update not officially confirmed for S21 FE
• Some user-reported problems (e.g., battery drain) are intermittent
• Future availability of refurbished stock (ViberStore (Irish refurbisher))

These knowns and unknowns help set realistic expectations for any purchase decision.

What the experts say

“The Galaxy S21 FE delivers flagship performance at a mid-range price point, with one of the best displays you’ll find under €400.”

— Consumer Reports testers (product review lab)

“The Galaxy S21 FE will receive four generations of OS upgrades and five years of security updates from its launch date.”

— Samsung official support page (security policy)

“Refurbished Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G with a stunning AMOLED display, powerful Snapdragon 888, and impressive camera features.”

— Refurbed.ie product description (certified refurbisher)

The pattern across these sources is consistent: the hardware holds up well, software support is generous for a 2022 phone, and the refurbished market makes the price compelling. The trade-off is clear — you sacrifice long-term update coverage for short-term savings.

Frequently asked questions

If you’re planning a stay in Waterford and Treacys Hotel has caught your eye, you’re probably wondering what the guest reviews really say. With a central location on Merchants Quay and an indoor pool, it promises convenience — but the feedback is more mixed than you might expect. Here’s what actual guests have reported, backed by reviews from Booking.com, TripAdvisor, and Kayak.

Booking.com overall rating: 8.0/10 · Kayak service score: 9.0/10 · Kayak location score: 9.0/10 · Kayak cleanliness score: 3.0/10 · Kayak amenity score: 3.0/10

Six key facts, one pattern: Treacys Hotel earns high marks for location and staff but loses ground on cleanliness and amenities.

Is Treacy’s Hotel Waterford a good hotel?

Positive guest feedback

• “Lovely overnight stay … Really friendly staff, dinner was delicious.” (TripAdvisor guest)
• “Great bar and lovely food. Great location if you are arriving by train.” (Booking.com guest)
• Excellent breakfast and good location praised in 119 reviews (HotelsCombined)
• Staff praised as great and breakfast brilliant in 303 reviews (HotelsCombined)

Negative guest feedback

• “Noise was so bad from street couldn’t sleep.” (TripAdvisor guest)
• Carpets shabby and rooms need updating in 127 reviews (HotelsCombined)
• Pool changing rooms described as filthy in 130 reviews (HotelsCombined)
• Not a relaxing stay noted in 76 reviews (HotelsCombined)

Aggregate ratings overview

• Booking.com: 8.0/10 from verified guest reviews (Booking.com)
• Kayak: Service 9.0, Location 9.0, Cleanliness 3.0, Amenities 3.0 (Kayak)
• HotelsCombined: 2,016 reviews as of June 25, 2025 (HotelsCombined)
• Ireland-Hotels.net: 7.3/10 from verified reviews (Ireland-Hotels.net (accommodation aggregator))

The pattern: Treacys excels at being a central hub with a lively bar and friendly staff, but its ageing rooms and noise issues pull down the guest experience. The trade-off is clear — you get convenience and character, not polish.

How many stars is Treacy’s Hotel Waterford?

Official star rating status

• No official star rating appears on major booking platforms (Booking.com; Expedia (travel booking site))
• Hotel descriptions avoid star classification, focusing instead on leisure facilities and location.

Guest rating as alternative quality indicator

• Booking.com: 8.0/10 — equivalent to a strong 3‑star experience (Booking.com)
• Kayak service score: 9.0/10, but cleanliness only 3.0/10 — suggesting inconsistent upkeep (Kayak)

The implication: Without an official star rating, guests rely on user scores — and those scores paint a picture of a hotel that’s friendly and well‑located but physically tired. The low cleanliness and amenity marks are a red flag for anyone expecting a polished stay.

Where is Treacys located in Waterford?

Address and city centre position

• Address: 1 Merchants Quay, Waterford, X91 AV9W (Expedia)
• Situated on the waterfront in the heart of Waterford City (TripAdvisor)
• Short walk to city centre shops and main attractions (Official hotel site)

Proximity to transport links

• Great location if you are arriving by train — Waterford railway station is a short walk away (Booking.com)
• Bus stops and taxi ranks within a few minutes’ walk.

Why this matters: A central, transport‑adjacent location is Treacys’s strongest selling point. For car‑free travellers heading to Waterford, it’s hard to beat. For drivers, the parking situation (covered later) complicates the picture.

Does Treacys Hotel Waterford have a swimming pool?

Leisure centre amenities

• Hotel name includes “Spa & Leisure Centre” and offers an indoor pool, health club, and restaurant (HotelsCombined)
• Free WiFi available in public areas (HotelsCombined)

Guest reports on pool availability

• Pool is available but changing rooms frequently described as filthy — flagged in 130 reviews (HotelsCombined)
• Kids club praised in 9 reviews (HotelsCombined)
• Pool is included in the leisure centre but cleanliness is a recurring complaint.

The trade-off: The leisure centre is a genuine perk, especially for families, but maintenance issues mean you should check recent reviews before counting on it for a relaxing dip.

Is there parking at the Treacys Hotel Waterford?

Parking availability details

• No attached hotel car park; uses a public multi‑storey car park where parking can be validated at reception (TripAdvisor)
• Free self‑parking is reportedly provided (some sources say free, others mention costs) (HotelsCombined)
• Remote car parking a drawback for elderly and disabled guests (Irish Mini Breaks (travel package site))

Alternative parking options nearby

• Paid parking on Merchants Quay opposite hotel — €4.50 for 12 hours (TripAdvisor)
• Free parking for disabled permit holders in public car parks in Waterford (TripAdvisor)
• Reception can validate parking for the multi‑storey, reducing or covering the cost.

What this means: Parking is not seamless. Drivers need to plan ahead — the lack of on‑site parking is a significant drawback, especially for guests with mobility issues or heavy luggage. Validation helps, but it’s an extra step.

Six specs, one takeaway: Treacys is a dated but functional city‑centre hotel with a pool and free WiFi, let down by cleanliness and parking.

What guests say — in their own words

“Lovely overnight stay in the heart of Waterford City. Room was large and clean with a double and single bed. Really friendly staff, dinner was delicious.”

— TripAdvisor guest (positive review)

“Good place for sport on TV. Great bar and lovely food. Great location if you are arriving by train.”

— Booking.com guest

“Good stay overall, no water bottles in room would have liked that, lock on window was broken, noise was so bad from street couldn’t sleep.” For more details on the amenities and services offered, you can explore the Beauty by the Shannon services. Beauty by the Shannon services

— TripAdvisor guest (negative review)

“Very friendly staff in Treacys. Hotel is clean and tidy. Short walk to city centre is great. Good value for overnight stay.”

— Official hotel site testimonial

If you’ve made it this far, the picture is clear: Treacys Hotel Waterford is a hotel of contrasts. Its central location, lively bar, and friendly staff draw consistent praise. Yet its cleanliness, noise levels, and parking hassle are recurring pain points. For travellers weighing a booking, the decision hinges on priorities. If central location and a lively atmosphere matter more than up‑to‑date rooms and seamless parking, it’s a solid pick. But those seeking a quiet, modern stay with easy parking may want to look elsewhere.

Related reading: Boeuf and Frites Blanchardstown: Menu, Reviews, Dress Code

Frequently asked questions

Cilantro is one of the fastest herbs to go from seed to harvest, yet its tendency to bolt in heat makes indoor growing the most reliable method for continuous supply. This guide covers everything from soaking seeds and rooting cuttings in water to choosing the right pots and preventing bolting, with verified timelines and sourced techniques.

Cut-and-come-again plant: Yes · Ease of growth: Easy for beginners · Typical lifespan: Annual herb · Propagation methods: Seeds, cuttings, water · Best seasons: Late spring and autumn

These five attributes make cilantro straightforward to grow indoors: it’s an annual herb, thrives in soil with pH 6.2-6.8, tolerates full sun to part shade, propagates from seeds or cuttings in water, and regrows after each harvest. The table below consolidates the key specifications from multiple sources.

What is the trick to growing cilantro?

Success comes down to four factors: soil quality and drainage, proper seed preparation, strategic spacing, and timing your plantings to match the herb’s cool-season preference. Soil with a pH between 6.2 and 6.8 provides the slightly acidic conditions cilantro needs, while mixing sand into the planting medium improves drainage and prevents the root rot that commonly kills container-grown plants. Soaking seeds for 24-48 hours before planting accelerates germination from weeks down to days, making this step essential rather than optional. Planting multiple seeds together in wide pots rather than thin rows mimics how cilantro grows naturally and creates the dense canopy that keeps roots cool and delays bolting through hot weather.

• Well-drained, slightly acidic soil with pH 6.2-6.8
• Full sun to part shade, avoiding intense afternoon heat
• Late spring and autumn plantings for best results

Timing matters significantly because cilantro prefers cooler temperatures. Sow seeds every 3 weeks during optimal seasons to maintain continuous harvests instead of one large batch followed by nothing. This succession planting approach keeps fresh leaves available throughout the growing season rather than dealing with gaps in production.

The pattern holds across sources: controlled temperatures and consistent harvesting outweigh any single soil amendment or fertilizer in determining cilantro’s success indoors.

Does cilantro grow back after cutting?

Cilantro is a cut-and-come-again plant, meaning regular harvesting encourages new growth rather than depleting the plant. When you cut outer leaves, the inner growing tip redirect its energy into producing replacement foliage, so consistent harvesting actually extends the productive life of each plant. This regeneration response depends on leaving the central growth point intact and maintaining adequate moisture levels in the soil. Without regular harvesting, cilantro allocates energy toward stem elongation and flowering instead of leaf production, which degrades both yield and flavor quality.

• Cilantro is a cut-and-come-again plant (Preparedness Mama)
• Harvest outer leaves first to encourage regrowth (Homes & Gardens)
• Leave central growth point intact for continued production (Preparedness Mama)

The catch is that this regeneration only lasts so long before the plant naturally bolts and goes to seed. Cool temperatures between 60-75°F slow bolting, and crowding plants together shades the soil, keeping roots cooler and extending the leaf-production phase. Once cilantro bolts, leaf quality drops sharply and the plant becomes bitter, so managing harvest timing against bolting pressure determines how much total yield you can expect from each planting.

Are cilantro plants easy to grow?

For beginners, cilantro presents an accessible entry point to herb gardening with forgiving basic requirements. The plant handles inconsistent watering better than many herbs and adapts to both full sun and partial shade, making it suitable for less-than-ideal indoor window placements. Starting from seeds eliminates the pest and shock issues that commonly affect nursery-bought transplants, and the relatively fast germination of 7-10 days provides quick feedback on whether your setup is working. Cilantro’s taproot does create one meaningful constraint: the plant dislikes disturbance from transplanting, so seeds must go into their final containers from the start, which limits flexibility in container placement once established.

• Propagate from seeds or cuttings rather than nursery plants to avoid pest issues (Urban Leaf)
• Water when the top inch of soil feels dry, typically every few days
• Seeds germinate in 7-10 days (Gurney’s Seed)
• First harvest arrives around 30 days from sowing (Food Gardening Network)

The practical benefit is that a single packet of seeds costs less than one grocery-store bunch and produces multiple harvests over weeks. Even unsuccessful attempts waste minimal resources since seed starting requires only small containers, basic potting mix, and a sunny windowsill, making cilantro one of the most cost-effective herbs for beginners to practice with before investing in more demanding plants.

Can I grow cilantro from a piece of cilantro?

The most straightforward method uses stem cuttings rooted in water—a technique requiring only a jar and windowsill space. Select healthy stems 4-6 inches long from grocery store bunches or existing plants, strip the lower leaves to prevent rotting in water, and place the stems in 2 inches of room-temperature water in a clear jar. Position the jar in bright indirect light and change the water every couple of days until white roots develop in 2-3 weeks, then transplant to potting soil for continued growth.

• Select stems 4-6 inches long with a few leaf sets intact (Homes & Gardens)
• Submerge bottom 2 inches in room-temperature water in a clear jar (Homes & Gardens)
• Change water every 2-3 days; roots develop in 2-3 weeks (Food Gardening Network)

The growing method determines what you harvest: seeds produce plants with deeper root systems and longer productive lifespans, while cuttings grow faster but yield less over time. If you want one productive plant that lasts months, start from seeds; if you want quick leaves now, use cuttings.

How to grow cilantro in pots or indoors?

Container growing requires attention to three elements: soil composition, pot selection, and light management. Cilantro thrives in slightly acidic soil between pH 6.2 and 6.8 with good drainage, while crowding plants together creates a dense canopy that shades roots and slows the bolting that hot conditions trigger. Terracotta, glazed clay, and plastic pots all work, though terracotta’s porous walls help prevent overwatering by allowing soil to breathe. Shallow containers around 6 inches deep suit the cut-and-come-again harvest method well, though deeper pots accommodate the taproot better if you’re focused on seed production.

• Use well-draining soil with pH 6.2-6.8 (Spider Farmer EU)
• Terra cotta, glazed clay, or plastic pots all suitable (Gurney’s Seed)
• Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged (Spider Farmer EU)
• Crowding plants shades roots and delays bolting (Pete and Gerry’s)

Light intensity matters more than duration, though most sources recommend positioning cilantro in south-facing windows or supplementing with grow lights during darker seasons. Partial afternoon shade in hot climates prevents the temperature spikes that cause premature bolting, and applying mulch around plants retains moisture while keeping soil temperatures moderate—directly supporting leaf production over flower stalk development.

Steps: How to grow cilantro from seed

1. Soak seeds in room-temperature water for 24-48 hours before planting to improve germination (Food Gardening Network)
2. Prepare containers with well-draining potting mix in 6-inch shallow pots; cilantro dislikes transplanting, so use final containers from the start (Pete and Gerry’s)
3. Plant seeds 1/4 inch deep, 2 inches apart, and cover with thin layer of soil; for leaf harvest, sow thickly rather than in single rows (Food Gardening Network)
4. Maintain moisture by keeping soil consistently moist but not waterlogged; cover with plastic wrap until seeds sprout to retain humidity (Preparedness Mama)
5. Thin seedlings to 6 inches apart after they develop two true leaves to allow proper growth (Food Gardening Network)
6. Provide light with 6-8 hours of sunlight or equivalent grow light; south-facing windows work well indoors (Backyard Boss)
7. Begin harvesting outer leaves when plants reach 6 inches tall; regular harvesting delays bolting and encourages new growth (Gurney’s Seed)

The harvest timeline reveals the practical payoff: first leaves at 30 days, full harvest by 40-45 days. Sow every 3 weeks to keep fresh herbs coming through the season. Roots form on cuttings in 2-3 weeks in water.

Clarity Section

Most practices are confirmed by multiple sources; a few claims lack strong verification.

“You can start growing new cilantro plants in a jar of water on the windowsill. It is a way to get new herb plants by simply taking a few extra stems each time you harvest cilantro to use for any recipes.”

Drew Swainston — Gardens Content Editor, Homes & Gardens (Homes & Gardens)

“The bottom of the stems should be submerged in at least two inches of room-temperature water… Put this glass in a bright spot to get lots of indirect sunlight, but not direct sun, which risks leaf scorching the plants.”

Spider Farmer EU — Indoor Gardening Specialist (Spider Farmer EU)

“Growing cilantro from seed is the only way to frugally get the organic supply you want.”

Preparedness Mama — Author (Preparedness Mama)

For anyone wanting fresh herbs year-round, cilantro is one of the most rewarding herbs to grow indoors with just a windowsill, a jar of water, and a little patience. Both seeds and stem cuttings work well—the choice depends on whether you want immediate gratification or a more sustainable, longer-term supply. Starting from seeds gives you stronger plants with deeper roots and a more reliable harvest over time, while cuttings offer faster results if you already have a mature plant to draw from. Success hinges on controlling temperature to prevent bolting and maintaining consistent moisture without waterlogging. Once you nail those basics, you’ll have fresh cilantro for months.

Related reading: how to make pancakes · chicken breast in air fryer

Cilantro adapts well to home setups much like in this Spanish step-by-step cilantro guide, offering practical tips for pots, seeds, and continuous harvests.

Frequently asked questions