Galaxy S21 FE to Buy in 2025: Worth It? Price & Problems

If you’re hunting for a used phone in 2025, the Samsung Galaxy S21 FE keeps popping up in searches, with a Snapdragon 888 chip and a 120Hz screen that still feel modern. The real question is whether it makes financial sense in Ireland today — especially with refurbished deals, common glitches, and looming network changes.

Display: 6.4‑inch 120Hz AMOLED ·
Processor: Snapdragon 888 ·
Battery: 4500mAh ·
Refurbished from: €167 in Ireland

Key specifications at a glance show the S21 FE’s hardware.

Is the S21 FE still worth buying?

Four years after launch, the Galaxy S21 FE still delivers solid everyday performance. Its Snapdragon 888 chipset handles gaming and multitasking without stutter, and the 120Hz display makes scrolling feel fluid. The question is how it stacks up against newer mid‑range phones that often cost the same or less.

Performance and battery life

• The Snapdragon 888 reportedly keeps up with most 2024‑era mid‑range chips (UpTradeIt).
• Battery life with the 4500mAh cell delivers a full day of normal use, though heavy gaming can drain it faster (YouTube review).

Camera quality

The triple camera setup (12MP wide, 12MP ultrawide, 8MP telephoto) takes decent photos in good light. Low‑light performance is acceptable but not flagship‑level. Reviewers note that the Pixel series still beats it in computational photography (YouTube review).

Software updates and longevity

Samsung promised four years of security updates for the S21 FE, which should run through 2026. The phone already runs One UI 7 (Android 15) and may even get Android 16 (UpTradeIt). That’s respectable support for a phone that started on Android 12.

The implication: you get flagship performance at half the price, with a trade-off in camera quality.

How much is Samsung S21 FE in Ireland?

In Ireland, you can buy the S21 FE new, refurbished, or second‑hand. Prices vary widely depending on condition and seller.

New vs refurbished pricing

• New from Samsung and carriers: originally €699, now often discounted but still around €500–600.
• Refurbished on Back Market Ireland: from €167 with a 12‑month EU warranty (Back Market Ireland).

Trade‑in value estimates

If you already own an S21 FE, its trade‑in value depends on condition and the vendor. Services like CompareMyMobile typically offer €150–€250 for a good‑condition unit, but exact quotes vary.

The catch: trade‑in prices drop quickly as newer models appear, so time your sale carefully.

What are common S21 FE problems?

Like any phone, the S21 FE has its share of reported issues. Most are software‑related and have been addressed in updates, but a few hardware quirks persist.

Screen and display issues

Some users report ghost touches and subtle burn‑in after heavy use. The 120Hz AMOLED panel is generally bright and reliable, but a small number of units suffer from uneven backlighting.

Battery and charging problems

Battery drain complaints appear regularly, especially when the phone is pushed hard. Overheating during gaming is another common theme across forums (YouTube review).

Software glitches

Early software bugs — camera app crashes, Bluetooth dropouts — have largely been fixed with One UI updates. As of 2025, the phone is stable, but some users still report occasional lag after major OS upgrades.

The pattern: these issues are typical for a 2022 mid-tier flagship and are manageable.

Which one is better, S21 or S21 FE?

The Galaxy S21 and S21 FE are very similar, but a few key differences tip the scales for different buyers. Here’s how they compare.

Two siblings, one clear trade‑off: the S21 gives you premium build and a smaller screen, while the S21 FE trades glass back for a larger display and a lower price.

The trade‑off: you lose the premium glass back on the FE, but you gain a bigger battery and a lower price. For most people, the FE makes more sense unless you must have the smaller, lighter S21.

Which Samsung will stop working in 2026?

Samsung has announced plans to phase out 3G and 2G support on certain older models, which could affect the S21 FE if you rely on those networks.

List of affected devices

Samsung’s official list includes models like the Galaxy S7 series and older. The S21 FE is not on the list, so it will continue to work on 4G and 5G networks for the foreseeable future (Android Authority).

What it means for S21 FE users

In Ireland, 3G shutdowns are happening gradually. The S21 FE supports VoLTE, so it will still make calls over 4G when 3G is gone. No need to panic if you own one — it’s not affected by Samsung’s 2026 cutoff.

Timeline signal

The timeline shows the S21 FE’s lifecycle from launch to network transition.

Clarity: confirmed facts vs. what’s still unclear

What this means: buyers can trust the confirmed facts but should be aware of uncertainties.

What reviewers say

“The Galaxy S21 FE is still a good buy in 2025 because it looks similar to the S23 and S24 series, and its processor is still strong.”

— Android Authority (tech analysis)

“The camera is decent but not flagship‑level. If you want the best photos, get a Pixel.”

— YouTube reviewer (hands‑on test)

The pattern is clear: the S21 FE offers 90% of the flagship experience at half the price. The main sacrifice is camera polish and the premium feel of glass.

Summary

For an Irish buyer looking for a capable phone on a budget, the Galaxy S21 FE is a strong candidate. Refurbished units at €167 deliver flagship‐level performance, solid battery life, and software support likely through 2026. The decision comes down to your priorities: if you want the best camera, look at a Pixel. But if you want a smooth, large screen and good value, the S21 FE is hard to beat.

Overall, the S21 FE is a practical choice for Irish buyers.

Frequently asked questions