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Rumor suggests Galaxy S21 FE could have huge leg up over other S21 models

July 12, 2025

The “Fan Edition” of theGalaxy S21has been in limbo for months now. The latest rumors suggest it could finally land in January, not long before we seethe Samsung Galaxy S22 serieslaunch.

However, a very recent rumor suggests the Samsung Galaxy S21 FE could be the first Samsung phone to launch with Android 12 out-of-the-box (viaSamMobile). This would be a pretty high honor for the phone, as that status is usually reserved for the newest Galaxy S phone of the year.

Samsung Galaxy S21 vs S21 Plus vs S21 Ultra 1 1

See also:Everything we know about the Galaxy S21 FE

If true, this rumor would also mean the Samsung Galaxy S21 FE would be a better buy than the Galaxy S21. Theoretically, the FE model should have a lot of the same specs as the mainline Galaxy S21 — not to mention a lower price. If it also comes with Android 12, that means it will see one year more of Android upgrade support as compared to the Galaxy S21 lineup.

Since Samsung offers three Android upgrades to its phones, the Galaxy S21 FE would see Android versions 13, 14, and 15. Meanwhile, even theSamsung Galaxy S21 Ultrawill only see Android 14.

Obviously, the Galaxy S22 models would also see up to Android 15. However, if you can’t afford a Galaxy S22, the Galaxy S21 FE might be a better fallback than the Galaxy S21.

If the rumors are true, Samsung could announce the Samsung Galaxy S21 FE at CES 2022, which happens in early January. Stay tuned!

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