In the year 2025, prominent among the best options is the Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G when compared to the Galaxy S9. The S21 FE 5G offers tremendous improvements in performance, display, camera capability, battery life, and software support to meet not only technological advancement but also the users' expectations.
| Feature | Galaxy S9 (2018) | Galaxy S21 FE 5G (2022) |
| Display | 5.8" Super AMOLED, 1440x2960, 60Hz | 6.4" Dynamic AMOLED 2X, 1080x2400, 120Hz |
| Processor | Exynos 9810 / Snapdragon 845 | Snapdragon 888 / Exynos 2100 |
| RAM & Storage | 4GB RAM, 64/128/256GB, microSD support | 6/8GB RAM, 128/256GB, no microSD slot |
| Rear Camera | 12MP single lens | Triple: 12MP (wide), 12MP (ultrawide), 8MP (telephoto) |
| Front Camera | 8MP | 32MP |
| Battery | 3000mAh, fast & wireless charging | 4500mAh, 25W fast & wireless charging |
| 5G Support | No | Yes |
| Software Support | Android 10 (end of support) | Android 14, eligible for Android 15 (One UI 7) |
| Security Updates | Discontinued | Ongoing (latest: March 2025) |
| Build & Design | Glass front/back, aluminum frame, IP68 | Gorilla Glass Victus front, plastic back, IP68 |
| Price in India (2025) | ~₹26,869 (refurbished) | ~₹31,999 (new) |
Lastly, the Snapdragon 888 or Exynos 2100 chipset gives processing and efficiency beyond compare with the Galaxy S9 Exynos 9810/Snapdragon 845. The applications launch faster; multitasking feels smoother; overall, the experience feels better.
Compared to the S9 with its 5.8-inch Super AMOLED display with a 60Hz refresh rate, the S21 FE 5G, with a 6.4-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display with a 120 Hz refresh rate, is far more engaging and immersing. The 120Hz effect means smoother scrolling, not to mention enhanced gaming graphics.
The S21 FE 5G offers maximum versatility by way of its triple rear camera setup with wide, ultrawide, and telephoto lenses. In contrast, the single 12MP rear camera of the Galaxy S9 lacks the flexibility and advanced features set found in modern cameras.
Thanks to the long-lasting 4500mAh battery of the S21 FE 5G, every use is time well spent compared to the rather short lifespan of the S9 with its 3000mAh battery. Further, the S21 FE 5G supports 25W fast charging, which reduces charging time.
The Galaxy S21 FE 5G gets its share of software updates, including the Android 14-One UI 6. It will even make it to the list for the next Android 15 (One UI 7) update. The fate of the Galaxy S9, on the other hand, is that it has already expired on the software support lifecycle, and updates have stopped coming in with Android 10.
Considering the advancements in hardware, display technologies, cameral versatility, battery capacity, and being under ongoing software support, the S21 FE 5G will be deemed the better future-proof and capable device for 2025. Its features match user expectations and technologic standards. Hence, one would recommend it over the Galaxy S9.