With Reported Galaxy Z Flip3 Success, Samsung May Axe Galaxy S21 FE

In 2020, Samsung followed up the Galaxy S20 with a mid-year refresh that introduced the more affordable Galaxy S20 FE. This year, Samsung is second-guessing the launch of a Galaxy S21 FE, according to a report from Korean publication Digital Daily Co.

The report, shared by PhoneArena, explains that Samsung had originally planned an Unpacked launch event for the Galaxy S21 FE in mid-October but has since canceled the event and may be reconsidering the release of the phone at all. Digital Daily Co spoke with a Samsung Electronics official who said as much, but didn’t confirm that the phone was canceled outright.

Part of the issue is the ongoing chip shortage, which has been affecting companies like Samsung. Adding a new phone to the market that’s likely built around the same Snapdragon 888 chipset found in the entire Galaxy S21 series as well as the Galaxy Z Flip3 and Galaxy Z Fold3 would further stretch Samsung’s limited supply. But there’s a surprising second issue: The Galaxy Z Flip3 has been too popular.

The Galaxy Z Flip 3 in its closed position

What Samsung Fans Really Want

The Galaxy S20 FE made sense in 2020. It was a version of the Galaxy S20 that more people could afford. It changed the design and materials, went with a larger, but lower-resolution display, simplified the cameras, and dropped the price from the $1,000 of the S20 to just $700.

The place for a Galaxy S21 FE has been more questionable. Samsung already blurred the lines between a standard edition and a “Fan Edition” with the Galaxy S21, which featured a plastic back, a flat glass front, and a middle-ground price tag of $800. It’s also getting late in the year to release the phone when a Galaxy S22 is expected in January.

Then there’s the Galaxy Z Flip3. Digital Daily Co isn’t the only source suggesting the popularity of this phone. Pre-orders of Samsung’s new foldable smartphones outpaced sales of their predecessors, according to a CNET report. And the Galaxy Z Flip3 may become the best-selling foldable for 2021, per a Display Supply Chain Consultants report shared by Android Central.

Between the reduced price of the standard Galaxy S21 and the cool factor of the Galaxy Z Flip3, a Galaxy S21 FE may have a hard time standing out. Though Samsung hasn’t confirmed the cancellation of the device, the odds seem stacked against it.

About Our Expert

Mark Knapp

Contributing Writer

My Experience

I've covered the technology field for a decade, beginning a freelance career in 2017 and working with numerous publications, including PCMag since 2021. I have reviewed hundreds of products with a particular emphasis on computers and the broad field of peripherals, especially audio gear. At PCMag, I contribute audio device reviews of products like headphones and speakers, in addition to reviews of Windows laptops.

The Tech I Use

As a voracious reviewer, I'm cycling through different hardware at almost every corner of my life. My desk sees new speakers, monitors, keyboards, mice, computers, and laptops come across non-stop. I stick with Windows systems, as I have since I was a child, and can't get away from the familiarity with its organization and the many keyboard shortcuts that are now down to muscle-memory and all too essential to my workflows. On mobile, I've stuck with Android for its flexibility, though which phone is in my hand on any given day is a constant question.

I keep an old pair of Monolith M570 open-back planar magnetic headphones around for focused listening and earbuds in my pocket to listen to podcasts on walks and bike rides. I keep a Logitech Wave Keys keyboard on my desk to enjoy its comfort and ergonomics as I type out thousands of words every week. Underneath my desk is a Lian Li 011 Air Mini case holding an ever-changing PC geared for testing speakers, monitors, gaming peripherals, and whatever else might come across my desk.

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