"Galaxy S21 FE, Production Back on Track" Will the Release Be Accelerated?

Previously leaked images of the Galaxy S21 FE

[Asia Economy Reporter Seulgina Cho] There are expectations that Samsung Electronics' new smartphone, the 'Galaxy S21 Fan Edition (FE) 5G,' whose release was delayed due to semiconductor supply issues, may be launched earlier than anticipated.

IT specialist media outlets PhoneArena and SamMobile reported this on the 27th (local time), citing IT tipster Ronald Quan. Ronald Quan stated on his Twitter that "Samsung Galaxy S21 FE production has now officially returned to normal track."

The Galaxy S21 FE is attracting attention as a strategic smartphone expected to replace Samsung Electronics' Note series alongside the foldable lineup in the second half of this year. It was originally expected to be unveiled at the August Unpacked event along with the Galaxy Z Flip3 and Galaxy Z Fold3, but the release schedule was reportedly delayed due to the semiconductor supply shortage.

PhoneArena reported, "The delayed Galaxy S21 FE reportedly began production earlier this month," adding, "Although it was too late to be announced at the August 11 Unpacked event, the release date is closer than expected." However, the media added that it remains to be seen whether the launch will target only certain markets in North America and Europe or if it will be a global release.

The FE is a limited edition model that Samsung Electronics offers for Galaxy fans. It features performance and design similar to premium smartphones but at a lower price. Last year, when Samsung was hit hard by COVID-19, it released the Galaxy S20 FE, based on the Galaxy S20 series, priced in the 300,000 KRW range, and the model was so popular that 2 million units were sold within a month of its release.

The Galaxy S21 FE is expected to feature a 6.4-inch AMOLED display, a 4400mAh battery with ultra-fast 45W charging capability, and a Snapdragon 888 processor. According to previously leaked rendering images, it is expected to be sold in at least five colors, including green, white, blue, purple, and gray.

Major foreign media outlets anticipate the Galaxy S21 FE's retail price to be in the 700,000 to 800,000 KRW range, which is lower than the Galaxy S20 FE's launch price of 899,800 KRW last year.