In a pleasant surprise, my Galaxy S21 FE recently received the Android 16 update notification. It’s always a good feeling when older phones continue to receive the latest updates, and it’s a testament to brands keeping their promises on software support.
After installing the update, I found myself using the phone more than I expected. The Android 16 update truly transformed the user experience, but what surprised me even more was how comfortable the phone’s form factor still felt.
The Galaxy S21 FE was never a flagship device. It was a solid mid-range phone with a decent display and camera, albeit with a battery that struggled to last a full day on a single charge. Despite these compromises, using the phone today felt surprisingly comfortable and intuitive.
With its 6.4-inch display, the S21 FE is already considered on the smaller side by today’s standards. In the past, a 6.4-inch display would not have been classified as compact, as most phones back then ranged from five to five-and-a-half inches. However, the trend has shifted, and phones under six inches, especially in the flagship category, have become increasingly rare.
The industry seems to have collectively decided that small phones are not worth producing. Many executives argue that there simply isn’t enough demand to justify manufacturing smaller devices. However, surveys consistently show that there is indeed a significant portion of consumers who prefer smaller phones for their ease of use and portability.
Despite the demand for compact phones, manufacturers tend to focus on producing devices with larger screens and maximum features. Building a small phone requires custom components, intricate internal layouts, and additional research and development efforts, all of which contribute to higher production costs.
Even Apple faced challenges with its iPhone 13 Mini, which did not sell as well as expected, leading to the discontinuation of the line. The misconception that smaller phones equate to weaker battery life has persisted, but advancements in battery technology have shown that it is possible to pack more capacity into smaller spaces.
Using the Galaxy S21 FE with the Android 16 update highlighted the joy and frustration of using a compact phone with updated software. Despite its outdated hardware and subpar battery life, the phone’s size and usability made the experience enjoyable. It’s clear that there is a market for a compact flagship device with top-tier specifications, a quality camera system, and modern battery technology, offering a compelling option for many consumers.
