Latest Samsung Galaxy S21 FE rumor has bad news for availability

An unofficial render of four Samsung Galaxy S21 FE devices in the four available colors: black, light green, light purple and grey
(Image credit: Snoreyn/LetsGoDigital)

The Galaxy S21 FE saga continues, with release woes allegedly plaguing the device. A new report from South Korea says that Samsung has hit another wall with the affordable flagship, notably that very few carriers actually want the thing. Because of this, Samsung is supposedly planning to sell the S21 FE in Europe only through a handful of partners.

The South Korean publication Ddaily claims that Samsung's mobile chief, Roh Tae-moon, is dead-set on releasing the Galaxy S21 FE, despite a crumbling need for such a device. After all, the Galaxy S22 is right around the corner and the Galaxy S21 and Galaxy A series all start at affordable price points.

Ddaily further corroborates the reports we've heard about Samsung launching the Galaxy S21 FE at CES 2022, which is less than two months away, with the Galaxy S22's announcement coming a month later in early February. Some, including us, have expressed concern that the S21 FE's time has passed and that releasing it so close to Samsung's next flagship series could undermine S22 or Galaxy A sales. 

The Ddaily report claims that very few carriers are interested in selling the Galaxy S21 FE, likely due that cannibalization potential. Samsung's portfolio has gotten very crowded between the A, S, and Z families, and adding one more could likely further confuse customers. Plus, an S21 FE could directly harm the sales of the existing Galaxy S21 inventory. Carriers may not be too keen on that.

Samsung stubbornly steamrolling ahead looks like a bad idea from where I'm standing. I've made my opinion on the matter quite clear: we don't need a Galaxy S21 FE. From the excellent $599 Galaxy A52 to the $799 Galaxy S21, the S21 FE fails to merit its own existence by offering anything truly substantial. Samsung doesn't need a phone for every $100 price bracket, especially when sales and deals are so common on its products.

Regardless, Ddaily says the head of Samsung's mobile division has insisted that the Galaxy S21 FE come to market, despite media and alleged carrier partner misgivings. At that point, you have to wonder what the purpose even is — other than brash foolhardiness.

TOPICS
Jordan Palmer
Phones Editor

Jordan is the Phones Editor for Tom's Guide, covering all things phone-related. He's written about phones for over six years and plans to continue for a long while to come. He loves nothing more than relaxing in his home with a book, game, or his latest personal writing project. Jordan likes finding new things to dive into, from books and games to new mechanical keyboard switches and fun keycap sets. Outside of work, you can find him poring over open-source software and his studies.

Read more
Samsung Galaxy S25 Slim render
Samsung Galaxy S25 Slim won’t get a US release, claims leaker
Samsung Galaxy S25 Slim render
Samsung Galaxy S25 Slim may not be sold in the US — here's what we know
Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 6 review.
Samsung Galaxy Z Flip FE teased by Samsung — and the leaked specs sound promising
Samsung Galaxy S25 render
Samsung Galaxy S25 report just tipped release date — and Galaxy S25 Slim could be at Unpacked
Samsung galaxy s24 and galaxy s24 plus
Samsung Galaxy S25 series just tipped for price hike in new report — here's what we know
Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 6 review.
Galaxy Z Flip FE rumor — Samsung's first cheap foldable just tipped for a great display
Latest in Samsung Phones
Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 6 review.
Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 7 tipped for a huge outer screen upgrade — here’s what we know
Galaxy Z Fold 6 shown in hand
Samsung just killed the crease with this breakthrough foldable phone display
Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra astrophotography.
I tried astrophotography on my Galaxy S25 Ultra and I’m not impressed — here’s why
samsung galaxy s25 edge at mwc 2025
I just saw the Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge up close — and I'm not impressed
Samsung Galaxy A36 back in Lime
Samsung Galaxy A36 and Galaxy A26 debut — bringing more AI to inexpensive phones
Samsung Galaxy A56 back in Light Grey
Samsung Galaxy A56 hands-on review: Watch out, Pixel 9a
Latest in News
Xbox handheld
Xbox handheld reportedly arriving this year, new PC-like console in 2027
Concept image of foldable iPad
Apple reportedly has an 18.8-inch foldable iPad prototype with under-display Face ID
Adam Scott in "Severance," now streaming on Apple TV Plus.
'Severance' season 2 finale runtime just revealed — expect a violent finale
Meta Ray-Ban smart glasses next to AirPods Pro 2
New report says Apple is working on Meta-style smart glasses and AirPods with cameras
A smartphone screen displaying the Android name and logo next to a sign reading 'MALWARE'.
Fake Google Play Store pages are spreading Trojan malware that can steal your financial data
Crystle Stewart as Mallory in Tyler Perry's "Beauty in Black" on Netflix
Tyler Perry’s suspenseful drama series just crashed the Netflix top 10 — and you can stream new episodes now