Just about every major OEM out there (with the notable exception of Apple) has fallen prey to the global semiconductor shortage. As a consequence, Samsung was unable to launch a Galaxy Note device this year. The fan-favorite Galaxy S21 FE's release date got pushed back, too, although a recent leak speculated that production of the phone was back on track. It is now one step closer to launch as it has bagged Bluetooth SIG certification.
Is the Galaxy S21 FE finally on its way?
A total of three Galaxy S21 FE variants with model numbers SM-G990N, SM-G990B and SM-G990B_SD have shown up on the Bluetooth SIG database. It doesn't tell us much in the way of specifications, but Bluetooth SIG listings are often light on such details. However, we have a decent idea about the Galaxy S21 FE's innards thanks to previous leaks.
For starters, the Galaxy S21 FE will reuse its predecessor's 12MP + 12MP + 8MP camera layout. Micro SD expansion could also be included, along with up to 8GB of RAM. We also know that Samsung will launch the Galaxy S21 FE in two variants; one with its in-house Exynos 2100 and the other with the objectively better Snapdragon 888.
Lastly, the Galaxy S21 FE will draw power from a 4,500mAh battery. One document says that it will support fast charging at 45W, but we're of the opinion that Samsung will cut that down to 25W to bring it on par with the original Galaxy S21 trio. It looks more or less like the vanilla Galaxy S21, complete with the three vertical camera modules at the back.
There is no word about the Galaxy S21 FE launch date just yet, but our sources had informed us that it wouldn't be unveiled before Q4, 2021, so we may have to wait a while before we get to see it in action. That said, considering Samsung accidentally published a picture of the S21 FE recently on one of its social media handles, the launch could happen sooner rather than later.
