I was searching for a new phone for quite some time. And my criteria were simple it should be a non-Chinese, good camera phone. With this criteria, I was left with four brands: Apple, Google, Nokia and Samsung. Apart from these, there were Indian brands like Lava and Micromax as well.
I was using Samsung Galaxy M31 for more than 2 years. It was high time to upgrade my phone mainly because I started posting content regularly on YouTube. And to create that content I needed a better camera and better camera software.
I had a budget of 40K. 40K was the upper limit, beyond that I didn’t want to spend even a single penny. So Indian brands were out of the race by default. Nokia also was eliminated from the race as it has only the XR series which could have satisfied my purpose but XR 20 was crossing the mark of 40K.
I was left with three brands Samsung, Apple and Google. I am a Samsung loyal and have used only Samsung phones since the launch of Android. Thus, I had my eyes on Note 20 and S21 FE but before I write about them let me explain why I didn’t buy an Apple or a Google phone
Apple
In my research period, one of my colleagues bought iPhone 13 pro and suggested that when you are ready to spend 40K then why don’t you increase your budget by 10K – 15K and go for iPhone 13 mini or iPhone 13? I considered it because the above-mentioned phones were not fitting into my budget.
Then, after a few days, he was not able to take even a screenshot. And this problem was not only in iPhone 13 pro, another colleague with iPhone 8 experienced the same restriction. Apple has always been famous for such restrictions. Thus, I dropped the idea of buying an iPhone.
First, Google Pixel 6 and 6 Pro were not officially launched in India. Amazon is selling its US version here and both of them are out of my budget. Second, Google launched the Pixel 6a in India and I would have got it under 40K. Though it was within my budget, it has its own drawbacks. The biggest drawback was the broken fingerprint sensor. And among other drawbacks, it was made in China.
Despite the broken fingerprint and being made in china, Pixel 6a was a front runner in the race of being my next smartphone until the deals under Big Billion Days and The Great Indian Festival were announced.
Samsung
Note series was discontinued after the launch of S22. Thus, one side of me wanted the last note i.e. Note 20. While another side of me knew that it will be logical to go after S21 FE. S21 FE was launched at 50K (way over my budget) and I felt it was overpriced considering its features. So I decided to wait till it comes to its real value.
While waiting, I found out that after discontinuation Note 20 was sold at heavy discounts. By the time, I went to take the advantage of that discount, it went out of stock in India.
Along with India, I was keeping the price track in Dubai as well because I had the option to buy it from Dubai throughout the year. While there wasn’t much difference in the price of the S21 FE, Note 20 was available at a good price. Only thing was, that good price was over 40K.
Then the season of Sales started with the prime day sale. In that, the deals weren’t great, Samsung focused on clearing the stock of S20 FE. In Dubai’s prime day sale, Note 20 was available at 37K but that person during that period was here in India. So I missed that deal. After that disappointment, my decision was to wait till Diwali sale. After the prime day sale, I decided that if S21 FE or Note 20 didn’t come under 40K in Diwali sales then I will go for the Pixel 6a.
At last, I got a deal on S21 FE during this Big Billion Days. And I bought it at 32K in the pre-sale sessions.
You can check out the price of S21 FE here:
I recently changed my phone and have also gone for Samsung because of the features and specifications. You really got a great deal!!
Which one you bought?
I am using apple Iphone 8 since last 3 years and having an overall good experience. I really liked the way you have shared your detailed shopping experience. it will help others who are in process of buying a new phone.
I have been using iPhone 11 and I am very happy with its features I agree, apple comes with certain restrictions which are sometimes annoying. I like Samsung too. These days, phone companies are very well aware of their customer’s requirements.
Yes, and these days you choose your smartphone on the basis of whether it satisfies your purpose or not.
This Sounds super cool deal you had. I am a team Samsung since beginning. We got an apple for mom sometime back but she came back on Samsung so we are a Samsung family
Great, when it comes to android Samsung has established itself as a class apart brand.
Very informative post. The Smartphone is a Basic Need for Everyone these days and I think people choose the phone on the basis of the requirements and purpose.
looks like you got a wonderful deal. I am a samsung fan & most of my family members use same only.
Samsung phones are really good and have a great camera as well. It’s always better to wait for offers for our priced wish list. Glad you got yours.
Thats seems like a good one. good one
I used Samsung for about 12 years and now I came to an iPhone. Apple comes with restrictions I feel and so might as well head back to Samsung. The sale festivals are really amazing. Would check them next time
I used Samsung for about 12 years and now I came to an iPhone. Apple comes with restrictions I feel and so might as well head back to Samsung. The sale festivals are really amazing. Would check them next time..
Samsung is also my first choice for any kind electronic goods I opt for. I have been using Samsung mobiles for quite some time and I really appreciate the speed and camera clarity.
I am huge samsung fan, but recently shifted to one plus family. Though the budget is same, but I still crave for feeling a samsung in my hands.
I somehow am not an iPhone person, I am also planning to change my phone and planning to buy a good decent phone. Let’s see what I pick.
Superb smartphone with affordable price with all the latest technologies. Elegant look with sensational feelings . This smartphone to be excellent value for money.
I have used Samsung Note series of phone and can vouch for it. Haven’t use apple or Google phones so cannot comment about it. But S21 Fe looks to be a great buy after Note series and you got it at a great price.
I am an android person especially Samsung but now I am using realme
But I love to be updated about gadgets.
My husband just got Samsung fold. I am in love with it. Sad that the note series is going off.Somehow I phone doesn’t hold my interest.
And how has been your experience with this phone? I was so tired of my iPhone giving me trouble that I bought a Vivo x series one and I was super surprised to see it’s camera worked better than my iPhone! How is the camera of this S21?
Back Camera is worth every single penny. You can even edit and make reels on phone itself. So back camera and image/video processing softwares gives paisa vasool feeling.