Samsung's Galaxy S21 FE may launch in just two markets due to chip shortage

Samsung Galaxy S20 FE Exynos review
Samsung Galaxy S20 FE Exynos review (Image credit: Apoorva Bhardwaj / Android Central)

What you need to know

  • As per a new report, Samsung's Galaxy S20 FE successor will only launch in the U.S. and Europe due to a shortage of Snapdragon 888 chips.
  • It is expected to be launched sometime in October.
  • Rumored specs of the phone include a Snapdragon 888 chipset and a 120Hz AMOLED display.

Samsung is mulling to launch the Galaxy S21 FE only in the U.S. and Europe, according to a report from South Korea's FNNews. The publication claims that Samsung hasn't procured enough Snapdragon 888 chipsets from Qualcomm for a global launch. Even in the U.S. and Europe, the phone is likely to be available in limited quantities.

Samsung was expected to announce the Galaxy S21 FE at its Galaxy Unpacked event in August, alongside the Galaxy Z Fold 3 and Galaxy Z Flip 3. Due to the ongoing global chip shortage, however, the company has apparently halted production of the Galaxy S20 FE successor.

The chip shortage is also the main reason why Samsung isn't launching a new Galaxy Note this year. As revealed by the company in March, it will launch a successor to the Galaxy Note 20 in 2022.

As per supply chain sources, Samsung is reportedly planning to release the Galaxy S21 FE sometime in October. The Galaxy S21 FE is rumored to have a lot in common with Samsung's vanilla Galaxy S21. It could feature a 6.5-inch flat AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate, Qualcomm's flagship Snapdragon 888 processor, 5G support, triple rear cameras with a 12MP main sensor, Wi-Fi 6, and a 4,500mAh battery with 25W wired and 15W wireless charging. The phone is also tipped to carry a lower price tag than its predecessor, which should help make it one of the best Android phones of 2021.

Samsung Galaxy S21 Render Phantom Violet Back Official

Samsung Galaxy S21

The Galaxy S21 FE is an excellent value-focused Android flagship that offers nearly everything you need. It has a vibrant 120Hz AMOLED display, Qualcomm's powerful Snapdragon 888 chipset, 5G connectivity, and reliable cameras.

Babu Mohan
News Writer