Galaxy S21 FE may just have been leaked — by Samsung

samsung galaxy s21 fe
(Image credit: Samsung)

The Samsung Galaxy S21 FE may be coming sooner rather than later, after Samsung accidentally leaked what looks to be an official shot of the rumored phone.

Samsung posted a back to school promo image on its official Instagram account, featuring a number of Samsung products: a laptop of some kind, the Samsung Galaxy Buds Pro, and a phone. And based on the photo, there's reason to suspect the phone could be the Galaxy S21 FE.

The phone in question looks remarkably similar to the standard Samsung Galaxy S21 from behind, which is what we'd expect. However, it appears to be lilac — which wasn’t an option with the original three Galaxy S21 phones. 

samsung galaxy s21 fe

(Image credit: Samsung)

Purple Galaxy S21 and Galaxy S21 Plus phones were available, though it was a totally different shade and both phones had a metal camera module — something this phone lacks.

Nor is it an older phone, such as the Galaxy S20 FE, since the camera module’s design is identical to that of the Galaxy S21. Plus, the fact Samsung deleted the post is a clear indicator that it featured something that shouldn’t have been posted.

The photo doesn't reveal anything more about the phone, though the back to school context suggests that whatever it is, it may be with us reasonably soon. The rumor mill hasn’t been very helpful in telling us when Galaxy S21 FE might arrive, though a fall launch seems likely given the Galaxy S20 FE release schedule last year. 

There’s also a slim chance we may see the phone at Galaxy Unpacked tomorrow (August 11), but it doesn't seem likely; Samsung has already confirmed that foldables will be the focus of that particular event, though we are also expecting the Galaxy Watch 4 and Galaxy Buds 2 to make an appearance alongside the rumored Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 3 and Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 3.

If the phone is the Galaxy S21 FE, it wouldn’t be the first time Samsung has accidentally leaked its own products recently. Indeed, a seemingly official video of the Galaxy Z Fold 3 and Galaxy Z Flip 3 appeared on the Samsung Malaysia Twitter account yesterday, and was later posted to both Reddit and YouTube.

TOPICS
Tom Pritchard
UK Phones Editor

Tom is the Tom's Guide's UK Phones Editor, tackling the latest smartphone news and vocally expressing his opinions about upcoming features or changes. It's long way from his days as editor of Gizmodo UK, when pretty much everything was on the table. He’s usually found trying to squeeze another giant Lego set onto the shelf, draining very large cups of coffee, or complaining about how terrible his Smart TV is.

Read more
Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 6 review.
Samsung Galaxy Z Flip FE teased by Samsung — and the leaked specs sound promising
Galaxy S25 Plus color renders
Samsung Galaxy S25 retail units just leaked on Reddit — here's all three models
The Samsung Galaxy A55 from the front
Samsung Galaxy A56 official renders may have just leaked — here’s your first look
Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 6 review.
Galaxy Z Flip FE rumor — Samsung's first cheap foldable just tipped for a great display
S25 Ultra Galaxy AI material
Massive Galaxy S25 Ultra leak just revealed everything ahead of Samsung Unpacked — 5 key takeaways
Galaxy S25 leaked render.
Samsung Galaxy S25 colors leak with four shades for each model
Latest in Samsung Phones
Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra
Older Samsung phones are finally getting One UI 7 — here's all the devices
Try Galaxy home screen on iPhone 16 Pro Max
You can now try Samsung's latest One UI 7 software on your iPhone — here's how
Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge back
Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge price comes into focus with latest leak
Samsung Galaxy A56 (left) and iPhone 16e (right) laying next to each other on a woodgrain table.
4 reasons why Samsung's Galaxy A56 is a better buy than the iPhone 16e
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
Latest in News
Nintendo Switch 2
Nintendo Switch 2 shipments rumor hints at possible release window
android 16 logo on a samsung galaxy smartphone
One of Apple’s most controversial AI features could be coming to Android phones
iPhone 17 Pro render
iPhone 17 Pro Max leak claims it’s ready for production — and seems to confirm its new design
Cristin Milioti in "Black Mirror" season 7 coming to Netflix
‘Black Mirror’ season 7 trailer teases some of the darkest episodes yet — here’s when you can stream it
Google Gemini vs GPT 4o
ChatGPT just got a massive update that lets you replace Gemini on your Android phone
Ray-Ban Meta Smart Glasses
I love my Ray-Ban Meta smart glasses — but Zuckerberg's plan to create Oakley's my Dad would wear is kind of cringe