1. Specifications Comparison
Here's a detailed comparison of the OnePlus 9 and Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G, focusing on practical user implications:
Design
| Feature | OnePlus 9 | Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 160 × 74.2 × 8.7 mm | 155.7 × 74.5 × 7.9 mm | OnePlus 9 is taller and thicker, potentially less comfortable for smaller hands. S21 FE 5G is more pocketable. |
| Weight | 192g | 177g | S21 FE 5G is noticeably lighter, better for extended use and one-handed operation. |
| Build | Gorilla Glass 5 Front | Gorilla Glass Victus Front | S21 FE 5G has more durable screen protection against scratches and drops |
Display
| Feature | OnePlus 9 | Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Size | 6.55" | 6.4" | OnePlus 9 provides a slightly larger viewing area, beneficial for media consumption, multitasking, and gaming. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2340 | Both offer similar sharpness for daily usage. Differences are negligible. |
| PPI | 402 | 403 | Very similar pixel density; both screens are sharp and detailed. |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Both offer vibrant colors, deep blacks, and excellent contrast for visual experience. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both provide smooth scrolling and animations, improving the perceived speed and responsiveness. |
| Brightness | 1100 nits | 1300 nits | S21 FE 5G has better visibility under direct sunlight, enhancing outdoor usability. |
Performance
| Feature | OnePlus 9 | Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 (5 nm) | Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 (5 nm) - Version 1 | Both offer flagship-level performance for gaming, multitasking, and demanding applications. Minor variations may exist in specific implementations. |
| AnTuTu Score | 880,900 | 923,836 | S21 FE 5G may exhibit slightly smoother performance in benchmarks. |
| GPU | Adreno 660 | Adreno 660 - Version 1 | Similar graphics performance for most tasks. Minor variations in GPU optimization may exist. |
Camera
| Feature | OnePlus 9 | Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Main Camera | 48MP, f/1.79, 1/1.4", 1.12µm | 12MP, f/1.8, 1/1.76", 1.80µm | OnePlus 9 has higher resolution and larger sensor for better low-light performance and detail capture. S21 FE 5G has larger pixel size, potentially better low light performance in certain situations. |
| Telephoto | None | 8MP, f/2.0, 1.00µm | S21 FE 5G offers optical zoom capabilities for closer shots without losing details, OnePlus 9 lacks a dedicated zoom lens. |
| Selfie Camera | 16MP, f/2.4, 1/3.13", 1.00µm | 32MP, f/2.2, 1/2.8", 0.80µm | S21 FE 5G produces more detailed and sharper selfies, especially in good lighting conditions. |
| Wide Angle | 50MP, f/2.2, 1/1.56", 1.00µm | None | OnePlus 9 offers a high-resolution wide-angle lens for capturing landscapes and group photos. |
| Wide Angle + Macro | None | 13MP, f/2.2, 1/3.06", 1.12 µm | S21 FE 5G offers a macro lens for close up shots. |
| Black & White | 2MP, f/2.4 | None | OnePlus 9 provides a dedicated sensor for black & white photography. |
| Video | Up to 8K@30fps | Up to 4K@60fps | OnePlus 9 supports higher video resolution for professional-grade video creation, S21 FE 5G excels at 4K videos with more advanced stabilisation technologies. |
| Video Stabilization | No | Yes | S21 FE 5G has better video stabilization for capturing steady footage, while OnePlus 9 relies on digital stabilization. |
| Slow-motion | Up to 480fps | Up to 960fps | S21 FE 5G has better slow-motion video recording. |
| DxOMark Score (Mobile) | Not Available | 117 | S21 FE 5G has been independently tested for mobile photo quality, with a score of 117. |
| DxOMark Score (Selfie) | Not Available | 127 | S21 FE 5G has been independently tested for selfie quality, with a score of 127. |
| Camera Features | 8K Video, Ultra stable video, CDAF, RAW 12 bits | Optical zoom, OIS, Continuous autofocus, RAW | OnePlus 9 offers advanced video features and RAW 12 bit capabilities while S21 FE 5G has Optical image stabilization and Optical zoom |
Battery
| Feature | OnePlus 9 | Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 4500mAh | 4500mAh | Both should offer similar battery life for typical daily use. |
| Charging | 65W fast charging | 25W fast charging | OnePlus 9 charges significantly faster, reducing downtime. |
| Features | 15W Wireless Charging | 15W Wireless Charging, Reverse wireless charging 4.5W | S21 FE 5G offers reverse wireless charging for other compatible devices, providing added versatility. Both phones have wireless charging capabilities. |
| Charger in-box | Yes | No | OnePlus 9 provides an in box charger while S21 FE 5G does not, saving the user money. |
Software
| Feature | OnePlus 9 | Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| OS | Android 11 (Upgradable to 13) | Android 12 (Upgradable to 16) | S21 FE 5G offers more extended software support, receiving newer Android updates for a longer period. |
Connectivity
| Feature | OnePlus 9 | Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wi-Fi | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac/ax (Wi-Fi 6) | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac/ax (Wi-Fi 6) | Both offer modern Wi-Fi connectivity with similar standards. |
| Bluetooth | 5.2 | 5.0 | OnePlus 9 has a newer Bluetooth version, potentially offering more efficient and stable connections with supported devices. |
| GPS | GPS (L1+L5), BeiDou (B1), Galileo (E1+E5a), BeiDou (B2) | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | OnePlus 9 provides better GPS accuracy with more satellite systems. |
Storage
| Feature | OnePlus 9 | Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Internal | 128/256 GB | 128/256 GB | Both phones offer the same maximum internal storage for files and applications. |
| RAM | 8/12 GB | 6/8 GB | OnePlus 9 offers up to 12GB RAM for better multitasking and performance, especially for demanding applications and games. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither offers expandable storage; users must select storage options carefully. |
Audio
| Feature | OnePlus 9 | Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Audio Quality | Dolby Atmos, Noise cancellation microphone, Stereo Speakers, 3 microphones | Dolby Atmos, Noise cancellation microphone, Stereo Speakers | OnePlus 9 with three microphones likely has clearer audio recording and improved voice call quality. |
Security
| Feature | OnePlus 9 | Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fingerprint Sensor | Basic fingerprint sensor | Basic fingerprint sensor | Both use standard fingerprint sensors for biometric security. |
Sensors
| Feature | OnePlus 9 | Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint; Proximity; Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope | Fingerprint; Proximity; Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Barometer | S21 FE 5G includes a barometer, for more accurate readings of atmospheric pressure and altitude, which could be useful for outdoor activities |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Here’s a breakdown of each phone's major strengths and trade-offs:
OnePlus 9 Advantages:
- Faster Charging: 65W charging is significantly faster, reducing charging times.
- Higher Main Camera Resolution: 48MP main camera captures more detail than the S21 FE 5G's 12MP sensor.
- High Resolution Wide Angle Camera The 50MP wide angle camera takes sharper and more detailed photos.
- Higher Video Resolution: Shoots up to 8K video, suitable for professional video creators.
- More RAM: 12GB RAM option for better multitasking and smoother performance.
- More Advanced GPS: Enhanced GPS with more satellite system support.
- In-box Charger: Includes a charger in the box, unlike the S21 FE 5G.
- Additional Microphone: Provides better audio for calls and recording with 3 microphones.
Practical Implications of OnePlus 9 Advantages:
- Quicker top-ups between tasks, reducing the wait time for a charged phone.
- Ability to capture high resolution and highly detailed photos.
- Ideal for videographers seeking the highest possible resolution.
- More headroom for running multiple apps smoothly.
- Better geolocation accuracy in challenging environments.
- Saves cost by providing charger in-box.
- Enhanced clarity during phone calls and recordings.
Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G Advantages:
- Lighter and More Compact: More comfortable for extended use and better for small hands.
- Brighter Display: Better visibility in direct sunlight.
- Better Video Stabilisation: Captures smoother videos due to advanced stabilisation technologies.
- Telephoto Lens: Offers optical zoom, enabling closer shots without losing detail.
- Higher Resolution Front Camera: Captures more detailed selfies.
- Reverse Wireless Charging: Can charge other wireless devices.
- Longer Software Support: Receives software updates for a longer period.
- Better Screen Protection: Corning Gorilla Glass Victus screen protection.
- Additional Sensor: Barometer sensor for more accurate environmental readings.
- DxOMark Scores: Independently tested and scored on DxOMark providing evidence of camera quality.
Practical Implications of Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G Advantages:
- Comfortable phone to handle and pocket.
- Clear screen view even under bright sunlight.
- Stable video footage with reduced shakiness.
- Ability to take zoomed-in shots with good quality.
- High quality selfies.
- Convenient for charging other devices on-the-go.
- Longer usability with updates.
- Enhanced protection from drops and scratches.
- More accurate sensor readings.
- Independently tested and scored camera quality.
Trade-offs:
- OnePlus 9 trades a telephoto camera and better video stabilization for a higher resolution main camera, ultra-wide camera and faster charging.
- Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G trades faster charging and higher video resolution for a telephoto lens, reverse wireless charging, and better software support.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Ideal Users for OnePlus 9:
- Power Users: Those who demand maximum performance, multitasking capabilities, and require a lot of RAM.
- Video Content Creators: Those who want to shoot 8K videos and need the fastest charging speeds.
- Photographers: Users who prioritize main camera resolution and detail, as well as a high-resolution wide-angle lens.
- Gamers: Those who need smooth performance and maximum RAM for heavy gaming.
- Users that don't want to spend extra on a charger: Those who need a charger in-box.
- Users that value clear audio: Those who value a better voice capture for calls.
Ideal Users for Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G:
- Casual Users: Those who want a reliable, lightweight, and user-friendly phone.
- Social Media Enthusiasts: Those who prioritize selfie quality and want a good all-round camera system with telephoto.
- Outdoor/Active Users: Those who need a brighter display for outdoor visibility and value environmental sensors.
- Users who want versatility: Those who value wireless reverse charging and video stabilization.
- Users that value a longer lifespan: Those who want longer software support.
- Users that value screen protection: Those who value scratch and drop protection.
Specific Use Cases:
- OnePlus 9: Capturing 8K video content, playing graphic-intensive games, and quickly topping up charge during a busy day.
- Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G: Taking detailed selfies, capturing stable videos on the go, using wireless charging with other devices, and using the phone under direct sunlight.
Price-to-Value Ratio:
- The OnePlus 9 focuses on high performance and charging, while the S21 FE 5G provides an all round versatile and durable smartphone. The price points may vary depending on the market and current discounts but this should be taken into account when making the purchase.
4. Decision Framework
Here are three key questions buyers should ask:
How important is fast charging and advanced video features? If quick charging and high-resolution video recording are priorities, the OnePlus 9 is the better choice.
How important is compact design, better video stability, optical zoom, and reverse wireless charging? If a lightweight design, an additional telephoto lens, better video stabilization, and reverse wireless charging are desired features, the S21 FE 5G should be considered.
How important is camera quality and longevity with software updates? If a better selfie camera and a longer software update period are important, the S21 FE 5G is recommended.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Power User, Gaming & Video Creator - Choose the OnePlus 9 for its faster charging, higher video resolution, and larger RAM capacity.
- Scenario 2: Social Media Enthusiast, Casual User - Choose the Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G for its versatile camera setup, better video stabilization, and lighter form factor.
- Scenario 3: Budget-Conscious Buyer with Outdoor Needs - Choose the Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G for better screen protection, a brighter display, and reverse wireless charging, but consider the lack of a charger in-box.
My Choice
If I had to choose, I would lean towards the Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G. While the OnePlus 9 offers compelling features like faster charging and higher video resolution, the S21 FE 5G's versatility and overall balance of features align more with my typical use case. The brighter display, telephoto lens, more advanced stabilization, and more durable screen protection all provide a better experience for everyday use and photography. Additionally, the longer software support offered by Samsung is a significant benefit, ensuring that the device remains up-to-date and secure for a longer period. The lack of a charger in-box is a minor inconvenience that can be mitigated by purchasing an inexpensive charger, and is offset by the S21 FE 5G’s overall better and more versatile camera system and additional features.
