1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 5G | Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 151.7 × 71.2 × 7.9 mm | 155.7 × 74.5 × 7.9 mm | S21 FE is slightly larger, may be less comfortable for small hands. Both share the same thickness. |
| Weight | 169g | 177g | S21 5G is lighter, potentially more comfortable for long use. The difference is slight, though might be noticeable. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.2" | 6.4" | S21 FE offers a bit more screen real estate, better for media consumption and multitasking. The difference is subtle, not drastic. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2340 | Both offer sharp, clear images; slight resolution difference likely not noticeable to most users. |
| PPI | 421 | 403 | Both have excellent pixel density, differences are negligible. |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Both use vibrant and contrast-rich AMOLED, leading to similar viewing experiences. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both provide smooth scrolling and animations. |
| Brightness | 1300 nits | 1300 nits | Both are very bright, performing well even in direct sunlight. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Exynos 2100 (5 nm) | Snapdragon 888 5G (5 nm) | S21 FE has a generally more powerful and efficient chipset, particularly in graphics performance (Adreno GPU). Better gaming performance. |
| AnTuTu Score | 749,100 | 923,836 | S21 FE scores significantly higher, indicating faster app loading, multitasking and smoother overall performance. |
| GPU | Mali-G78 MP14 | Adreno 660 | S21 FE's Adreno 660 GPU offers superior graphics rendering performance, which is a benefit for gamers and graphically demanding tasks. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 4000mAh | 4500mAh | S21 FE has a larger battery, expected to offer longer battery life. |
| Charging | 25W | 25W | Both support similar fast charging speeds, the larger battery on the FE may take slightly longer to fully charge, although the difference might be negligible |
| Features | 15W Wireless, 4.5W Reverse | 15W Wireless, 4.5W Reverse | Both support wireless and reverse wireless charging, providing convenience for users with compatible devices. |
| Camera | |||
| Standard Camera | 12MP f/1.8 1/1.76" IMX555 | 12MP f/1.8 1/1.76" IMX555 | Similar main camera performance, comparable image quality in good lighting. |
| Telephoto | 64MP f/2.0 1/1.72" S5KGW2 | 8MP f/2.0 Hynix HI-847 | S21 has a higher resolution telephoto, but the FE has slightly larger pixels. The S21 has better digital zoom and detail, while the FE benefits from slightly better low-light performance because of the larger pixels. |
| Selfie Camera | 10MP f/2.2 1/3.2" IMX374 | 32MP f/2.2 1/2.8" IMX616 | S21 FE has higher resolution selfie camera with a larger sensor, should capture more detailed selfies, especially in lower light. |
| Wide Angle | 12.2MP f/2.2 1/2.55" IMX563 | 13MP f/2.2 1/3.06" IMX258 | S21 has a larger sensor, but the FE has a slightly higher resolution. S21 may perform better in low-light; FE captures slightly more detail. |
| Video | Up to 8K@24fps | Up to 4K@60fps | S21 supports higher resolution 8K video recording, while FE is limited to 4K. |
| DXOMark Mobile | 111 Main, 132 Selfie | 117 Main, 127 Selfie | S21 FE has a higher main camera score, and better video. S21 has a better Selfie camera overall, mainly due to video performance.. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11, Upgradable to 15 | Android 12, Upgradable to 16 | S21 FE ships with a newer OS and will receive one extra major update. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6 | Wi-Fi 6, Wi-Fi MiMO | Both support Wi-Fi 6, with the FE having additional Wi-Fi MiMO, which can improve speed in certain situations. |
| GPS | L1+L5, E1+E5a | L1, E1 | S21 Supports more advanced GPS systems for more accurate tracking. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128/256GB | 128/256GB | Both offer the same storage options. |
| RAM | 8GB | 6GB or 8GB | S21 has standard 8GB RAM, while the FE offers 6GB or 8GB options. 8GB RAM will enable better multitasking and slightly improved performance. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone supports expandable storage. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy S21 5G Advantages:
- Slightly Smaller and Lighter: More pocketable and comfortable for users who prefer compact phones.
- Higher-Resolution Telephoto Camera: Offers better detail when using digital zoom, suitable for photography enthusiasts who want to zoom in.
- 8K Video Recording: Capable of recording higher-resolution video, valuable for professional content creators.
- More Advanced GPS: Support for more satellite systems for improved location accuracy.
- Slightly Better Selfie Video Performance: Higher video score than the S21 FE.
- Standard 8GB RAM: Better multitasking and consistency.
Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G Advantages:
- More Powerful Chipset: Snapdragon 888 provides better overall performance, especially for gaming and demanding applications.
- Larger Battery: Longer battery life, suitable for heavy users who are away from charging sources.
- Larger Display: Better media consumption and multitasking, with a slight increase in screen real estate.
- Higher Resolution Selfie Camera: More detailed photos, better for selfie enthusiasts and social media use.
- Newer Android OS and Updates: Comes with a newer OS out of the box and one extra year of software support and updates.
- Better Overall Main Camera Performance: Higher DXOMark score.
- Wi-Fi MiMO: Offers slightly better connectivity
Trade-offs:
- The S21 has a more compact form factor, but the S21 FE offers a larger screen and battery.
- The S21 excels in telephoto and video recording, while the S21 FE excels in overall performance and selfie photography.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy S21 5G Ideal Users:
- Users Prioritizing Compactness: Those who prefer smaller, more pocketable devices.
- Photography Enthusiasts: Users who frequently use telephoto zoom and want high-resolution video recording (8K).
- Users with Demanding GPS Needs: Users who need highly accurate GPS tracking, like hikers or outdoor enthusiasts.
Specific Use Cases for S21 5G:
- Professional Photography/Videography: 8K video recording and better telephoto detail.
- Travel Photography: High-quality zoom and accurate GPS tagging.
- Users with Small Hands: More comfortable to hold and use one-handed.
Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G Ideal Users:
- Gamers: Benefit from the more powerful Snapdragon 888 chipset and Adreno 660 GPU.
- Heavy Users: Value the larger battery for extended use without frequent charging.
- Multimedia Consumers: Enjoy the larger display for watching videos, browsing, and gaming.
- Selfie Enthusiasts: The higher-resolution front camera provides better selfies and video calls.
Specific Use Cases for S21 FE 5G:
- Mobile Gaming: Smoother frame rates and better graphics performance.
- All-Day Productivity: Longer battery life for heavy work or entertainment.
- Social Media Creators: Excellent selfie camera for creating content.
Price-to-Value Ratio:
- The S21 FE is often considered to offer a better price-to-value ratio due to its newer chipset and larger battery.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- What is your primary use case? (Gaming, photography, daily use)
- Do you prioritize battery life or device size?
- Do you need 8k Video recording and the best telephoto camera, or a better all around selfie camera and display?
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Heavy Mobile Gamer & Social Media Enthusiast: Choose the Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G. The Snapdragon 888 chipset, Adreno 660 GPU, larger battery, and better front-facing camera make it ideal for gaming and content creation.
- Scenario 2: Professional Video Recording, Zoom Photography, and Travel: Choose the Samsung Galaxy S21 5G. The 8K video recording, better telephoto lens, and more accurate GPS are more beneficial in these use cases.
- Scenario 3: Daily User Needing Balanced Performance: Choose the Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G. It offers a more up-to-date processor, longer battery life, and a better selfie camera making it the better overall choice.
My Choice
I would choose the Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G.
Reasoning:
While the S21 5G has a few specific advantages like 8K video recording, a better telephoto lens, and more accurate GPS, the S21 FE offers a better overall package for the majority of users. The more powerful Snapdragon 888 chipset provides noticeably smoother performance, particularly for gaming and demanding apps. The larger battery is also a significant plus for all-day use. The S21 FE's larger display is better for multimedia consumption and multitasking. The improved front-facing camera and better main camera make it ideal for those who value selfies and social media. While the S21 is slightly smaller, the difference is negligible, and the advantages of the FE outweigh the minimal size difference. The newer Android OS and one extra year of software support, also, give the S21 FE the edge.
