1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 5G | Samsung Galaxy S23 FE | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Launch Date | 2021-01-29 | 2023-10-05 | S23 FE is significantly newer, likely with longer software support |
| Dimensions | 151.7 x 71.2 x 7.9 mm | 158 x 76.5 x 8.2 mm | S21 5G is more compact; S23 FE is larger and may be less comfortable for one-handed use |
| Weight | 169g | 209g | S21 5G is noticeably lighter, better for prolonged use and pocketability |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.2" | 6.4" | S23 FE has slightly more screen real estate, better for media consumption |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2400 | 1080 x 2340 | Minimal difference in sharpness, both are sharp for typical use |
| PPI | 421 | 403 | Both offer similar pixel density; minimal difference in visual clarity |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Identical display technology, vibrant colors and deep blacks |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Smooth scrolling and animations on both |
| Brightness | 1300 nits | 0 nits | S21 5G is significantly brighter, far better visibility in direct sunlight. S23 FE brightness is not specified. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Exynos 2100 (5nm) | Exynos 2200 (4nm) | S23 FE has a newer chip with improved efficiency and performance |
| AnTuTu Score | 749,100 | 1,188,176 | S23 FE offers significantly better performance; faster app loading, better gaming |
| GPU | Mali-G78 MP14 | Xclipse 920 | S23 FE's GPU is significantly more powerful for gaming and graphics-intensive tasks |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera Resolution | 12MP | 50MP | S23 FE captures more detail and allows for more cropping |
| Main Camera Sensor Size | 1/1.76" | 1/1.57" | S23 FE has a larger sensor, generally better low-light performance |
| Telephoto/Portrait Camera Resolution | 64MP | 8MP | S21 5G has a much higher resolution telephoto for zoomed shots |
| Selfie Camera Resolution | 10MP | 10.8MP | Negligible difference in detail; both offer similar selfie quality |
| Selfie Camera Sensor Size | 1/3.2" | 1/2.65" | S23 FE has a larger sensor, could result in better low-light selfies |
| Wide Angle Camera Resolution | 12.2MP | 13MP | Minor difference in detail; very similar performance |
| Wide Angle Camera Sensor Size | 1/2.55" | 1/3.1" | S21 5G's sensor is larger, may result in better low-light performance for wide-angle |
| Video Recording | Up to 8K@24fps | Up to 8K@24fps | Both record up to 8K, capable of professional-quality videos |
| DxOMark Mobile Score | 111 | 127 | S23 FE has significantly higher scores, better overall camera performance |
| DxOMark Photo Score | 118 | 124 | S23 FE has slightly better still photography performance |
| DxOMark Video Score | 90 | 131 | S23 FE has much better video recording performance |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 4000 mAh | 4500 mAh | S23 FE has a larger battery, likely better battery life |
| Charging | 25W Fast Charging | 25W Fast Charging | Both support 25W fast charging; similar charging speeds |
| Wireless Charging | 15W | 15W | Both support wireless charging |
| Reverse Wireless Charging | 4.5W | 4.4W | Minor difference, both can charge accessories wirelessly |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 | Android 13 | S23 FE has a newer OS; will receive longer software support |
| Max Android Version | 15 | 17 | S23 FE will likely receive more OS updates |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6 | Wi-Fi 6 | Both support Wi-Fi 6; similar Wi-Fi performance |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.3 | S23 FE has a newer Bluetooth version, better efficiency and connectivity |
| GPS | GPS (L1+L5), Galileo (E1+E5a) | GPS | S21 5G supports more satellite systems for improved accuracy |
| SIM | Dual SIM Dual Standby | Dual SIM Dual Standby | Both support Dual SIM |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128 GB/256 GB | 128 GB/256 GB | Both offer the same storage options |
| RAM | 8 GB | 8 GB | Both have ample RAM for multitasking |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone supports expandable storage |
| Audio | |||
| Audio Quality | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers | Both offer excellent audio features |
| Security | |||
| Features | Basic fingerprint sensor | Basic fingerprint sensor | Both have a standard fingerprint sensor |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Gorilla Glass Victus | Gorilla Glass 5 | S21 5G has a more scratch resistant screen |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Barometer, Hall, Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope | S21 5G includes additional environmental sensors |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy S21 5G Advantages:
- Lighter and More Compact: More pocketable and comfortable for one-handed use.
- Superior Screen Brightness: Significantly better visibility in direct sunlight due to higher nit rating.
- More Comprehensive GPS: Supports more satellite systems, offering potentially better location accuracy.
- Better Screen Protection: Uses Gorilla Glass Victus, which is more scratch-resistant.
- Additional Sensors: Includes Barometer and Hall sensor.
- Higher Resolution Telephoto Camera: Offers more detail for zoomed images.
- Larger Wide-Angle Sensor: Potentially better low-light performance with the ultrawide lens.
Samsung Galaxy S23 FE Advantages:
- Newer and Faster Chipset: The Exynos 2200 offers a substantial performance boost.
- Much Higher AnTuTu Score: Significantly better overall performance for gaming and demanding tasks.
- Better GPU: Improved graphics capabilities for gaming and video editing.
- Larger Battery: Likely offers longer battery life.
- Newer OS: Starts with Android 13 and will receive more software updates.
- Better Overall Camera Performance: Higher DxOMark score and better video recording quality.
- Larger Main Sensor: Better low-light performance for the primary camera.
- Newer Bluetooth Version: More efficient and modern connectivity
- Larger Selfie Sensor: Potentially better low-light performance for selfies.
- Additional Camera Features: Includes Ultra stable video, Dual PDAF, All Pixel Omni- Directional PDAF, Dual Sight for improved camera quality.
- Larger Screen: Slightly larger screen for a more immersive experience.
Trade-offs:
- The S21 5G is lighter, more compact, and has better screen brightness, but it's older and has lower performance.
- The S23 FE has better performance, a larger battery and superior camera quality but is heavier, bulkier and the screen brightness is not specified
- The S21 5G has more comprehensive GPS and sensor suite, while S23 FE has the newer Bluetooth version
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Ideal User for Samsung Galaxy S21 5G:
- Users who prioritize portability: Prefers a lighter, more compact phone that's easy to handle with one hand and fits comfortably in a pocket.
- Outdoor users: Needs excellent screen visibility in direct sunlight.
- Users who need accurate GPS: For outdoor activities, navigation etc.
- Users who want comprehensive sensors: Need barometer data, for example, for fitness tracking
- Budget-conscious users: May prefer the S21 5G due to its lower price point as an older model
Specific Use Cases:
- Daily commuters: Compact size and good screen visibility for navigating and media consumption.
- Outdoor adventurers: Benefits from the barometer, more accurate GPS.
- Users who don't need the best performance: Suitable for everyday tasks, social media, etc.
Ideal User for Samsung Galaxy S23 FE:
- Performance-focused users: Needs a phone with the latest chipset for gaming and multitasking.
- Photography and videography enthusiasts: Want a better camera system with better video capabilities.
- Users who prioritize software updates: Prefers a phone with long term software support.
- Users who want longer battery life: Those who need a full day of battery without having to recharge.
- Users who want better screen size: Prefers slightly larger display for viewing media
- Users who want the best overall experience: This phone offers overall better performance
Specific Use Cases:
- Gamers: Demanding mobile games will run better due to the powerful chipset.
- Content creators: Improved video recording and editing capabilities.
- Power users: Benefits from the fast processor and larger battery.
Price-to-Value Ratio:
- The S21 5G, being an older model, is likely to be priced lower, offering good value for basic features.
- The S23 FE, while more expensive, provides a significant performance and camera upgrade for the price.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions to Consider:
- Performance vs. Portability: Do you prioritize a more powerful device, or a more portable and compact design?
- Camera Quality: How important is high-quality photography and videography, especially in low light?
- Longevity: Do you need a phone that will receive software updates for longer?
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Budget-conscious, basic use: If you need a functional phone for daily tasks, good display, and camera for casual use, the Galaxy S21 5G may offer better value due to its lower price.
- Scenario 2: Performance and camera focused: If you need a more powerful device, have heavy usage patterns, want better quality photos, and prefer to receive longer software updates, the Galaxy S23 FE is the clear winner.
- Scenario 3: Outdoor activities: If you prioritize a good, bright screen with accurate GPS and environmental sensors, and want a smaller device the Galaxy S21 5G might be the preferred choice, but the S23 FE is still a capable device.
- Scenario 4: Gaming or heavy users: If your main use case is gaming or intensive tasks, the Galaxy S23 FE should be your choice due to its significantly more powerful chipset and GPU.
My Choice
I would choose the Samsung Galaxy S23 FE. Here's why:
While I appreciate the compact design and better screen brightness of the S21 5G, the S23 FE offers a significant step up in overall performance, which is more important for my use case. The Exynos 2200 chipset and the Xclipse 920 GPU provide a noticeable boost in speed and graphical capabilities, making it better for gaming, multitasking, and general responsiveness.
The substantially upgraded camera on the S23 FE is also a major draw for me. The increased sensor size on the main camera, along with the significantly better video recording performance, make it a more versatile and capable device for content creation and general photography. The larger battery capacity is also a crucial factor as it provides more consistent usage through the day. Finally, the longer software support cycle of the S23 FE is also something I value, as it will keep the phone running smoothly for longer.
Even though the S21 5G has a slightly better screen protection and more comprehensive GPS, the overall improvements in performance, camera capabilities, and battery life of the S23 FE make it the more compelling option for my needs. Although the brightness is not specified, the overall benefits of the S23 FE outweigh the screen brightness advantage of the S21 5G.
