1. Specifications Comparison
Design
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 5G | Samsung Galaxy S24 FE | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 151.7 × 71.2 × 7.9 mm | 162 × 77.3 × 8 mm | S24 FE is larger and may feel less comfortable in hand for some users. |
| Weight | 169g | 213g | S21 5G is significantly lighter, making it more comfortable for long periods of use and single-handed operation. |
Display
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 5G | Samsung Galaxy S24 FE | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Size | 6.2" | 6.7" | S24 FE provides a more immersive viewing experience, better for multimedia consumption and gaming. S21 5G is more compact. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2340 | Both offer sharp images, but the difference is minimal, noticeable only on very close inspection. |
| PPI | 421 | 385 | S21 5G is slightly sharper, but both are very good. Difference is not major in daily use. |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Both offer vibrant colors, deep blacks, and excellent viewing angles. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both provide smooth scrolling and animations. |
| Brightness | 1300 nits | 1900 nits | S24 FE is much better for outdoor visibility, particularly in bright sunlight. |
Performance
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 5G | Samsung Galaxy S24 FE | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chipset | Exynos 2100 (5 nm) | Exynos 2400e (4 nm) | S24 FE's newer chip offers significantly better performance, faster app loading, smoother multitasking, and improved gaming. |
| AnTuTu Score | 749,100 | 1,600,000 | S24 FE has much higher benchmark scores, indicative of superior real-world speed and responsiveness. |
| GPU | Mali-G78 MP14 | Xclipse 940 | S24 FE has a much more powerful GPU, leading to better graphics rendering in games and other demanding applications. |
Camera
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 5G | Samsung Galaxy S24 FE | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard Camera | 12MP, f/1.8, 1/1.76", 1.80µm | 50MP, f/1.8, 1/1.57", 1.00µm | S24 FE captures more detailed images with its higher resolution sensor, slightly larger sensor. |
| Telephoto + Portrait | 64MP, f/2.0, 1/1.72", 0.80µm | None | S21 5G has a dedicated telephoto lens for zoom and portrait shots, S24 FE relies on digital zoom. |
| Selfie Camera | 10MP, f/2.2, 1/3.2", 1.22µm | 10.8MP, f/2.4, 1/2.65", 1.22µm | S21 5G has a slightly wider aperture, better for low-light selfies. S24 FE has larger sensor, possibly more light. |
| Telephoto Lens | None | 8MP, f/2.4, 1/4.4", 1.00µm | S24 FE has a dedicated telephoto camera for zoomed shots, S21 5G relies on digital zoom. |
| Wide Angle Lens | None | 13MP, f/2.2, 1/3.1", 1.12µm | S24 FE has a dedicated ultrawide lens for landscape and group photos. |
| Wide Angle + Macro | 12.2MP, f/2.2, 1/2.55", 1.40µm | None | S21 5G has dedicated macro lens with ultrawide lens for close-up shots. |
| Video | Up to 8K@24fps | Up to 8K@30fps, 4K@120fps | Both offer excellent video recording capabilities, S24 FE has 4K@120fps for slow-motion. |
| DxOMark Score (Mobile) | 111 | 133 | S24 FE has a significantly better camera overall with better photo and video scores. |
| DxOMark Score (Selfie) | 132 | Not available | S21 5G selfie camera scored well, but the lack of S24 FE scores makes direct comparison difficult. |
Battery
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 5G | Samsung Galaxy S24 FE | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 4000mAh | 4700mAh | S24 FE has a significantly larger battery, resulting in longer battery life. |
| Charging | 25W fast charging | 25W fast charging | Both offer similar fast charging capabilities, however S24 FE has Bypass charging. |
| Features | Wireless charging 15W, Reverse wireless charging 4.5W, No charger in-box | Bypass Charging, 15W wireless charging | S21 5G can reverse wireless charge but S24 FE does not. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy S21 5G Advantages
- More Compact and Lighter: Easier to handle and carry, ideal for users who prefer a smaller phone.
- Dedicated Telephoto + Portrait Camera: Offers better optical zoom and portrait capabilities in its camera setup.
- Reverse Wireless Charging: Can wirelessly charge other devices, useful in a pinch.
- Dolby Atmos: Offers Enhanced audio experience
- Comprehensive Sensor Suite: Includes a traditional Fingerprint reader and Proximity Sensor.
Samsung Galaxy S24 FE Advantages
- Significantly Better Performance: Faster chipset and GPU for smoother multitasking, gaming, and overall responsiveness.
- Larger and Brighter Display: Offers a more immersive experience, especially in bright outdoor conditions.
- Larger Battery: Provides significantly longer battery life, reducing the need to charge during the day.
- Superior Main Camera: Captures more detailed images and offers an improved sensor
- Dedicated Telephoto and Wide-Angle Lens: Offers wider versatility in its camera setup.
- Modern Bluetooth and WiFi Standards: Future-proofed connectivity with Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.3, and support for LDAC audio.
- Wider Range of Storage Options: Offers up to 512GB internal storage, useful for media hoarders.
- Bypass Charging: Allows phone to charge while being used without degrading the battery health, useful for gamers.
- Improved Camera Scores: DxOMark shows considerably better performance overall from the S24 FE.
- eSIM Support: Enables more flexible mobile connectivity options.
Trade-offs
- S21 5G: Trades performance, camera quality (Main camera) and battery life for a smaller size and lighter weight.
- S24 FE: Trades portability for better performance, display quality, camera versatility, and battery life.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy S21 5G Ideal Users
- Users Prioritizing Portability: Those who prefer a compact, lightweight phone.
- Casual Photographers: Users who value a dedicated telephoto for portraits.
- Users who like reverse wireless charging: Those who need to charge other devices.
- Budget-Conscious Users: Might be available at a lower price, ideal for those seeking a more affordable option.
Specific Use Cases
- Easily fits in small bags and pockets.
- Good for quick, everyday photos and video.
- Suitable for those with smaller hands.
Samsung Galaxy S24 FE Ideal Users
- Power Users: Those who need top-tier performance for gaming, multitasking, and demanding applications.
- Multimedia Consumers: Those who value a larger, brighter display for video streaming and gaming.
- Photography Enthusiasts: Users who want a versatile camera system with improved image quality.
- Users Needing Long Battery Life: Those who require all-day battery life and fast charging.
- Users who want a modern device: Those who want the latest software and connectivity.
Specific Use Cases
- Gaming enthusiasts will appreciate high frame rates and performance.
- Content creators will benefit from the improved camera and video quality.
- Travelers will enjoy all-day battery life and improved connectivity.
- Users who want the latest Android experience.
Price-to-Value Ratio
- Samsung Galaxy S21 5G: Offers good value for its price, especially if portability and a lower price are key priorities.
- Samsung Galaxy S24 FE: Provides excellent value for its advanced features, performance, and long-term usability but at a higher price.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions
- How important is portability and hand comfort to you?
- How much do you prioritize performance and battery life?
- What are your primary uses for the camera?
Scenario-Based Recommendations
Scenario 1: Frequent traveler who needs a compact, reliable phone for basic photography and communication: Samsung Galaxy S21 5G is a good choice, balancing portability with basic functionality.
Scenario 2: Gamer and multimedia enthusiast who values top-tier performance and battery life: Samsung Galaxy S24 FE is the better option, offering superior performance and a better display for extended gaming and video consumption.
Scenario 3: Photographer who wants good zoom and close up capabilities, but needs long battery life: If close up shots are a priority, the S21 5G wins. If long battery life and better images are a priority the S24 FE wins. This is a tough choice, with both phones having their strengths.
Scenario 4: Someone who wants a future proof phone: Samsung Galaxy S24 FE wins with newer connectivity and performance.
My Choice
If I had to choose, I would pick the Samsung Galaxy S24 FE. While I appreciate the compactness of the S21 5G, the improvements in performance, display quality, battery life, and camera capabilities of the S24 FE are too significant to ignore. As someone who frequently uses their phone for demanding tasks like gaming, content creation, and media consumption, the S24 FE's advantages align more closely with my needs. The larger, brighter screen is also a huge plus for outdoor visibility, and the longer battery life provides peace of mind throughout the day. Although I would miss the traditional proximity and fingerprint readers, the improved hardware makes the trade-off worthwhile. The significantly higher DxOMark score of the main camera is also a major draw, making this phone a better pick for my needs.
