1. Specifications Comparison
Here's a detailed comparison of the Samsung Galaxy S21 5G and Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE+, focusing on practical implications:
Design
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 5G | Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE+ | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Dimensions | 151.7 × 71.2 × 7.9 mm | 285.4 × 185.4 × 6.5 mm | S21 5G is much more pocketable; S9 FE+ is designed for larger screen viewing, less portable. |
| Weight | 169g | 627g | S21 5G is significantly lighter, better for single-hand use and carrying; S9 FE+ feels much heavier |
| Foldable | Standard | Standard | Both are standard non-folding devices. |
Display
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 5G | Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE+ | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Size | 6.2" | 12.4" | S9 FE+ has a much larger screen ideal for media consumption, multitasking, and productivity tasks; S21 5G is more compact for mobile use. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1600x2560 | S9 FE+ has higher pixel count, but due to the larger screen size, this isn't the whole picture |
| PPI | 421 | 243 | S21 5G has a sharper, more detailed display due to higher pixel density, resulting in a clearer image on the smaller screen. S9 FE+ has a lower PPI, resulting in a less sharp image. |
| Technology | AMOLED | IPS LCD | S21 5G offers deeper blacks, better contrast, more vibrant colors, and better viewing angles. S9 FE+ has an LCD panel with less deep blacks and slightly less contrast |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 90Hz | S21 5G has smoother scrolling and animations on screen; difference isn't too significant for most users |
| Brightness | 1300 nits | 0 nits | S21 5G provides significantly better outdoor visibility in bright sunlight. S9 FE+ lacks brightness spec (unknown) |
Performance
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 5G | Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE+ | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Chipset | Exynos 2100 (5 nm) | Exynos 1380 (5 nm) | Different chipsets with similar architecture but different performance targets; S21 has slightly better CPU performance. |
| AnTuTu Score | 749,100 | 507,000 | S21 5G offers slightly faster app loading, smoother operation for demanding tasks, especially games. |
| GPU | Mali-G78 MP14 | Mali-G68 MP5 | S21 5G has a higher-end GPU, leading to better graphical performance in games and graphically intensive applications. |
Battery
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 5G | Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE+ | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Capacity | 4000mAh | 10090mAh | S9 FE+ has a much larger battery, offering significantly better battery life; S21 5G may need charging more often. |
| Charging | 25W Fast Charging | 45W Fast Charging | S9 FE+ charges faster and has a larger battery, so overall charging time will be more efficient even though it has a bigger battery; S21 5G is slower. |
| Features | Reverse, Wireless, Reverse Wireless Charging | Bypass Charging | S21 5G can wirelessly charge other devices and has more charging feature options; S9 FE+ can charge even when directly plugged in. |
Camera
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 5G | Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE+ | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Standard | 12MP f/1.8, 1/1.76" Sony IMX555 | 12MP f/2.0, Unknown Sensor | S21 5G has a wider aperture (more light), likely resulting in better low-light performance and details. |
| Telephoto | 64MP f/2.0, 1/1.72" Samsung S5KGW2 | N/A | S21 5G has dedicated zoom capability for more versatile photography. |
| Wide + Macro | 12.2MP f/2.2, 1/2.55" Sony IMX563 | N/A | S21 5G offers versatile photography (macro and wide angle) that the S9 FE+ does not. |
| Selfie | 10MP f/2.2, 1/3.2" Sony IMX374 | 8MP, Unknown Sensor | S21 5G has slightly better selfie capture |
| Wide Angle Lens | N/A | 8MP, f/2.2, Unknown Sensor | S9 FE+ has a wide angle for capturing larger areas in shots. |
| Video | 8K@24fps, 4K@60fps, 1080p@240fps | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30fps | S21 5G offers higher video resolution and frame rate options. |
| DxoMark | Main: 111, Selfie: 132 | Not Tested | S21 5G has a higher camera score than the S9 FE+ since the latter hasn't been tested. |
| Features | Triple Camera, OIS, RAW, Night Mode | Dual Camera | S21 5G has additional features for advanced photography. |
Software
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 5G | Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE+ | Practical Impact |
|---|
| OS | Android 11 (upgradable to 15) | Android 13 (upgradable to 17) | S9 FE+ is newer and comes with a more recent Android version and will have a longer life with software upgrades. |
Connectivity
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 5G | Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE+ | Practical Impact |
|---|
| WiFi | WiFi 6, Hotspot | WiFi 6, MiMO | Both have same WiFi version; S21 5G can act as a WiFi Hotspot. S9 FE+ supports Wi-Fi MiMO |
| Bluetooth | 5.0, ANT+ | 5.3, LDAC | S9 FE+ offers faster data transfer, better power efficiency, and supports LDAC codec for higher quality audio. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | GPS | S21 5G offers a more reliable location data, especially in areas with weak signals. |
| SIM | Dual SIM | No SIM | S21 5G can have 2 different carriers, making it useful for travel. |
Storage
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 5G | Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE+ | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Internal | 128GB/256GB | 128GB/256GB | Both have similar storage options. |
| RAM | 8GB | 8GB/12GB | S9 FE+ offers an option with more RAM, enhancing performance for heavy multitasking |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither device allows for additional storage via SD card. |
Audio
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 5G | Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE+ | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Quality | Dolby Atmos, Noise Cancelling Mic, Stereo Speakers | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers | Both devices have a similar audio experience, but S21 5G has an added noise canceling mic which helps in voice calls and recordings |
Security
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 5G | Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE+ | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Features | Basic Fingerprint Sensor | Side-mounted Fingerprint Sensor | S9 FE+ offers faster and more ergonomic unlocking. |
Build Quality
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 5G | Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE+ | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus | Unknown | S21 5G is more durable and scratch resistant; screen protection of the S9 FE+ is not known. |
Sensors
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 5G | Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE+ | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Barometer | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer | S21 5G has more sensors for AR applications, gaming, and other features. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy S21 5G Advantages
- Superior Display Quality: AMOLED screen with higher PPI, 120Hz refresh rate, and much higher brightness leading to a sharper, more vibrant, and smoother visual experience especially outdoors.
- Better Camera System: More versatile camera setup with telephoto and macro lenses, better video recording capabilities, and higher DxoMark scores, making it better for photography.
- Superior Performance: Better benchmark scores mean smoother operation and slightly faster app loading.
- More Compact & Portable: Significantly smaller and lighter design makes it easy to use one-handed and carry around.
- More Sensors: Additional sensors for AR, gaming, and environmental measurements.
- Dual SIM Support: Ideal for travelers needing 2 sim cards at the same time.
- Wireless Charging: Allows wireless charging of the phone, along with reverse charging.
- Noise Cancelling Microphone: Clearer audio during voice calls and recordings.
Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE+ Advantages
- Much Larger Display: 12.4" screen is significantly larger, ideal for media consumption, multitasking, and productivity.
- Massive Battery: Significantly larger battery capacity, providing much longer battery life.
- Faster Charging: 45W fast charging allows for quicker charging of the larger battery
- Newer OS: Comes with a newer Android OS that is upgradable for longer periods.
- Side-mounted Fingerprint Sensor: Makes it more ergonomic to unlock the device
- Wide Angle Camera: Better for group shots and landscapes.
- RAM: Option to select higher RAM configuration for more demanding tasks.
- Bypass Charging: Better charging option since the device is charging directly.
- Bluetooth: More recent Bluetooth version with better audio codecs.
Key Trade-offs
- S21 5G: Trades battery life and screen real estate for portability, camera quality, and performance.
- S9 FE+: Trades portability, camera versatility and performance for larger display, battery life, and a newer Android OS.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy S21 5G
Ideal User:
- Users who prioritize a high-quality camera system for photography and video.
- Users who need a compact and portable device for everyday use.
- Users who value a sharp, vibrant display and high performance for gaming and media consumption.
- Users who prioritize high brightness for outdoor visibility.
- Users who require dual SIM functionality.
- Users who want more compact design.
Use Cases:
- Everyday mobile use (calls, messaging, browsing)
- High-quality photography and videography
- On-the-go gaming and entertainment
- Outdoor use under bright sunlight
- Travelers needing multiple carriers.
- Users who want wireless charging capability.
Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE+
- Ideal User:
- Users who prioritize a large display for media consumption, e-reading, and multitasking.
- Users who need long battery life for extended use without frequent charging.
- Users who prefer a larger screen device for productivity tasks and note taking.
- Users who prioritize a modern, updated Android OS.
- Users who want a bigger screen over portability.
- Use Cases:
- Media consumption (movies, TV shows, e-books)
- Multitasking (split-screen apps, document editing)
- Productivity tasks (email, note-taking, browsing)
- Long trips or situations with limited charging access
- Users who prefer tablets over phones.
4. Decision Framework
Consider these questions before making a decision:
- How important is portability vs. screen size?
- If portability is key, the S21 5G is better. If you need a large screen for media or productivity, choose the S9 FE+.
- How do you prioritize camera quality and battery life?
- For high-quality photography and compact size, the S21 5G is better. For long battery life, the S9 FE+ excels.
- What are your main usage scenarios?
- For on-the-go mobile use and photography, choose the S21 5G. For home entertainment or productivity, the S9 FE+ is better.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Traveler/Mobile Photographer: Choose the S21 5G for its portability, versatile camera system, and dual SIM capability.
- Home Entertainment User: Choose the S9 FE+ for its large display and long battery life.
- Student/Productivity User: Choose the S9 FE+ for its large screen, multitasking capabilities, and longer battery life.
- Gamers: S21 5G will provide smoother performance, but the S9 FE+ will provide a larger screen and longer battery life, the right choice depends on personal preferences.
- Casual User: S21 5G is the better general-purpose phone. S9 FE+ is better suited for people looking for a bigger screen.
My Choice
I would personally choose the Samsung Galaxy S21 5G.
Here's why:
- I prioritize camera quality: I frequently take photos and videos, and the S21 5G offers a much more versatile and high-quality camera system including a telephoto lens for zoom and a macro lens for close-up shots.
- I need a compact device: I prefer a phone that is easy to handle with one hand and fits comfortably in my pocket. The S21 5G is far more portable than the tablet.
- I value a high-quality display: The AMOLED display of the S21 5G offers better contrast, color accuracy, and superior brightness compared to the S9 FE+’s LCD screen, making it a much better option for viewing media.
- Performance matters: The higher AnTuTu score of the S21 5G indicates that it has better overall performance for daily tasks and apps.
- Battery is adequate: While the S9 FE+ has a larger battery, I can manage the S21 5G's battery with proper use habits and don't require a massive battery.
While the S9 FE+ has many strong points, the S21 5G aligns better with my needs as a photographer and everyday mobile user who doesn’t need a larger screen or the extended battery life that the S9 FE+ offers.
