Alright, let's dive into a detailed comparison of the Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G and the Asus ROG Phone 6. These are two very different beasts, each with its own strengths and target audience. I'll break down the specs, highlight their real-world implications, and guide you on which might be the better choice for you.
1. Specifications Breakdown
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G | Asus ROG Phone 6 | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 155.7 × 74.5 × 7.9 mm | 173 × 77 × 10.3 mm | S21 FE is more compact and pocketable; ROG Phone 6 is noticeably larger and bulkier. |
| Weight | 177g | 239g | S21 FE is much lighter, more comfortable for prolonged use; ROG Phone 6 feels hefty. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.4" | 6.78" | ROG Phone 6 offers more screen real estate; S21 FE is slightly more compact. |
| Resolution | 1080x2340 | 1080x2448 | Both offer sharp, detailed images; negligible difference for most users. |
| PPI | 403 | 395 | Both offer similar pixel densities; equally sharp and clear. |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Both have vibrant, high-contrast displays; excellent for media consumption. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 165Hz | ROG Phone 6 provides significantly smoother scrolling and animations; more noticeable for gamers. |
| Brightness | 1300 nits | 1200 nits | S21 FE has better outdoor visibility under bright sunlight. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 888 | Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 | ROG Phone 6 offers a more powerful, newer chipset, translating to faster processing speeds and better performance for games. |
| AnTuTu Score | 923,836 | 1,203,000 | ROG Phone 6 has a 30% lead, suggesting a faster overall user experience. |
| GPU | Adreno 660 | Adreno 730 | ROG Phone 6 has a more powerful GPU, improving graphics performance, especially in games. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 12MP, f/1.8 | 50MP, f/1.9 | ROG Phone 6 offers higher resolution and a larger sensor, better for capturing detail; S21 FE has a wider aperture. |
| Telephoto Camera | 8MP, f/2.0 | None | S21 FE can zoom optically without quality loss, which can be useful for portrait shots; ROG phone lacks dedicated zoom. |
| Selfie Camera | 32MP, f/2.2 | 12MP, f/2.0 | S21 FE has higher resolution for selfies; ROG Phone 6 has a wider aperture for better low light. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 13MP, f/2.2 | None | S21 FE has wide angle lens. |
| Wide angle | None | 13MP, f/2.2 | ROG Phone 6 has dedicated wide-angle camera. |
| Macro Lens | None | 5MP, f/2.4 | ROG Phone 6 can take dedicated macro shots. |
| Video | Up to 4K 60fps | Up to 8K 24fps | ROG Phone 6 captures more detailed footage; both offer great video performance. |
| DXOMark (Mobile) | 117 | N/A | S21 FE has good camera performance, but the ROG 6 not tested. |
| DXOMark (Selfie) | 127 | N/A | S21 FE selfie camera excels, but the ROG 6 not tested. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 4500mAh | 6000mAh | ROG Phone 6 has a much bigger battery for extended usage and gaming sessions. |
| Charging | 25W | 65W | ROG Phone 6 charges much faster, a significant advantage for heavy users. |
| Charging Features | Wireless Charging, Reverse Wireless Charging | Bypass Charging, Reverse Charging 10W | S21 FE offers wireless charging; ROG Phone 6 has bypass charging for reduced heat while gaming. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 12, Max 16 | Android 12, Max 13 | S21 FE will be supported for longer |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128/256GB | 128/256/512 GB | ROG Phone 6 offers more storage options, catering to different needs. |
| RAM | 6/8GB | 8/12/16GB | ROG Phone 6 has significantly more RAM, better for heavy multitasking. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone allows storage expansion; users must choose wisely. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Dolby Atmos | DTS / DTS X, Hi-Res Audio | ROG Phone 6 offers enhanced audio capabilities. |
| Microphone | Noise Cancellation | 4 Microphones | ROG Phone 6 offers better voice capture, better audio separation and immersion |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | WiFi 6 | WiFi 6 (802.11ax) | Both phones offer similar connectivity standards |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.0 | Bluetooth 5.2 | ROG Phone 6 has a newer version of Bluetooth |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo, GPS (L1+L5), BeiDou (B1), Galileo (E1+E5a), BeiDou (B2), NavIC System, QZSS (L1 + L5) | ROG Phone 6 has more satellite systems for more precise location accuracy. |
| Security | |||
| Features | basic fingerprint sensor | basic fingerprint sensor | Both offer a similar basic biometric security |
| Build Quality | |||
| Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus | Both phones use the same screen protection technology, which means that they can handle bumps and scratches |
2. Key Insights
Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G:
- Strengths: More compact and lightweight, excellent display brightness, wireless charging, more developed selfie camera and overall camera system. It's a very well rounded smartphone with a solid build quality.
- Competitive Advantages: Its portability and sleek design make it great for daily usage, especially for those who prefer a lighter device. The camera system is also better rounded.
- Trade-offs: A less powerful chipset, lower refresh rate, smaller battery, slower charging, and less storage/RAM.
Asus ROG Phone 6:
- Strengths: Superior performance with a much more powerful chipset, faster refresh rate, larger battery, significantly faster charging, and enhanced audio features.
- Competitive Advantages: Built for gaming and heavy usage, providing excellent performance, better thermal management, and longer battery life.
- Trade-offs: Bulky design, heavier, lacks wireless charging, its camera system is not as developed.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G is best for:
- Everyday users who value a well rounded smartphone and prefer a balanced device.
- Content creators who prioritize camera quality and versatility.
- Users who prefer a compact phone that's easy to handle.
Asus ROG Phone 6 is best for:
- Hardcore gamers who need top-tier performance, fast refresh rates, and long battery life.
- Tech enthusiasts who value raw power and cutting-edge features.
- Power users who need a phone that can handle heavy multitasking and demanding apps.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three questions to help you decide:
- Do you prioritize portability and camera versatility or raw performance and battery life?
- If portability and camera are your priorities, go for the Samsung. If performance and battery matter more, the Asus is for you.
- How important is a high refresh rate for you?
- If you don't mind, the Samsung offers a smooth 120Hz experience. But if you value the smoothest possible display experience, the 165Hz display on the ROG is something to consider.
- Are you a gamer or a casual user?
- Casual users will be more than satisfied with the S21 FE, but the ROG Phone 6 is built for gaming.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Casual user who mainly browses the web, uses social media, and takes photos: Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G. It's more portable, has a better all around camera system, and offers a smoother experience for everyday use, with wireless charging being a welcome feature.
- Scenario 2: Mobile gamer who plays graphically intensive games for hours: Asus ROG Phone 6. Its superior performance, cooling system, large battery, and fast charging will keep you in the game longer. The phone is designed for this specific purpose.
- Scenario 3: Someone who needs a balance of power and portability: This is where things get tricky. While the S21 FE has a well rounded set of features, I would still lean towards the Asus ROG Phone 6 due to its superior performance and battery life, however it does come with a bulkier design and lacks a developed camera system.
My Choice:
For me, the Asus ROG Phone 6 would be my pick. While I appreciate the S21 FE's compact design and wireless charging, I value the sheer power and gaming prowess of the ROG Phone 6 more. I use my phone for productivity and creative tasks, and the extra performance and battery life would be a significant benefit to me. The 165Hz display is also something I would greatly enjoy, so I would not mind the extra size and heftiness of the device. I believe in maximizing the power of modern technology so that I can take full advantage of it, which is what the ROG Phone 6 is all about.
