Okay, let's dive into a detailed comparison of the Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G and the Asus ROG Phone 8 Pro. I'll approach this with my typical blend of technical analysis and practical, real-world insights.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here's a breakdown of the key specs, presented in a way that highlights their real-world implications:
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G | Asus ROG Phone 8 Pro | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Launch Date | 2022-01-07 | 2024-01-18 | The ROG Phone 8 Pro is a significantly newer device, implying it benefits from more recent tech advancements. |
| Dimensions | 155.7 × 74.5 × 7.9 mm | 163.8 × 76.8 × 8.9 mm | The S21 FE is more compact, better for one-handed use, while the ROG 8 Pro is larger, offering a bigger screen but might be less comfortable for some. |
| Weight | 177g | 225g | The S21 FE is noticeably lighter, making it more comfortable for extended periods. The ROG 8 Pro is heavier, which can be attributed to its added features. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.4" | 6.78" | The ROG 8 Pro offers a larger display, which is excellent for media consumption, gaming, and multitasking. |
| Resolution | 1080x2340 | 1080x2400 | Both offer sharp, detailed images. The resolution difference is minimal and unnoticeable in everyday usage. |
| PPI | 403 | 388 | Both have excellent pixel density for crisp images. The difference in PPI is negligible to the human eye. |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Both feature vibrant colors and deep blacks with excellent viewing angles. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 165Hz | The ROG 8 Pro's higher refresh rate leads to smoother animations, making it ideal for gamers and users who value fluid visuals. |
| Brightness | 1300 nits | 2500 nits | The ROG 8 Pro's significantly higher brightness is much better for outdoor use under direct sunlight, enhancing visibility. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 888 5G (5nm) | Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 (4nm) | The ROG 8 Pro boasts a newer and much more powerful chipset, resulting in much faster processing speeds and improved power efficiency. |
| AnTuTu Score | 923,836 | 2,020,000 | The ROG 8 Pro has a massive performance advantage, scoring significantly higher in benchmarks, translating to noticeably smoother and quicker experience. |
| GPU | Adreno 660 | Adreno 750 | The ROG 8 Pro's GPU offers vastly superior graphics performance, ideal for high-fidelity gaming and intensive applications. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 4500mAh | 5500mAh | The ROG 8 Pro has a larger battery, which translates into longer usage time, especially during demanding tasks. |
| Charging | 25W Fast Charging | 65W Fast Charging | The ROG 8 Pro charges considerably faster, minimizing downtime and quickly getting you back to using your device. |
| Features | Wireless, Reverse | Non-removable | The S21 FE has reverse and wireless charging options, which add convenience. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 12MP (f/1.8, 1/1.76") | 50MP (f/1.9, 1/1.56") | The ROG 8 Pro has a higher resolution and a slightly larger sensor, suggesting better image quality, especially in low light conditions. |
| Telephoto/Portrait | 8MP (f/2.0) | Not Available | The S21 FE has a dedicated telephoto camera for optical zoom, while the ROG 8 Pro uses digital zoom. |
| Selfie Camera | 32MP (f/2.2, 1/2.8") | 32MP (1/3.2") | The S21 FE has a slightly larger sensor for its selfie camera, which might capture more detail. |
| Telephoto Lens | Not Available | 32MP (f/2.4, 1/3.2") | The ROG 8 Pro features a dedicated telephoto lens, enhancing its zoom capabilities, whereas the S21 FE lacks this feature. |
| Wide/Macro | 13MP (f/2.2, 1/3.06") | 13MP (f/2.2, 1/3") | The ROG Phone has a slightly larger sensor for its wide angle lens |
| Video | Up to 4K 60fps | Up to 8K 24fps | The ROG 8 Pro allows for higher quality video resolution for professional use. Both offer good video recording capabilities with HDR and EIS. |
| DXOMark | Mobile: 117, Selfie: 127 | Not Available | The S21 FE has been benchmarked for camera performance. The ROG 8 Pro has not been scored, and thus, its performance is not clearly established. |
| Camera Features | OIS, PDAF, RAW | Gimbal, LAF | ROG Phone 8 Pro has a gimbal system and Laser Autofocus, and lacks phase detection AF and the ability to shoot RAW format. The S21 FE excels in autofocus capabilities and RAW photography. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 12 | Android 14 | The ROG 8 Pro runs on a newer version of Android, offering the latest features and security updates. |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | WiFi 6 (802.11ax) | WiFi 7 (802.11be) | The ROG 8 Pro supports the newer Wi-Fi 7 standard, enabling higher speeds and better network performance. |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.0 LE | Bluetooth 5.3 LE | The ROG 8 Pro uses a more recent Bluetooth version, providing improved connectivity and efficiency. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, etc | A-GPS, etc (Dual Band) | ROG Phone 8 Pro uses dual frequency GPS that has a more accurate location tracking. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128GB/256GB | 512GB/1024GB | The ROG 8 Pro offers significantly more internal storage, catering to users who store many games, media files, and large apps. |
| RAM | 6GB/8GB | 16GB/24GB | The ROG 8 Pro has significantly more RAM, ensuring smooth multitasking and demanding applications with minimal lag. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone supports external storage, which is a drawback for users who require expandable memory. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Dolby Atmos | DTS / DTS X | Both feature stereo speakers but vary in audio enhancement tech. |
| Security | |||
| Fingerprint Sensor | Basic | Basic | Both use basic fingerprint sensors |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Gorilla Glass Victus | Gorilla Glass Victus 2 | Both feature durable screen protection with a slightly more advanced material used on the ROG 8 Pro. |
| Sensors | Barometer | Gravity | S21 FE has a barometer while the ROG 8 Pro has gravity. |
2. Key Insights
Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G
- Strengths: This phone is a well-rounded device with a focus on core features at a more accessible price point. Its compact design, lightweight build, and balanced performance make it a great daily driver for the average user. It has a very good camera with features like RAW capability, that are not present on the ROG 8 Pro.
- Competitive Advantages: The S21 FE offers a more portable and lighter design with great all-around performance and excellent camera features that can appeal to a wide array of users. It also has Wireless charging.
- Trade-offs/Limitations: Its processor is older, leading to lower performance in graphically intensive tasks. It has a smaller battery, less storage, and less RAM compared to the ROG 8 Pro. It also lacks the high refresh rate display and a dedicated telephoto camera.
Asus ROG Phone 8 Pro
- Strengths: This is a performance-focused powerhouse, designed for gamers and power users. It has the latest top-of-the-line processor, coupled with a high refresh rate screen, massive RAM, and large storage.
- Competitive Advantages: The ROG Phone 8 Pro boasts the best performance, a larger and brighter display, and features that are optimized for gaming. It also has higher capacity battery with faster charging and more advanced cooling systems, although these aren't specified in the information given.
- Trade-offs/Limitations: It is significantly larger and heavier. Its camera is good, but it's not the main focus; it lacks telephoto camera features that the S21 FE offers. It's also more expensive.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
- Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G
- Ideal Users: Mainstream users who want a reliable phone for daily tasks, casual gaming, and good photography, without the hefty price of a high end phone.
- Use Cases: Everyday communication, social media, media consumption, light gaming, and capturing photos with excellent overall quality and good autofocus performance.
- Asus ROG Phone 8 Pro
- Ideal Users: Hardcore gamers, tech enthusiasts, and users who need the absolute best in performance for demanding tasks, video recording, and multitasking.
- Use Cases: High-end mobile gaming, video editing, graphic design, and other demanding creative tasks. It also has the benefit of a 8K camera that will be appreciated by people looking to produce high quality video content.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three key questions to help you decide:
- What is your primary use case?
- Everyday User: If you mainly browse the web, use social media, and take occasional photos, the S21 FE is more than adequate.
- Power User/Gamer: If you frequently play high-end games or need maximum performance, the ROG Phone 8 Pro is the better choice.
- How important is portability?
- Prefer Compact: The S21 FE's smaller size and lighter weight will be more comfortable for everyday use.
- Prioritize Screen Size/Features: If you're okay with a larger device to get an excellent display and gaming features, the ROG Phone 8 Pro is the way to go.
- What is your budget?
- Budget-Conscious: If cost is a primary concern, the S21 FE will offer solid performance at a more attractive price.
- Performance No Compromise: If you are willing to pay the extra for the best performance and features the ROG Phone 8 Pro is a great choice.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
Scenario 1: Daily Driver & Casual Gaming:
- Recommendation: The Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G. It balances performance with convenience and is more affordable. It has a good camera for the occasional capture.
Scenario 2: High-End Mobile Gaming & Content Creation:
- Recommendation: The Asus ROG Phone 8 Pro. It offers top-tier performance, better battery life and fast charging, and a great screen for gaming with the higher refresh rate.
Scenario 3: Photography Enthusiast:
- Recommendation: The Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G. It has a camera with all the important features and better autofocus capabilities with RAW format availability.
What I Would Choose and Why
If I were choosing between these two phones, I would choose the Asus ROG Phone 8 Pro. The reasons are multifold:
- Future Proof Performance: I want a phone that will perform at the highest levels for the longest period possible. The ROG Phone 8 Pro's newer and much more powerful Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipset, coupled with massive RAM and the Adreno 750 GPU, ensures that this phone will breeze through any task I throw at it for years to come. The S21 FE, while still capable, will start to feel its age more quickly.
- High Refresh Rate Screen: The 165Hz refresh rate on the ROG 8 Pro is a big draw for me. I value a smooth and fluid experience in every interaction, and the ROG phone provides that in abundance.
- Battery and Charging: The large 5500mAh battery paired with 65W fast charging is extremely attractive, minimizing the time I spend connected to a power source. While the S21 FE has wireless charging, this is something that I don't prioritize over fast charging.
- Versatile Use Case While I don't consider myself a hardcore gamer, I will find the ROG 8 Pro capable to handle all my heavy tasks, along with excellent quality video recording and image taking capabilities.
While the ROG Phone 8 Pro might not be as light as the S21 FE, or have a dedicated telephoto lens, the benefits far outweigh the drawbacks for my typical use case. It's the extra performance, combined with future proofing and the extra battery capacity that seals the deal for me. For someone looking for a premium device with maximum power, it is the clear winner.
