Okay, let's dive into a detailed comparison of the Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G and the Honor 70. I'll be breaking down the specs, highlighting the real-world implications, and helping you figure out which phone might be the best fit for you.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here's a detailed look at how these two phones stack up, with a focus on what these specs mean for your daily use.
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G | Honor 70 | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Launch Date | 2022-01-07 | 2022-06-02 | The Honor 70 is a bit newer, which might mean more up-to-date software. |
| Foldable | Standard | Standard | Both phones are traditional smartphones. |
| Dimensions | 155.7 × 74.5 × 7.9 mm | 161.4 × 73.3 × 7.9 mm | The Honor 70 is taller and slightly narrower, while both are the same thickness. |
| Weight | 177g | 178g | They're practically the same weight, so both will feel similar in hand. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.4" | 6.67" | The Honor 70 has a slightly larger screen, making it better for media consumption. |
| Resolution | 1080x2340 | 1080x2400 | Very similar resolutions; both offer sharp, clear visuals. |
| Pixel Density | 403 PPI | 395 PPI | Both have excellent pixel density for detailed displays. |
| Technology | AMOLED | OLED | Both use high-quality display tech for vibrant colors and deep blacks. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both offer smooth scrolling and gaming with their high refresh rates. |
| Brightness | 1300 nits | 0 nits | The S21 FE is far brighter, making it much better for outdoor use in sunlight. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 5G (5 nm) | Qualcomm Snapdragon 778G+ 5G (6 nm) | The S21 FE has a more powerful processor for snappier performance and gaming. |
| AnTuTu Score | 923,836 | 600,525 | The S21 FE scores significantly higher, indicating better overall performance. |
| GPU | Adreno 660 | Adreno 642L | S21 FE has a more capable GPU for graphically intensive tasks. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 4500mAh | 4800mAh | Honor 70 has a slightly larger battery, potentially longer battery life. |
| Charging | 25W fast charging | 66W fast charging | Honor 70 charges much faster, reducing downtime. |
| Features | Wireless charging 15W, reverse wireless charging 4.5W, no charger in-box, reverse charging, non-removable. | Reverse charging, non-removable | The S21 FE has wireless and reverse wireless charging. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 12MP, f/1.8, 1/1.76", Sony IMX555, 1.8µm | 54MP, f/1.9, 1/1.49", Sony IMX800, 1.0µm | Honor 70 has a higher-resolution main sensor and larger sensor. |
| Telephoto | 8MP, f/2.0, Hynix HI-847, 1.0µm | None | S21 FE has a dedicated telephoto lens for zooming. |
| Selfie | 32MP, f/2.2, 1/2.8", Sony IMX616, 0.8µm | 32MP, f/2.4, 1/3.2", Omnivision OV32C, 0.7µm | S21 FE has a wider aperture and a larger sensor for better selfies. |
| Wide Angle | None | 50MP, f/2.2 | Honor 70 offers a dedicated wide-angle lens. |
| Macro Lens | None | 2MP, f/2.4 | Honor 70 offers a dedicated macro lens. |
| Wide Angle + Macro | 13MP, f/2.2, 1/3.06", Sony IMX258, 1.12µm | None | S21 FE has a combined wide-angle and macro lens. |
| Video | 4K@30/60fps, HDR, EIS, 1080p@30/60/240fps, 720p@960fps | 4K@30fps, EIS, 1080p@30/60fps | Both offer 4K recording, but S21 FE offers more flexibility and better stabilization. |
| DXOMark Mobile | Main: 117, Photo: 119, Video: 107; Selfie: Main: 127, Photo: 126, Video: 130 | Main: 115, Photo: 115, Video: 129 | S21 FE excels in photo, while Honor 70 has a better video rating for the main camera, and the S21 FE has a fantastic selfie camera. |
| Camera Features | Optical zoom, OIS, PDAF, continuous autofocus, manual focus | Ultra stable video | S21 FE offers more versatile shooting modes, while Honor 70 has a focus on video stability. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 12 (Upgradable to 16) | Android 12 | Samsung's phone is upgradable to Android 16, whereas the Honor 70 isn't specified. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6, dual band, Hotspot, Direct, Display, MIMO | Wi-Fi 6, dual band, Hotspot, Direct, Display, MIMO | Both have excellent Wi-Fi capabilities. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 LE | 5.2 LE | Honor 70 has a newer Bluetooth version, for potentially more efficient connections. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | Both have accurate GPS positioning. |
| SIM | Dual SIM (Nano) | Dual SIM (Nano) | Both support dual SIMs for flexibility. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128/256 GB | 128/256/512 GB | Honor 70 offers a 512 GB storage option. |
| RAM | 6/8 GB | 6/8/12 GB | Honor 70 offers a 12GB RAM option. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone supports expandable storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Dolby Atmos, Noise cancellation microphone, Stereo Speakers | Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers | S21 FE has Dolby Atmos for spatial audio and noise cancellation, while the Honor 70 has Hi-Res audio support. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Basic Fingerprint Sensor | Basic Fingerprint Sensor | Both have standard biometric fingerprint sensors. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus | Unknown | The S21 FE has a superior screen protection. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Barometer, Hall, Geomagnetic | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope | The S21 FE has a more complete set of sensors including a barometer. |
2. Key Insights
Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G
- Strengths:
- Performance Powerhouse: The Snapdragon 888 chip provides top-tier processing power, ideal for demanding apps and gaming.
- Bright & Sharp Display: The AMOLED panel with 1300 nits of brightness is excellent for outdoor use.
- Versatile Camera System: It offers a telephoto lens, better stabilization, and a high-quality selfie camera.
- Robust Build Quality: Gorilla Glass Victus offers superior screen protection.
- Wireless Charging: Added convenience with wireless and reverse wireless charging.
- Competitive Advantages: It boasts superior processing power, a brighter display, a telephoto lens, wireless charging, and better build quality.
- Trade-offs/Limitations:
- The battery charges slower than the Honor 70 at 25W, and the charger is not included.
Honor 70
- Strengths:
- Fast Charging: The 66W fast charging is incredibly convenient.
- Bigger Screen Option: The 6.67" display offers a more immersive experience.
- High-Resolution Main Camera: The 54MP main camera captures detailed images.
- Multiple Camera Options: Comes with dedicated Wide and Macro lens.
- Larger Storage Options: Provides the option for up to 512GB of storage.
- Newer Bluetooth Standard: Bluetooth 5.2 for more efficient and stable connections.
- Competitive Advantages: It excels in charging speed, main camera resolution, larger display option and is newer, with potential software updates.
- Trade-offs/Limitations:
- Significantly weaker chipset performance compared to the S21 FE.
- The display brightness is unknown, making it a risk outdoors.
- Lacks wireless charging.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G:
- Gamers and Power Users: Its top-tier chipset and GPU make it ideal for those who want the best performance for gaming and multitasking.
- Outdoor Enthusiasts: The bright AMOLED display is perfect for use in direct sunlight.
- Photography Enthusiasts: The telephoto lens and better camera features appeal to those who need a versatile camera system.
- Tech Enthusiasts: Wireless charging and a robust build add to the overall value.
Honor 70:
- Media Consumers: The larger screen is great for watching videos and browsing.
- Frequent Travelers: The 66W fast charging is a huge advantage for those on the go.
- Casual Photographers: The high-resolution main camera is great for everyday photography.
- Value Seekers: Prioritizing fast charging and newer tech over peak performance.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three key questions to guide your decision:
- Do you prioritize top-tier performance and gaming capability, or is fast charging and a larger screen more important? If performance is your priority, the S21 FE is the way to go; otherwise, the Honor 70 has the edge.
- Will you often be using your phone outdoors in bright sunlight? If so, the S21 FE's bright screen is a significant advantage.
- Do you need wireless charging or a dedicated telephoto lens for zooming? The S21 FE offers these features, which the Honor 70 does not.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: The Gamer - Go with the Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G. Its superior chipset, GPU, and refresh rate make it the clear winner for gaming.
- Scenario 2: The On-The-Go Professional - The Honor 70 is the better choice. The fast charging and larger display are great for productivity and travel.
- Scenario 3: The Photography Buff - The Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G, offers better versatility with its telephoto, better stabilization, and overall photo quality.
- Scenario 4: The Casual User - Depending on budget, both phones are great options. If a larger display and fast charging are more important, the Honor 70 is excellent. If display quality and all-around performance are key, the Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G is great.
My Choice
If I were choosing between these two phones, I'd personally go for the Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G. While the Honor 70 is tempting with its faster charging and higher-resolution main camera, I find the overall balance of features in the S21 FE more compelling. The superior performance of the Snapdragon 888 is crucial for demanding tasks and ensures the phone will stay snappy for years. The inclusion of wireless charging, the telephoto camera, and the super bright display are features I use often enough to justify choosing the S21 FE despite its slower charging. Plus, as someone who uses their phone heavily for content creation and outdoor photography, the S21 FE's versatile camera system and robust display make it a better fit for my needs. Finally, the known screen protection is a big plus.
