Alright, let's dive into a head-to-head comparison of the Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G and the Huawei Mate 50 Pro. These are two very different beasts, each with their own unique strengths and intended user base. We'll break it down with my usual blend of technical precision and practical insights.
1. Specifications Breakdown
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G | Huawei Mate 50 Pro | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 155.7 × 74.5 × 7.9 mm | 162.1 × 75.5 × 8.5 mm | The Mate 50 Pro is noticeably taller and a bit thicker. The S21 FE is more compact and might be better for one-handed use, while the Mate 50 Pro offers a larger screen but might be less comfortable in smaller hands. |
| Weight | 177g | 205g | The S21 FE is significantly lighter, making it more comfortable for extended use. The Mate 50 Pro is a denser phone and might feel heavier in your pocket. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.4" | 6.74" | Mate 50 Pro offers a larger display, ideal for media consumption and multitasking. S21 FE's smaller screen is more pocketable. |
| Resolution | 1080x2340 | 1212x2616 | The Mate 50 Pro has a sharper display with more pixels, resulting in crisper images and text. |
| Pixel Density (PPI) | 403 | 428 | Marginally sharper display on the Mate 50 Pro, but the difference might be imperceptible to most users. |
| Technology | AMOLED | OLED | Both use excellent display tech, offering vibrant colors and deep blacks. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Smooth scrolling and animations on both devices, perfect for gaming and social media. |
| Brightness | 1300 nits | 0 nits | The S21 FE is far superior for outdoor visibility. The Mate 50 Pro's brightness spec is missing in the provided data but will be significantly lower, making it harder to view in direct sunlight. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 888 5G | Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 4G | The Mate 50 Pro's newer chipset offers higher performance, but note the lack of 5G. The S21 FE still holds up well for most tasks but won't be as future proof as the Mate 50 Pro in terms of processing power. |
| AnTuTu Score | 923,836 | 1,022,043 | The Mate 50 Pro has higher benchmark scores, translating to smoother performance and faster app loading times in demanding tasks. |
| GPU | Adreno 660 | Adreno 730 | The Mate 50 Pro's GPU is superior, offering better gaming performance. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 12MP, f/1.8, 1/1.76" | 50MP, f/1.4, 1/1.56" | The Mate 50 Pro has a higher-resolution sensor with a wider aperture, allowing it to capture more light and detail. It will perform better in low light. |
| Telephoto/Portrait | 8MP, f/2.0 | None | S21 FE has a dedicated telephoto lens for better optical zoom. The Mate 50 Pro lacks a dedicated Telephoto/Portrait lens. |
| Telephoto Lens | None | 64MP, f/3.5, 1/2" | The Mate 50 Pro has a dedicated telephoto lens for better optical zoom. The S21 FE lacks a dedicated Telephoto Lens. |
| Wide Angle Lens | None | 12MP, f/2.2 | The Mate 50 Pro has a dedicated wide angle lens for better ultra-wide angle shots. The S21 FE lacks a dedicated Wide Angle Lens. |
| Wide Angle + Macro | 13MP, f/2.2 | None | The S21 FE has a dedicated wide angle with macro capabilities, offering better close-up shots. The Mate 50 Pro lacks a dedicated Wide Angle + Macro lens. |
| Selfie Camera | 32MP, f/2.2, 1/2.8" | 13MP, f/2.4 | The S21 FE has a higher-resolution selfie camera, while the Mate 50 Pro has a slightly smaller aperture, which is only a minor difference. |
| Video | Up to 4K@60fps | Up to 4K@60fps | Similar video recording capabilities on both. The Mate 50 Pro has slightly better slow-mo options. |
| DxOMark Mobile | 117 | 149 | Mate 50 Pro significantly outperforms the S21 FE in camera performance. |
| DxOMark Selfie | 127 | 145 | Mate 50 Pro significantly outperforms the S21 FE in front camera performance. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 4500mAh | 4700mAh | Marginally larger battery on the Mate 50 Pro, potentially offering slightly longer battery life. |
| Charging | 25W | 66W | Mate 50 Pro charges much faster, a massive time-saver. |
| Wireless Charging | 15W | 50W | Mate 50 Pro has much faster wireless charging. |
| Reverse Wireless | 4.5W | 7.5W | Mate 50 Pro has slightly faster reverse wireless charging. |
| Other | |||
| OS | Android 12 (upgradable to 16) | (no info) | The S21 FE runs on Android and guarantees future upgrades, the Mate 50 Pro uses a different OS (no info provided). |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.2 | Mate 50 Pro has a newer version of Bluetooth for potentially better performance and range. |
| GPS | Multiple Satellites | More satellite support for precise GPS positioning | The Mate 50 Pro offers more accurate and reliable GPS positioning due to its wider range of supported satellite systems. |
| Storage | 128GB/256GB | 256GB/512GB | Mate 50 Pro offers larger storage options. |
| RAM | 6GB/8GB | 8GB | Both devices offer decent RAM for multitasking, with an advantage for the Mate 50 Pro. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone has expandable storage, which may be a limitation for some users. |
| Audio Quality | Dolby Atmos, Noise cancellation microphone | Stereo Speakers | The S21 FE has enhanced audio features, including better spatial audio and clearer calls due to its noise cancellation microphone. The Mate 50 Pro is only equipped with stereo speakers, and its audio performance is inferior. |
| Screen Protection | Gorilla Glass Victus | Unknown | The S21 FE offers better screen protection. The Mate 50 Pro's screen protection is unknown, raising concerns. |
2. Key Insights
Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G:
- Strengths: Excellent display brightness, making it ideal for outdoor use; lighter weight for better portability; more versatile camera system with a dedicated Telephoto/Portrait lens, and a Macro lens; superior audio quality; established and reliable Android platform with guaranteed software upgrades; and faster charging when wired.
- Competitive Advantages: The main advantage is its excellent display brightness, a significant feature for those who spend time outdoors. Its lighter weight and more compact form factor are also great for users who value portability.
- Trade-offs/Limitations: Slightly older chipset compared to the Mate 50 Pro; basic security; no Telephoto lens (vs. Mate 50 Pro), and limited charging speed.
Huawei Mate 50 Pro:
- Strengths: Superior camera performance with a better main sensor; higher AnTuTu score for demanding tasks; faster charging (both wired and wireless); larger display; newer Bluetooth version, and more satellite support for precise GPS positioning.
- Competitive Advantages: The main advantage is its superior camera system, which shines in most scenarios. Its top-tier performance and faster charging speeds also give it an edge.
- Trade-offs/Limitations: Lack of 5G support; significantly less outdoor brightness; heavier and bulkier design; unknown OS (the provided information is not enough to determine the OS on the Mate 50 Pro); no Macro lens; basic security; and inferior audio.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G:
- Best for: Users who prioritize an excellent outdoor display, a lighter device, and Android software updates, along with a versatile camera system. This phone is perfect for users who enjoy photography, gaming and need a reliable daily driver that can handle bright sunlight scenarios.
- Use Cases: Outdoor photography, social media browsing, everyday usage, and people who want guaranteed software upgrades.
Huawei Mate 50 Pro:
- Best for: Users who prioritize top-tier camera performance, fast charging, and flagship-level processing power. It’s well-suited for photography enthusiasts, power users, and gamers who need the best possible specs available.
- Use Cases: Professional photography and videography, demanding gaming, multitasking, and users who do not need 5G and are comfortable with a heavy device and a potentially unknown OS.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three practical questions to help users decide:
How important is outdoor display brightness to you?
- If it's crucial, the S21 FE is the clear winner.
- If you primarily use your phone indoors or in shaded areas, the Mate 50 Pro is fine.
Are you a photography enthusiast, or do you value mobile performance?
- If photography is your passion, the Mate 50 Pro’s camera shines with better photos in every scenario.
- If you prefer a more all-around reliable device, the S21 FE is excellent, even with its slightly inferior camera.
Do you need a lighter and more portable device with guaranteed software updates?
- If portability is key, the S21 FE is much more pocketable and user-friendly. The S21 FE offers guaranteed software updates and a more secure OS.
- If you are okay with a heavy device, the Mate 50 Pro may be a better fit.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- The "Always On the Go" User: If you're often outdoors or travel frequently, the Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G is a better pick because of its brightness and portability.
- The "Mobile Photographer": The Huawei Mate 50 Pro's camera is significantly better, so it's the better choice for photography enthusiasts.
- The "Power User/Gamer": The Mate 50 Pro's faster processor will offer better performance, and its fast charging is a great time-saver.
- The "Everyday Reliable User": The S21 FE is a solid all-rounder, offering a good balance of performance, camera, portability, a stable OS, and guaranteed software updates.
My Choice
If I were choosing between these two phones, I'd opt for the Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G. Here's why:
As someone who's constantly out and about, reviewing tech, the S21 FE's brighter screen is a huge advantage for me. I frequently find myself looking at my phone in bright sunlight, and the S21 FE’s display ensures I can see everything clearly.
While the Mate 50 Pro has a more advanced camera on paper, I am not a professional photographer, and the S21 FE offers a more than capable camera system, and it is more versatile. The added flexibility of the Telephoto and Macro lenses on the S21 FE better caters to the varied situations I often find myself in. And when I need to have a quick chat in a crowded place, the S21 FE's noise cancellation microphone is a godsend.
Additionally, the S21 FE’s lighter weight and more compact design make it far more comfortable for daily use. I value ease of handling and portability over a slightly faster device with a bulky design. I'm more of a long-term user, so software support is important, and the Android platform with guaranteed updates ensures longevity.
Ultimately, the S21 FE offers a better all-around user experience for my needs, combining good performance, excellent display visibility, a versatile camera system, and a more portable form factor.
