Alright, let's break down the Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G and the Huawei nova 12i. It's a classic matchup of a seasoned performer against a newer contender, each with its own strengths and weaknesses. I'll put on my tech journalist hat and get to the bottom of what these phones offer, going beyond the specs to see how they fit into your life.
1. Specifications Breakdown
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G | Huawei nova 12i | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 155.7 × 74.5 × 7.9 mm | 163.3 × 74.7 × 8.4 mm | S21 FE is more compact, potentially better for one-handed use; nova 12i is larger and slightly thicker, feeling more substantial. |
| Weight | 177g | 199g | S21 FE is noticeably lighter, making it more comfortable for prolonged use. |
| Build | Gorilla Glass Victus Front, Plastic back and frame | Unknown | S21 FE boasts more durable screen protection from scratches and drops, while nova 12i is unknown. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.4" | 6.7" | nova 12i offers a slightly larger screen for immersive viewing; S21 FE is more compact and easy to handle. |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2340 | 1080 x 2388 | Both phones offer similarly sharp displays. |
| Panel Technology | AMOLED | IPS LCD | S21 FE has a superior display tech with deeper blacks, better contrast, and more vibrant colors, plus better power efficiency for dark mode. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 90Hz | S21 FE offers smoother scrolling and animations with its higher refresh rate. |
| Brightness | 1300 nits | 0 nits | S21 FE has superior screen visibility in bright sunlight. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 5G (5nm) | Qualcomm Snapdragon 680 4G (6nm) | S21 FE has a significantly more powerful chipset, offering smoother multitasking, faster app loading, and better gaming performance. |
| AnTuTu Score | 923,836 | 289,000 | S21 FE has dramatically better performance, reflected in benchmarks. |
| GPU | Adreno 660 | Adreno 610 | S21 FE offers much better graphics performance for demanding tasks, including gaming. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 12MP, f/1.8, 1/1.76", 1.8µm | 108MP, f/1.9, 1/1.67", 0.64µm | nova 12i boasts higher resolution, but the S21 FE's larger pixels and wider aperture allow better low-light performance. |
| Telephoto Camera | 8MP, f/2.0 | None | S21 FE offers optical zoom capabilities. |
| Selfie Camera | 32MP, f/2.2, 1/2.8" 0.8µm | 8MP, f/2.0 | S21 FE offers significantly higher selfie resolution, while the nova 12i has a wider aperture for slightly better low-light selfies. |
| Wide Angle Camera | 13MP, f/2.2, 1/3.06", 1.12µm | None | S21 FE offers an ultra-wide angle for versatile photography. |
| Portrait (depth) Camera | None | 2MP, f/2.4 | nova 12i features a dedicated depth sensor for portrait photography. |
| Video | 4K@60fps, HDR, EIS | 1080p@30fps | S21 FE records higher resolution and frame rate videos with better image stabilization, better for videography. |
| DXOMark Scores | Mobile: 117, Selfie: 127 | Not tested | S21 FE has well-rated camera performance in all aspects. |
| Features | 4K Video, Optical zoom, OIS | Basic camera features | S21 FE includes a lot of additional features including optical zoom and OIS. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 4500mAh | 5000mAh | nova 12i has a larger battery, which may translate to longer battery life. |
| Charging | 25W fast charging | 40W fast charging | nova 12i charges faster with its higher wattage charger. |
| Features | 15W wireless, Reverse charging | None | S21 FE offers greater convenience with wireless charging and the ability to charge other devices. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 12, Upgradable to 16 | Unknown | S21 FE comes with a known and upgradable OS |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | WiFi 6, MIMO | Wi-Fi ac | S21 FE supports newer WiFi standard, offering faster speeds, lower latency, better performance in crowded networks. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0, Apt-X | 5.0, LDAC | S21 FE has additional Bluetooth codecs for better audio. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo | nova 12i supports more satellite systems for better location accuracy. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128GB/256GB | 128GB/256GB | Both phones offer the same storage options. |
| RAM | 6GB/8GB | 8GB | nova 12i comes with 8 GB of RAM; S21FE comes in 6 GB and 8 GB configurations. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone offers microSD card support. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Dolby Atmos, Stereo speakers | Basic audio features | S21 FE provides enhanced spatial audio, clearer calls, and better audio separation and immersion. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Basic fingerprint sensor | Side-mounted fingerprint sensor | nova 12i comes with a more advanced side-mounted fingerprint sensor. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Proximity, Gyroscope, Barometer, Hall, Geomagnetic | Ultrasonic proximity virtual | S21 FE includes more sensors useful for advanced features and better gaming. |
2. Key Insights
Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G:
- Strengths: The S21 FE is a performance powerhouse, thanks to its Snapdragon 888 chip, superior display, and versatile camera system. It also includes wireless charging, better build protection, and better audio quality.
- Competitive Advantages: Its AMOLED screen with 120Hz refresh rate, the inclusion of a telephoto and wide-angle camera, and a more robust set of features like wireless charging give it a clear edge.
- Limitations: The battery capacity is a bit smaller than the nova 12i, and it's missing a headphone jack if that's important for you.
Huawei nova 12i:
- Strengths: The nova 12i impresses with its larger battery, faster charging, and high-resolution main camera. It’s also a newer device and offers the newer USB-C charging port.
- Competitive Advantages: It provides a more budget friendly option with larger battery.
- Limitations: Its performance and display quality are noticeably inferior, and the camera lacks the versatility of the S21 FE. The absence of 4K video and wireless charging are further drawbacks.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G is best for:
- Power Users: Gamers, heavy multitaskers, and those who demand smooth performance in demanding apps.
- Multimedia Enthusiasts: Users who prioritize screen quality, camera features, and enjoy consuming high-resolution content.
- Content Creators: Those who shoot videos and photos regularly, requiring a versatile and reliable camera system.
- Tech Enthusiasts: Individuals who want the best performance in their price range.
Huawei nova 12i is best for:
- Budget-Conscious Buyers: Those looking for a large screen and big battery without needing top-tier performance.
- Casual Users: Users who primarily browse the web, use social media, and make calls and do not prioritize heavy gaming.
- Battery Life Seekers: People who prioritize long battery life and fast charging over other features.
- Users who prioritize big main sensor: People who prioritize large main sensor to use as their default camera.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three questions to ask yourself when making your decision:
- Do you prioritize smooth performance and high-quality display? If yes, the S21 FE is the clear choice.
- Is battery life and fast charging more important than camera versatility? If yes, the nova 12i might be preferable.
- Are you on a strict budget or do you not prioritize high-end features? The nova 12i may be a better option for you.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: "I'm a gamer who wants a smooth experience."
- Recommendation: Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G. The Snapdragon 888 chipset and 120Hz AMOLED display will deliver a far superior gaming experience.
- Scenario 2: "I need a long-lasting phone for everyday use and I do not prioritize premium features."
- Recommendation: Huawei nova 12i. Its larger battery and fast charging will keep you going throughout the day, and the high resolution main sensor may be a good plus for your daily snapshots.
- Scenario 3: "I want a phone with a great camera for taking photos and videos."
- Recommendation: Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G. The combination of multiple lenses, 4K video recording, and OIS make it a more versatile option for photography and videography.
- Scenario 4: "I need a phone on a budget, and don't want a bad phone."
* **Recommendation:** Huawei nova 12i. The better battery life and fast charging will keep your phone going all day.
My Choice
If I were choosing between these two, I would personally go with the Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G. While the nova 12i is a solid device, the performance gap is far too significant for me to overlook. The S21 FE's superior display, more versatile camera system, wireless charging, and robust chipset make it a much more compelling device. The ability to record higher quality videos and take better photos in more diverse situations is crucial for my daily use. The build quality and smoother animations also add to the user experience, making it worth it for me.
While the nova 12i does have a larger battery and faster charging, those features alone don't justify the trade-offs in performance and display quality. For me, the S21 FE offers a more complete and premium experience.
