Alright, let's dive into a detailed comparison of the Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G and the Huawei nova 9 SE. This is going to be fun, because while both phones aim for the same general market, they take very different paths to get there.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here’s a breakdown of the key specs, presented with an eye on what they actually mean to you, the user:
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G | Huawei nova 9 SE | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Launch Date | 2022-01-07 | 2022-03-20 | The Nova 9 SE is slightly newer, but doesn't guarantee better features. |
| Dimensions | 155.7 × 74.5 × 7.9 mm | 164.6 × 75.6 × 7.9 mm | Nova 9 SE is taller and slightly wider, so a bigger feel in the hand. Both are similar in thinness. |
| Weight | 177g | 191g | S21 FE is lighter, better for long usage. The Nova 9 SE's extra weight is noticeable. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.4" | 6.78" | Nova 9 SE offers a larger screen, better for media consumption. |
| Resolution | 1080x2340 | 1080x2388 | Both are sharp, but the difference is minimal. |
| PPI | 403 | 387 | Both phones have very similar pixel density. Sharpness will be comparable in day to day usage. |
| Technology | AMOLED | IPS LCD | S21 FE's AMOLED display will have richer colours, deeper blacks, and better contrast, especially for HDR content. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 90Hz | S21 FE offers smoother scrolling and animations, a small but perceptible improvement in daily responsiveness. |
| Brightness | 1300 nits | 0 nits | S21 FE's dramatically higher brightness ensures better outdoor visibility, critical on a sunny day. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 888 5G (5 nm) | Snapdragon 680 4G (6 nm) | S21 FE has a flagship-level chipset from 2021, delivering much higher performance than the midrange chip of Nova 9 SE. |
| AnTuTu Score | 923,836 | 248,000 | S21 FE is significantly faster, handling heavy apps and games with ease, and more future-proofed. Nova 9 SE performance is considerably lower. |
| GPU | Adreno 660 | Adreno 610 | S21 FE's GPU is much more powerful, resulting in much better gaming performance, making it better for graphic intensive tasks. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 4500mAh | 4000mAh | S21 FE has a larger battery, meaning longer usage between charges, especially if paired with the power efficient AMOLED screen. |
| Charging | 25W Fast Charging | 66W Fast Charging | Nova 9 SE charges much faster, a big win for those who hate waiting. |
| Features | 15W Wireless, 4.5W Reverse Wireless | None | S21 FE has wireless charging and reverse wireless charging, making it more versatile for on the go power sharing. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 12MP, f/1.8, 1/1.76" | 108MP, f/1.9, 1/1.52" | Nova 9 SE has a much higher-resolution sensor, but S21 FE has a larger pixel size and wider aperture for better low light performance. |
| Telephoto Camera | 8MP | None | S21 FE's telephoto camera allows for 3x optical zoom, good for portraits and zooming without detail loss. |
| Ultrawide Camera | 13MP | 8MP | S21 FE provides a higher resolution ultrawide sensor. |
| Front Camera | 32MP, f/2.2 | 16MP, f/2.2 | S21 FE has a much higher resolution front camera for superior selfies, better for video recording. |
| Depth Camera | None | 2MP, f/2.4 | Nova 9 SE has an additional depth camera for portrait enhancements. |
| Macro Camera | None | 2MP, f/2.4 | Nova 9 SE has a dedicated macro camera for close up shots, a nice extra if you're into that. |
| Video Recording | Up to 4K@60fps with HDR & EIS | 1080p@30fps with EIS | S21 FE offers superior video quality, thanks to 4K recording, better stability for action videos. |
| Camera Scores | DXOMark Mobile:117, Selfie: 127 | Not Tested | S21 FE has a DXOMark score of 117 for main camera and 127 for selfie, this indicates good overall camera performance. Nova 9 SE does not have a score. |
| Software | |||
| Operating System | Android 12 (Upgradable to 16) | Android 11 | S21 FE has a newer Android version, with a promise for future updates. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) | Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) | Both phones support the latest Wi-Fi standards, ensuring fast wireless speeds. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 with aptX | 5.0 with aptX | Both offer similar Bluetooth versions, with minor codec differences. |
| GPS | Full Suite | Full Suite + BeiDou (B1) | Nova 9 SE has extra BeiDou support for enhanced location accuracy in specific regions. |
| SIM | Dual SIM (Nano) | Dual SIM (Nano) | Both phones have dual SIM support, so you can use two numbers on the same device. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal Storage | 128/256GB | 128/256GB | Both offer similar storage options, but neither have expandable storage. |
| RAM | 6/8GB | 6/8GB | Both have adequate RAM, but S21 FE has a performance advantage thanks to its chip, leading to smoother multitasking. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | No expandable storage on either device, so choosing the right internal storage is key. |
| Audio | |||
| Audio Quality | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers | Basic | S21 FE offers better audio output, with enhanced spatial audio, clearer calls and better quality speakers. |
| Security | |||
| Fingerprint Sensor | Basic | Side Mounted | Nova 9 SE uses a more convenient and modern side-mounted fingerprint sensor. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Gorilla Glass Victus | Unknown | S21 FE has superior screen protection, for better durability against scratches. |
| Sensors | Barometer | None | S21 FE includes additional environmental sensors for advanced features and gaming. |
2. Key Insights
Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G:
- Strengths:
- Performance King: The Snapdragon 888 chip delivers flagship-level speed, making it ideal for gaming, multitasking, and demanding apps.
- Superior Display: The AMOLED screen with a 120Hz refresh rate and high brightness makes it a joy to use, with vibrant colours and great visibility.
- Better Camera: Although lower in megapixels, S21 FE excels in low light, zooming, and video recording thanks to the better sensors and OIS, and has telephoto sensor.
- Wireless Versatility: Wireless and reverse wireless charging give it extra convenience.
- Software Advantage: Comes with a newer Android version, with guaranteed future updates.
- Competitive Advantages:
- The clear performance advantage with the Snapdragon 888.
- Significantly better display technology.
- Higher quality cameras and video features.
- Advanced connectivity and sensor suite.
- Trade-offs:
- Battery life may not be as good as other flagships due to the performance of the chipset.
- The charging speed is slower than the Nova 9 SE.
- No expandable storage and no in box charger.
Huawei nova 9 SE:
- Strengths:
- Larger Screen: The 6.78-inch display is good for those who want a larger screen for media consumption.
- Fast Charging: The 66W charging is incredibly fast, making it a great option for impatient users.
- High-Resolution Camera: The 108MP main camera is impressive on paper, good for very detailed photos in good lighting.
- Extra Camera Features: Macro and depth lenses for specific photography needs.
- Competitive Advantages:
- Much faster charging times.
- High resolution main camera sensor.
- Larger display.
- Trade-offs:
- Performance Bottleneck: The Snapdragon 680 chip is significantly less powerful, not ideal for heavy gaming or multitasking.
- Weaker Display: The IPS LCD panel lacks the color and contrast of the S21 FE's AMOLED screen.
- Less capable camera: Video quality is much lower, due to less capable video features and lack of optical image stabilisation.
- Older Android version with no guarantee of future updates.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
- Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G:
- Gamers and Power Users: Those who need top-tier performance, whether for gaming or running intensive applications.
- Media Enthusiasts: Users who value high-quality displays for watching videos and consuming HDR content.
- Photography Enthusiasts: Those who prioritize camera quality and want telephoto zoom capabilities.
- Tech Savvy Users: Users who value newer software features and wireless charging.
- Huawei nova 9 SE:
- Casual Users: Those who primarily use their phone for basic tasks like browsing, social media, and light gaming.
- Budget Conscious Shoppers: Users seeking value in a larger screen and fast charging.
- Photography Experimenters: Users who enjoy experimenting with macro and depth photography.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three practical questions to help you decide:
How important is raw performance to you? If you need a phone that can handle anything you throw at it, the S21 FE is the clear choice. But for basic use, the Nova 9 SE can suffice.
Do you prioritize display quality and camera capabilities? If the quality of the display and photos are important to you, the S21 FE is the winner, offering a superior screen with vibrant colours and better low light camera performance.
How much do you value fast charging and battery size? The Nova 9 SE recharges much faster and has decent battery, whereas the S21 FE has better wireless options, but the charging is slightly slower.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
For the Gamer or Power User: The Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G is the better choice, offering smooth, high-performance experience.
For the Budget-Minded Casual User: The Huawei nova 9 SE is the option, offering better value with larger display and extremely fast charging.
For the Media Enthusiast: The Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G excels with its superior AMOLED display.
For the Aspiring Photographer: The Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G offers higher quality imagery, better video capabilities, and a telephoto sensor.
My Choice and Why
If I were buying a phone today, I'd choose the Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G. While the Huawei nova 9 SE offers some compelling features like fast charging and a large display, the sheer performance and overall user experience of the S21 FE cannot be ignored. The difference in chipset performance is significant and makes a difference for anyone that is not a basic user, leading to better performance in daily usage, multitasking, and graphic heavy applications. The AMOLED display, better camera, and wireless charging options provide a far more compelling package for me, personally as I am someone who values display quality and good camera performance.
While the Nova 9 SE is undoubtedly a good phone for those on a tight budget, the S21 FE justifies its price premium through its significantly higher performance and overall better user experience.
