Alright, let's dive into a head-to-head comparison of the Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G and the Huawei nova Y90. We've got two contenders with distinct strengths, and it's my job to break down what those differences mean for you, the user. Let's get started.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here’s a detailed look at how these phones stack up, with a focus on what these specs actually mean:
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G | Huawei nova Y90 | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 155.7 × 74.5 × 7.9 mm | 163.3 × 74.7 × 8.4 mm | S21 FE is more compact, Y90 is taller and thicker. |
| Weight | 177g | 195g | S21 FE feels lighter for extended use. |
| Build Quality Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus | Unknown | S21 FE offers superior screen protection. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.4" | 6.7" | Y90 provides slightly more screen real estate. |
| Resolution | 1080x2340 | 1080x2388 | Virtually identical sharpness. |
| Pixel Density (PPI) | 403 | 391 | Nearly identical pixel density. |
| Technology | AMOLED | IPS LCD | S21 FE has richer colors, deeper blacks, better power efficiency. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 90Hz | S21 FE has smoother animations and scrolling. |
| Brightness | 1300 nits | 0 nits | S21 FE is dramatically brighter outdoors. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 888 5G | Snapdragon 680 4G | S21 FE handles demanding tasks and games far better; Y90 is for basic use. |
| AnTuTu Score | 923,836 | 249,000 | S21 FE is significantly faster and more future-proof. |
| GPU | Adreno 660 | Adreno 610 | S21 FE has superior graphics processing. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 12MP (f/1.8) | 50MP (f/1.8) | Y90 has a higher resolution sensor, but S21 FE sensor has bigger pixels |
| Telephoto | 8MP (f/2.0) | None | S21 FE has a dedicated telephoto lens for zoom. |
| Wide Angle | 13MP (f/2.2) | None | S21 FE provides a wider field of view. |
| Selfie Camera | 32MP (f/2.2) | 8MP (f/2.0) | S21 FE has a far higher resolution selfie camera. |
| Secondary Camera | None | 2MP (f/2.4) | Y90 has a dedicated secondary camera |
| Tertiary Camera | None | 2MP (f/2.4) | Y90 has a dedicated tertiary camera |
| Video Recording | Up to 4K@60fps | 1080p@30fps | S21 FE can capture much higher quality video. |
| Video Stabilization | Yes | No | S21 FE benefits from video stabilization. |
| Camera Features | OIS, 4K Video, RAW, Night Mode | Basic features | S21 FE offers much more advanced photo & video options. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 4500mAh | 5000mAh | Y90 has a slightly larger battery. |
| Charging | 25W Fast Charging | 40W Fast Charging | Y90 charges noticeably faster. |
| Features | Wireless charging, reverse charging | None | S21 FE has more versatile charging options. |
| Software & Connectivity | |||
| OS | Android 12 (up to 16) | S21 FE is guaranteed to receive more Android updates. | |
| WiFi | WiFi 6 | 802.11ac | S21 FE has faster and more efficient WiFi. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 w/ many features | 5.0 with basic features | S21 FE has more comprehensive bluetooth features. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo | Y90 has more satellite coverage. |
| SIM | Dual SIM | Dual SIM | Both support Dual SIM functionality. |
| Storage & Audio | |||
| Internal Storage | 128/256 GB | 128 GB | S21 FE has up to 256 GB storage. |
| RAM | 6/8 GB | 4/6/8 GB | Both offer good multitasking capabilities. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither device supports expandable storage. |
| Audio Quality | Dolby Atmos, Noise cancellation mic, Stereo Speakers | Basic | S21 FE has superior audio quality. |
| Security | |||
| Fingerprint Sensor | Basic fingerprint sensor | Side-mounted fingerprint sensor | Huawei has better biometric security implementation |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Barometer | Fingerprint, Accelerometer, Compass, Ultrasonic proximity virtual | S21 FE has more advanced and detailed sensor capabilities. |
2. Key Insights
Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G Strengths:
- Superior Display: The AMOLED screen with a 120Hz refresh rate and 1300 nits of brightness is a significant advantage, offering a much more vibrant and smoother viewing experience, especially in bright sunlight.
- High Performance: The Snapdragon 888 chipset provides a massive performance edge for gaming, demanding apps, and multitasking.
- Advanced Camera System: The S21 FE offers versatile cameras including a telephoto, wide-angle and 4K video capabilities with image stabilization, plus high resolution selfies, and a variety of camera features.
- Better Audio: With Dolby Atmos, stereo speakers and noise cancellation mic, the audio experience will be much more immersive
- Feature-Rich: Wireless charging, reverse wireless charging, more advanced connectivity, and a more recent Android OS with update guarantee, make this a feature packed option.
Huawei nova Y90 Strengths:
- Larger Battery: The 5000mAh battery gives the Y90 a slight edge in battery life.
- Faster Charging: The 40W fast charging is a nice perk, offering faster charging speeds.
- Better Fingerprint Sensor Location: Side-mounted fingerprint is more ergonomic.
- Lower Price: It's generally a much more budget-friendly phone.
Trade-offs and Limitations:
- S21 FE: Lacks expandable storage and the absence of a charger in the box. May have a shorter battery life than Y90 due to higher power usage.
- nova Y90: Has a much weaker chipset, lower display quality, and limited camera system.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G is Ideal For:
- Power Users: Those who need a phone that can handle demanding tasks, gaming, and multitasking smoothly.
- Multimedia Enthusiasts: Users who consume a lot of video and want a high-quality display, great audio and good camera.
- Photo and Video Creators: Users who appreciate a versatile camera system with advanced features like 4K recording and image stabilization.
- Tech Enthusiasts: Those who want a phone with all the latest features and future-proofing for software updates.
Huawei nova Y90 is Ideal For:
- Budget-Conscious Users: Those who need a decent phone without breaking the bank.
- Basic Users: People who primarily use their phone for social media, browsing, and calls.
- Users Who Prioritize Battery Life: If you need your phone to last all day, the Y90 has a large battery and a lower power chip.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three practical questions to help you decide:
- How important is performance? If you need a fast, snappy device for demanding tasks and gaming, the S21 FE is the clear winner. If performance isn't a key concern, then the Y90 is fine for basic use.
- How much do you value display and camera quality? If you care about a vibrant display with a smooth experience and want to capture high-quality videos and pictures, the S21 FE is the better choice. If these aren't your priority, the Y90's basic options will suffice.
- What is your budget? If you need to be very budget conscious, the Y90 is the more affordable option. If your budget is more flexible and you value a flagship like experience then the S21 FE is great.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- The Gamer: If you're a serious gamer, the S21 FE is the only logical choice. The Snapdragon 888 and Adreno 660 will blow the Y90 out of the water.
- The Casual User: If all you need is a phone for basic use, the Y90 is very adequate and budget friendly.
- The Social Media Content Creator: The high resolution selfie camera, the 4K and stabilized video recording, coupled with a great display, and good connectivity, make the S21 FE the better choice for content creation.
- The Battery Life Maximizer: If you prioritize battery life above all else, the Y90 has a larger battery and may be more efficient for basic tasks.
My Pick
If I had to choose, I'd go with the Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G. While the Huawei nova Y90 has its merits, especially in battery life and price, the S21 FE is in a different league when it comes to performance, display quality, camera system, audio, and overall user experience. I'm a tech enthusiast and I appreciate the smoothness, speed and versatility the S21 FE brings to my daily routine. I often shoot videos and content and I'd also value the advanced connectivity and software updates available for this model. For me, the extra investment is justified by the vastly superior user experience. It’s a more complete, future-proof device that can handle whatever I throw at it, making it the better choice for my needs and for most people willing to pay for a flagship phone experience.
