Alright, let's dive into a head-to-head comparison of the Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G and the Huawei P60 Pro. I'll break down the specs, highlight the key differences, and offer a clear recommendation based on real-world implications.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here’s a detailed breakdown of the specifications, focusing on what they mean for you:
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G | Huawei P60 Pro | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Launch Date | 2022-01-07 | 2023-03-31 | The P60 Pro is a more recent device, benefiting from newer technologies. |
| Dimensions | 155.7 × 74.5 × 7.9 mm | 161 × 74.5 × 8.3 mm | The P60 Pro is slightly taller and thicker, leading to a more substantial feel. |
| Weight | 177g | 200g | The S21 FE 5G is noticeably lighter, enhancing comfort for extended use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.4" | 6.67" | The P60 Pro offers a bit more screen real estate, which can be nice for media consumption. |
| Resolution | 1080x2340 | 1220x2700 | The P60 Pro provides a sharper, more detailed visual experience. |
| PPI | 403 | 444 | The P60 Pro has a slightly higher pixel density, contributing to clearer images. |
| Technology | AMOLED | OLED | Both offer vibrant colors and deep blacks; effectively similar in user experience. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both provide smooth scrolling and animations. |
| Brightness | 1300 nits | 0 nits | The S21 FE 5G wins big here; its screen is much better for outdoor visibility, while the P60 Pro data seems incomplete. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 5G | Qualcomm Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 4G | The P60 Pro generally offers more processing power for smoother multitasking and gaming. |
| AnTuTu Score | 923,836 | 1,228,811 | The P60 Pro will feel noticeably faster in demanding tasks and games. |
| GPU | Adreno 660 | Adreno 730 | The P60 Pro has a more powerful GPU for graphics-intensive applications. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 12MP, f/1.8, 1/1.76", 1.8µm | 48MP, f/1.4, 1/1.4", 1.17µm | The P60 Pro's main sensor has higher resolution, larger size, and wider aperture, translating to better low-light performance and detail. |
| Telephoto + Portrait | 8MP, f/2.0, 1.0µm | N/A | The S21 FE offers dedicated telephoto capabilities |
| Selfie Camera | 32MP, f/2.2, 1/2.8", 0.8µm | 31MP, f/2.4 | The S21 FE has a higher resolution and wider aperture selfie cam, likely resulting in slightly better images and low light performance. |
| Telephoto Lens | N/A | 48MP, f/2.1, Omnivision sensor | The P60 Pro comes with a dedicated telephoto lens |
| Wide Angle Lens | N/A | 13MP, f/2.2 | P60 Pro has a dedicated wide angle lens |
| Wide Angle + Macro | 13MP, f/2.2, 1/3.06", 1.12µm | N/A | S21 FE comes with a dedicated wide angle and macro lens |
| Video | Up to 4K@60fps, EIS, HDR | Up to 4K@60fps, EIS | Both devices offer excellent video recording features for content creation. |
| DXOMark Score (Mobile) | 117 (Photo: 119, Video: 107) | 156 (Photo: 159, Video: 147) | The P60 Pro significantly outperforms the S21 FE in overall camera quality. |
| Camera Features | Variety, including Night Mode, RAW, OIS | More advanced, with Noise Reduction, Time-Lapse, and Laser Autofocus | The P60 Pro offers more advanced features and better autofocus systems. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 4500mAh | 4815mAh | The P60 Pro has a slightly larger battery, potentially extending its runtime. |
| Charging | 25W Fast Charging, 15W Wireless | 88W Fast Charging, 50W Wireless | The P60 Pro charges much faster, a significant time-saver. |
| Features | Wireless, Reverse Charging | Wireless Charging, Wireless Reverse Charging | Both offer wireless capabilities, but the P60 Pro offers significantly faster wireless charging |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 12 | Unknown | S21 FE runs Android, but the P60 Pro data is missing. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac/ax | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac/ax | Both have modern Wi-Fi standards. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 LE | 5.2 | The P60 Pro offers a newer version of Bluetooth. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, GPS (L1+L5), BeiDou (B1), BeiDou (B2), NavIC System, QZSS (L1 + L5) | The P60 Pro supports more satellite systems, offering more accurate location data. |
| SIM | Dual SIM Dual Standby (Nano SIM + Nano SIM) | Dual SIM Dual Standby (Nano SIM + Nano SIM) | Both support dual SIM, enabling flexible usage with two phone numbers. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128 GB or 256 GB | 256 GB or 512 GB | The P60 Pro offers significantly more internal storage. |
| RAM | 6 GB or 8 GB | 8 GB or 12 GB | The P60 Pro has more RAM, beneficial for heavy usage. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone offers expandable storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Dolby Atmos, Noise cancellation mic, Stereo Speakers | Stereo Speakers | The S21 FE has slightly superior audio features with Dolby Atmos and noise cancelling mic. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Basic fingerprint sensor | Basic fingerprint sensor | Both use similar biometric security tech. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus | Unknown | The S21 FE offers known superior screen protection |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Full Suite | Full Suite | Both devices offer comprehensive sensor packages. |
2. Key Insights
Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G
Strengths:
- Lighter and more comfortable to hold: At 177g, it's easier to manage for long periods.
- Excellent Display Brightness: Its 1300 nits display is much better for outdoor use.
- Dolby Atmos Audio: Provides a more immersive sound experience.
- Dedicated Telephoto and Macro Cameras: Provides more versatility in the camera system
- Known Screen Protection: Offers the protection of Corning Gorilla Glass Victus.
- More Bluetooth Features: Offers more Bluetooth features like A2DP, AVRCP, HID and more
Trade-offs:
- Older Chipset: Slower than the P60 Pro in processing.
- Lower Camera Scores: Does not compete in camera performance with P60 Pro.
- Slower Charging: 25W charging is considerably slower than the P60 Pro's 88W.
Huawei P60 Pro
Strengths:
- Superior Performance: Boasts a more powerful Snapdragon chipset.
- Significantly Better Camera: Higher DXOMark scores and advanced camera tech.
- Faster Charging: 88W fast charging and 50W wireless charging.
- Higher RAM Options: Comes with a 12GB RAM variant.
- More Internal Storage: Has 256GB and 512GB internal storage options.
- More Location Tracking Systems: More GPS systems for more accurate location tracking.
Trade-offs:
- Heavier: It's a bit bulkier at 200g.
- Screen Brightness: Missing data implies potentially worse performance in bright sunlight.
- Missing information for Screen Protection and OS: No information for screen protection and the OS.
- Fewer Bluetooth Features: Offers fewer Bluetooth features
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G is ideal for:
- Everyday Users: Those who value a lighter, more comfortable device.
- Budget Conscious Shoppers: Its price point is generally lower.
- Outdoor Enthusiasts: Excellent display visibility in sunlight.
- Users wanting a complete set of Bluetooth features: Wanting more features for various audio and connection options.
Huawei P60 Pro is best for:
- Photography Enthusiasts: Demanding users who want the best possible image quality.
- Performance Seekers: Gamers and multitaskers who need top-tier processing power.
- Users needing rapid charging: Anyone who needs to quickly juice up their phone.
- Users needing more internal storage: Wanting lots of space to store large files and media.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three key questions to help you decide:
- How important is camera quality to you? If photography is your priority, the P60 Pro is the clear winner.
- Do you value comfort and a lighter phone? The S21 FE 5G feels significantly better in hand due to its lighter weight and slimmer profile.
- How much do you value fast charging and raw power? The P60 Pro is substantially faster in both aspects, which could sway power users.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
Scenario 1 (Budget): If you're on a tighter budget but still want a solid all-around device, the Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G is a smart choice.
Scenario 2 (Photography Focus): If you are primarily focused on photography, the Huawei P60 Pro is the superior device.
Scenario 3 (Performance Focused): If performance and raw power are important for gaming and heavy tasks, the Huawei P60 Pro excels.
Scenario 4 (Everyday Use): If you want a solid daily driver that's lightweight, has a nice display, and good performance, the Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G is great for the average user.
My Choice
If I were choosing between these two, I would opt for the Huawei P60 Pro. While I appreciate the lighter build and known screen protection of the S21 FE 5G, the P60 Pro’s vastly superior camera, faster charging, and stronger performance are more aligned with my needs as a tech journalist and power user. The ability to capture incredibly detailed images, the convenience of its rapid charging, and its overall smoother operation for demanding tasks make it the better choice for me. The missing screen protection information is a slight concern, but the other features outweigh this.
