Alright, let's dive into a detailed comparison of the Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G and the Motorola Edge (2022). I’ll break down the specs, explore what they mean for real-world usage, and help you figure out which phone might be the best fit for you.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here's a head-to-head comparison of the key specifications, structured for clarity and with real-world implications:
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G | Motorola Edge (2022) | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Launch Date | 2022-01-07 | 2022-09-22 | Motorola is ~8.5 months newer, suggesting more recent technology. |
| Dimensions | 155.7 x 74.5 x 7.9 mm | 160.9 x 74.2 x 8 mm | Motorola is slightly taller and negligibly thinner. Overall similar hand feel. |
| Weight | 177g | 170g | Motorola is a touch lighter, potentially more comfortable for extended use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.4" | 6.6" | Motorola offers a slightly larger screen, better for media consumption. |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2340 | 1080 x 2400 | Both are very sharp. Minor difference is unlikely noticeable. |
| Pixel Density | 403 PPI | 399 PPI | Practically identical sharpness. |
| Technology | AMOLED | OLED | Both deliver vibrant colors and deep blacks. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 144Hz | Motorola's higher refresh rate provides slightly smoother scrolling and animations. |
| Brightness | 1300 nits | 0 nits | Samsung’s display is significantly brighter, much better in direct sunlight. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 888 (5 nm) | Dimensity 1050 (6 nm) | Snapdragon generally offers higher performance, particularly in demanding tasks. |
| AnTuTu Score | 923,836 | 522,375 | Samsung has significantly better performance, leading to snappier apps and better multitasking. |
| GPU | Adreno 660 | Mali-G610 MC3 | Samsung’s GPU leads to smoother graphics in high-end games and other graphic-intensive applications. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 4500mAh | 5000mAh | Motorola’s larger battery should offer better endurance between charges. |
| Charging | 25W Fast Charging | 30W Fast Charging | Motorola has a slight edge in charging speed. |
| Features | 15W Wireless, 4.5W Reverse | 15W Wireless, 5W Reverse | Both offer similar wireless/reverse charging, but Samsung includes the charger. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 12MP, f/1.8 | 50MP, f/1.8 | Motorola offers more detail due to higher resolution. Larger sensor might improve low light performance. |
| Telephoto/Portrait | 8MP, f/2.0 | None | Samsung has a dedicated telephoto, offering optical zoom. |
| Wide Angle | 13MP, f/2.2 | 13MP, f/1.5 | Motorola has a dedicated wide angle lens. |
| Macro Lens | None | 20MP, f/2.4 | Motorola has a dedicated macro camera. |
| Selfie Camera | 32MP, f/2.2 | 32MP, f/2.45 | Samsung's slightly wider aperture might result in better low-light selfies. |
| Video | 4K @ 60fps HDR | 4K @ 30fps EIS | Both record high quality video, but Samsung offers a higher framerate with 4k@60fps. |
| DXOMark Main Score | 117 | N/A | Samsung's camera quality is rated much better by DXOMark. |
| DXOMark Selfie Score | 127 | N/A | Samsung's selfie camera is rated much better by DXOMark. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 12, max 16 | Android 12, max 13 | Samsung offers longer software support, potentially longer device usability. |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | WiFi 6, MiMo | WiFi 6 | Both have WiFi 6, but Samsung has better antenna tech. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 LE | 5.2 LE | Motorola has newer tech, but Samsung has more extensive support of profiles for audio and connecting. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, SUPL, Galileo | Motorola has similar capabilities but with an added SUPL for location. |
| SIM | Dual SIM (Nano + Nano) | Dual SIM (Nano + eSIM) | Motorola is more future-proof with eSIM. Samsung offers true dual sim functionality. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128GB/256GB | 128GB/256GB | Both offer the same storage tiers, but lack of expandability is a drawback. |
| RAM | 6GB/8GB | 6GB/8GB | Both offer the same amount of RAM for multitasking. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone allows storage expansion, which can be a limitation. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers, 3 Mics | Motorola could be better for calling, due to the 3 microphones. |
| Security | |||
| Fingerprint | basic fingerprint sensor | basic fingerprint sensor | Both offer basic fingerprint sensors for security. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Protection | Gorilla Glass Victus | Gorilla Glass 3 | Samsung’s screen has significantly better scratch and shatter resistance. |
| Sensors | Biometric, Proximity, Motion, Environmental, Hall, Geomagnetic | Biometric, Proximity, Motion, Environmental, Magnetometer | Both are very comprehensive, with Samsung being better for games. |
2. Key Insights
Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G
Strengths:
- Superior Performance: The Snapdragon 888 offers significantly more power, leading to faster app loading, smoother multitasking, and better gaming.
- Brighter Display: The 1300-nit AMOLED screen is much better for outdoor visibility and HDR content consumption.
- Better Camera System: The inclusion of a telephoto lens, combined with higher DXOMark scores, indicates a superior photographic experience, with 4k60fps video.
- More Extensive Software Support: The device will have android updates to 16, longer usability.
- More Extensive Bluetooth support: The device has better bluetooth profiles for devices.
- Better Screen Protection: The device has superior screen protection (Gorilla Glass Victus vs Gorilla Glass 3).
Trade-offs:
- Older Device: Launched earlier, which means potentially older tech (though still powerful).
- Smaller Battery: Lower battery capacity than the Motorola.
- No expandable storage: Cannot be expanded.
Motorola Edge (2022)
Strengths:
- Larger Display: A slightly larger screen for immersive media consumption.
- Smoother Refresh Rate: The 144Hz refresh rate offers a slightly more fluid experience.
- Larger Battery: The 5000mAh battery means better battery life.
- Slightly faster charging: Better charging speeds.
- eSIM Support: More flexibility in terms of carrier management.
- Wide Angle and Macro Lens: The device includes a dedicated wide angle and macro lens.
- Better audio experience The device has 3 microphones, which enhances spatial audio.
- More modern Bluetooth: Bluetooth 5.2 for enhanced connection.
Trade-offs:
- Lower Performance: The Dimensity 1050 chipset doesn't match the Snapdragon 888, especially for intensive tasks.
- Significantly Dimmer Display: 0 nits display means the display will perform poorly in bright daylight.
- No Telephoto Lens: The device does not have a dedicated telephoto lens.
- Shorter software support: The device will receive updates up to android 13.
- Less Screen Protection: Gorilla Glass 3 offers less protection compared to Gorilla Glass Victus.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G:
- Power Users: Great for users who value top performance for gaming and demanding apps.
- Photography Enthusiasts: Ideal for those who need a versatile camera system with zoom capabilities.
- Outdoor Users: Best for people who spend a lot of time in bright sunlight.
- Users who value longevity: The device will have android updates to 16, longer usability.
Motorola Edge (2022):
- Media Consumers: Good for users who prioritize battery life and a slightly larger screen for watching videos.
- Casual Gamers: Suitable for users with less intensive gaming habits.
- Travelers: The addition of an eSIM and a large battery makes it a suitable travel companion.
- Price-Conscious Shoppers: Might offer a better price-to-value ratio.
- Users who value wide angle and macro lenses: The device is more suitable for these types of photography.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three practical questions to guide your decision:
How important is raw performance to you?
- If performance is crucial: Choose the Samsung S21 FE 5G.
- If you are an average user and power is not critical: The Motorola Edge (2022) might suffice.
How often are you in bright sunlight?
- If you are often outside in bright conditions: The Samsung S21 FE 5G is a must due to its significantly brighter display.
- If you spend most of the time indoors, the Motorola Edge (2022)'s display will be adequate.
How do you prioritize camera features?
- If a versatile camera system with zoom is critical: The Samsung S21 FE 5G's telephoto lens and higher DXOMark score makes it superior.
- If wide angle and macro are your most used lenses, the Motorola Edge (2022) might be a better option.
Final Recommendation
If I were choosing between these two devices, I'd lean towards the Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G, despite it being the older device. The performance difference is too significant to overlook, especially if you’re doing any kind of gaming or using demanding apps. The brighter display is also a critical factor for me, as I often find myself working outdoors or in bright environments. The superior screen protection is also a huge plus.
While the Motorola Edge (2022) offers some good trade-offs, like a larger battery and slightly smoother refresh rate, the lower performance and dimmer display would ultimately hinder my user experience.
The real decision comes down to your priorities. If battery life and the latest tech are paramount, then the Motorola Edge (2022) is a solid pick, and the trade-offs are reasonable. But for me, given that I'm a power user and a photography enthusiast, and spend a lot of time outdoors, the Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G just edges it out.
