Alright, let's dive into a head-to-head comparison of the Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G and the Motorola Edge 30 Fusion. Both are strong contenders in the upper-mid-range smartphone market, but they each bring a unique set of strengths to the table. Let's break it down.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here’s a detailed look at how these two phones stack up, with a focus on what each spec means for you in real-world usage:
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G | Motorola Edge 30 Fusion | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 155.7 × 74.5 × 7.9 mm, 177g | 158.5 × 72 × 7.5 mm, 168g | Motorola is slightly taller and thinner but lighter, making it feel more sleek. S21 FE is a bit more substantial. |
| Build | Gorilla Glass Victus (screen) | Unknown | S21 FE offers superior screen protection against scratches and drops. The Edge 30 Fusion protection is unknown |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.4" | 6.55" | The Edge 30 Fusion has a slightly larger display, which can be better for media consumption. |
| Resolution | 1080x2340 | 1080x2400 | Both are sharp, but the Edge 30 Fusion's slightly higher resolution offers a bit more detail. |
| PPI | 403 | 402 | Practically identical pixel density, expect similar sharpness on both. |
| Technology | AMOLED | P-OLED | Both deliver vibrant colors and deep blacks. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 144Hz | Edge 30 Fusion's higher refresh rate provides even smoother scrolling and animations. |
| Brightness | 1300 nits | 1100 nits | S21 FE has better outdoor visibility, crucial in bright sunlight. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 888 5G (5 nm) | Snapdragon 888+ 5G (5 nm) | Edge 30 Fusion has a slightly faster chipset, but both offer excellent performance for gaming and multitasking. |
| AnTuTu Score | 923,836 | 904,900 | Both offer very similar overall performance. |
| GPU | Adreno 660 | Adreno 660 | Both phones have similar graphics performance, expect very similar gaming experiences. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 12MP, f/1.8, 1/1.76" Sony IMX555 | 50MP, f/1.8, 1/1.55" Omni OV50A | Edge 30 Fusion's main camera captures more detailed photos thanks to its higher resolution and larger sensor. |
| Telephoto | 8MP, f/2.0 Hynix HI-847 | None | S21 FE has a dedicated telephoto lens for better zoom quality. |
| Wide Angle | 13MP, f/2.2, 1/3.06" Sony IMX258 (Also Macro) | 13MP, f/2.2 | Both offer a wide angle lens, but S21 FE can also do macro shots with this lens. |
| Selfie | 32MP, f/2.2, 1/2.8" Sony IMX616 | 32MP, f/2.2, | Both offer excellent selfie quality. |
| Depth Sensor | None | 2MP, f/2.4, 1/5" OV02B1B | Edge 30 Fusion has a dedicated depth sensor for better portrait mode. |
| Video | 4K@60fps, EIS | 8K@30fps, EIS | Edge 30 Fusion records up to 8K video, giving you higher resolution footage. Both offer stabilization. |
| DXoMark | Mobile: 117, Selfie: 127 | Not tested | S21 FE has a tested and verified camera experience for both the main and selfie camera, which has high performance. |
| Features | OIS, Optical Zoom, RAW | OIS, Laser Autofocus, RAW | S21 FE offers optical zoom, while Edge 30 Fusion has laser autofocus for faster focusing. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 4500mAh | 4400mAh | Similar capacity, expect similar battery life throughout the day. |
| Charging | 25W fast charging | 68W fast charging | Edge 30 Fusion charges significantly faster. |
| Features | 15W Wireless, Reverse Charging | None | S21 FE provides more charging options and can wirelessly charge other devices. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 12 (Up to 16) | Android 12 (Up to 13) | S21 FE offers a longer software update lifecycle. |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | WiFi 6, MIMO | WiFi 6 | Both have the latest generation of WiFi, the S21 FE has MIMO for more stable connections. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 LE | 5.2 LE | Edge 30 Fusion has a newer Bluetooth version with better power efficiency and range. S21 FE has more features. |
| GPS | Standard | Standard + L1+L5 + Beidou(B1) | Motorola has better GPS, with dual-band support for more accurate location tracking. |
| SIM | Dual SIM | Dual SIM | Both support dual sim. |
| Storage & RAM | |||
| Internal Storage | 128/256GB | 128/256GB | Similar storage options, ample space for most users. |
| RAM | 6/8 GB | 8/12GB | Edge 30 Fusion offers higher RAM for heavier multitasking and better gaming performance. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone offers expandable storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Stereo, Dolby Atmos, Noise Cancellation Mic | Stereo, Dolby Atmos, 2 Mics | S21 FE has a noise cancellation mic. Edge 30 Fusion has a dual mic setup. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Basic Fingerprint Sensor | Basic Fingerprint Sensor | Both have similar fingerprint sensors for security. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Proximity, Barometer | Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Proximity | S21 FE offers a barometer sensor. |
2. Key Insights
Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G:
Strengths:
- Superior display brightness: The 1300 nits brightness makes it excellent for outdoor use.
- More versatile charging: Includes wireless charging and reverse wireless charging.
- Longer software support: Planned to receive Android updates for a longer period than the Edge 30 Fusion.
- Complete Camera System: Offers optical zoom, and a dedicated macro mode for photos.
- Enhanced Audio: With Noise cancellation mic
Competitive Advantages:
- Better for users who need a very bright display.
- Ideal for those who want a full suite of charging options.
- Better for users who value a comprehensive, feature-rich camera system.
Motorola Edge 30 Fusion:
Strengths:
- Faster charging: 68W charging allows for quick top-ups.
- Smoother display: 144Hz refresh rate provides a fluid visual experience.
- More RAM: Up to 12GB of RAM for better multitasking and gaming.
- Higher resolution video: Shoots up to 8K video.
- Better GPS: Dual-band GPS support.
Competitive Advantages:
- Ideal for users who prioritize fast charging and smooth display experiences.
- Better for heavy multitaskers and gamers.
- Better for video content creators looking for higher resolutions.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
For the Everyday User:
- Samsung S21 FE: If you value a bright display, comprehensive camera system, wireless charging, and more extended software support, this is a great choice.
- Motorola Edge 30 Fusion: If you prefer a phone with faster charging, a smoother display, and enhanced performance for gaming and multitasking, the Edge 30 Fusion is a great pick.
For the Power User:
- Samsung S21 FE: This device caters to users needing a reliable main camera with macro functionality, and wireless charging features.
- Motorola Edge 30 Fusion: Excellent for users who need top-tier multitasking capabilities and the ability to record 8K videos.
For the Photography Enthusiast:
- Samsung S21 FE: A great all-around camera system with a telephoto lens and optical zoom.
- Motorola Edge 30 Fusion: The higher resolution main sensor and 8K video make this a good pick, although no optical zoom.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three questions to help you decide:
- How important is outdoor visibility to you?
- If it’s crucial, the Samsung S21 FE with its 1300 nits display is the better choice.
- Do you value fast charging, or do you prefer wireless and reverse wireless charging?
- If you need very fast charging times, pick the Motorola Edge 30 Fusion, otherwise, the S21 FE with its additional charging options will be more versatile.
- Do you value software support and a comprehensive camera system more than pure performance?
- If yes, then the S21 FE will be ideal, if not, the Edge 30 Fusion would be best
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: You’re a heavy user who is always on the go and needs to charge their phone as quickly as possible. Recommendation: Motorola Edge 30 Fusion, for its fast charging and higher performance.
- Scenario 2: You love taking photos and need a device that works well in bright sunlight. Recommendation: Samsung Galaxy S21 FE, for its versatile camera system and excellent outdoor display.
- Scenario 3: You use your phone mostly for casual social media, emails, and watching videos but want to have better software updates. Recommendation: Samsung Galaxy S21 FE, for its good overall performance, display, camera, and software support.
My Choice
Personally, I'd choose the Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G. While the Motorola Edge 30 Fusion offers compelling advantages like faster charging and a smoother display, I prioritize a well-rounded device with a comprehensive camera system, the convenience of wireless charging, and longer software support. The higher outdoor brightness is a big win for me as well. The S21 FE strikes a good balance between performance and features, making it an all-around solid daily driver. The inclusion of a dedicated telephoto camera, the noise-canceling microphone, and extra sensors like a barometer tip the scales. It's a phone that I know will reliably cover my needs in most scenarios, for a longer period of time.
