Alright, let's dive deep into a head-to-head comparison of the Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G and the Motorola Edge 30 Neo. As a tech journalist, my aim is to cut through the marketing jargon and provide you with the real-world implications of each phone's specs, helping you decide which fits best into your life.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here's a detailed look at how these phones stack up, with a focus on what these specs mean for you:
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G | Motorola Edge 30 Neo | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 155.7 × 74.5 × 7.9 mm | 152.9 × 71.2 × 7.8 mm | S21 FE is slightly larger and wider, the Edge 30 Neo is more compact |
| Weight | 177g | 155g | Edge 30 Neo is noticeably lighter, better for extended use |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.4" | 6.28" | S21 FE offers slightly more screen real estate |
| Resolution | 1080x2340 | 1080x2400 | Both are sharp, Edge 30 Neo has a slightly taller aspect ratio |
| Pixel Density | 403 PPI | 419 PPI | Virtually identical sharpness |
| Technology | AMOLED | P-OLED | Both deliver vibrant colors and deep blacks |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Smooth scrolling and animations on both phones |
| Brightness | 1300 nits | 0 nits | S21 FE has superior outdoor visibility, Edge 30 Neo's brightness not listed |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 888 (5nm) | Snapdragon 695 (6nm) | S21 FE offers a flagship-level performance increase |
| Antutu Score | 923,836 | 425,200 | S21 FE is significantly faster, great for gaming and heavy tasks |
| GPU | Adreno 660 | Adreno 619 | S21 FE’s GPU offers higher graphics performance |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 4500mAh | 4020mAh | S21 FE has a slightly larger battery for longer usage |
| Charging | 25W Fast Charging | 68W Fast Charging, 5W Wireless | Edge 30 Neo charges much faster; Edge 30 Neo has Wireless Charging while S21 FE also has wireless charging but with a higher 15W |
| Battery Features | Reverse Charging, 15W Wireless Charging, 4.5W Reverse Wireless Charging | 5W Wireless Charging | S21 FE offers more versatile charging features, excluding a charger in-box |
| Camera | |||
| Standard | 12MP, f/1.8, 1/1.76" | 64MP, f/1.8, 1/2" | Edge 30 Neo has higher resolution, S21 FE has a larger sensor for potentially better low-light |
| Telephoto | 8MP, f/2.0 | None | S21 FE includes a telephoto lens for better zoom capability |
| Selfie | 32MP, f/2.2, 1/2.8" | 32MP, f/2.4 | S21 FE has a slightly wider aperture for better selfies |
| Wide Angle | 13MP, f/2.2 | 13MP, f/2.2 | Similar wide-angle lens on both phones |
| Video | Up to 4K 60fps | Up to 1080p 120fps | S21 FE can record higher resolution videos |
| DXOMark Scores | Mobile: 117, Selfie: 127 | Not tested | S21 FE has a good track record in camera performance |
| Camera Features | Optical Zoom, Triple Camera, RAW, Night Mode | Laser Autofocus, Dual Camera | S21 FE offers a more versatile camera system while the Edge 30 Neo has a laser autofocus and Dual Camera |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 12, Max 16 | Android 12, Max 15 | Both start with Android 12, S21 FE has a year longer of OS upgrades |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | WiFi 6 | WiFi 5 | S21 FE has a newer WiFi standard for faster speeds |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.0 | Bluetooth 5.1 | Edge 30 Neo has slightly newer Bluetooth |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, SUPL, Galileo | S21 FE supports Beidou for improved location |
| SIM | Dual SIM | Dual SIM | Both phones support dual SIM usage |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128/256 GB | 128/256 GB | Identical storage options on both phones |
| RAM | 6/8 GB | 8 GB | Edge 30 Neo comes with 8 GB RAM which is adequate for most users |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone supports microSD storage |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Dolby Atmos, Noise cancelling mic, Stereo Speakers | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers, 2 Microphones | S21 FE offers better audio capabilities with the noise cancelling microphone; the Edge 30 Neo offers two microphones |
| Security | |||
| Features | Fingerprint | Fingerprint | Both offer basic fingerprint security |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Gorilla Glass Victus | Unknown | S21 FE has superior screen protection |
| Sensors | Biometric: Fingerprint; Proximity: Proximity; Motion: Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope; Environmental: Barometer | Biometric: Fingerprint; Proximity: Proximity; Motion: Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope | S21 FE has additional sensors such as Barometer, Hall, Geomagnetic |
2. Key Insights
Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G
- Strengths: This phone is a powerhouse, featuring the Snapdragon 888 for top-tier performance, better screen brightness for outdoor usage, a telephoto camera for zoom, a higher-resolution video recording capability and it has slightly more battery power. It also has the more robust Gorilla Glass Victus screen protection and wireless charging.
- Competitive Advantages: The S21 FE offers flagship-level performance at a more accessible price point. Its camera setup is more versatile with a telephoto lens and better video capabilities. It has great screen brightness and good screen protection.
- Trade-offs: It’s slightly bulkier and heavier than the Motorola Edge 30 Neo, and might not be as comfortable for prolonged use if you value a lightweight device. It also has slower charging than the Edge 30 Neo and lacks a charger in-box.
Motorola Edge 30 Neo
- Strengths: The Edge 30 Neo shines with its lighter and more compact design. It boasts faster 68W charging and includes a wireless charging feature.
- Competitive Advantages: Its sleek design and more compact size make it a great choice for those who prioritize ergonomics. The 68W fast charging is also a big advantage for people who need to top up their phones quickly.
- Trade-offs: The major compromise here is the performance, with the Snapdragon 695 being notably less powerful than the S21 FE's Snapdragon 888. It also lacks telephoto lens and has lower screen brightness. It has similar camera quality with a better sensor in the main camera, but its video recording capabilities are lower in resolution than on the S21 FE.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G is best for:
- Gamers and power users: Those who demand smooth, lag-free performance and top-notch graphics.
- Photography enthusiasts: Users who value a versatile camera system with telephoto zoom and higher video resolutions.
- Outdoor users: Anyone needing a screen that's clearly visible under bright sunlight.
Motorola Edge 30 Neo is best for:
- Everyday users: Those who want a lightweight and stylish phone for daily tasks.
- Fast-paced individuals: People who prioritize quick charging and who appreciate a compact, easy-to-handle device.
- Budget-conscious buyers: Those seeking a good balance of features and a sleek design without the highest price tag.
4. Buying Decision Framework
To help you decide, ask yourself these questions:
- How important is raw performance? If you're gaming or running demanding apps, the S21 FE is the clear choice. For lighter tasks, the Edge 30 Neo is adequate.
- Do you prioritize a lighter design or better battery life? The Edge 30 Neo is the lightweight champ with faster charging, while the S21 FE has a slightly bigger battery.
- How much does camera versatility matter? If you need a telephoto lens and better video capabilities, the S21 FE wins hands down. If you are mainly using a point and shoot camera, the Edge 30 Neo will suit your needs.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- The Gamer: Go for the Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G for its powerful chipset and superior graphics.
- The Busy Professional: The Motorola Edge 30 Neo will keep you going with its fast charging and lighter design.
- The Casual Photographer: Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G is a great all-round phone, but the Motorola Edge 30 Neo is fine if photography is not critical.
- The Outdoor Enthusiast: The Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G's brighter display will help you in bright sunny conditions.
What I would Choose and Why
Personally, I would pick the Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G. While I appreciate the lightweight and sleek design of the Motorola Edge 30 Neo, and the faster charging times are definitely a draw, my needs lean towards the raw processing power of the Snapdragon 888. As someone who frequently edits videos and occasionally games on my phone, the S21 FE's performance advantages are too significant to ignore. The better screen brightness is also a big plus, as I often use my phone outdoors, and the more versatile camera is something that I find invaluable for documenting my life. Even though the 68W fast charging and a charger in-box would be convenient with the Edge 30 Neo, I'm willing to trade it for the superior all-round performance and screen capabilities that the Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G offers. The addition of the telephoto lens and the higher video resolution capabilities are a big bonus as well.
