Alright, let's break down the Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G and the Motorola Edge 40 Neo. This isn't just a spec sheet showdown; we're going to dive into how these phones feel and perform in real life. Let's get started.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here's a detailed look at the specs, including what they actually mean for you:
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G | Motorola Edge 40 Neo | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Launch Date | 2022-01-07 | 2023-09-14 | Motorola is the newer phone, so expect it to be using more up-to-date components. |
| Dimensions | 155.7 x 74.5 x 7.9 mm | 159.6 x 72 x 7.9 mm | Similar thickness; Motorola is taller, Samsung wider. May slightly impact one-handed use. |
| Weight | 177g | 170g | Motorola is lighter; may be noticeable during extended use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.4" | 6.55" | Motorola has a slightly larger screen, great for media consumption. |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2340 | 1080 x 2400 | Both are very sharp, differences are negligible in day to day usage. |
| Pixel Density | 403 PPI | 402 PPI | Both offer equally sharp and detailed image quality |
| Technology | AMOLED | P-OLED | Both use excellent display tech, providing vibrant colors and deep blacks. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 144Hz | Motorola’s higher refresh rate offers slightly smoother scrolling and animation. |
| Brightness | 1300 nits | 1300 nits | Both are incredibly bright, very usable outdoors in direct sunlight. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 888 (5nm) | Dimensity 7030 (6nm) | Snapdragon 888 is significantly more powerful, expect faster performance for heavy tasks and gaming. Dimensity is no slouch either. |
| AnTuTu Score | 923,836 | 527,666 | Samsung is much faster on benchmarks, which indicates much snappier performance in general. |
| GPU | Adreno 660 | Mali-G610 MC3 | Samsung's GPU has considerably more raw power for graphics-intensive apps and games |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 12MP, f/1.8, 1/1.76", IMX555 | 50MP, f/1.8, 1/1.55", OV50A | Motorola boasts higher resolution and larger sensor, offering potential for more detailed images and better low light performance. |
| Telephoto Camera | 8MP, f/2.0, Hynix HI-847 | None | Samsung offers optical zoom with this lens, a nice to have for portraits and other zoom related tasks. |
| Selfie Camera | 32MP, f/2.2, 1/2.8", IMX616 | 32MP, f/2.4 | Samsung offers a brighter lens for better low-light selfies. |
| Wide Angle Camera | 13MP, f/2.2, 1/3.06", IMX258 | 13MP, f/2.2 | Similar sensors for wide angle and macro photography with comparable output |
| Video | Up to 4K 60fps, HDR, EIS, 960fps | Up to 4K 30fps, EIS, 240fps | Both have capable video recording but Samsung offers more versatile options. |
| DxOMark Mobile Score | 117 | 103 | Samsung has a better performing rear camera overall. |
| DxOMark Video Score | 107 | 116 | Motorola has a slight edge on video performance. |
| DxOMark Selfie Score | 127 | N/A | Samsung has a better performing selfie camera overall. |
| Camera Features | OIS, PDAF, optical zoom | OIS, PDAF, LAF | Samsung has more versatility in camera operation, while Motorola has laser autofocus |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 4500mAh | 5000mAh | Motorola has a larger battery, expect better battery life for casual use. |
| Charging | 25W fast charging | 68W fast charging | Motorola has significantly faster charging, filling up quickly. |
| Features | 15W wireless, 4.5W reverse wireless | Non-removable | Samsung offers more charging options. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 12, upgradable to 16 | Android 13, upgradable to 15 | Motorola has a more up to date operating system out of the box, but Samsung will have a further upgrade path. |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | WiFi 6, Wi-Fi MiMO | WiFi 6 | Both support WiFi 6, Samsung also supports Wi-Fi MiMO, for faster transfer speeds. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 LE | 5.4 LE | Motorola has the newer version, offering better energy efficiency. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, SUPL, Galileo, BeiDou (B1) | Motorola has more location support. |
| SIM | Dual Nano SIM | Dual Nano SIM + eSIM | Motorola adds the flexibility of an eSIM, convenient when travelling or using multiple plans. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128/256 GB | 256 GB | Samsung offers a lower storage option. Motorola offers only 256GB. |
| RAM | 6/8 GB | 8/12 GB | Motorola offers more RAM, enabling smoother multitasking with more apps open in the background. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither offers microSD expansion. |
| Audio | |||
| Audio Features | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers, Noise cancellation mic | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers, 2 Microphones | Similar overall capabilities but Samsung has noise cancellation for calls. |
| Security | |||
| Security Features | Basic Fingerprint Sensor | Basic Fingerprint Sensor | Both have basic fingerprint sensors for unlocking the device. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 | Samsung has the better level of screen protection. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Barometer | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope | Samsung has more sensors. |
2. Key Insights
Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G Strengths:
- Superior Performance: The Snapdragon 888 chipset provides a much more powerful experience, especially noticeable in gaming and multitasking.
- Better Camera System: It has a dedicated telephoto lens with optical zoom and slightly better overall camera performance with better photo scores. The selfie camera is also stronger, according to DxOMark scores.
- More Charging Options: Supports fast wireless charging and reverse wireless charging, making it versatile for all sorts of charging needs.
- Better screen protection: With Corning Gorilla Glass Victus, the display is much more resilient.
- More Sensors: Having a barometer is nice for environmental data when hiking or camping.
Motorola Edge 40 Neo Strengths:
- Newer Design and OS: Launched later with a more updated design and Android 13.
- Longer Battery Life: Larger battery capacity means it can likely run for longer on a single charge.
- Faster Charging: 68W fast charging is incredibly quick. You will never have to wait long to get your phone up and running
- Better Low Light Camera Performance: The 50MP main camera with a larger sensor is better for low light images
- More Ram: With 12GB of ram, you will have no issues multitasking, or running intensive apps.
- Better connectivity With a newer bluetooth and more GPS sensors, the motorola provides better and more up to date connectivity options.
Trade-offs:
- Samsung: More expensive, older, and slightly less battery life. Slower charging.
- Motorola: Significantly less powerful in terms of processing and graphics, which will hinder overall performance in games and demanding tasks.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G is ideal for:
- Power Users: Gamers, video editors, and multitaskers who need high performance.
- Photography Enthusiasts: Those who want a versatile camera with optical zoom and great overall image quality.
- Users who like wireless charging and want to be able to top up other devices wirelessly.
Motorola Edge 40 Neo is ideal for:
- Casual Users: Those who need a reliable smartphone for everyday tasks, media consumption, and light gaming.
- Users who want great battery life and fast charging
- Budget-Conscious Buyers: Those who want great value for their money and do not need to game much or edit lots of videos.
- Users who want the newest software and design.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three key questions to help you choose:
- Do you prioritize performance or battery life? If performance and power is your main priority, the Samsung is a great choice. If you care about battery life and fast charging, choose the Motorola.
- How important is camera versatility and quality? The S21 FE offers a dedicated telephoto lens and better overall camera capabilities, particularly for selfies and low light situations. The Edge 40 Neo might struggle comparatively.
- What is your budget? The Samsung will almost always be more expensive, while the Motorola offers tremendous value.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Daily Commuting and Social Media:
- Motorola Edge 40 Neo: Its fantastic battery life, fast charging, and smooth display are more than enough for social media and streaming, and it's great value.
- Scenario 2: Gaming and Content Creation:
- Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G: Its superior chipset and GPU offer the best experience for gaming and editing tasks.
- Scenario 3: Photography on the go:
- Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G: Versatile camera system with telephoto zoom and great image quality.
- Scenario 4: Light everyday tasks and travel:
- Motorola Edge 40 Neo: Its fast charging and good battery life will be more convenient when traveling. The eSIM is also very helpful.
Personal Choice
If it were me choosing, I would pick the Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G. Even though it is older, I think the increase in performance that the Snapdragon 888 offers is more important than having a newer device with a lower performance chipset. I would also prefer to have the extra camera and charging options that the Samsung provides. While I value the updated OS that the Motorola offers, I think the Samsung is still very powerful and has a clear path to more software updates.
Ultimately, both of these phones are good choices, it comes down to what you value most. If you value battery life, fast charging, and a slightly newer phone with a great screen, go with the Motorola. If you value performance, camera versatility and all out power, go with the Samsung.
