Alright, let's dive into a detailed comparison of the Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G and the Motorola Edge 50 Fusion. I'll break down the specs, highlight the key differences, and give you a clear picture of which phone might be the better fit for you.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here’s a detailed look at the specifications, organized for easy understanding and with a focus on real-world implications:
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G | Motorola Edge 50 Fusion | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Launch Date | 2022-01-07 | 2024-05-15 | The Edge 50 Fusion is significantly newer, potentially offering longer software support and more up-to-date features. |
| Dimensions | 155.7 × 74.5 × 7.9 mm | 161.9 × 73.1 × 7.9 mm | S21 FE is a bit wider while Edge 50 Fusion is a bit taller but both have same thickness. |
| Weight | 177g | 174.9g | Both are relatively lightweight and easy to handle, with negligible difference in weight. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.4" | 6.7" | Edge 50 Fusion offers more screen real estate for media consumption and multitasking. |
| Resolution | 1080x2340 | 1080x2400 | Both provide sharp visuals, with the Edge 50 Fusion having slightly more pixels due to the larger screen |
| PPI | 403 | 393 | Both have crisp displays, but the S21 FE has a slightly higher pixel density. This translates to a minute difference in perceived sharpness. |
| Technology | AMOLED | P-OLED | Both offer vibrant colors and deep blacks, differences are subtle and often come down to manufacturer calibration. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both have smooth scrolling and fluid animations. Ideal for gaming and fast-paced content. |
| Brightness | 1300 nits | 1600 nits | The Edge 50 Fusion provides superior outdoor visibility in bright sunlight. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 5G (5 nm) | Qualcomm Snapdragon 7s Gen 2 (4 nm) | S21 FE’s Snapdragon 888 offers higher performance for demanding apps and games, while the 7s Gen 2 is more power efficient for everyday tasks. |
| AnTuTu Score | 923,836 | 776,541 | S21 FE has a noticeable edge in raw performance, making it more suitable for graphically intensive apps. |
| GPU | Adreno 660 | Adreno 710 | The Adreno 660 on the S21 FE handles high-end gaming better. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 4500mAh | 5000mAh | Edge 50 Fusion has a larger battery, likely resulting in longer usage between charges. |
| Charging | 25W | 68W | Edge 50 Fusion charges significantly faster, great for topping up quickly. |
| Features | Wireless charging 15W, Reverse wireless charging 4.5W | None | S21 FE provides more charging options including wireless charging and reverse wireless charging. |
| Camera | |||
| Standard Camera Res | 12MP | 50MP | Edge 50 Fusion captures more detail, especially in good lighting. |
| Standard Camera Sensor Size | 1/1.76" | 1/1.56" | Edge 50 Fusion gathers more light, resulting in improved low-light performance. |
| Telephoto Camera | 8MP, f/2.0 | None | S21 FE offers telephoto zoom, which is absent on the Edge 50 Fusion. |
| Selfie Camera Res | 32MP, f/2.2 | 32MP, f/2.45 | Both offer high-res selfies but, S21 FE might perform slightly better due to wider aperture and a larger sensor |
| Selfie Camera Sensor Size | 1/2.8" | 1/3.14" | S21 FE may have an edge in low-light selfies due to the bigger sensor. |
| Wide Angle Camera Sensor Size | 1/3.06" | 1/3" | Edge 50 Fusion may perform slightly better in low-light wide angle shots |
| Video | 4K@60fps with HDR, EIS | 4K@30fps with EIS | S21 FE has a higher framerate in 4K for smoother videos. |
| DxOMark Score (Mobile) | 117 | Not Available | S21 FE has a known score indicating its strong camera capabilities. |
| DxOMark Score (Selfie) | 127 | Not Available | S21 FE has a known score indicating its strong selfie capabilities. |
| Camera Features | Optical Zoom, Triple Camera | Time-Lapse, Dual Capture, Dual Camera | S21 FE offers zoom and versatility, while the Edge 50 Fusion has time-lapse and other software tricks. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 12 (Upgradable to 16) | Android 14 (Upgradable to 17) | Edge 50 Fusion comes with a newer version of Android, and therefore may have a longer software support lifecycle. |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | Wi-Fi 6 | Wi-Fi 6E | Edge 50 Fusion supports newer Wi-Fi standard for faster internet speeds and less interference |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.0 | Bluetooth 5.3 | Edge 50 Fusion has a newer version of Bluetooth for better connectivity and power efficiency. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, SUPL, Galileo, GPS (L1+L5), Galileo (E1+E5a), NavIC System | Edge 50 Fusion offers more precise location tracking by supporting more satellite systems. |
| SIM | Dual Nano SIM | Dual Nano SIM + eSIM | Edge 50 Fusion offers the flexibility of an eSIM in addition to the dual Nano SIM. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128/256 GB | 128/256/512 GB | Edge 50 Fusion has an edge in higher storage capacity variant, for users who want more storage. |
| RAM | 6/8 GB | 8/12 GB | Edge 50 Fusion has more RAM for smoother multitasking and gaming. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone supports microSD card expansion. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers, Noise cancellation mic | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers, 2 microphones | Both provide great audio experiences, but S21 FE gives better calls quality with the inclusion of noise cancellation mic. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Fingerprint sensor | Fingerprint sensor | Both offer basic biometric security through fingerprint sensor. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 | S21 FE offers superior screen protection. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Barometer | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope | S21 FE includes additional environmental sensors useful for specialized apps. |
2. Key Insights
Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G:
- Strengths: Superior performance with the Snapdragon 888, a more versatile camera system with optical zoom, wireless charging, and a higher DxOMark score. Great display protection with Gorilla Glass Victus.
- Competitive Advantages: Better performance for demanding tasks, higher quality zoom, and more advanced camera features overall, with known scores in the DxOMark.
- Trade-offs: Older device, may receive fewer software updates, slightly smaller battery, and slower charging.
Motorola Edge 50 Fusion:
- Strengths: Newer device with Android 14 and likely longer software support, larger battery with significantly faster charging, a larger and brighter display, newer Bluetooth and WiFi standards, and better location tracking capabilities.
- Competitive Advantages: Longer battery life, much faster charging, better display brightness, newer OS and better connectivity.
- Trade-offs: Lower performance, lacks telephoto lens and wireless charging, and no DxOMark Scores.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
- Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G:
- Best for: Users who need a powerful device for gaming, video editing, and other demanding tasks. Also, for those who value camera versatility, wireless charging, and a robust build.
- Use Cases: Ideal for mobile gamers, content creators, and photographers who want good zoom and video features.
- Motorola Edge 50 Fusion:
- Best for: Users who prioritize a long-lasting battery, fast charging, a bright display, and a newer operating system. Good for everyday use and multimedia consumption.
- Use Cases: Perfect for users who need their phone to last all day, want a great display for streaming, or for those who want the latest software and connectivity.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three questions to help you decide:
Do you need peak performance for gaming or heavy multitasking?
- If yes, the S21 FE’s Snapdragon 888 is the better choice.
- If no, the Edge 50 Fusion's Snapdragon 7s Gen 2 should be adequate for everyday use.
Is fast charging and long battery life more important than a versatile camera and wireless charging?
- If yes, the Edge 50 Fusion is the better pick with faster charging and a bigger battery.
- If no, the S21 FE offers wireless charging and good camera quality with optical zoom.
Do you want a more future-proof device with the latest software, Bluetooth and Wi-Fi standards?
- If yes, the Edge 50 Fusion is the newer phone with Android 14, faster Bluetooth, and newer Wi-Fi 6E.
- If no, the S21 FE still offers good connectivity and performance with its older version of software and standards.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- The Power User: If you’re a gamer or a professional who needs a high-performance device, the Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G is the better pick.
- The On-the-Go User: If you need a device that can last all day, charges fast, and has a bright screen for outdoor use, the Motorola Edge 50 Fusion is a more practical option.
- The Casual User: For general everyday usage, both phones are good, but the Motorola Edge 50 Fusion offers the latest software, better display, better battery and faster charging.
- The Camera Enthusiast: If you really value a good zoom lens and overall best-rated camera experience, you should go with the Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G.
What I Would Choose and Why
Personally, I would lean towards the Motorola Edge 50 Fusion. Here's why:
As a tech journalist and analyst, I'm constantly on the go and need a device that can keep up. The Edge 50 Fusion’s combination of a larger and brighter screen, excellent battery life, incredibly fast charging, and the latest software is compelling for my needs. Although the S21 FE has a more powerful chipset and a more versatile camera system with optical zoom, the difference in performance and camera capability isn’t enough to outweigh the practical advantages that the Edge 50 Fusion brings to the table. I value having a phone that I don’t have to worry about constantly plugging in during my long days of reviewing phones and writing content, and the Edge 50 Fusion seems to be a practical and sensible choice for that. Ultimately, I need a reliable, efficient phone that is well-suited for daily use, and the Edge 50 Fusion appears to be the best fit for my needs.
It's all about what features matter most to you, but with those needs in mind, the Motorola Edge 50 Fusion comes out on top for me.
