Okay, let's dive deep into a head-to-head comparison of the Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G and the Motorola Edge 50 Pro. I'll break down the specs, analyze their real-world implications, and help you decide which phone might be your perfect match.
1. Specifications Breakdown
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G | Motorola Edge 50 Pro | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Launch Date | 2022-01-07 | 2024-04-08 | The Edge 50 Pro is a significantly newer device, potentially having longer software update support. |
| Dimensions | 155.7 x 74.5 x 7.9 mm | 161.2 x 72.4 x 8.2 mm | The Edge 50 Pro is taller and slightly thicker, the S21 FE is wider; the difference will be noticeable in hand feel. |
| Weight | 177g | 186g | The S21 FE is slightly lighter, which might be preferable for extended single-handed use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.4" | 6.7" | The Edge 50 Pro offers a slightly larger screen for more immersive media consumption. |
| Resolution | 1080x2340 | 1220x2712 | The Edge 50 Pro has a sharper display, resulting in crisper text and images, it's around 30% more pixels. |
| PPI | 403 | 446 | Higher PPI on the Edge 50 Pro means finer details and less pixelation. |
| Technology | AMOLED | P-OLED | Both offer vibrant colors and deep blacks; the real difference is negligible. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 144Hz | The Edge 50 Pro provides smoother scrolling and animations, especially noticeable in fast-paced games. |
| Brightness | 1300 nits | 2000 nits | Significantly higher brightness on the Edge 50 Pro, vastly improving outdoor visibility. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 888 5G (5 nm) | Snapdragon 7 Gen 3 (4 nm) | The S21 FE's older flagship chip provides slightly better raw benchmark performance; while the Gen 3 might be more efficient. |
| AnTuTu Score | 923,836 | 866,863 | The S21 FE scores higher on AnTuTu, suggesting a slight edge in heavy-duty tasks, although it's not massive. |
| GPU | Adreno 660 | Adreno 720 | The Edge 50 Pro’s newer GPU has better overall capabilities for gaming. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 4500mAh | 4500mAh | Both have the same battery capacity, indicating similar battery life potential under typical usage patterns. |
| Charging | 25W Fast Charging | 125W Fast Charging | The Edge 50 Pro charges significantly faster, a huge convenience if you’re frequently on the go. |
| Wireless Charging | 15W | 50W | The Edge 50 Pro offers much faster wireless charging, but keep in mind you'll need a higher-powered charger for that. |
| Reverse Charging | 4.5W | 10W | The Edge 50 Pro can wirelessly charge other devices faster, albeit still fairly slow. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 12MP, f/1.8, 1/1.76" | 50MP, f/1.4 | Edge 50 Pro's main camera offers higher resolution and wider aperture, potentially better low light performance. |
| Telephoto/Portrait | 8MP, f/2.0 | None | S21 FE has a dedicated telephoto lens for better zoom and portrait shots. |
| Selfie Camera | 32MP, f/2.2, 1/2.8" | 50MP, f/1.9 | Edge 50 Pro has a higher-resolution selfie camera with a wider aperture for better low light selfies. |
| Telephoto Lens | None | 10MP, f/2.0 | Edge 50 Pro includes a 10MP telephoto lens for optical zoom and better portrait mode. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 13MP, f/2.2 | 13MP, f/2.2 | Edge 50 Pro includes a wide angle lens, the S21 FE has a combined wide angle and macro lens. |
| Macro Lens | 13MP, f/2.2 | None | S21 FE has a dedicated macro lens, while the Edge 50 Pro is missing it. |
| Video Recording | 4K@60fps, 1080p@240fps | 4K@30fps, 1080p@120fps | S21 FE supports higher framerate video recording at 4K/60fps and 240fps slow motion. |
| DXOMARK | Mobile:117, Selfie: 127 | N/A | S21 FE has a DXOMARK score, Edge 50 Pro doesn't. Note that newer devices can't be compared easily with older ones. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 12 (upgradable to 16) | Android 14 (upgradable to 17) | Edge 50 Pro comes with a newer version of Android, meaning longer update support. |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | WiFi 6 | WiFi 7 | Edge 50 Pro supports the latest WiFi 7 standard for the best networking experience. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.4 | Edge 50 Pro has a newer and more efficient Bluetooth version. |
| GPS | Standard | Enhanced | Edge 50 Pro has more satellite support leading to better accuracy for location based apps. |
| SIM | Dual Nano SIMs | Nano SIM + eSIM | The Edge 50 Pro supports a versatile eSIM for easy carrier switching. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal Storage | 128/256 GB | 256/512/1024 GB | The Edge 50 Pro offers more generous storage options, up to 1TB. |
| RAM | 6/8 GB | 12/16 GB | The Edge 50 Pro has significantly more RAM, improving multitasking. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone supports expandable storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Audio | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers | Both phones deliver great audio quality for media consumption. |
| Additional Audio | Noise cancellation microphone | 3 microphones | S21 FE features Noise cancellation microphone, while the Edge 50 Pro comes with 3 microphones. |
| Security | |||
| Security Features | Fingerprint sensor | Fingerprint sensor | Both phones offer the standard fingerprint sensor, it's unclear if the implementation is different. |
| Build | |||
| Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus | Both devices have similar protection in terms of screen. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Barometer, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Fingerprint, Proximity | Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Fingerprint, Proximity | The S21 FE offers extra sensors in terms of a Barometer. |
2. Key Insights
Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G Strengths:
- Stronger Raw Performance: The Snapdragon 888 provides slightly better raw processing power, which is great for demanding tasks, and better video recording.
- Telephoto Lens: The dedicated telephoto lens gives an edge in zoom and portrait photography.
- DXOMark Scores: The S21 FE has a DXOMARK score which is great for quick comparison.
- Extra Sensor: Includes a Barometer, which is great for advanced functionality.
Motorola Edge 50 Pro Strengths:
- Newer Technology: The Edge 50 Pro boasts a newer chipset, display, and connectivity features.
- Better Display: Significantly brighter and higher resolution screen, better suited for viewing in different light conditions.
- Faster Charging: The 125W fast charging is a game-changer for quick top-ups, and it comes with a faster wireless charging and reverse wireless charging.
- Superior Camera System: Higher resolution sensors, a wider aperture main camera, and a dedicated telephoto lens, along with a wider angle lens for increased versatility, great for capturing various types of images.
- More RAM and Storage: Significantly larger RAM and storage options for smoother performance and more digital media.
- Future-Proof Connectivity: The latest WiFi 7 and Bluetooth 5.4 standards ensure the fastest possible networking experience.
- More up-to-date Android Version: Comes with Android 14 and will be upgraded to 17.
- eSIM: eSIM support for easy carrier switching.
Trade-offs and Limitations:
- S21 FE: Older chipset, slower charging, a slightly smaller, and less bright display, less RAM/Storage.
- Edge 50 Pro: Slightly weaker raw performance, no macro lens, slow motion is capped at 120 FPS, no DXOMARK scores, and heavier.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G:
- Power Users on a Budget: If you need solid performance for demanding apps and are willing to compromise on some newer features to save on price, this might be suitable.
- Photography Enthusiasts: Those that prioritize zoom and portrait photography, and want to use the macro lens, will appreciate the S21 FE's dedicated telephoto lens.
- Users who need Barometer: If you want to have this feature, the S21 FE is for you.
Motorola Edge 50 Pro:
- Media Consumption Lovers: Perfect for anyone who streams a lot of content due to its vibrant, high-resolution display and excellent audio.
- On-the-Go Professionals: The rapid 125W charging and newer connectivity features make it ideal for users always on the move.
- Multitaskers: The abundance of RAM ensures smooth performance even when running multiple apps.
- Casual Photographers The camera system will provide impressive photos in most scenarios.
- Users who want eSIM if you want to switch between carriers.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three questions to help you decide:
Do you need the fastest charging possible? If yes, the Motorola Edge 50 Pro's 125W charging is a clear win.
Is low-light photography or video important? If it is, the wider aperture main camera of the Edge 50 Pro is better.
How much multitasking and storage do you need? If your workflow includes multiple apps or you have a large media library, the Edge 50 Pro with its large RAM and storage is preferable.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- The Budget Gamer/Heavy User: Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G will offer the better raw performance for demanding apps/games.
- The Media Junkie/On-the-Go Professional: Motorola Edge 50 Pro is an excellent option thanks to the superior display, faster charging, better selfie camera, and newer features.
- The Frequent Traveler: Motorola Edge 50 Pro wins again with its quick charging, eSIM support, better GPS and excellent display.
- The Casual Photographer: Motorola Edge 50 Pro offers better performance and versatility for taking pictures.
My Choice
For me, the Motorola Edge 50 Pro is the clear winner. While I appreciate the S21 FE’s raw performance and dedicated telephoto lens, the Edge 50 Pro's significantly better display, blazing-fast charging, a more capable main camera, and more RAM/Storage simply outweigh the S21 FE’s advantages. The added benefit of a more modern software version (Android 14 vs 12) and the inclusion of a versatile eSIM for easy carrier switching make the Edge 50 Pro feel like the more future-proof device.
While the S21 FE might be appealing on a budget, I believe the investment in the Edge 50 Pro is worth it for a more refined, modern, and practical daily user experience. It hits all the right notes in display, camera, and fast charging, which are important aspects for my usage. It feels like a phone that will comfortably handle my needs for years to come, and I'm okay with the slight drop in processing power.
