Okay, let's break down the Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G and the Motorola Edge 50 Ultra. We'll go beyond the spec sheet and dive into what these differences really mean for you, the user.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here's a detailed comparison table, focusing on practical implications:
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G | Motorola Edge 50 Ultra | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Launch Date | 2022-01-07 | 2024-05-15 | The Edge 50 Ultra is much newer, likely with more refined tech and software. |
| Dimensions | 155.7 x 74.5 x 7.9 mm | 161.1 x 72.4 x 8.6 mm | S21 FE is slightly wider, while the Edge 50 Ultra is taller and a bit thicker, might feel different in the hand. |
| Weight | 177g | 197g | S21 FE is notably lighter, better for extended use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.4" | 6.7" | Edge 50 Ultra provides a slightly larger viewing area, better for media consumption. |
| Resolution | 1080x2340 | 1220x2712 | Edge 50 Ultra offers a sharper and more detailed display. |
| Pixel Density (PPI) | 403 | 446 | Edge 50 Ultra has a slightly clearer, less pixelated display. |
| Technology | AMOLED | P-OLED | Both offer great colors and deep blacks, with the Edge 50 Ultra possibly being slightly brighter. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 144Hz | Edge 50 Ultra has a noticeably smoother scrolling experience, especially in games. |
| Brightness (nits) | 1300 | 2500 | Edge 50 Ultra is significantly brighter, highly readable in direct sunlight. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 888 (5nm) | Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 (4nm) | Edge 50 Ultra's newer chip offers significantly better performance and efficiency. |
| AnTuTu Score | 923,836 | 1,523,879 | Edge 50 Ultra provides noticeably faster performance in apps, games, and multitasking. |
| GPU | Adreno 660 | Adreno 735 | Edge 50 Ultra's GPU is more powerful, better for demanding graphical tasks and gaming. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 12MP, f/1.8 | 50MP, f/1.6 | Edge 50 Ultra has higher resolution and a slightly wider aperture, better in low light. |
| Telephoto Camera | 8MP | 64MP | Edge 50 Ultra has a much higher resolution telephoto lens which is not available in S21 FE. |
| Wide Angle Camera | 13MP | 50MP | Edge 50 Ultra has higher resolution and a wide angle lens which is not available in S21 FE. |
| Front Camera | 32MP, f/2.2 | 50MP, f/1.9 | Edge 50 Ultra has a higher resolution sensor, and a wider aperture. |
| Video Recording | Up to 4k 60fps | Up to 4k 60fps | Both offer similar video quality, but the Edge 50 Ultra might have a slight edge due to its superior sensors. |
| DxOMark Mobile Score | 117 | 146 | The Edge 50 Ultra is significantly superior in camera performance based on DxOMark testing. |
| DxOMark Selfie Score | 127 | N/A | S21 FE's front facing camera has been tested, but the Edge 50 Ultra has not been tested by DxOMark. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 4500mAh | 4500mAh | Both offer similar battery capacity for all-day use. |
| Charging | 25W | 125W | Edge 50 Ultra charges dramatically faster, which means less time plugged in. |
| Wireless Charging | 15W | 50W | The Edge 50 Ultra has significantly faster wireless charging. |
| Reverse Wireless Charging | 4.5W | 10W | The Edge 50 Ultra has slightly faster reverse wireless charging. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 12 (up to 16) | Android 14 (up to 17) | Edge 50 Ultra has the newest OS and will likely receive updates longer. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | WiFi 6 | WiFi 7 | Edge 50 Ultra offers the latest Wi-Fi standard, better speeds, and reliability. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.4 | Edge 50 Ultra has a more efficient version with better performance for wireless devices. |
| GPS | Standard GPS | Advanced GPS | Edge 50 Ultra has support for more satellite systems for increased location accuracy. |
| SIM | Dual Nano SIM | Dual Nano SIM + eSIM | Edge 50 Ultra supports a digital SIM for easy carrier switching. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal Storage | 128/256 GB | 512/1024 GB | Edge 50 Ultra provides significantly more storage for all your files and apps. |
| RAM | 6/8 GB | 12/16 GB | Edge 50 Ultra offers more RAM for smoother multitasking and running demanding apps. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone allows for additional storage via microSD card. |
2. Key Insights
Motorola Edge 50 Ultra Strengths:
- Performance Powerhouse: The newer Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 chipset and Adreno 735 GPU give the Edge 50 Ultra a massive performance edge in everyday tasks, gaming, and multitasking. It's a more future-proof choice.
- Superior Display: The higher resolution, refresh rate, and significantly higher brightness of the Edge 50 Ultra's P-OLED display make it noticeably better for media consumption and outdoor visibility.
- Camera Advantage: Edge 50 Ultra has better main camera sensor, it also includes dedicated telephoto and wide angle lens, which is not available in the Samsung S21 FE.
- Lightning-Fast Charging: The 125W charging capability is a game-changer, topping up the battery in a fraction of the time compared to the S21 FE. It has a very fast 50W wireless charging compared to the S21 FE's 15W.
- Software Support: Launching with Android 14, the Edge 50 Ultra will get the newer software upgrades compared to Samsung's device.
- Connectivity: The newest Wi-Fi standard, enhanced Bluetooth, and more advanced GPS means it provides better and faster connections.
Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G Strengths:
- Lighter and More Compact: The S21 FE is more comfortable to hold and use for extended periods, thanks to its lighter weight.
- Good Overall Performance: The Snapdragon 888 still provides good performance for the average user.
- Still Capable Camera: Its camera system has good performance, but it lacks dedicated telephoto and wide angle lens.
- Competitive DxOMark Selfies: The S21 FE's front-facing camera was tested by DxOMark, while the Edge 50 Ultra was not.
- Price: It's likely to be more budget-friendly given it's an older model.
Trade-offs:
- The S21 FE lags behind in processing power, display quality, charging speeds, and camera versatility compared to the Edge 50 Ultra.
- Neither phone has expandable storage, which might be a limitation for heavy media users.
- Edge 50 Ultra is slightly heavier and thicker, which might be a drawback for some.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
Motorola Edge 50 Ultra is best for:
- Power Users: Those who want the best performance, whether for gaming, video editing, or running demanding apps.
- Media Lovers: Individuals who frequently watch videos, play games, and appreciate a high-quality display with a vibrant, sharp screen.
- Photography Enthusiasts: Users who seek a versatile and high-quality camera system with good low-light performance.
- On-the-Go Professionals: People who need fast charging and a reliable, high-performance device that can keep up with their fast-paced lifestyles.
Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G is best for:
- Value-Conscious Buyers: Those looking for a solid all-around device at a more affordable price point.
- Light to Moderate Users: People who don't need the absolute best performance but want a reliable, smooth experience for daily tasks.
- Comfort-Focused Users: Those who prioritize a lightweight and compact phone for one-handed use.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three key questions to ask yourself:
- How important is performance? If you're a power user, the Edge 50 Ultra's superior chipset is essential. If you're a casual user, the S21 FE's performance is still acceptable.
- How often do you take photos and videos? If you are serious about mobile photography, the Edge 50 Ultra's camera system is superior. If you are not serious about taking photos, the S21 FE is acceptable.
- What's your budget? If you want to save money and the Edge 50 Ultra's features are not necessary, the S21 FE may be a better option.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Gaming on the Go: The Edge 50 Ultra is the clear winner. Its processor, GPU, and high refresh rate will provide the best gaming experience.
- Photography Buff: The Edge 50 Ultra with its higher resolution, multiple lenses and better sensor, will give you more versatility and quality in a variety of conditions.
- Everyday User on a Budget: The Samsung S21 FE 5G is a good option that offers a solid experience without breaking the bank.
- Heavy Media Consumption: The Edge 50 Ultra offers the better display with its greater brightness, higher resolution and refresh rate for watching videos and browsing the internet.
Final Thoughts
If budget isn't your primary concern, the Motorola Edge 50 Ultra is the superior device. Its cutting-edge performance, exceptional display, excellent camera capabilities, fast charging, and future-proof software and connectivity, make it the clear winner. The Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G is a solid contender, but it's showing its age. It remains a decent option for those who are on a tighter budget or simply prioritize a lighter and more compact design and don't require top-tier performance.
My Choice
If I were buying a phone today, I would choose the Motorola Edge 50 Ultra. For me, the advancements in processing power, display quality, camera versatility, and charging speed are worth the premium. I am a power user and appreciate the additional capabilities it offers. I also value the more up-to-date technology that will likely translate to better longevity and support. While I like the compactness of the S21 FE, the benefits of the Motorola are too compelling to ignore.
