Alright, let's dive into a detailed comparison between the Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G and the Motorola Moto G04s. I'll break down the specs, explain what they mean for you, and help you figure out which phone might be the better fit.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here's a detailed look at the specifications, focusing on what they mean for real-world use:
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G | Motorola Moto G04s | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 155.7 x 74.5 x 7.9 mm | 163.5 x 74.5 x 8 mm | S21 FE slightly more compact; G04s taller but similarly sized in hand. |
| Weight | 177g | 178.8g | Negligible difference; both feel similar in weight. |
| Build | Gorilla Glass Victus | Gorilla Glass 3 | S21 FE is more resistant to scratches and breakage. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.4" | 6.56" | G04s has a marginally larger screen, but the difference is small. |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2340 | 720 x 1612 | S21 FE: Sharper text, crisper images; G04s: Lower resolution, less detail. |
| Pixel Density (PPI) | 403 | 269 | S21 FE: Noticeably sharper, clearer images; G04s: Softer, less refined. |
| Technology | AMOLED | IPS LCD | S21 FE: Superior contrast, vibrant colors, deeper blacks, better power efficiency with dark mode; G04s: Standard quality display. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 90Hz | S21 FE: Smoother scrolling, animations; G04s: Slightly less smooth. |
| Brightness | 1300 nits | 0 nits | S21 FE: Dramatically better outdoor visibility; G04s: Unknown, but likely much lower. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 888 5G (5nm) | Unisoc T606 (12nm) | S21 FE: Flagship-level performance, fast apps, great gaming; G04s: Basic, entry-level performance, suitable for simple tasks. |
| AnTuTu Score | 923,836 | 220,000 | S21 FE: Significantly faster; smooth multitasking, better graphics, good future proofing; G04s: Slow app loads, noticeable lag in performance and multitasking. |
| GPU | Adreno 660 | Mali-G57 MP1 | S21 FE: Superior for graphics-intensive tasks, better gaming performance; G04s: Basic graphics for basic games. |
| RAM | 6GB or 8GB | 4GB | S21 FE: Better multitasking, smoother performance; G04s: Can struggle with multiple open apps. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 12MP (f/1.8, 1/1.76") | 50MP (f/1.8, 1/2.76") | S21 FE: Larger sensor, better low light; G04s: Higher resolution, but potentially lower quality in some cases. |
| Telephoto+Portrait | 8MP (f/2.0) | None | S21 FE: Better zoom capabilities and portraits; G04s: None. |
| Selfie Camera | 32MP (f/2.2, 1/2.8") | 5MP (f/2.2) | S21 FE: Much higher resolution, sharper selfies; G04s: Low resolution selfie camera |
| Wide Angle + Macro | 13MP (f/2.2, 1/3.06") | None | S21 FE: Versatile shooting options; G04s: None. |
| Video | 4K@60fps, 1080p@240fps | 1080p@30fps | S21 FE: Higher resolution, smoother, more versatile video; G04s: Basic video recording. |
| DXOMark (Mobile) | 117 | Not tested | S21 FE: Great camera quality overall |
| DXOMark (Selfie) | 127 | Not tested | S21 FE: Great selfie quality |
| Features | Advanced | Basic | S21 FE: More advanced features, including Night Mode and RAW; G04s: Basic modes. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 4500mAh | 5000mAh | G04s has a larger battery; potentially longer battery life. |
| Charging | 25W Fast Charge | 15W Fast Charge | S21 FE: Faster charging speeds; G04s: Slower charging |
| Features | 15W Wireless, Reverse Wireless | None | S21 FE: Wireless charging, can charge other devices wirelessly |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 12 (upgradable to 16) | Android 14 (upgrade to 16) | G04s: Newer Android version out of the box |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6, MIMO | Wi-Fi 5 | S21 FE: Faster, more stable Wi-Fi; G04s: Standard Wi-Fi |
| Bluetooth | 5.0, Advanced Features | 5.0, Basic Features | S21 FE: Better codec support |
| GPS | Comprehensive | Standard | G04s: Standard GPS, with SUPL; S21 FE: Comprehensive GPS. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal Storage | 128 GB or 256 GB | 64 GB, 128 GB or 256 GB | Both have similar maximum storage capacities. |
| Expandable Storage | None | None | Both phones are non-expandable. |
| Audio | |||
| Audio Features | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers | Dolby Atmos | S21 FE: Superior audio experience with stereo speakers; G04s: Dolby Atmos support |
| Security | In Display fingerprint | Side Mounted fingerprint | G04s has side-mounted sensor, S21 FE has standard one. |
| Sensors | Comprehensive | Basic | S21 FE: More advanced sensors |
| ## 2. Key Insights |
Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G:
Strengths:
- Superior Display: The AMOLED panel with 120Hz refresh rate, high resolution, and peak brightness offers a significantly better viewing experience, especially in bright environments.
- Flagship Performance: The Snapdragon 888 provides excellent performance for gaming, multitasking, and demanding apps, and future-proofing.
- Advanced Camera System: Versatile triple camera setup with great image quality, excellent video capabilities, and advanced features.
- Wireless Charging: A convenient feature not found in many phones in this class, plus, it can reverse charge other devices.
- Better Build Quality: Premium Gorilla Glass Victus screen, giving you superior drop and scratch protection.
Competitive Advantages: Higher processing power, better display, superior camera system, wireless charging, more advanced connectivity, and overall higher quality build.
Motorola Moto G04s:
Strengths:
- Larger Battery: The 5000mAh battery should offer longer battery life.
- Newer Software: Comes with a newer version of Android, which may mean you get updates slightly faster, or for a longer period of time.
- Lower Price Point: Expected to be budget friendly, which is great for price-sensitive buyers.
Competitive Advantages: Longer battery life, more recent software, and lower price point.
Trade-offs:
- S21 FE: No microSD card slot, and will be more expensive.
- G04s: Significantly weaker performance, lower quality display, lower quality camera, and overall is much slower and has less advanced features than the S21 FE.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G:
- Ideal for: Power users, gamers, photography enthusiasts, and those who value a premium multimedia experience.
- Use Cases: Mobile gaming, creating content (photos and videos), heavy multitasking, watching high-resolution movies and shows, and people who need great performance.
- Value Proposition: Offers top-tier performance and features at a somewhat discounted price, making it a good value for those who need a great all rounder.
Motorola Moto G04s:
- Ideal for: Budget-conscious users, casual smartphone users, those who need a basic device for calls, texts, and light browsing.
- Use Cases: Everyday tasks, light social media, basic photography, extended battery life when away from a charger, students or first time smartphone buyers, or users who have a limited budget.
- Value Proposition: A very affordable phone that is best for those needing basic smartphone functionality on a tight budget.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three questions to help you decide:
- How much do you value performance and display quality? If you need a device for gaming, heavy multitasking, or watching high-quality content, the S21 FE is the clear choice. If your needs are more basic and you are budget conscious, the G04s will do the job for a much lower price.
- What is your budget? If you need the best quality possible and are not budget constrained, the S21 FE would be an amazing pick, but if your budget is tight, the G04s could be a better choice.
- Do you prioritize a longer battery life or a better camera system? The G04s wins with battery life, while the S21 FE offers a vastly superior camera system and wireless charging.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Budget Buyer: If you're strictly on a budget and just need a functional device, the Motorola Moto G04s is the most affordable option.
- Balanced User: If you want a good blend of performance, camera quality, and features, the Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G is a significantly better option than the G04s.
- Power User/Content Creator: If you're a heavy gamer, content creator, or just want the best possible experience, the Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G is definitely the right pick.
- Battery Life Focused: If you want the longest possible battery life and can sacrifice quality in all other areas, the Motorola Moto G04s is a good pick.
Personal Choice
For me, the choice is unequivocally the Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G. While the Moto G04s might offer slightly better battery life, the S21 FE wins in nearly every other crucial area. Its superior performance, stunning AMOLED display, advanced camera system, wireless charging, and overall premium experience make it a much better choice. The sheer difference in performance and usability is significant, and as someone who does a lot of mobile gaming, photography, content creation and app testing, the S21 FE is an absolute no-brainer pick.
