Okay, let's break down the Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G and the Motorola Moto G24. It's a classic battle of flagship-lite versus budget-friendly, and understanding their differences is key to choosing the right phone.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here's a detailed comparison of the key specs, focusing on what they actually mean for you:
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G | Motorola Moto G24 | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 155.7 × 74.5 × 7.9 mm | 163.5 × 74.5 × 8 mm | S21 FE is more compact. G24 is taller but same width. |
| Weight | 177g | 181g | Virtually the same, both comfortable in-hand. |
| Build | Standard | Standard | Both are standard slab smartphones. |
| Screen Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus | Unknown | S21 FE has much better scratch and impact resistance. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.4" | 6.56" | G24 has a slightly larger display, a very marginal difference. |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2340 (FHD+) | 720 x 1612 (HD+) | S21 FE has a much sharper display with noticeably clearer text and images. |
| Pixel Density (PPI) | 403 | 269 | S21 FE's screen is significantly sharper and less pixelated. |
| Technology | AMOLED | IPS LCD | S21 FE: Richer colors, deeper blacks, better contrast, and more power efficient. G24: Typical LCD display with decent colours. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 90Hz | S21 FE: Smoother scrolling, animations and gaming. |
| Brightness | 1300 nits | 500 nits | S21 FE: Significantly better outdoor visibility, especially in bright sunlight. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 (5nm) | Mediatek Helio G85 (12nm) | S21 FE: Flagship-level performance, snappy multitasking, and better gaming capabilities. G24: Slower for daily tasks and more graphically demanding applications. |
| AnTuTu Score | 923,836 | 266,894 | S21 FE: Much faster app loading, smoother multitasking and noticeably better gaming performance. |
| GPU | Adreno 660 | Mali-G52 MC2 | S21 FE: Better graphics capabilities for gaming and graphically intense applications. G24: Budget tier performance for less intensive tasks. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 12MP (f/1.8, 1/1.76", 1.8µm, Sony IMX555) | 50MP (f/1.8, 0.64µm) | G24: Higher resolution on paper, but sensor size and software matter more. |
| Telephoto | 8MP (f/2.0, 1.0µm, Hynix HI-847) | None | S21 FE: Offers optical zoom for better zoomed images. |
| Wide Angle + Macro | 13MP (f/2.2, 1/3.06", 1.12µm, Sony IMX258) | None | S21 FE: Dedicated ultra-wide and macro for diverse shooting. |
| Selfie Camera | 32MP (f/2.2, 1/2.8", 0.8µm, Sony IMX616) | 8MP (f/2.0, 1.12µm) | S21 FE: Higher resolution selfie photos, but low light performance matters more. |
| Wide Angle Lens | None | 2MP (f/2.4) | G24: Adds some flexibility in photo options. |
| Macro Lens | None | 2MP (f/2.4) | G24: Adds some flexibility in photo options. |
| Video Recording | Up to 4K@60fps with HDR, EIS | Up to 1080p@30fps | S21 FE: Higher quality video recording with better stabilization. |
| Slow-mo | 960fps | 120fps | S21 FE can capture slow-motion sequences with more detail. |
| DXOMark | Mobile: 117, Selfie: 127 | Not Available | S21 FE: Camera quality tested with specific scores. G24 has no available score to compare. |
| Camera Features | Optical Zoom, OIS, Night Mode, 4K Video | Basic features | S21 FE has many additional features including OIS and optical zoom providing a more versatile shooting experience. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 4500mAh | 5000mAh | G24: Slightly larger battery likely translates to slightly longer battery life. |
| Charging | 25W fast charging | 15W fast charging | S21 FE: Charges significantly faster, minimizing downtime. |
| Battery Features | Wireless charging, reverse charging | None | S21 FE: Added convenience and versatility with wireless and reverse wireless charging. |
| Software | |||
| Operating System | Android 12 (upgradable to 16) | Android 14 | G24: Newer OS out of the box. S21 FE will get updates over a longer time. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | WiFi 6 (802.11ax) | WiFi 5 (802.11ac) | S21 FE: Faster and more reliable Wi-Fi, especially on modern networks. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 with extensive features | 5.0 with basic features | S21 FE has better Bluetooth audio support. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo, Barometer, Geomagnetic, Hall | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, SUPL, Galileo | S21 FE has more sensors for increased location and environmental accuracy. |
| SIM | Dual SIM (Nano) | Dual SIM (Nano) | Both support dual SIMs for easy switching between networks. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal Storage | 128GB / 256GB | 128GB / 256GB | Both offer sufficient storage options. |
| RAM | 6GB / 8GB | 4GB / 8GB | S21 FE offers up to 8GB of RAM ensuring smoother performance. |
| Expandable Storage | No expandable storage | No expandable storage | Both devices don't support memory cards, which may be a concern for users who require additional storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Audio Quality | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers, Noise cancellation microphone | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers | S21 FE: Clearer audio on calls and more immersive sound with Dolby Atmos. |
| Security | |||
| Security | basic fingerprint sensor | side-mounted fingerprint sensor | G24: Easier to reach fingerprint reader. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Biometric: Fingerprint; Proximity: Proximity; Motion: Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope; Environmental: Barometer | Biometric: Fingerprint; Proximity: Proximity; Motion: Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope | S21 FE has Barometer sensor. |
2. Key Insights
Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G
- Strengths: The S21 FE is a powerhouse with a top-tier chipset, a stunning AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate, and a versatile camera system that excels in video and low-light. It also packs convenient features like wireless charging and reverse wireless charging and has a comprehensive array of sensors. The superior screen protection offers better long-term durability.
- Competitive Advantages: Its performance blows the Moto G24 out of the water. It offers a much better viewing experience with its display. The higher camera quality also makes a big difference for photography enthusiasts.
- Trade-offs: It has a smaller battery than the Moto G24, the G24's newer OS, and its lack of a charger in the box. It's also older and is likely to be more expensive.
Motorola Moto G24
- Strengths: The G24 shines in the budget category, offering a large battery and a newer version of Android at a more affordable price. It also has a decent amount of storage and RAM and a standard dual-SIM setup.
- Competitive Advantages: It's a lot more affordable than the S21 FE. It has a larger battery than the S21 FE.
- Trade-offs: Its performance, display quality, and camera capabilities are nowhere near that of the S21 FE.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
- Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G:
- Ideal for: Power users, gamers, photography enthusiasts, and anyone who prioritizes performance, display quality, and camera capabilities.
- Use Cases: Playing demanding mobile games, editing photos/videos, watching high-resolution content, capturing memories, or simply enjoying a smooth and responsive user experience.
- Motorola Moto G24:
- Ideal for: Budget-conscious users, individuals needing a reliable phone for basic daily tasks, and anyone who values battery life above all else.
- Use Cases: Web browsing, social media, basic photography, watching casual videos, or anyone who needs a phone for everyday tasks.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three questions to help you decide:
- Performance & Experience: Do you value smooth multitasking, high-fidelity gaming, and the best display experience? If yes, the S21 FE is the better pick. If you're just looking for the basics, the G24 will do just fine.
- Camera Quality: Are you serious about mobile photography and videography? The S21 FE has a superior camera system for both front and back with many more features and better video recording capabilities. The G24 is more basic but is still decent for casual users.
- Budget & Battery: Are you on a tight budget, and/or is battery life your top priority? The G24 will give you more battery life at a fraction of the price of the S21 FE.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Budget-Conscious & Basic User - Motorola Moto G24 is the clear winner, it provides a smooth and responsive daily performance and a good battery life.
- Scenario 2: Performance & Media Lover - Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G is the better option, with a superior display, processing power, and camera setup.
- Scenario 3: Photography Enthusiast - Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G it offers much higher flexibility and quality, especially with video.
My Choice and Why
If I were choosing, I would definitely go with the Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G.
Here's why:
- Performance: As someone who uses my phone extensively for work and play, the Snapdragon 888 chipset in the S21 FE is crucial. The smoother experience of the S21 FE would allow me to easily switch between applications without a noticeable lag and play graphically demanding games.
- Display: The AMOLED screen with its 120Hz refresh rate is simply too good to pass up. The significantly better colour and clarity are worth the upgrade.
- Camera: I value good photography, and while the G24 has a higher resolution main sensor, the versatility and quality of the S21 FE’s camera system, including its telephoto lens and video features, is far more appealing for my use case.
- Features: I frequently use wireless charging, reverse wireless charging, and the additional sensors, which the G24 lacks.
While I recognize that the G24 provides excellent value and an edge with its larger battery, the overall experience of the S21 FE aligns much better with my needs and provides a better all-round user experience. The S21 FE is the superior phone. The S21 FE might be older, but it’s clear that it outshines the Motorola in many critical aspects.
