Alright, let's dive into a detailed comparison of the Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G and the Motorola Moto G24 Power. It's a classic showdown: a former flagship contender versus a budget-friendly powerhouse. Let's see how they stack up in the real world.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here's a breakdown of the specs, highlighting what they mean for you:
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G | Motorola Moto G24 Power | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 155.7 × 74.5 × 7.9 mm | 163.5 × 74.5 × 9 mm | S21 FE is more compact and thinner; G24 Power is taller and bulkier. |
| Weight | 177g | 197g | S21 FE is noticeably lighter, feels better for prolonged use; G24 Power feels more substantial. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.4" | 6.56" | G24 Power has slightly more screen real estate. |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2340 | 720 x 1612 | S21 FE offers a significantly sharper and more detailed display. |
| Pixel Density (PPI) | 403 | 269 | S21 FE has a crisper and finer visual experience. |
| Technology | AMOLED | IPS LCD | S21 FE has superior blacks, contrast, and vibrancy; better visibility in direct sunlight |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 90Hz | S21 FE has smoother scrolling and animations. |
| Brightness | 1300 nits | 500 nits | S21 FE is much better for outdoor visibility. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 888 5G (5nm) | Helio G85 (12nm) | S21 FE offers flagship-level speed and responsiveness; G24 Power is more basic performance. |
| Antutu Score | 923,836 | 266,894 | S21 FE handles intensive tasks (gaming, video editing) much better. |
| GPU | Adreno 660 | Mali-G52 MC2 | S21 FE has superior graphics processing for better gaming. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 12MP (f/1.8, 1.8µm) | 50MP (f/1.8, 0.64µm) | G24 Power has higher resolution sensor, but S21 FE's larger pixels likely offer better low-light performance |
| Telephoto | 8MP (f/2.0, 1.0µm) | N/A | S21 FE offers optical zoom capabilities. |
| Ultrawide/Macro | 13MP (f/2.2, 1.12µm) | 2MP Wide + 2MP Macro | S21 FE has more versatile ultrawide/macro lens; G24 power has basic functionality |
| Selfie Camera | 32MP (f/2.2, 0.8µm) | 8MP (f/2.0, 1.12µm) | S21 FE has significantly higher resolution selfies. |
| Video | 4K@60fps | 1080p@30fps | S21 FE captures much higher quality videos with stabilization. |
| DXOMARK | 117 Mobile/127 Selfie | N/A | S21 FE's camera performance has been independently validated and scored. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 4500mAh | 6000mAh | G24 Power has a significantly larger battery for extended usage. |
| Charging | 25W | 33W | G24 Power offers slightly faster charging speeds. |
| Features | 15W Wireless, Reverse charging | N/A | S21 FE offers versatile wireless charging and power sharing. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 12 (upgradable) | Android 14 | G24 Power ships with a newer OS. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | WiFi 6 (ax) | Wi-Fi 5 (ac) | S21 FE has newer, faster WiFi standard. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 LE | 5.0 LE | Similar connectivity but S21 FE has more enhanced audio codecs and profiles |
| Storage | |||
| Internal Storage | 128GB/256GB | N/A | S21 FE has options for significantly more internal storage. |
| RAM | 6GB/8GB | N/A | S21 FE offers more RAM for better multitasking. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone provides expandable storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Features | Dolby Atmos, Noise cancelling microphone, Stereo Speakers | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers | S21 FE provides enhanced noise cancelling and clearer audio during calls. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Basic fingerprint | Side-mounted fingerprint | G24 Power's fingerprint sensor is likely faster and more ergonomically positioned. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Gorilla Glass Victus | Unknown | S21 FE has proven scratch and shatter resistance. |
2. Key Insights
- Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G: This phone is a powerhouse when it comes to display quality, raw performance, and camera versatility. Its AMOLED screen, high refresh rate, and significantly brighter display make it excellent for media consumption and outdoor use. The Snapdragon 888 chip delivers flagship-level performance for gaming and heavy tasks.
- Motorola Moto G24 Power: This phone is a champion of battery life, featuring a massive 6000 mAh battery and 33W fast charging, perfect for users who prioritize endurance and require less frequent charging. Its 50MP main camera is excellent for everyday photography, and it ships with the latest version of Android.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
- Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G:
- Ideal for: Gamers, media enthusiasts, and users who want a premium experience without breaking the bank. Those who value display quality, camera capabilities, and raw power.
- Use Cases: Gaming, high-resolution media consumption, content creation, and professional photography.
- Trade-Off: Battery life is good, but not as impressive as the G24 power.
- Motorola Moto G24 Power:
- Ideal for: Budget-conscious users who prioritize battery life and practical everyday usability. Those who need a reliable phone that can last multiple days on a single charge.
- Use Cases: Everyday communication, browsing, light media consumption, and long hours away from a charger.
- Trade-Off: The display, performance, and camera performance are less impressive than the S21 FE.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three questions to ask yourself to make an informed decision:
- How much do you prioritize battery life? If your day is filled with constant usage and you want to avoid "range anxiety", the Motorola G24 Power is the clear winner with its massive 6000mAh battery. If battery life is less of a concern, and you're closer to charging options, the S21 FE is a solid contender.
- What do you value more: a premium display and performance, or a more affordable and practical phone? The S21 FE's AMOLED screen and high-end chipset offer a noticeable advantage for graphics and general responsiveness. If those features aren't high on your list, the G24 Power will be a better value.
- How much does camera versatility and quality matter to you? The S21 FE is a more complete package in this department, offering Optical zoom, ultrawide angle lens and video options up to 4k60fps. The G24 Power is adequate for most users, with a 50mp main sensor, but won't be as flexible in all situations.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- The Power User: If you're a gamer or heavy multitasker, the S21 FE's performance is a must.
- The Photographer: The S21 FE has significantly better camera features, with optical zoom and a higher-resolution selfie lens.
- The Practical User: If you value battery life and affordability over everything, the Motorola G24 Power is the better pick.
My Choice
Personally, if I had to choose, I would go with the Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G. As a tech journalist and someone who appreciates high-end specs, I value the superior display quality, camera versatility, and raw performance. While the battery life is good on the S21 FE, it isn't as impressive as the G24 Power, but I'm willing to make that trade-off for everything else the S21 FE brings to the table. I would also be using this as a secondary phone to take professional quality photos for articles. The screen would also be crucial for reviewing media and editing text on the go, which I do frequently.
The G24 Power is an excellent device and would be ideal for many users, but the S21 FE feels more aligned with my needs and preferences.
