Alright, let's dive into a detailed comparison of the Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G and the Motorola Moto G71 5G. I've got my engineering hat on and a keen eye for what really matters to you, the user.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here's a breakdown of the specifications, keeping in mind their real-world implications:
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G | Motorola Moto G71 5G | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 155.7 x 74.5 x 7.9 mm | 161.2 x 73.9 x 8.5 mm | The Moto G71 5G is slightly taller and thicker but similar width. The S21 FE is more compact and pocketable. |
| Weight | 177g | 179g | Both phones are very similar in weight, so neither feels significantly heavier or lighter. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.4" | 6.4" | Identical screen size, great for media consumption and browsing. |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2340 | 1080 x 2400 | Slight difference, but imperceptible to the naked eye. Both offer sharp images. |
| PPI | 403 | 411 | Very similar pixel density; both have clear and crisp display. |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Vibrant colors and deep blacks on both phones. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 60Hz | S21 FE 5G offers much smoother scrolling and animations, a big boost for fluidity and gaming. |
| Brightness | 1300 nits | 0 nits | The S21 FE 5G will be much more visible outdoors in bright sunlight thanks to the much brighter screen. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 888 5G | Snapdragon 695 5G | S21 FE 5G's flagship chip provides significantly faster performance for gaming, multitasking, and demanding apps. |
| Antutu Score | 923,836 | 396,564 | S21 FE 5G has a massive performance advantage, meaning much faster performance in everything from day-to-day tasks to gaming. |
| GPU | Adreno 660 | Adreno 619 | S21 FE 5G's GPU is much better for gaming and graphic-intensive tasks. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 12MP, f/1.8 | 50MP, f/1.8 | Motorola has a higher resolution sensor, but the S21 FE has a larger sensor and larger pixel sizes which could mean better low light performance. |
| Telephoto Camera | 8MP, f/2.0 | None | S21 FE 5G has an extra telephoto lens for optical zoom and portrait shots. |
| Wide Angle + Macro | 13MP, f/2.2 | None | S21 FE 5G has a dedicated Wide angle camera for group shots and landscapes |
| Wide Angle Lens | None | 8MP, f/2.2 | Motorola has a wide-angle lens for landscape shots. |
| Macro Lens | None | 2MP, f/2.4 | Motorola can take close-up shots of objects. |
| Selfie Camera | 32MP, f/2.2 | 16MP, f/2.2 | S21 FE 5G captures higher detail in selfies. |
| Video Recording | Up to 4K@60fps | Up to 1080p@60fps | S21 FE 5G shoots higher resolution and quality video, better for content creation. |
| Video Stabilization | Yes | No | Samsung has much better stabilization for smooth video recording. |
| DxOMark (Main) | 117 | - | S21 FE 5G has a rated and tested camera performance. |
| DxOMark (Selfie) | 127 | - | S21 FE 5G has a rated and tested front-facing camera performance |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 4500mAh | 5000mAh | Moto G71 5G has a slightly larger battery, potentially leading to longer battery life. |
| Charging | 25W | 33W | Moto G71 5G charges slightly faster. |
| Charging Features | 15W Wireless, Reverse Wireless | None | S21 FE 5G offers versatile wireless charging options. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 12 (Upgradable to 16) | Android 11 (Upgradable to 12) | S21 FE 5G launches with a newer OS version and longer support with updates. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) | Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac) | S21 FE 5G supports the latest Wi-Fi standard, offering better performance on compatible routers. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 LE (Extensive) | 5.0 LE (Basic) | S21 FE 5G has broader support for Bluetooth protocols. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, SUPL, Galileo | Both phones provide comprehensive GPS services. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal Storage | 128/256 GB | 128GB | S21 FE 5G offers up to 256GB internal storage, more space for media and apps. |
| RAM | 6 GB or 8 GB | 6 GB or 8 GB | Both devices offer similar ram options |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone supports expandable storage via MicroSD. |
| Audio | |||
| Audio Quality | Dolby Atmos, Noise cancellation microphone, Stereo Speakers | Dolby Atmos, 2 microphones | S21 FE 5G offers stereo speakers and noise canceling microphone. |
| Security | |||
| Security Features | Basic fingerprint sensor | Rear-mounted fingerprint sensor | Both phones offer basic biometric security |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus | Unknown | S21 FE 5G has more robust screen protection. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Barometer | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Gyroscope | S21 FE 5G features a more comprehensive sensor suite, including a barometer. |
2. Key Insights
Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G:
- Strengths: This is a powerhouse of performance, with a flagship-level chipset that crushes demanding tasks and games. The display is a joy to use with its smooth 120Hz refresh rate and impressive brightness, making it great for outdoor viewing. It also comes with a strong camera setup, wireless charging, and more comprehensive features.
- Competitive Advantages: It wins in performance, display quality, video recording, and has more comprehensive features like wireless charging and advanced Bluetooth. The higher refresh rate makes it a more responsive and smoother device.
- Trade-offs: It has a smaller battery, and its charging speed isn't as fast as the Moto G71 5G. It lacks expandable storage.
Motorola Moto G71 5G:
- Strengths: The Moto G71 5G offers a larger battery, faster charging, and a very capable camera for its price point. It's a very reliable phone that is priced lower and still brings a great display.
- Competitive Advantages: It edges out the S21 FE 5G in battery capacity and charging speed. Its lower price point makes it accessible to users on a tighter budget.
- Trade-offs: It lags considerably behind the S21 FE 5G in processing power, display fluidity, camera capabilities, and lacks features like wireless charging or a telephoto lens.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G:
- Best Suited For: Power users, gamers, and anyone who prioritizes top-tier performance, display quality, and camera versatility. This is for users who don't mind paying extra for cutting-edge features.
- Use Cases: Demanding gaming, 4K video recording, mobile content creation, outdoor use in bright conditions, heavy multitasking, and users who want the latest software for longer.
Motorola Moto G71 5G:
- Best Suited For: Budget-conscious users looking for a reliable phone with a long-lasting battery and a good camera. This is for users who want a smooth experience without paying for top-of-the-line performance.
- Use Cases: Everyday tasks like browsing, social media, casual gaming, media consumption, users who need all-day battery life, and for people who want a basic but capable camera.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three key questions to help you decide:
- How important is high-end performance to you?
- If you need the absolute best for gaming, demanding apps, or want the smoothest possible experience, the S21 FE 5G is a clear choice.
- How important is battery life and fast charging?
- If battery endurance is paramount, and you want to charge up quickly, the Moto G71 5G takes the lead.
- What is your budget?
- If you are very price-sensitive, the Moto G71 5G is more affordable. However, if you're willing to pay a premium for top-tier performance, the S21 FE 5G justifies the extra cost.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Gaming Enthusiast: Choose the Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G for its powerful processor, high refresh rate display, and superior graphics capabilities.
- Budget-Conscious Buyer: Go for the Motorola Moto G71 5G for its solid performance and longer battery life at a more affordable price.
- Mobile Content Creator: The Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G is the way to go with its 4k Video recording and better video stabilization, and great camera features.
- Everyday User: If you’re mainly focused on everyday tasks and want a reliable phone with good battery life, the Motorola Moto G71 5G is a great option. However, if you want a premium experience the Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G is a better option.
My Choice
If I were choosing, I would go for the Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G. Here's why: As a tech journalist and a person who is very picky with the technology that they use. The S21 FE offers a much better experience in most areas that matter to me, primarily: performance, a top-of-the-line display, a quality camera system, the ability to record and edit high quality video and more features to play around with. Although, the Moto G71 is a decent phone in its price class it doesn't provide the same level of high-performance experience that I have come to appreciate. While the battery life might be slightly less, I believe the overall improvement in performance and day-to-day usage makes the S21 FE the superior choice. The wireless charging is also a big bonus for me.
I hope this detailed breakdown helps you make the best decision for your needs! Let me know if there's anything else I can help you with.
