Alright, let's dive into a head-to-head comparison of the Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G and the Motorola Razr 40. We've got a classic versus a modern twist here, and it’s crucial to see how their specifications translate into real-world usage.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here’s a detailed breakdown of the key specs, designed to help you understand what each feature means for your day-to-day life:
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G | Motorola Razr 40 | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Launch Date | 2022-01-07 | 2023-06-21 | The Razr 40 is a newer device, potentially with more up-to-date software and features. |
| Form Factor | Standard | Foldable | Razr 40 offers a unique, compact form factor with a secondary outer display. |
| Dimensions | 155.7 x 74.5 x 7.9 mm | 170.8 x 74 x 7.4 mm | Razr 40 is taller but thinner; S21 FE is more compact in hand when unfolded. |
| Weight | 177g | 188.6g | S21 FE is slightly lighter, making it more comfortable for longer use, although the difference is not dramatic. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.4" | 6.9" | Razr 40 has a larger screen, better for media consumption and multitasking. |
| Resolution | 1080x2340 | 1080x2640 | Razr 40 offers more detailed visuals with a slightly higher pixel count. |
| PPI | 403 | 413 | Both have very sharp displays; you won't notice the difference in pixel density. |
| Technology | AMOLED | S21 FE boasts superior display technology with better contrast and color accuracy. | |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 144Hz | Razr 40 has slightly smoother animations, though both offer great fluidity. |
| Brightness | 1300 nits | 1400 nits | Razr 40 is better for outdoor visibility under bright sunlight. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 888 5G (5 nm) | Snapdragon 7 Gen 1 (4 nm) | S21 FE has a more powerful chipset, offering faster performance for demanding apps and games. |
| AnTuTu Score | 923,836 | 699,600 | S21 FE provides significantly better performance, ensuring smoother operation and snappier response in daily use. |
| GPU | Adreno 660 | Adreno 644 | S21 FE has a more powerful GPU, offering better graphics for gaming. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 4500mAh | 4200mAh | S21 FE has slightly larger battery for potentially longer usage between charges. |
| Charging | 25W Fast Charging | 33W Fast Charging | Razr 40 charges faster, reducing wait times to full power. |
| Features | Wireless 15W, Reverse Charging, No charger in box | Wireless 8W, Reverse Charging | S21 FE has faster and reverse wireless charging capabilities. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 12MP, f/1.8 | 64MP, f/1.8 | Razr 40 has higher-resolution, more detailed photos, while S21 FE has proven color science and consistency. |
| Telephoto/Portrait | 8MP, f/2.0, 1.0µm | N/A | S21 FE has a dedicated telephoto lens for better optical zoom and portrait shots. |
| Selfie Camera | 32MP, f/2.2 | 32MP, f/2.45 | S21 FE has a slightly wider aperture, potentially capturing more light. |
| Wide Angle + Macro | 13MP, f/2.2 | 13MP, f/2.2 | Both have similar wide-angle/macro capabilities. |
| Video | Up to 4K@60fps with HDR, EIS | Up to 4K@30fps with EIS | S21 FE supports 4K@60fps recording with HDR, offering smoother, higher-quality video capture. |
| DXOMark Scores | Mobile: 117, Selfie: 127 | N/A | S21 FE's camera is proven with good scores across photo and video, Razr 40 has no score |
| Features | Digital/Optical Zoom, OIS, Triple Camera etc | Time-Lapse, Digital Zoom, OIS, Dual Camera etc | S21 FE offers a telephoto lens and better zoom capabilities. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 12, upgradable to 16 | Android 13, upgradable to 16 | Razr 40 has the newer OS out of the box and will have updates for longer. |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | WiFi 6, MiMO | WiFi 6 | S21 FE has WiFi MiMO, offering potentially more efficient WiFi. |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.0 LE | Bluetooth 5.3 LE | Razr 40 has a newer version, potentially more efficient for audio. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, SUPL, Galileo | Both offer similar GPS capabilities, with Razr 40 adding support for SUPL, enhancing accuracy. |
| SIM | Dual Nano SIM | Dual Nano SIM + eSIM | Razr 40 provides more flexibility with an eSIM option. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128GB/256GB | 128GB/256GB | Both offer the same storage options; users can choose the variant that suits their needs. |
| RAM | 6GB/8GB | 8GB/12GB | Razr 40 has better RAM options for better multitasking and performance. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither device allows storage expansion; users should choose the storage variant carefully. |
| Audio | |||
| Audio Quality | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers, Noise Cancellation Mic | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers, 3 mics | Both offer great audio with good fidelity; S21 FE has noise cancellation microphone, Razr 40 has 3 mics |
| Security | |||
| Security Features | Basic Fingerprint | Side Mounted Fingerprint | Razr 40 has the more modern and practical side mounted scanner |
| Build | |||
| Screen Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus | Both phones offer the same protection for screen damage |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Biometric, Proximity, Motion, Environmental | Biometric, Proximity, Motion | S21 FE includes extra sensors for better environmental tracking, while the Razr 40 is more basic |
2. Key Insights
Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G:
- Strengths: Superior performance due to the Snapdragon 888 chipset, a better AMOLED display with vibrant colors, dedicated telephoto camera for better zoom, and more comprehensive camera features with verified scores, wireless charging capabilities, more robust sensor package.
- Competitive Advantages: It's a powerhouse in a standard smartphone form, offering top-tier performance and excellent camera experience, while having more robust wireless charging.
- Trade-offs: Older launch date, making it less future-proof and less modern, a basic fingerprint sensor and the form factor is not as unique as the Razr 40, heavier and thicker than the Razr 40 when unfolded.
Motorola Razr 40:
- Strengths: Modern foldable design, a large display in a more compact package when folded, faster charging, newer Bluetooth version, and an eSIM.
- Competitive Advantages: Unique foldable design, more cutting-edge technology, and a more versatile form factor due to its foldable nature.
- Trade-offs: Less powerful chipset, no telephoto lens, no established camera scores, less comprehensive sensor package, slower wireless charging.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G:
- Best For: Users who prioritize raw performance, a top-tier camera system, and a conventional smartphone experience.
- Use Cases: Mobile gamers, photography enthusiasts, and anyone who wants a reliable, high-performance smartphone without the frills of a foldable.
- Price-to-Value: Good value for a high-performance standard phone, especially if you can find it at a reduced price now that it's been on the market.
Motorola Razr 40:
- Best For: Users who value innovation, compact portability, and a unique form factor.
- Use Cases: Style-conscious consumers, frequent travelers, those who want a phone that can easily fit in a pocket, and enjoy the novelty of a foldable device.
- Price-to-Value: Worth it for the unique foldable experience, but keep in mind that you are paying a premium for the technology.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three questions to help you decide:
- Performance or Innovation?
- Do you need the absolute best performance for gaming and demanding apps? Choose the S21 FE.
- Do you value a unique, compact design and the novelty of a foldable phone? Choose the Razr 40.
- Camera System or Form Factor?
- Do you want a better main camera, a telephoto lens, and consistent performance? Choose the S21 FE.
- Are you ok with a solid, but not top-tier camera system for the sake of portability and form factor? Choose the Razr 40.
- Standard or Foldable?
- Do you prefer the conventional smartphone experience and a device that is easy to use one-handed? Choose the S21 FE.
- Do you value portability and are willing to manage a more delicate and unique device? Choose the Razr 40.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- The Gamer: Choose the S21 FE for its higher performance and superior graphics.
- The Photographer: Choose the S21 FE for its dedicated telephoto lens, and better established camera performance.
- The Minimalist: Choose the Razr 40 for its unique form factor and compact size when folded.
- The Early Adopter: Choose the Razr 40 for its innovative foldable design and modern features.
My Pick
If it were up to me, I would choose the Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G for a few key reasons. While the Razr 40 is undeniably cool and innovative with its foldable form, the S21 FE is a more practical choice for my needs.
First and foremost, the performance difference is significant. The Snapdragon 888 chipset in the S21 FE is a noticeable step up, ensuring smoother and faster operation across all apps and games. This is a difference you feel every day. Also, the proven camera system of the S21 FE is a big plus. Having a dedicated telephoto lens and the assurance of good image quality, make it more versatile for a variety of shooting scenarios.
Finally, while the novelty of a foldable phone is appealing, I've found that the standard smartphone form factor, is more robust and versatile. The S21 FE is great for single-handed use, and while heavier when unfolded, it's a design that is less likely to be damaged.
Ultimately, the S21 FE gives you a more refined and powerful overall experience without compromise.
