Alright, let's dive into a head-to-head comparison of the Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G and the Motorola Razr 40 Ultra. We're not just going to rattle off specs; we’re going to break down what these numbers actually mean for you, the user.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here’s a detailed comparison, focusing on practical implications:
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G | Motorola Razr 40 Ultra | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Form Factor | Standard Smartphone | Foldable Smartphone | Razr offers a unique, compact form factor when folded, and a large screen when unfolded. The S21 FE is a standard slab phone. |
| Dimensions | 155.7 × 74.5 × 7.9 mm | 170.8 × 74 × 7 mm | The Razr is taller and slightly thinner. S21 FE is a bit more compact. |
| Weight | 177g | 184.5g | S21 FE is a bit lighter, potentially more comfortable for prolonged use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.4" | 6.9" | Razr has a larger display, better for media consumption and multitasking. |
| Resolution | 1080x2340 | 1080x2640 | Razr has slightly more pixel density; noticeable difference for sharp text and detailed content. |
| Pixel Density | 403 PPI | 413 PPI | Very similar sharpness for both devices. |
| Technology | AMOLED | S21 FE's AMOLED offers deeper blacks, superior contrast and vibrant colors. The Razr is unspecified, but it's a quality display. | |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 165Hz | Razr offers smoother animations and scrolling, especially noticeable when gaming. |
| Brightness | 1300 nits | 1400 nits | Razr is slightly better for visibility in direct sunlight. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 888 | Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 | Razr's newer chipset is significantly faster for gaming and demanding tasks. |
| AnTuTu Score | 923,836 | 1,238,000 | Razr is faster in all aspects, offering noticeably quicker app loading and overall snappiness. |
| GPU | Adreno 660 | Adreno 730 | Razr will handle graphically intense games and applications with greater ease. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 4500mAh | 3800mAh | S21 FE will likely provide longer battery life; fewer recharges needed throughout the day. |
| Charging | 25W fast | 30W fast | Razr charges a bit quicker, but battery life might be shorter. |
| Wireless Charging | 15W | 8W | S21 FE charges faster wirelessly, better for quick top-ups at your desk or on the go. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera Resolution | 12MP | 12MP | Similar resolution, but Razr has a wider aperture which typically indicates better low-light performance. |
| Telephoto Camera | 8MP | No Telephoto | S21 FE has an advantage with a dedicated telephoto lens for optical zoom capabilities. |
| Selfie Camera | 32MP (f/2.2) | 32MP (f/2.45) | S21 FE’s wider aperture on the selfie camera can lead to brighter selfies in lower light conditions. |
| Wide Angle + Macro Camera | 13MP | 13MP | Similar performance for wide-angle and macro photos. |
| Video Recording | 4K@60fps | 4K@60fps | Both capture excellent video; Razr has slightly slower slow-motion capability but has "ultra stable video" feature. |
| DxoMark Mobile Score | 117 | N/A | S21 FE has a benchmark score while the Razr is not listed, but is likely a similar performer. |
| DxoMark Selfie Score | 127 | N/A | S21 FE has a benchmark score while the Razr is not listed, but is likely a similar performer. |
| Software | |||
| Operating System | Android 12 (Up to 16) | Android 13 (Up to 16) | Razr has a newer version of Android out of the box with the same maximum upgrade potential, providing a more up-to-date experience. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6 | Wi-Fi 6E | Razr has a newer Wi-Fi standard which can offer faster and more efficient data speeds and less network congestion. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 LE | 5.3 LE | Razr uses a newer Bluetooth version; provides slightly improved efficiency. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal Storage | 128/256 GB | 256/512 GB | Razr provides more storage options; S21 FE offers a lower capacity base model. |
| RAM | 6/8 GB | 8/12 GB | Razr has more RAM capacity for more demanding tasks and better multitasking. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone offers expandable storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Features | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers, Noise Cancellation Mic | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers, 3 Mics | Similar audio features, Razr has more microphones but S21 FE has a noise cancellation mic. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Basic Fingerprint Sensor | Side-mounted Fingerprint Sensor | Razr offers a slightly more advanced fingerprint sensor. |
| Build | |||
| Screen Protection | Gorilla Glass Victus | Gorilla Glass Victus | Both phones are well protected from everyday scratches and bumps. |
| Sensors | |||
| Features | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Barometer | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope | S21 FE has an additional barometer for enhanced environmental data. |
2. Key Insights
Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G:
- Strengths: Excellent AMOLED display with vibrant colors and strong contrast, a larger battery for extended usage, and a versatile camera system including a telephoto lens.
- Competitive Advantages: Lower price point, potentially longer battery life, more robust wireless charging capabilities and a telephoto camera for better zoom, making it a good value for a variety of needs.
- Trade-offs: Older chipset, basic fingerprint sensor and it's a standard 'slab' smartphone; it lacks the novelty of a foldable phone.
Motorola Razr 40 Ultra:
- Strengths: Cutting-edge foldable design, faster processor for demanding tasks, a higher refresh rate display for smoother interactions, more storage options and more RAM.
- Competitive Advantages: The wow factor of a foldable phone; incredibly compact when folded, and large when unfolded. Cutting edge technology, better gaming performance and improved connectivity (Wifi 6E and Bluetooth 5.3).
- Trade-offs: Higher price, likely shorter battery life due to a smaller battery capacity, and a less robust camera setup (no telephoto lens), and less performant wireless charging.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G:
- Ideal User: Value-conscious users who prioritize battery life, display quality, a capable camera system, and don't necessarily need the latest and greatest in processing power or design. Excellent all-rounder for most people.
- Use Cases: Everyday use, social media, content consumption, and photography, particularly in situations requiring reliable battery and telephoto zoom.
Motorola Razr 40 Ultra:
- Ideal User: Tech enthusiasts and early adopters who are willing to pay a premium for the latest technology, and those who appreciate the unique form factor of a foldable smartphone. Also suited to those who require a cutting-edge processor for gaming.
- Use Cases: Professionals who multitask heavily, mobile gamers, and users who desire a unique device that stands out.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three key questions to ask yourself:
What's my priority: Battery life and an excellent all-round device, or a unique foldable experience?
- If battery life, a robust camera system, and value for money are your primary concerns, the S21 FE is the clear choice.
- If having a foldable smartphone with top-tier performance and the unique compact design and larger display are more important, then the Razr 40 Ultra is the way to go.
Do I need cutting-edge performance for gaming and heavy multitasking?
- If you're a hardcore gamer or a power user, the Razr's faster chipset and higher refresh rate will offer an advantage.
- For everyday tasks and moderate gaming, the S21 FE is more than capable.
Is a unique and compact design worth the premium price?
- If you want the wow factor of the Razr 40 Ultra and don't mind the tradeoffs of the smaller battery and higher price, it's an attractive option.
- If you value a solid, reliable, standard form factor smartphone, the S21 FE represents better value and capability.
My Choice
If I had to pick one, I'd lean towards the Motorola Razr 40 Ultra. Here's why:
As a tech journalist, I'm constantly exploring and evaluating the latest technologies, and I love the novelty of the foldable design. While the S21 FE offers a compelling package with excellent value and long battery life, the Razr is the device that truly captures my imagination and provides the wow factor of the unique foldable experience. Also, as a power user, the increased performance, RAM and storage options appeal to me, along with newer bluetooth and wifi standards.
Ultimately, both are solid devices, but each caters to different needs and priorities.
