Alright, let's dive deep into the Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G and the Motorola ThinkPhone. This isn't just about spec sheets; it's about understanding how these phones stack up in the real world, for real users.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here’s a breakdown of the key specs, focusing on what they mean for your daily experience:
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G | Motorola ThinkPhone | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 155.7 x 74.5 x 7.9 mm | 158.8 x 74.4 x 8.3 mm | The ThinkPhone is slightly taller and thicker; feels a bit larger in the hand, while the S21 FE is slightly more compact. |
| Weight | 177g | 188.5g | The S21 FE feels slightly lighter, making it more comfortable for extended use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.4" | 6.6" | The ThinkPhone gives you a little more screen real estate for content and productivity. |
| Resolution | 1080x2340 | 1080x2400 | Both screens are sharp, though the difference is subtle; negligible in daily use. |
| PPI | 403 | 399 | Pixel density is very similar; both offer crisp images. |
| Technology | AMOLED | P-OLED | Both technologies offer vibrant colors and deep blacks. Slight differences but not noticeable for most users. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 144Hz | The ThinkPhone's higher refresh rate offers slightly smoother scrolling and animations. |
| Brightness | 1300 nits | 1200 nits | The S21 FE has an edge in outdoor visibility; easier to see in bright sunlight. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 888 5G | Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 | The ThinkPhone's newer chipset offers a notable performance boost for gaming and demanding apps. |
| AnTuTu Score | 923,836 | 1,232,700 | The ThinkPhone will feel noticeably faster; apps load quicker and multitasking is smoother. |
| GPU | Adreno 660 | Adreno 730 | ThinkPhone will have an advantage in graphics-intensive tasks like gaming. |
| Camera | |||
| Standard Camera | 12MP, f/1.8, 1/1.76" | 50MP, f/1.8, 1/1.55" | The ThinkPhone captures more detail and performs better in low light. |
| Telephoto/Portrait | 8MP, f/2.0 | None | The S21 FE has a dedicated telephoto lens for optical zoom and portrait shots, giving it versatility. |
| Selfie Camera | 32MP, f/2.2, 1/2.8" | 32MP, f/2.45, | The S21 FE has a slightly wider aperture, potentially better in lower-light selfies. |
| Portrait Mode | None | 2MP, f/2.4 | The ThinkPhone has a dedicated depth sensor for portrait photos, but may not perform better than a software-based effect on other phones. |
| Wide Angle/Macro | 13MP, f/2.2, 1/3.06" | 13MP, f/2.4 | The S21 FE has slightly wider aperture, offering slightly better low-light performance. |
| Video | Up to 4K@60fps | Up to 8K@30fps | The ThinkPhone can record higher resolution video; good for professional video content. |
| DXOMark | Mobile: 117, Selfie: 127 | Not Available | The S21 FE has good camera performance as measured by DXOMark, but the ThinkPhone scores have not been tested |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 4500mAh | 5000mAh | The ThinkPhone should offer better battery endurance, lasting longer on a single charge. |
| Charging | 25W Fast Charging | 68W Fast Charging | The ThinkPhone charges much faster, saving you time waiting by the plug. |
| Features | 15W Wireless, Reverse Wireless, Reverse charging | 15W Wireless | S21 FE offers more versatile charging options (including reverse), but ThinkPhone charges faster with the 68W wired option. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 12 (up to 16) | Android 13 | ThinkPhone comes with a more recent version of Android. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6 | Wi-Fi 6 | Both support Wi-Fi 6; fast speeds on compatible networks. |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.0 | Bluetooth 5.2 | The ThinkPhone has a newer Bluetooth version with slightly better range and power efficiency. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128GB/256GB | 256GB | Both offer ample storage; the ThinkPhone comes only in a 256 GB variant, but the S21 FE offers a 128 GB option as well |
| RAM | 6GB/8GB | 8GB | Both offer ample RAM; the ThinkPhone offers only 8 GB, but the S21 FE offers a 6 GB option for a reduced cost. |
2. Key Insights
Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G Strengths:
- Brighter Display: The 1300 nits brightness is a clear advantage for outdoor use.
- Telephoto Camera: The dedicated telephoto lens provides useful optical zoom and portrait capabilities.
- Versatile Charging: It has reverse wireless charging, allowing you to charge other devices.
- DXOMark Score: This provides a good indication of the quality of images that you can expect.
- Pricing: The S21 FE typically comes at a lower price point.
Motorola ThinkPhone Strengths:
- Performance: The Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 chip results in smoother, faster performance.
- Battery Life & Charging: The larger battery and much faster charging are significant advantages.
- Main Camera: The 50MP main sensor captures more detail and performs better in low light.
- Video Recording: Shoots in 8K for high-end video
- Software: Comes with a more recent version of android out of the box.
Trade-offs:
- The S21 FE’s older chipset makes it less future-proof compared to the ThinkPhone.
- The ThinkPhone lacks a dedicated telephoto camera, potentially limiting its versatility for portrait shots and zoom.
- The ThinkPhone does not have a DXOMark rating.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G is best for:
- Budget-conscious users: Those who want a powerful phone without the premium price tag.
- Outdoor enthusiasts: Those who need a screen that performs well under sunlight.
- Photography lovers: Those who want good quality images and enjoy zoom functionality.
- Charging Convenience: Those who want to use wireless charging and reverse wireless charging for accessories.
Motorola ThinkPhone is best for:
- Power users and gamers: Those who prioritize performance and battery life above all else.
- Professionals: Those who need their phone to be a workhorse and value faster charging.
- Video Creators: Those who need high resolution recording in 8K.
- Software Enthusiasts: Those who want to use the most recent version of Android out of the box.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Ask yourself these questions to choose between the S21 FE and the ThinkPhone:
- How important is top-tier performance and battery life to you? If these are paramount, the ThinkPhone is the clear choice.
- Do you need a versatile camera setup, including optical zoom, or would you be satisfied with a stronger main camera? This will determine whether the S21 FE or ThinkPhone is better.
- Is a brighter display for outdoor visibility a significant consideration for you? If you spend a lot of time outdoors, the S21 FE will serve you better.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- The Commuter: You need a reliable phone with good battery life to get you through the day. Recommendation: The ThinkPhone, given its bigger battery and fast charging.
- The Photographer: You like taking different types of shots in a variety of environments, including those with zoom. Recommendation: The S21 FE with its versatile triple camera.
- The Gamer: You play graphics-intensive games and need smooth performance. Recommendation: The ThinkPhone because of its superior chipset.
- The Budget Shopper: You are looking for the lowest cost smartphone available while still having a good experience. Recommendation: The S21 FE will offer a great experience at a lower price point.
My Choice:
If I were choosing between these two phones for myself, I would lean towards the Motorola ThinkPhone.
Why? As someone who appreciates fast, seamless operation, the performance boost from the Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 is compelling. The faster charging is a huge plus and helps reduce the time I am plugged into a wall charger, and the improved battery life would ensure that I don't have to think about battery anxiety as often. While I appreciate the S21 FE's brighter screen, I am more often indoors than outdoors. Additionally, the ThinkPhone's main camera performs very well in the scenarios I would use it in, such as taking pictures of friends and family and recording video of events. While the telephoto lens is missed, I am more than willing to sacrifice it in return for these benefits. The newer version of android out of the box makes the ThinkPhone the winner in my books.
