Alright, let's dive into a head-to-head comparison of the Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G and the Nokia G100. We'll break down the tech specs, see what they mean for you day-to-day, and figure out which phone might be the better fit.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here's a detailed look at the key specs and what they mean for real-world use:
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G | Nokia G100 | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Launch Date | 2022-01-07 | 2022-10-01 | The Nokia is almost 9 months newer. |
| Dimensions | 155.7 × 74.5 × 7.9 mm | 166.6 × 76.7 × 8.9 mm | The S21 FE is smaller, lighter, and more pocketable. The Nokia is noticeably taller, wider and thicker. |
| Weight | 177g | 195.1g | The S21 FE is lighter, making it more comfortable to hold for extended use. The Nokia might feel heavier in the hand. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.4" | 6.52" | The Nokia has a slightly larger display, but the difference is not that noticeable |
| Resolution | 1080x2340 | 720x1600 | The S21 FE's display is significantly sharper, with far greater pixel density. Text and images appear more detailed. |
| Pixel Density | 403 ppi | 269 ppi | The S21 FE's display is noticeably clearer and sharper than the Nokia. |
| Technology | AMOLED | IPS LCD | The S21 FE's AMOLED screen offers superior contrast, deeper blacks, and more vibrant colors compared to the Nokia's LCD, making for a richer and more immersive viewing experience. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 60Hz | The S21 FE's 120Hz refresh rate makes scrolling and animations noticeably smoother. The Nokia's display feels less fluid, especially when compared directly. |
| Brightness | 1300 nits | 0 nits | The S21 FE has great outdoor visibility in bright sunlight, the Nokia's screen will be difficult to view in such conditions. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 888 (5nm) | Snapdragon 662 (11nm) | The S21 FE's chipset is significantly more powerful. Apps launch faster, and gaming is noticeably smoother and more responsive. The Nokia struggles with more demanding tasks. |
| AnTuTu Score | 923,836 | 201,615 | The S21 FE scores significantly higher which means it can handle resource-intensive applications more smoothly. |
| GPU | Adreno 660 | Adreno 610 | The S21 FE's GPU provides much better graphics performance, ensuring smoother and more detailed visuals in games and demanding apps. |
| Camera | |||
| Rear Standard Camera | 12MP, f/1.8 | 13MP, f/2.0 | S21 FE has wider aperture and larger sensor leading to better low light performance. |
| Telephoto + Portrait | 8MP, f/2.0 | N/A | The S21 FE has a dedicated telephoto lens for better zoom quality and portrait photography. |
| Selfie Camera | 32MP, f/2.2 | 8MP, f/2.4 | S21 FE has much higher resolution and a wider aperture for better low light performance. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 13MP, f/2.2 | 5MP, f/2.2 | Nokia G100 has lower resolution for wide angle shots. |
| Portrait mode (depth) | N/A | 2MP, f/2.4 | Nokia G100 has depth sensor for better portrait mode. |
| Wide Angle + Macro | N/A | 5MP, f/2.2 | S21 FE provides a wide angle camera with macro capabilities. |
| Video Recording | 4K@60fps | 1080p@30fps | The S21 FE offers significantly higher video recording quality, with 4K support and better stabilization. |
| Camera Features | OIS, PDAF, RAW | Digital zoom | The S21 FE comes with more advanced features for photography enthusiasts, including OIS, PDAF, RAW and optical zoom. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 4500mAh | 5000mAh | The Nokia has a larger battery, potentially offering longer battery life on a single charge. |
| Charging | 25W Fast Charging, Wireless | 15W Fast Charging | The S21 FE offers faster wired charging and wireless charging, reducing downtime. |
| Battery Features | Reverse charging | N/A | The S21 FE can act as a power bank for other devices. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 12, max version 16 | Android 12 | Both phones come with android 12, but the S21 FE is expected to receive 4 OS updates, giving it more longevity. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6, MIMO | Wi-Fi 5 | The S21 FE supports faster and more efficient Wi-Fi connectivity and more advanced features. |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.0 LE, advanced features | Bluetooth 5.0 LE | The S21 FE offers more advanced audio features for wireless accessories. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS | The S21 FE has more GPS support for better accuracy. |
| Storage & RAM | |||
| Internal Storage | 128GB/256GB | 32GB/128GB | The S21 FE has much higher storage options, especially the 256GB version, ideal for those who capture many photos and videos. |
| RAM | 6GB/8GB | 3GB/4GB | The S21 FE offers better multitasking and app performance due to its higher RAM options. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone allows for additional storage via microSD cards. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Dolby Atmos, Stereo speakers | 2 Microphones | The S21 FE has better audio features including Dolby Atmos for better clarity. |
| Security | |||
| Fingerprint Sensor | basic fingerprint sensor | side-mounted fingerprint sensor | Nokia G100 features a more advanced side-mounted fingerprint sensor. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Gorilla Glass Victus | Gorilla Glass 3 | The S21 FE features superior screen protection against drops and scratches. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Barometer | Accelerometer, Gyroscope, Barometer | S21 FE offers compass and Hall sensor, making it better suited for gaming and advanced features. |
2. Key Insights
Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G Strengths:
- Superior Display: The AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate and high resolution offers an incredibly smooth, vibrant, and sharp viewing experience.
- Powerful Performance: The Snapdragon 888 chipset delivers flagship-level performance for demanding tasks, gaming, and multitasking.
- Advanced Camera System: A versatile camera setup with better main, ultrawide and telephoto lens, paired with high-quality video recording up to 4K.
- Fast Charging and Wireless Charging: Faster 25W wired charging and the convenience of 15W wireless charging enhance daily usability.
- Future-Proofing: The promise of 4 OS upgrades, means that you will have the latest android features for longer.
- Better Build Quality: Corning Gorilla Glass Victus provides much better screen protection.
Nokia G100 Strengths:
- Larger Battery: A 5000mAh battery may offer longer battery life, although this might be offset by the less efficient chipset and display.
- Budget-Friendly: Nokia G100 is a more affordable device, if price is your main concern this might be a better option.
- Side-Mounted Fingerprint: more convenient and advanced placement compared to the S21 FE fingerprint sensor.
Trade-offs and Limitations:
- Samsung S21 FE 5G: The higher price point may be a barrier for some users, and there is no expandable storage. Also, no charger is included in the box.
- Nokia G100: The low-resolution screen, slow performance, and basic camera system are significant limitations for anyone wanting a richer media experience or more demanding applications.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G is best for:
- Tech Enthusiasts: Users who want top-notch performance, a stunning display, and a versatile camera system.
- Gamers: The powerful chipset and smooth 120Hz display are perfect for mobile gaming.
- Content Creators: The ability to record high-quality 4K video with better stabilization is a big advantage.
- Multi-taskers: The high-performance chipset and larger ram allow for easy multi-tasking and switching between apps.
- Users Looking for Longevity: The four expected OS upgrades mean that you will have the latest android features for longer.
Nokia G100 is best for:
- Budget-Conscious Users: Those who prioritize affordability over top-tier performance and features.
- Light Users: Individuals who primarily use their phones for basic tasks like calls, texts, and light browsing and are not concerned with performance.
- Users Seeking Longer Battery: If battery life is the most important feature for you, this might be the better device.
- Side Fingerprint Sensor Preference: Those that prefer the placement of side mounted fingerprint sensor over the basic in-screen one.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three questions to help you decide:
- How important is performance and display quality to you? If you value a smooth, fast, and visually stunning experience, the S21 FE is the clear winner. If you are happy with basic performance and are not concerned with display clarity, the Nokia is better value for the price.
- What is your primary use case? For heavy use, gaming, or content creation, the S21 FE is much more capable. For simple tasks and daily communication, the Nokia is a suitable device.
- What is your budget? If you are on a tight budget, the Nokia is a more affordable option, even though it has significant performance trade-offs. If you have a larger budget and want better overall value, the S21 FE is the better option, especially with the amount of features that it brings to the table.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- For the Tech-Savvy User: If you value cutting-edge technology, the Samsung Galaxy S21 FE is the better choice, offering a superior display, performance, and camera capabilities.
- For the Budget-Conscious Buyer: If you're looking for the most affordable option for basic needs, the Nokia G100 is suitable, provided that you accept its limitations in performance, display quality, and camera.
- For the Everyday User: If you need a device that is reliable, good for every day use and has a good display and cameras, the S21 FE is the way to go.
My Choice
If I had to choose between these two, I would absolutely go with the Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G. The difference in display quality, performance, and camera capabilities is just too significant to ignore. While the Nokia G100 might have a slightly larger battery and a more convenient side-mounted fingerprint sensor, the S21 FE’s AMOLED display with 120Hz refresh rate, significantly more powerful processor, versatile cameras, and faster charging, make it a much better overall experience.
The S21 FE is a well-rounded device that hits all the right notes, especially when looking at a user’s overall experience. It is a phone that you will be happy to use for years, especially due to the promise of 4 OS upgrades. The Nokia G100 will be too sluggish and will not be a good choice for anyone that values performance, display quality, or camera capabilities. The higher initial price of the S21 FE is justified, especially when considering that the phone will be more enjoyable to use for a longer period.
