Alright, let's break down the Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G and the Nokia G42. I'll be looking at this through the lens of real-world performance and what these specs actually mean for you, not just reciting numbers.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here's a detailed comparison table, focusing on the practical impact of each specification:
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G | Nokia G42 | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 155.7 x 74.5 x 7.9 mm, 177g | 165 x 75.8 x 8.6 mm, 193.8g | S21 FE is noticeably lighter and more compact, making it easier to handle for extended periods. The Nokia is a bit bulkier but can feel more solid in hand. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.4" | 6.56" | Very similar, the Nokia is slightly larger. Minimal difference for most users |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2340 | 720 x 1612 | S21 FE has a much sharper display, resulting in clearer text and crisper images, videos look much more vibrant |
| PPI | 403 | 269 | S21 FE will appear significantly sharper. The Nokia's display might look slightly pixelated by comparison. |
| Technology | AMOLED | IPS LCD | S21 FE boasts richer colors, deeper blacks, and better contrast for viewing movies and photos. Nokia's IPS LCD is decent but lacks the visual pop. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 90Hz | S21 FE has a smoother display for scrolling and animations. Both refresh rates are good, but you will notice the difference side by side |
| Brightness | 1300 nits | 0 nits (likely an error in the data) | S21 FE can get significantly brighter, which is essential for viewing in direct sunlight. Based on this data, it looks like Nokia has no outdoor visibility. I'll assume this is an error and will update when corrected data comes in |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 888 (5nm) | Snapdragon 480+ (8nm) | S21 FE has a far more powerful chip. Expect much faster app loading, better gaming performance, and smoother multitasking. |
| AnTuTu Score | 923,836 | 380,000 | S21 FE absolutely blows the Nokia away in performance. This difference is VERY noticeable day-to-day, especially when gaming. |
| GPU | Adreno 660 | Adreno 619 | The S21 FE has a much better graphics processor, further enhancing gaming and graphics-intensive tasks. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 12MP, f/1.8 | 50MP, f/1.8 | Nokia has a higher resolution, which can mean more detail in good lighting but not always, especially if the sensor is lower quality. S21 FE excels with overall image processing and dynamic range. |
| Telephoto Camera | 8MP, f/2.0 | None | S21 FE has an actual telephoto lens for better zoomed shots and portrait shots with depth of field. The Nokia only has a digital zoom, often resulting in grainy results. |
| Selfie Camera | 32MP, f/2.2 | 8MP, f/2.0 | S21 FE has much higher resolution front camera, resulting in clearer selfies. The slightly larger aperture on the Nokia will allow more light. S21 FE's software processing is also much more refined. |
| Portrait (Depth) Camera | None | 2MP, f/2.4 | Nokia uses a dedicated depth camera for better portrait mode, but they are often not the best as they are quite low resolution. The S21 FE can do this very well with its primary or telephoto lens instead |
| Macro Lens | None | 2MP, f/2.4 | Nokia has a macro lens, but is very low resolution. The S21 FE has an ultrawide camera that can take very nice macro shots as well with the advantage of being ultrawide and usable. |
| Ultrawide + Macro | 13MP, f/2.2 | None | S21 FE has a wide angle camera for landscape photography, group pictures, also with Macro capabilities. The Nokia has neither. |
| Video | Up to 4K 60fps | 1080p 30fps | S21 FE can record much higher quality video with 4k 60fps, great for vlogging. The Nokia will be limited to 1080p. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 4500mAh | 5000mAh | Nokia should have slightly better battery life due to a larger battery, but the lower power processor may make it more efficient. Real world results will vary based on usage. |
| Charging | 25W | 20W | S21 FE will charge slightly faster. Not a massive difference but useful for quick top ups. |
| Wireless Charging | 15W, Reverse 4.5W | None | S21 FE can be charged wirelessly and can wirelessly charge other devices or accessories. |
| Software & Connectivity | |||
| OS | Android 12, up to 16 | Android 13, up to 14 | Nokia is running Android 13 out of the box, but will get fewer major updates than the S21 FE |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.1 | Nokia is using a newer version of Bluetooth. Both are good, but the older version is compatible with more devices and standards |
| SIM | Dual SIM | Single SIM | S21 FE can accommodate two SIMs, ideal for managing two numbers on one phone. Nokia only has one SIM slot. |
| Other Features | |||
| Storage | 128/256 GB | 128GB | S21 FE has an option for larger storage if needed. Both have no expandable storage so choose carefully. |
| RAM | 6/8GB | 4/6GB | S21 FE has more RAM, meaning you can keep more apps open in the background before experiencing slowdowns |
| Audio | Dolby Atmos, Stereo speakers | 2 Microphones | S21 FE offers enhanced spatial sound with speakers, while the Nokia only has 2 mics. |
| Build Quality | Gorilla Glass Victus | Gorilla Glass 3 | S21 FE has much better screen protection from scratches and impacts. |
| Security | basic fingerprint sensor | side-mounted fingerprint sensor | S21 FE has a basic fingerprint sensor ( likely under display), Nokia has a more reliable and faster fingerprint reader on the side. |
2. Key Insights
Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G Strengths:
- Superior Performance: The Snapdragon 888 chip provides significantly better performance for gaming, multitasking, and overall responsiveness.
- High-Quality Display: The AMOLED screen with 120Hz refresh rate offers a richer, smoother, and more vibrant viewing experience, also significantly better in sunlight.
- Better Camera System: A versatile triple camera system with an actual telephoto lens, along with better software processing, is capable of producing more impressive shots in diverse conditions.
- Wireless Charging: The inclusion of 15W wireless charging and reverse wireless charging is a valuable convenience.
- Better Software Support: The Samsung gets 4 major android updates compared to Nokia's 2.
- Better Build Quality: More durable screen.
Nokia G42 Strengths:
- Potentially Longer Battery Life: The slightly larger battery may translate to better endurance, but it depends on how you use it.
- Newer Bluetooth: Bluetooth 5.1, is a newer version of Bluetooth.
Trade-offs & Limitations:
- The Nokia lags far behind in performance, screen quality, and camera capabilities compared to the S21 FE. It's a budget device and the performance reflects it.
- The S21 FE will be a premium experience at a higher price point.
- Nokia's screen brightness is unknown but it is definitely not a 1300 nits display.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G is best for:
- Performance Enthusiasts: Users who want a fast, responsive phone for gaming, multitasking, and demanding apps.
- Media Consumers: Those who frequently watch videos, play games, and value a high-quality display.
- Photography Buffs: Users who want a versatile camera system that can capture high-quality photos and videos in diverse conditions.
- Tech Enthusiasts: Those who appreciate the latest tech, fast charging, wireless charging and better software updates.
Nokia G42 is best for:
- Budget-Conscious Users: Those who need a basic phone for everyday tasks and want to keep costs low.
- Light Users: People who primarily use their phones for calls, messaging, browsing, and basic apps.
- Users Concerned with Battery Life: Those who prioritize long battery life and don't do heavy tasks.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Three Practical Questions:
- How much do I value performance? (Gaming, multitasking, responsiveness). The S21 FE will be much better if you value performance.
- How important is the quality of the display and camera? (Do you watch videos often, take many pictures). S21 FE is the clear choice if you care about these.
- What's my budget and does wireless charging matter? (Does budget take priority or do you want the extra convenience of wireless charging). The Nokia will likely be cheaper, but lacks a lot of important features of the S21 FE.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- "I want a phone for daily use and need it to last all day": If you're on a tight budget, the Nokia is a decent choice as long as you temper expectations about performance and display quality. The S21 FE will also easily last a full day and has fast charging.
- "I play a lot of games and watch videos often": The S21 FE is the better option with its superior performance, high-quality screen, and better audio.
- "I'm a photography enthusiast and want a good phone for taking pictures": The S21 FE is superior due to the inclusion of a telephoto lens and better image processing. It can provide a much better image overall.
My Choice
If I were picking between these two, I would choose the Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G without hesitation. The performance difference alone is massive. The AMOLED display is gorgeous, the cameras are far superior, and the overall user experience is in a completely different league. Yes, it's likely to be more expensive, but the leap in quality is absolutely worth it. I value a phone that’s fast, has a fantastic display, and can capture great photos. These are aspects where the S21 FE dominates, making it the easy pick for me. The Nokia, while newer, just doesn't offer the same overall quality or performance and would feel like a step back.
