Alright, let's dive deep into the Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G and the Nothing Phone (2). I've got my engineering hat on and a cup of coffee ready, let's see how these two stack up!
1. Specifications Breakdown
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G | Nothing Phone (2) | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Launch Date | 2022-01-07 | 2023-07-17 | Nothing Phone (2) is much newer, potentially longer software support |
| Form Factor | Standard | Standard | Both are typical smartphones, no foldables here |
| Dimensions | 155.7 × 74.5 × 7.9 mm | 162.1 × 76.4 × 8.6 mm | Nothing Phone (2) is noticeably larger, may feel less pocketable |
| Weight | 177g | 201.2g | S21 FE 5G is significantly lighter, better for extended holding |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.4" | 6.7" | Nothing Phone (2) offers more screen real estate |
| Resolution | 1080x2340 | 1080x2412 | Very similar sharpness, both are Full HD+ |
| PPI | 403 | 394 | Virtually identical pixel density |
| Technology | AMOLED | OLED | Both deliver vibrant colors and deep blacks |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Smooth scrolling and animations on both |
| Brightness | 1300 nits | 1600 nits | Nothing Phone (2) is brighter, much better visibility in sunlight |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 888 5G | Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 | Nothing Phone (2) has a much newer and more efficient chip |
| AnTuTu Score | 923,836 | 1,135,786 | Nothing Phone (2) will be noticeably faster in most tasks |
| GPU | Adreno 660 | Adreno 730 | Nothing Phone (2) has better graphics performance for games |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 12MP f/1.8 (Sony IMX555) | 50MP f/1.88 (Sony IMX890) | Nothing Phone (2) has higher resolution, potentially more detail |
| Telephoto/Portrait | 8MP f/2.0 (Hynix HI-847) | N/A | S21 FE offers dedicated zoom lens; Nothing Phone (2) relies on digital zoom only |
| Selfie Camera | 32MP f/2.2 (Sony IMX616) | 32MP f/2.45 (Sony IMX615) | Very similar performance; S21 FE has slightly wider aperture |
| Wide Angle Camera | 13MP f/2.2 (Sony IMX258) | 50MP f/2.2 (Samsung S5KJN1) | Nothing Phone (2) has a significant upgrade in resolution and sensor |
| Video | 4K@60fps, EIS | 4K@60fps, OIS, EIS | Nothing Phone (2) offers OIS, better stabilization |
| Camera Features | Triple Camera, OIS, RAW | Dual Camera, OIS, Timelapse | S21 FE has a dedicated zoom lens; Nothing Phone (2) has a more modern feature set |
| DXoMark (Mobile) | 117/119/107 | N/A | S21 FE is a decent mobile camera, but Nothing Phone (2) isn't tested |
| DXoMark (Selfie) | 127/126/130 | N/A | S21 FE has an impressive selfie camera, but Nothing Phone (2) isn't tested |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 4500 mAh | 4700 mAh | Nothing Phone (2) has a slightly larger battery, potentially longer battery life |
| Charging | 25W fast charging | 45W fast charging | Nothing Phone (2) charges significantly faster |
| Features | 15W Wireless, Reverse | 15W Wireless, Reverse | Similar wireless charging features; S21FE also supports 4.5W reverse wireless |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 12 (Up to 16) | Android 13 (Up to 16) | Nothing Phone (2) ships with a newer Android version |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | Wi-Fi 6 | Wi-Fi 6 | Same Wi-Fi performance |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 LE | 5.3 | Nothing Phone (2) has the latest standard |
| GPS | GPS, GLONASS, Galileo | GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, QZSS, NavIC | Nothing Phone (2) has more precise GPS |
| SIM | Dual Nano SIM | Dual Nano SIM | Both support two SIMs |
| Storage | |||
| Internal Storage | 128/256 GB | 128/256/512 GB | Nothing Phone (2) offers a 512GB option |
| RAM | 6/8 GB | 8/12 GB | Nothing Phone (2) can handle more demanding tasks |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone has expandable storage |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers | Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers | Both offer great sound; slightly different features |
| Security | |||
| Features | Basic fingerprint | Basic fingerprint | Standard biometrics; no significant difference |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Gorilla Glass Victus | Unknown | S21 FE offers a higher level of screen protection |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Comprehensive Suite | Comprehensive Suite | S21 FE has additional environmental sensors |
2. Key Insights
Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G:
- Strengths: Lighter build for comfort, capable Telephoto lens, well-established camera performance (as evidenced by its DXoMark scores), good quality screen protection (Corning Gorilla Glass Victus), and a full suite of sensors including a barometer.
- Advantages: Excellent and proven cameras. The triple-lens system, especially the dedicated telephoto lens, gives you more versatility. Its lighter build makes it very comfortable for longer use.
- Trade-offs: Older processor, slower charging, and lack of an expandable storage option. Also, the design is more traditional and does not stand out.
Nothing Phone (2):
- Strengths: Much faster processor, bigger and brighter screen, larger battery and faster charging, and higher main camera resolution, the signature Glyph interface.
- Advantages: Cutting-edge performance, noticeably improved camera performance, and very unique and stylish design make it stand out. Its newer processor means it will have longer software update support.
- Trade-offs: Heavier, does not have a dedicated telephoto lens, and its design may be polarizing.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G:
- Best for: Users who prioritize comfort and camera versatility. If you're often taking photos and want a reliable, proven system with optical zoom, the S21 FE is a good fit. Also good for those on a budget who want flagship specs from a very reliable phone brand.
- Use Cases: Travel photography, casual everyday use, users who like a lighter device that can be used for extended periods.
- Price-to-Value: Offers flagship-level performance and cameras at a more budget-friendly price, making it a good choice if you don't need the absolute latest specs.
Nothing Phone (2):
- Best for: Tech enthusiasts who want the latest performance and a distinct design. If you love playing graphics-heavy games, like the very unique design and cutting-edge specs and want a phone that stands out, this phone is for you.
- Use Cases: Heavy multitasking, graphic-intensive mobile gaming, users who enjoy a unique design aesthetic, and anyone who values cutting-edge technology.
- Price-to-Value: Offers a unique premium experience, including top-tier specs, at a mid-range price, making it a good choice if you value design and want a modern smartphone.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three practical questions to help you decide:
- Do you value having a dedicated telephoto lens or is good digital zoom and stabilization enough? If you need a dedicated telephoto lens for optical zoom, the S21 FE is the way to go. Nothing Phone (2) does not have one.
- Do you value a cutting-edge processor and a very unique aesthetic or is older but still capable processing power and a more traditional design ok? The Nothing Phone (2) offers a newer processor with better efficiency and performance with its iconic design, while the S21 FE has a more familiar design.
- How important is battery life and fast charging to you? Nothing Phone (2) has a slightly larger battery and much faster charging. The S21 FE is a solid performer but does not have the same capacity or charge speed.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- The Photographer: If you prioritize versatile photography with optical zoom, choose the Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G.
- The Gamer: For ultimate gaming performance and a fast and very smooth experience, go with the Nothing Phone (2).
- The Budget-Conscious User: The Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G provides good value and reliability without a top-tier price tag.
- The Design Enthusiast: If you want a phone with a standout design and you like to make a statement, the Nothing Phone (2) is the obvious choice.
My Pick
If I were making the decision myself, I would choose the Nothing Phone (2). My reasons are based on a few key factors:
- Future-Proofing: The newer chipset provides a more future-proof experience with more efficient performance and better support. I prefer this over the older, albeit still capable, Snapdragon 888.
- Design and Experience: The Nothing Phone (2)'s unique design and Glyph interface are not just for show; they are part of a more modern and unique experience. I prefer this more to the S21 FE more traditional design.
- Performance: The increased performance is just very noticeable in my day-to-day use cases. The faster processor and more RAM give me a smoother experience for the apps I use frequently and for the graphic-intensive games I sometimes enjoy.
- Screen Visibility: The brighter screen on the Nothing Phone (2) is a huge plus for when I am in direct sunlight.
While the S21 FE is a great phone and has a decent camera system and good all-around performance, the Nothing Phone (2)'s overall combination of design, performance, and future-proof technology are just a better option for my needs. And that's all I've got for this one!
