Alright, let's dive deep into the Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G and the Nothing Phone (1). Both phones have their own unique appeal, and choosing between them really depends on what you value most in a smartphone. I'll break down the specs, give you the real-world implications, and help you figure out which phone might be a better fit for you.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here’s a detailed look at how these two phones stack up, focusing on how the specs translate to your daily use:
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G | Nothing Phone (1) | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Launch Date | 2022-01-07 | 2022-07-16 | Nothing Phone (1) is newer by about 6 months, so it might get slightly longer software support. |
| Dimensions | 155.7 x 74.5 x 7.9 mm, 177g | 159.2 x 75.8 x 8.3 mm, 193.5g | S21 FE is noticeably lighter and slightly more compact, making it more comfortable for one-handed use. Nothing Phone (1) is a bit bigger and heavier, which might be preferred for some. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.4" | 6.55" | The difference is minor. Both are great for media consumption and daily tasks, although nothing phone (1) provides a bit more screen space for those that desire it. |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2340 | 1080 x 2400 | Both offer sharp visuals. You're not going to notice a huge difference day-to-day. |
| PPI | 403 | 402 | Virtually identical pixel density. Both are incredibly sharp. |
| Technology | AMOLED | OLED | Both offer vibrant colors, deep blacks, and excellent contrast. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Smooth scrolling and animations. Great for gamers and general users. |
| Brightness | 1300 nits | 1200 nits | S21 FE will be a bit easier to see in very bright sunlight, but both are generally bright enough for most conditions. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 888 (5nm) | Snapdragon 778G+ (6nm) | S21 FE’s chip is significantly more powerful, offering faster app loading, smoother multitasking, and better performance in demanding games. |
| AnTuTu Score | 923,836 | 624,253 | S21 FE is about 48% faster than the Nothing Phone (1). This is significant for demanding tasks and long-term usability. |
| GPU | Adreno 660 | Adreno 642L | S21 FE's GPU is more powerful, providing a better gaming experience. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 4500 mAh | 4500 mAh | Both offer a full day of use for most users with comparable battery life overall. |
| Charging | 25W Fast Charging | 33W Fast Charging | Nothing Phone (1) will charge faster. |
| Charging Features | 15W Wireless, 4.5W Reverse Wireless | 15W Wireless, 5W Reverse Wireless | Both offer wireless charging. Nothing Phone (1) can reverse-charge devices slightly faster than the S21 FE. Neither include charger in box. |
| Camera | |||
| Standard Camera | 12MP (f/1.8) | 50MP (f/1.88) | Nothing Phone (1) has much higher resolution for more detailed photos, Samsung has larger pixels and better low light. |
| Telephoto + Portrait | 8MP (f/2.0) | None | S21 FE offers a dedicated telephoto lens for optical zoom, which the Nothing Phone lacks. |
| Selfie Camera | 32MP (f/2.2) | 16MP (f/2.2) | S21 FE captures higher-resolution selfies with more detail. |
| Wide Angle + Macro | 13MP (f/2.2) | 50MP (f/2.2) | Nothing Phone (1) has much higher resolution and a slightly larger sensor, resulting in better detail for wide and macro shots. |
| Video | Up to 4K@60fps | Up to 4K@30fps | Both offer 4k recording but with different FPS. If 60fps is not an absolute necessity, the phone (1) will do just fine. |
| DxOMark | Mobile 117, Selfie 127 | Not tested | The S21 FE's camera performance is officially rated and is above average. The performance of nothing phone is still unknown in this department. |
| Camera Features | OIS, Triple Camera, Optical Zoom | OIS, Dual Camera, Ultra Stable | S21 FE offers triple camera setup with optical zoom. Nothing phone offers Ultra stable video function. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 12 (Up to 16) | Android 12 (Up to 15) | Samsung has a greater range of future android upgrades than the Nothing Phone. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6 | Wi-Fi 6 | Both have the same standards |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.2 | Nothing Phone (1) has a more advanced Bluetooth connection for better stability. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo, L1+L5, E1+E5a, NavIC | Nothing Phone (1) has more satellite systems that provide better positioning. |
| SIM | Dual Nano SIM | Dual Nano SIM | Both have the same standard features |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128GB/256GB | 128GB/256GB | Both offer identical storage options. |
| RAM | 6GB/8GB | 8GB/12GB | Nothing Phone (1) offers more RAM, resulting in smoother multitasking, especially on the 12GB model. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone supports expandable storage, so choose the storage option that suits you. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers, Noise Cancellation Mic | Stereo Speakers, 3 Microphones | S21 FE has a more comprehensive setup for audio quality. |
| Security | |||
| Fingerprint Sensor | Basic Fingerprint Sensor | Basic Fingerprint Sensor | Both offer basic biometric security. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Gorilla Glass Victus | Gorilla Glass 5 | S21 FE has a newer version of Gorilla glass, which is more resistant to scratches and drops. |
| Sensors | |||
| Other | Barometer | RGB | Samsung offers more environmental data. |
2. Key Insights
Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G
- Strengths: This phone is a powerhouse, especially when it comes to raw performance. The Snapdragon 888 is a beast, making it excellent for gaming, heavy multitasking, and anyone who wants a fast, responsive experience. The display is also very bright, and it has a dedicated telephoto camera for more flexibility in photography. The camera quality also has a verifiable rating, which may be a selling point for some users.
- Competitive Advantages: Its superior processing power, brighter display, better screen protection, and dedicated telephoto lens are key selling points. It's also officially rated for camera performance.
- Trade-offs: The design is relatively standard, and it does not have the latest bluetooth technology.
Nothing Phone (1)
- Strengths: The Nothing Phone (1) has a unique and eye-catching design with its transparent back. It also offers good performance for everyday use. The main cameras take detailed shots and the phone has more RAM and the faster charging.
- Competitive Advantages: Its design aesthetic sets it apart. It also offers slightly better charging and more RAM on some models.
- Trade-offs: The performance is noticeably weaker than the S21 FE. It also lacks a telephoto lens, has a less bright display, and the camera performance is unrated.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
Power Users (S21 FE): If you're someone who games a lot, does heavy multitasking, or just want the snappiest performance possible, the S21 FE is the clear winner here. It's for those who prioritize speed and power over everything else.
Design Enthusiasts (Nothing Phone (1)): If you value aesthetics, the Nothing Phone (1)'s unique transparent design is a big draw. It's a phone for people who want something that looks different and makes a statement. It also has advantages when it comes to battery charging and has more RAM in some models.
Everyday Users: Both phones perform admirably here. If you're not pushing your phone to its limits, the Nothing Phone (1) is a very capable choice, especially if its unique design appeals to you. The Samsung S21 FE is just as capable if you don't mind the more traditional look.
Camera Focused Users (S21 FE): The S21 FE has a superior array of cameras. The telephoto lens adds a huge amount of utility, and the selfie camera performs very well. Additionally, the performance is officially rated, unlike the nothing phone.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Before you make a decision, ask yourself these three questions:
- How important is raw performance to me? If you’re a gamer or a power user, the S21 FE is a better fit. Otherwise, the Nothing Phone (1) will get the job done just fine.
- Do I value unique design and brand more than the best performance? The Nothing Phone (1) has a unique and compelling design, while the S21 FE is more standard.
- Do I need the best camera possible? The S21 FE has a better camera array and has been officially tested.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: You need a phone for heavy gaming. Recommendation: Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G. Its more powerful processor, better screen protection and graphics card will provide a much better experience.
- Scenario 2: You want a stylish phone that stands out from the crowd. Recommendation: Nothing Phone (1). You cannot beat the transparent design.
- Scenario 3: You need a balanced, all-around performer for daily tasks. Recommendation: Either. Both phones will work great for this purpose, and the choice comes down to preference.
- Scenario 4: You want a phone that will still be snappy for years to come. Recommendation: Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G. Its significantly better processor will keep it running smoothly long into the future.
- Scenario 5: You want a phone with the best possible camera and camera utility. Recommendation: Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G. It has more utility, and has the performance data to back it up.
Personal Choice
If I were choosing, I'd lean towards the Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G. The primary reason is the raw performance and the more versatile camera array. The Snapdragon 888 is a significant step up, ensuring the phone feels snappy and capable even under heavy loads, and the telephoto lens adds a layer of photographic utility that the Nothing Phone (1) lacks. Plus, having the DXOMark ratings means it's hard to deny that it is the better camera. While the Nothing Phone (1)'s design is intriguing, for me, the performance and camera capabilities of the S21 FE edge it out in terms of functionality, and for a phone I will use everyday, that is what I value the most.
