Alright, let's dive into a detailed comparison of the Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G and the Nothing Phone (2a). Both phones have their unique strengths, and the right choice really depends on your priorities. I'll be breaking down the key specs and what they mean for you in the real world.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here's a deep dive into the specifications, with a focus on practical implications for the user:
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G | Nothing Phone (2a) | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Launch Date | 2022-01-07 | 2024-03-12 | The Nothing Phone (2a) is newer, so it benefits from the latest software and possibly some refinements. |
| Dimensions | 155.7 × 74.5 × 7.9 mm | 161.7 × 76.3 × 8.6 mm | The S21 FE is more compact and easier to handle. The Nothing Phone (2a) is a bit larger and might be less comfortable for one-handed use. |
| Weight | 177g | 190g | The S21 FE is lighter, which can make a difference during long periods of usage. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.4" | 6.7" | The Nothing Phone (2a) offers a slightly larger display, better for media consumption and gaming. |
| Resolution | 1080x2340 | 1080x2412 | Both displays have similar sharpness; the slightly higher resolution on the Nothing Phone (2a) is barely noticeable. |
| PPI | 403 | 394 | The pixel density is virtually identical, leading to similarly sharp visuals. |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Both have vibrant colors, deep blacks, and excellent contrast thanks to AMOLED. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both have a fluid and responsive experience, ideal for smooth scrolling and gameplay. |
| Brightness | 1300 nits | 1300 nits | Both have ample brightness for outdoor visibility in bright conditions. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 (5 nm) | Mediatek Dimensity 7200 Pro (4 nm) | The Snapdragon 888 in the S21 FE is an older flagship chip and benchmarks higher, but the Dimensity 7200 Pro in the Nothing Phone (2a) is very capable, and more power efficient, while also running cooler. |
| AnTuTu Score | 923,836 | 688,952 | The S21 FE's higher score translates to a slightly more responsive experience during heavy loads, like gaming. |
| GPU | Adreno 660 | Mali-G610 MC4 | Both handle day-to-day tasks very well, with the Adreno 660 offering an edge for high-end gaming and graphics intensive applications. |
| Camera | |||
| Standard Camera Res | 12MP | 50MP | The Nothing Phone (2a) has more megapixels, translating to more detail and better zooming capability. |
| Standard Camera Aperture | f/1.8 | f/1.88 | Both have wide apertures for good performance in low light, although the slightly wider on the S21 FE will let in a touch more light. |
| Standard Camera Sensor Size | 1/1.76" | 1/1.56" | The Nothing Phone (2a) has a larger sensor which will likely capture more light and detail. |
| Telephoto Camera | Yes (8MP) | No | The S21 FE has a dedicated telephoto lens for optical zoom, beneficial for better quality photos at a distance. |
| Selfie Camera Res | 32MP | 32MP | Both have high-resolution selfie cameras for detailed, clear selfies. |
| Selfie Camera Sensor Size | 1/2.8" | 1/2.74" | The Nothing Phone (2a) has a slightly larger sensor here, which may offer slightly improved low-light selfie performance. |
| Wide Angle Camera Res | 13MP | 50MP | The Nothing Phone (2a)'s wide angle lens offers a significantly higher resolution, capturing more detail in the ultrawide shots. |
| Wide Angle Sensor Size | 1/3.06" | 1/2.76" | The Nothing Phone (2a) has a larger sensor here, which again should offer slightly improved low-light performance. |
| Video | Up to 4K@60fps | Up to 4K@30fps | The S21 FE has the edge for those who want 60fps for smoother video. |
| DXOMark Score (Main) | 117 | N/A | The S21 FE has a known camera quality and scores well for both video and photos. The 2a has yet to be rated. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 4500mAh | 5000mAh | The Nothing Phone (2a) has a larger battery, promising longer battery life on average. |
| Charging | 25W Fast Charging | 45W Fast Charging | The Nothing Phone (2a) offers faster charging, getting you back to full power quicker. |
| Charging Features | Wireless charging, reverse wireless charging | None | The S21 FE offers more versatile charging options, including wireless and reverse charging. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 12 | Android 14 | The Nothing Phone (2a) runs a newer version of Android, offering a more up-to-date experience. It will also be supported for longer in the future. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.3 | Nothing Phone (2a) comes with the latest Bluetooth version offering improved stability and features with compatible devices. |
| GPS | Standard | Standard + L1+L5, NavIC | Nothing Phone (2a) has a more precise GPS system. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128/256 GB | 128/256 GB | Both devices offer comparable storage options. |
| RAM | 6/8GB | 8/12 GB | The Nothing Phone (2a) has higher RAM, making it better for heavy multitasking. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone offers expandable storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Dolby Atmos, Noise cancellation microphone | Hi-Res Audio, 3 Microphones | The S21 FE has Dolby Atmos for more immersive audio, while the Nothing Phone (2a) has Hi-Res audio for higher quality, and the additional mic could improve noise cancellation in some situations. |
2. Key Insights
Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G
- Strengths: The S21 FE has a better performing and higher spec chip set, a telephoto lens for better optical zoom capabilities, wireless charging and a known camera performance with DXOMARK scores.
- Competitive Advantages: Its more compact size might be attractive for those who prefer smaller form factors, and the more versatile charging options. The performance is also a highlight, it is the more powerful of the two phones, but at the cost of efficiency.
- Trade-offs: It has a smaller battery with slower charging speeds, and is running on an older version of android.
Nothing Phone (2a)
- Strengths: The Nothing Phone (2a) stands out with its unique design and the more recent software experience with guaranteed updates for longer. It also provides a larger battery, faster charging, and generally more modern technology.
- Competitive Advantages: Its larger display and battery will appeal to media consumption and gaming enthusiasts, while its newer software will be attractive to users wanting the most up to date experience. The newer chipset should also provide good performance at the same time as better efficiency and less heat.
- Trade-offs: The Nothing Phone (2a) doesn't have a telephoto lens, wireless charging or a known camera rating via DXOMARK.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G
- Best for: Users who prioritize peak performance, optical zoom, a compact form factor, wireless charging and have brand loyalty to Samsung.
- Use Cases: Excellent for power users who play high-end games, users who want a smaller phone that's easier to handle, and users who like to travel often and use the camera extensively.
- Price-to-Value: A good choice for those who can get a good deal on it, as it has dropped considerably since its release.
Nothing Phone (2a)
- Best for: Tech enthusiasts who value a clean, modern software experience, long battery life, and fast charging.
- Use Cases: Ideal for users who prioritize battery life, media consumption, and those who enjoy the unique design and software experience of the Nothing brand.
- Price-to-Value: It's priced competitively in the mid-range segment with excellent value for money, and a great choice for the future as it's a newer device with better support.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three questions to help you decide:
Do you prefer a compact design with a telephoto lens or a larger screen with better battery and charging? If you prioritize a smaller phone with optical zoom capabilities and wireless charging, the S21 FE is the better choice. If a larger screen, battery life and faster charging is more important, then the Nothing Phone (2a) is your better option.
Do you prioritize performance or efficiency, longevity, and software updates? If raw performance is key, and you don't mind slightly older tech, then the S21 FE is likely to meet your needs. If you prefer a phone that will be supported for longer, is more efficient, and has more up to date software and security patches, then the Nothing Phone (2a) is for you.
What's your budget and what features do you value the most? Consider your budget and balance it with what's most important to you; are features like wireless charging more important than a larger battery and faster charging, for example.
Scenario-based recommendations:
- For the mobile gamer: The Samsung S21 FE 5G, it offers the slightly more powerful processor and better GPU performance for smoother game play.
- For the power user always on the go: The Nothing Phone (2a). Its larger battery and faster charging will keep you going all day.
- For the budget-conscious buyer: The Nothing Phone (2a), offering the more up to date features at the better price point.
- For the camera enthusiast: The Samsung S21 FE 5G. The additional telephoto lens, known performance and quality from DXOMARK, makes it the more versatile option.
My Choice:
If I had to choose between these two phones, I'd go with the Nothing Phone (2a). While the S21 FE has more raw power, the 2a has a good enough processor for most tasks while being far more efficient, and will also be supported for much longer with new software and security patches. The larger battery and fast charging means I wouldn't need to worry about running out of power, and the larger screen would be useful for viewing media. While it lacks a telephoto lens, the main camera performance is still likely to be solid, and it also offers a more up to date version of Android.
It really comes down to what you prioritize. The S21 FE is a decent phone, but the 2a is a great all rounder with a very unique design and is also a better option for the future.
