Alright, let's dive into a head-to-head comparison of the Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G and the Nothing Phone (2a) Plus. I've broken down the specs and what they mean for you in real-world usage.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here's a detailed look at the core specifications, presented in an easy-to-digest format:
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G | Nothing Phone (2a) Plus | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 155.7 x 74.5 x 7.9 mm | 161.7 x 76.3 x 8.5 mm | The Nothing Phone is noticeably larger and slightly thicker, impacting single-handed use and pocketability. |
| Weight | 177g | 190g | S21 FE is lighter, which may be preferable for extended use. |
| Build | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus Front, Plastic back | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 Front, Plastic back | S21 FE’s screen protection is better than the Nothing Phone (2a). |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.4" | 6.7" | Nothing Phone's larger display provides a more immersive viewing experience, but the S21 FE is more compact. |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2340 | 1080 x 2412 | Both offer sharp displays, but minor differences are negligible in practical use. |
| Pixel Density | 403 PPI | 395 PPI | Effectively identical visual sharpness. |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Vivid colors, deep blacks, and excellent contrast on both. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Smooth scrolling and fluid animations on both phones. |
| Peak Brightness | 1300 nits | 1300 nits | Excellent outdoor visibility in bright sunlight. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 888 5G (5nm) | Dimensity 7350 Pro (4nm) | The S21 FE's Snapdragon 888 is a step above in performance, with better gaming and multitasking. |
| AnTuTu Score | 923,836 | 805,721 | S21 FE has significantly better benchmark results, translating to smoother day to day performance. |
| GPU | Adreno 660 | Mali-G610 MC4 | The Adreno 660 offers higher graphics performance, especially noticeable in graphically intense applications and games. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera (Rear) | 12MP, f/1.8, 1/1.76" | 50MP, f/1.88, 1/1.56" | The Nothing Phone's higher resolution captures more detail, but the S21 FE has larger individual pixel size which improves low light performance |
| Telephoto Lens (Rear) | 8MP, f/2.0 | None | The S21 FE offers better optical zoom and portrait capabilities. |
| Wide Angle Lens (Rear) | 13MP, f/2.2, 1/3.06" | 50MP, f/2.2, 1/2.76" | Nothing Phone has higher resolution sensor for better detail, but the S21 FE has larger individual pixel size which improves low light performance |
| Selfie Camera | 32MP, f/2.2, 1/2.8" | 50MP, f/2.2, 1/2.76" | The Nothing Phone's higher resolution results in more detailed selfies, while the S21 FE has slightly larger pixel size |
| Video Recording | Up to 4K@60fps | Up to 4K@30fps | Both phones offer great video with stabilization, but S21 FE also provides 60fps 4K |
| DXOMark Score (Mobile) | 117 | Not Available | The S21 FE has been officially tested, which provides data for direct quality comparison. |
| DXOMark Score (Selfie) | 127 | Not Available | The S21 FE has been officially tested, which provides data for direct quality comparison. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 4500 mAh | 5000 mAh | The Nothing Phone has a larger battery for potentially longer usage between charges. |
| Charging | 25W Fast Charging | 50W Fast Charging | The Nothing Phone charges significantly faster, reducing downtime. |
| Charging Features | 15W Wireless, 4.5W Reverse Wireless | None | The S21 FE offers more flexible charging options. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 12 (upgradable to 16) | Android 14 (upgradable to 17) | Nothing Phone (2a) Plus has a more recent Android version out of the box, meaning longer support and more features |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | Wi-Fi 6 | Wi-Fi 6 | Similar wifi performance |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.0 | Bluetooth 5.3 | Nothing Phone has a more recent and energy efficient bluetooth version. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128GB/256GB | 256GB | The Nothing Phone (2a) Plus has a more generous storage option as standard with only one variant. |
| RAM | 6GB/8GB | 12GB | Nothing Phone has more RAM, offering superior multitasking and responsiveness. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone allows for additional storage via microSD cards. |
| Audio | |||
| Audio Quality | Dolby Atmos, Noise Cancellation, Stereo Speakers | Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers, 3 microphones | Both phones offer stereo speakers for a better sound experience. S21 FE has Dolby Atmos and better noise cancellation, while the Nothing Phone has higher quality Hi Res audio and more microphones. |
| Security | |||
| Biometrics | basic fingerprint sensor | basic fingerprint sensor | Both have fingerprint sensors for basic security. |
2. Key Insights
Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G:
- Strengths: Superior performance thanks to the Snapdragon 888, more flexible charging options including wireless, and a higher quality screen protector.
- Competitive Advantages: A robust chipset for gaming, versatile camera system with dedicated telephoto lens, and more feature-rich connectivity options.
- Trade-offs: Smaller battery, slower charging, older software, and it's slightly heavier.
Nothing Phone (2a) Plus:
- Strengths: Larger display, bigger battery, and faster charging. Plus, it has a more recent version of Android.
- Competitive Advantages: Longer battery life and faster charging are its major wins, along with a cleaner design philosophy.
- Trade-offs: Not as good benchmark performance as the S21 FE, less versatile camera, and lacks wireless charging.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G:
- Best Suited For: Gamers, photography enthusiasts, power users, and anyone who prioritizes high performance and a versatile camera system.
- Use Cases: Demanding mobile games, professional photography and video editing, and heavy multitasking.
- Price-to-Value: The higher cost of the S21 FE is justified for those who need its high-end capabilities.
Nothing Phone (2a) Plus:
- Best Suited For: Users who want a reliable device with long-lasting battery life, prefer a larger screen, and are looking for modern software.
- Use Cases: Streaming videos, browsing social media, day-long use without needing to recharge, and those who appreciate a unique, minimalist design aesthetic.
- Price-to-Value: This phone offers a great balance of price and essential features, making it very competitive.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three questions to guide your choice:
Performance Priority: Do you primarily use your phone for demanding games or tasks, or is smooth daily performance sufficient?
- If demanding, choose the Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G.
- If moderate, the Nothing Phone (2a) Plus is sufficient.
Battery and Charging: Is long battery life more important than wireless charging capabilities?
- If you need the longest battery and fast charging, choose the Nothing Phone (2a) Plus.
- If you would prefer wireless charging, choose the Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G.
Camera Needs: Do you need a versatile camera system with a telephoto lens, or is a standard main camera with good video recording enough?
- If you need a telephoto lens, choose the Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G.
- If a standard main camera is enough, the Nothing Phone (2a) Plus is a great option.
My Choice
If I were choosing between these two devices, I would pick the Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G. While the Nothing Phone (2a) Plus does a lot of things right with its large battery, more recent android version and beautiful design, my own use case always needs more processing power.
The Snapdragon 888 chipset provides more consistent and reliable performance across the board, whether it's gaming or photo editing, which is a must have for me. The additional telephoto lens and wireless charging also come in handy in day-to-day life.
While I would personally value the additional battery life and newer OS of the Nothing Phone, the more powerful processor of the S21 FE would be more beneficial in the long run, giving it the edge in this particular comparison.
