Alright, let's dive into a head-to-head comparison of the Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G and the OnePlus 11. It's a classic matchup: the "Fan Edition" aiming for value against a flagship killer designed for power. I've broken this down into a detailed analysis to make it crystal clear which phone is best for you.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here’s a deep dive into the specs, focusing on real-world implications:
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G | OnePlus 11 | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 155.7 × 74.5 × 7.9 mm | 163.1 × 74.1 × 8.5 mm | S21 FE is more compact, while OnePlus 11 is taller and slightly thicker. OnePlus 11 has a larger volume. |
| Weight | 177g | 205g | S21 FE feels noticeably lighter, making it more comfortable for one-handed use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.4" | 6.7" | OnePlus 11 offers a bit more screen real estate for immersive viewing and multitasking. |
| Resolution | 1080x2340 | 1440x3216 | OnePlus 11 has significantly sharper images and text; a visual treat, especially for detail work. |
| PPI | 403 | 525 | OnePlus 11’s higher pixel density makes text crisper and images more detailed. |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Both offer vibrant colors and deep blacks, but pixel density makes OnePlus 11 slightly better |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both offer smooth scrolling and animations, key for a fluid user experience. |
| Brightness | 1300 nits | 1300 nits | Both have great visibility in direct sunlight with the same level of peak brightness. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 888 (5 nm) | Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 (4 nm) | OnePlus 11 is significantly faster and more efficient, leading to snappier performance. |
| AnTuTu Score | 923,836 | 1,389,474 | OnePlus 11 handles demanding tasks and games noticeably better; 50% faster than S21 FE. |
| GPU | Adreno 660 | Adreno 740 | OnePlus 11 offers superior graphics rendering for gaming and graphically intense applications. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 12MP, f/1.8, 1/1.76" | 50MP, f/1.8, 1/1.56" | OnePlus 11 captures more detail, performs better in low light; larger sensor. |
| Telephoto Camera | 8MP, f/2.0 | 32MP, f/2.0 | OnePlus 11 has a better Telephoto camera compared to S21 FE, with higher resolution |
| Wide/Macro Camera | 13MP, f/2.2, 1/3.06" | 48MP, f/2.2, 1/2" | OnePlus 11 takes sharper wide-angle and macro shots thanks to higher resolution and larger sensor. |
| Selfie Camera | 32MP, f/2.2, 1/2.8" | 16MP, f/2.4, 1/3.1" | S21 FE captures higher resolution selfies; OnePlus 11 has slightly bigger pixel size for better light collection; S21 FE has better front-camera for photos and videos, according to DxOmark |
| Video Recording | 4K@60fps, 1080p@240fps | 8K@24fps, 4K@60fps, 1080p@240fps | OnePlus 11 is capable of 8K video for professional content creation. |
| DxOMark (Mobile) | 117 (Photo: 119, Video: 107) | 127 (Photo: 134, Video: 121) | OnePlus 11 shows better photo and video quality overall based on DxOMark scores. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 4500mAh | 5000mAh | OnePlus 11 should last longer on a single charge, thanks to a bigger battery. |
| Charging | 25W Fast Charging | 100W Fast Charging | OnePlus 11 charges much faster, minimizing downtime. |
| Features | 15W Wireless, Reverse Charging | No Wireless, No Reverse | S21 FE offers more flexibility with wireless and reverse charging, but no charger inbox. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 12, upgradable to 16 | Android 13, upgradable to 14 | OnePlus 11 comes with a newer OS out of the box but not upgradable to Android 16 as the Samsung |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | Wi-Fi 6 | Wi-Fi 7 | OnePlus 11 supports the latest standard, offering faster speeds and better connectivity. |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.0 | Bluetooth 5.3 | OnePlus 11 has a newer Bluetooth version for improved audio quality and stability. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo, GPS (L1+L5), GLONASS (L1), BeiDou (B1), Galileo (E1+E5a), BeiDou (B2), QZSS (L1 + L5) | OnePlus 11 has better accuracy due to dual-band GPS support. |
| SIM | Dual Nano SIM | Dual Nano SIM + eSIM | OnePlus 11 supports eSIMs for more flexibility in connectivity. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128GB/256GB | 128GB/256GB/512GB | OnePlus 11 has a larger storage option for users with extensive media and app libraries. |
| RAM | 6GB/8GB | 8GB/12GB/16GB | OnePlus 11 delivers superior multitasking performance with higher RAM options. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone allows storage expansion with SD card. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers, Noise Cancelling Mic | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers, 2 Microphones | OnePlus 11 has better audio, thanks to Hi-Res Audio support. |
2. Key Insights
Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G:
Strengths:
- Lightweight and Compact: Easier to handle and carry for extended periods.
- Versatile Wireless Charging: Offers wireless charging, reverse wireless charging and reverse charging.
- Good Selfie Camera: Higher resolution and better performance according to DxOmark.
Competitive Advantages:
- More affordable price point, appealing to budget-conscious buyers.
- Solid performance for everyday tasks and casual gaming.
Trade-offs/Limitations:
- Older chipset compared to the OnePlus 11, which means slightly slower performance in demanding tasks
- Shorter battery life compared to the OnePlus 11.
- Slower charging speeds and lacking Hi-Res audio
- Lacks a telephoto lens compared to OnePlus 11
OnePlus 11:
Strengths:
- Blazing-Fast Performance: The Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chip provides a significant boost in speed and efficiency.
- Superior Display Quality: Higher resolution and pixel density for stunning visuals and sharp text.
- Significantly Better Camera System: The bigger sensor size and higher resolution cameras offer better performance especially in low light. 8K video recording and Gimbal is ideal for pro users.
- Faster Charging Speeds: 100W fast charging to charge battery in less than 30 mins.
- Better Connectivity: Newer Wi-Fi and Bluetooth standards for faster and more stable connections.
- Bigger battery: Offers a significant jump in battery life.
Competitive Advantages:
- A clear lead in performance, display quality, and camera capabilities.
- Top-tier audio quality thanks to Hi-Res Audio support and dual-microphone setup.
Trade-offs/Limitations:
- Slightly bulkier and heavier, which may not appeal to everyone.
- Missing Wireless charging and reverse charging.
- Android 13, not upgradable to Android 16.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G
- Best For:
- Casual users who want a solid all-around phone at a reasonable price.
- Those who prefer a compact, lightweight device.
- Users who value wireless charging and reverse wireless charging.
- Use Cases:
- Everyday use, social media, web browsing, and light gaming.
- Great for those who prefer a lighter device and not interested in cutting-edge specs.
OnePlus 11
- Best For:
- Performance enthusiasts who demand the best possible performance.
- Gamers and power users who need top-tier graphics and processing.
- Photography and videography enthusiasts who want pro-level image and video quality.
- Use Cases:
- Graphic intensive gaming, heavy multitasking, video editing, and photography.
- Power users that need a long lasting battery and fast charging capabilities.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three crucial questions to guide your decision:
How important is top-tier performance to you?
- If you prioritize speed and smooth performance, the OnePlus 11 is the clear winner. If you're okay with good-enough performance for daily use and some gaming, the S21 FE is a good pick.
What is your budget?
- If you have a tighter budget, the S21 FE provides a great set of features at a lower price. For those who want the very best, and don't mind spending a bit more, the OnePlus 11 is a premium phone for a premium price.
How do you prioritize camera and battery?
- If a versatile camera system and long battery life is what you are looking for, the OnePlus 11 offers a more well-rounded camera with a bigger sensor, better lens and better quality. If wireless charging and reverse charging is more important, then the S21 FE would be a good choice.
Scenario-Based Recommendations
The Casual User: If you’re looking for a balanced experience and want a good phone that won't break the bank, the Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G offers good value.
The Power User: If you're a heavy gamer, a professional videographer, or someone who needs the best possible experience, the OnePlus 11 is the clear choice with its superior power, display, and camera system.
The Photo Enthusiast: If your priority is taking the best photos and videos, then the OnePlus 11 is the right choice, thanks to its superior sensors and a pro-level 8K video feature. However, if you are a big fan of selfies, then Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G is the better choice.
My Choice
If I were choosing between these two phones, I would go with the OnePlus 11.
The main reason for that choice is that I consider myself a power user. The performance of the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2, combined with the enhanced camera system and battery life, is very difficult to pass by. I need a phone that can handle intensive tasks and also provide a great photography experience.
While the S21 FE is a solid phone, it cannot be compared to the latest generation of processors. I would be concerned about the performance in the long run. The OnePlus 11 simply checks all the boxes for me, even with the slight increase in price and bulk. The superior performance, better camera system, and faster charging makes it a no-brainer choice for my needs.
