Okay, let's break down the Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G and the OnePlus Nord 4. I'll put on my tech journalist hat and dive deep into the specs, focusing on real-world implications.
1. Specifications Breakdown
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G | OnePlus Nord 4 | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Launch Date | 2022-01-07 | 2024-08-08 | OnePlus Nord 4 is a much newer device, benefiting from the latest tech. |
| Dimensions | 155.7 x 74.5 x 7.9 mm | 162.6 x 75 x 8 mm | Nord 4 is taller and slightly thicker. S21 FE is more compact and comfortable to hold for long periods, while the Nord 4 feels more substantial. |
| Weight | 177g | 199.5g | S21 FE is significantly lighter, making it easier to handle and carry around. The Nord 4 is noticeably heavier. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.4" | 6.74" | Nord 4 offers more screen real estate, better for content consumption and multitasking. S21 FE is slightly more pocketable. |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2340 | 1240 x 2772 | Nord 4's higher resolution results in sharper, more detailed images and text. |
| Pixel Density | 403 PPI | 450 PPI | Nord 4 has a moderately sharper display. |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Both offer vibrant colors and deep blacks thanks to AMOLED. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both provide smooth scrolling and animations, improving the overall experience. |
| Brightness | 1300 nits | 2200 nits | Nord 4 is significantly brighter, offering vastly superior outdoor visibility in sunlight. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 888 5G | Snapdragon 7+ Gen 3 | Nord 4's newer chip is more power-efficient and offers a noticeable performance boost in benchmarks, leading to smoother performance in demanding apps and games. |
| AnTuTu Score | 923,836 | 1,366,982 | Nord 4 has significantly better performance, loading apps faster and offering a more fluid experience. |
| GPU | Adreno 660 | Adreno 732 | Nord 4's newer GPU is more powerful, better for graphically intense games. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 4500 mAh | 5500 mAh | Nord 4's larger battery should provide much longer battery life. |
| Charging | 25W Fast Charging | 100W Fast Charging | Nord 4 charges dramatically faster, reducing downtime. |
| Features | Wireless Charging, reverse charging | Non-removable | S21 FE offers more battery flexibility with wireless and reverse charging. Nord 4 is straightforward with fast charging and non removable battery. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 12MP, f/1.8 | 50MP, f/1.8 | Nord 4's main sensor has higher resolution and captures more detail. S21 FE has larger pixels and is better in low light, likely. |
| Telephoto Camera | 8MP, f/2.0 | None | S21 FE has better zoom capability. Nord 4 does not have a zoom camera. |
| Selfie Camera | 32MP, f/2.2 | 16MP, f/2.4 | S21 FE has a higher resolution front camera, likely better detail. |
| Wide Angle Camera | 13MP, f/2.2 | 8MP, f/2.2 | Nord 4 has a wide-angle camera, S21 FE has a ultra wide with macro functionality. |
| Video | Up to 4K@60fps with HDR and EIS | Up to 4K@60fps with EIS | Both provide good video quality; S21 FE captures video in 1080p at 240 fps while the Nord 4 captures video in 1080p at 120fps. |
| DxoMark | Main 117, Selfie 127 | Not Tested | S21 FE has a decent camera, but has not been tested on Nord 4. |
| Camera Features | Optical zoom, Triple camera | Dual camera | S21 FE offers more versatile zoom options with three camera setup and a telephoto lens. Nord 4 offers a straight forward approach to photography with less zoom options. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 12 (up to 16) | Android 14 (up to 18) | Nord 4 comes with a newer Android version, ensuring more feature updates and security patches in the long run. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6, Dual band | Wi-Fi 6 | Both offer fast Wi-Fi, S21 FE offers more connectivity features. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 LE | 5.4 | Nord 4 has the latest Bluetooth standard for better performance. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo | Nord 4 supports more satellite systems for better location accuracy. |
| SIM | Dual SIM Dual Standby | Dual SIM Dual Standby | Both offer dual SIM capabilities for better connectivity. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128/256 GB | 128/256/512 GB | Nord 4 has a larger 512 GB option. |
| RAM | 6/8 GB | 8/12/16 GB | Nord 4 offers more RAM for smoother multitasking. |
| Expandable | No | No | Both do not offer expandable storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Dolby Atmos | Stereo Speakers | S21 FE offers more versatile audio features. |
| Security | |||
| Features | basic fingerprint sensor | basic fingerprint sensor | Both offer basic fingerprint security. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Gorilla Glass Victus | Unknown | S21 FE uses Gorilla Glass Victus for superior screen durability, while the Nord 4's screen protection is not specified. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Barometer | Proximity, Accelerometer, Gyroscope | S21 FE offers a more comprehensive sensor suite, including a barometer for environmental data, while the Nord 4 is geared towards more basic usage. |
2. Key Insights
Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G:
- Strengths: More compact and lightweight design, wireless and reverse wireless charging, a telephoto lens for better zoom, better camera sensor sizes, a more comprehensive sensor suite, and established brand reliability.
- Competitive Advantages: The S21 FE excels in user-friendliness, with a focus on all the everyday features and quality in line with the Samsung brand. Its versatile camera system, complete with optical zoom, appeals to those who value photography options.
OnePlus Nord 4:
- Strengths: Significantly better performance (higher AnTuTu score), larger and brighter display, larger battery with faster charging, the latest software version, more RAM options, and more internal storage.
- Competitive Advantages: The Nord 4 provides flagship-level performance at a mid-range price point, making it a great option for users who value speed, display quality, and battery life.
Trade-offs and Limitations:
- The S21 FE is older tech and struggles in performance and battery life.
- The Nord 4 lacks a telephoto camera and a full sensor suite, which are present in the S21 FE.
- The Nord 4 is heavier and larger, which may not appeal to everyone.
- S21 FE has a telephoto camera but less main camera resolution.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G:
- Best Suited For: Users who prioritize a premium, user-friendly experience with a focus on camera flexibility, user friendliness, and the Samsung brand. Great for those who want a good all-rounder phone and an established brand.
- Use Cases: Everyday photography, general usage, light gaming, users who appreciate wireless charging.
OnePlus Nord 4:
- Best Suited For: Tech enthusiasts, gamers, and power users who want maximum performance and a fast charging phone at a reasonable price. Also good for people who value battery life and a large screen.
- Use Cases: Demanding gaming, heavy multitasking, content consumption, users who need a phone for a full day.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three practical questions to help you decide:
- Do you value performance and battery life above all else? If yes, the OnePlus Nord 4 is the clear winner.
- Do you want a more compact, lightweight phone with premium features like wireless charging and a telephoto camera? The S21 FE could be a better fit.
- How important is a bright display for outdoor use? The Nord 4 has a much brighter display, making it significantly better for outdoor visibility.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- For the Everyday User: If you need a phone for daily tasks, some photography, and light gaming, both phones will serve you well. The S21 FE offers a more established brand and feel of the Samsung phone, but the Nord 4 provides slightly better software experience.
- For the Gamer/Power User: The Nord 4 provides a much better option for high performance gaming, multi-tasking and fast charging.
- For the Photography Enthusiast: The S21 FE has a more versatile camera system that can be used more effectively. The better sensor size also helps in more challenging lighting situations.
My Choice
If I had to pick between the two, I would go with the OnePlus Nord 4. As a tech journalist, I appreciate performance, a sharp display, and the benefit of a large battery for long usage. While the S21 FE is a well-rounded device with a quality Samsung feel, the Nord 4's performance, battery life, faster charging and newer software make it a more appealing option. I'm not a big user of zoom lenses or reverse wireless charging and I prioritize battery life, brightness, and performance, making the Nord 4 the better fit for me.
