Okay, let's dive deep into a comparison of the Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G and the Realme 12+. I'll structure this analysis with my usual blend of technical expertise and real-world usability to help you make an informed decision.
1. Specifications Breakdown
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G | Realme 12+ | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Launch Date | 2022-01-07 | 2024-03-02 | Realme 12+ is significantly newer, likely benefiting from more recent tech. |
| Dimensions | 155.7 x 74.5 x 7.9 mm | 163 x 75.5 x 7.9 mm | S21 FE is slightly more compact, while the 12+ is taller but maintains the same width and thickness. |
| Weight | 177g | 190g | S21 FE is lighter, making it potentially more comfortable for extended use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.4" | 6.67" | Realme 12+ offers a slightly larger screen, better for media consumption. |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2340 | 1080 x 2400 | Both are FHD+, delivering sharp visuals. |
| PPI | 403 | 395 | Both have similar pixel density, providing a very similar sharpness in display. |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Both offer vibrant colors and deep blacks typical of AMOLED displays. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Smooth scrolling and animations on both phones. |
| Brightness | 1300 nits | 2000 nits | Realme 12+ has a significantly brighter display, enhancing outdoor visibility in sunlight. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 888 (5nm) | Dimensity 7050 (6nm) | S21 FE's Snapdragon 888 is more powerful on paper, leading to better gaming, and multitasking. |
| AnTuTu Score | 923,836 | 601,000 | S21 FE has significantly better performance based on benchmarks. |
| GPU | Adreno 660 | Mali-G68 MC4 | S21 FE offers superior gaming and graphic processing capabilities. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 12MP (f/1.8) | 50MP (f/1.88) | Realme 12+ captures more detail with higher resolution, while the S21 FE has slightly bigger pixels. |
| Telephoto | 8MP (f/2.0) | None | S21 FE offers more versatile zoom capabilities. |
| Wide Angle + Macro | 13MP (f/2.2) | None | S21 FE has a dedicated wide-angle camera. |
| Wide Angle Lens | None | 8MP (f/2.2) | Realme 12+ has a dedicated ultra-wide angle lens. |
| Macro Lens | None | 2MP (f/2.4) | Realme 12+ offers macro capabilities for close-up shots. |
| Selfie Camera | 32MP (f/2.2) | 16MP (f/2.45) | S21 FE has a higher-resolution selfie camera and a wider aperture, potentially capturing better selfies. |
| Video Recording | 4K@60fps with HDR, EIS | 4K@30fps with EIS | S21 FE has higher framerates, resulting in better videos. |
| Camera Features | OIS, RAW, Night Mode | OIS | S21 FE offers advanced camera features. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 4500mAh | 5000mAh | Realme 12+ has a larger battery, potentially offering longer battery life. |
| Charging | 25W Fast Charging | 67W Fast Charging | Realme 12+ charges much faster, ensuring less downtime. |
| Features | 15W Wireless, Reverse charging | Non-removable | S21 FE offers wireless charging and reverse wireless charging capabilities. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 12 (up to 16) | Android 14 (up to 16) | Realme 12+ comes with a newer OS out of the box and similar OS upgrades. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6, Wi-Fi MIMO | Wi-Fi 6 | Both support Wi-Fi 6; S21 FE offers additional Wi-Fi MIMO. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 with LE, APT-X, etc | 5.2 with LE | Realme 12+ has a more recent bluetooth version, but the S21 FE supports more audio codecs for better audio. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou | S21 FE supports more satellite systems. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128/256 GB | 128/256/512 GB | Realme 12+ offers a 512 GB storage option, for more storage-hungry users. |
| RAM | 6/8 GB | 8/12 GB | Realme 12+ has more RAM, better for heavy multitasking. |
| Expandable | No | No | Both lack expandable storage, so choose your storage carefully. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Dolby Atmos, Stereo | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio, Stereo, 2 mics | Realme 12+ offers high-resolution audio, better quality. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Fingerprint | Fingerprint | Both offer basic biometric fingerprint security. |
| Build | |||
| Screen Protection | Gorilla Glass Victus | Unknown | S21 FE provides better protection for the screen. |
| Sensors | Biometric: Fingerprint; Proximity: Proximity; Motion: Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope; Environmental: Barometer | Biometric: Fingerprint; Proximity: Proximity; Motion: Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope | S21 FE has more sensors. |
2. Key Insights
Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G Strengths:
- Performance Powerhouse: The Snapdragon 888 chipset offers superior processing power, making it suitable for gamers and heavy multitaskers.
- Camera Versatility: With a telephoto and wide-angle lens, the S21 FE offers more flexibility in capturing various perspectives. The superior DXOMARK scores confirm its better performance on this area.
- Advanced Features: Wireless charging and reverse wireless charging capabilities add convenience.
- Premium Build: Corning Gorilla Glass Victus provides superior screen protection.
- Better Video: Offers higher framerate videos for better quality and more versatility.
- More Sensors: Additional Barometer, Hall and Geomagnetic sensors.
Realme 12+ Strengths:
- Brighter Display: The 2000 nits brightness ensures excellent visibility, even in direct sunlight.
- Faster Charging: The 67W fast charging is significantly faster, reducing downtime.
- Larger Battery: The 5000mAh battery provides a good advantage for all-day usage.
- More Storage Options: Up to 512 GB storage is ideal for users with large media libraries and apps.
- Newer Software: Android 14 out of the box ensures a modern experience.
- Better Audio: High-Res audio and 2 microphones for better quality.
Trade-offs and Limitations:
- S21 FE: Lacks expandable storage, its battery capacity is smaller, and its charging speed is comparatively slow.
- Realme 12+: Its chipset is less powerful, and it lacks a telephoto lens, wireless charging, and superior build quality.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G is Ideal For:
- Gamers: The powerful Snapdragon 888 and Adreno 660 GPU provide a smoother gaming experience.
- Photography Enthusiasts: The versatile camera system with telephoto and wide-angle lenses.
- Users Needing Wireless Charging: Those who appreciate the convenience of wireless and reverse wireless charging.
- Users who prioritize video: If you want more versatile videos.
Realme 12+ is Ideal For:
- Media Consumers: The larger, brighter display with good audio quality is perfect for watching videos and consuming media.
- Heavy Phone Users: The larger battery and faster charging will keep you powered throughout the day.
- Storage-Hungry Users: The 512GB storage option is perfect for those with a large number of files.
- Users that prefer new software: Android 14 offers the latest experience.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three key questions to help you decide:
- Performance or Battery Life? If you need raw power for gaming and demanding tasks, the S21 FE is the clear winner. If you prioritize battery life and fast charging, choose the Realme 12+.
- Camera Versatility or Display Quality? The S21 FE offers a more versatile camera system with a telephoto lens, while the Realme 12+ provides a much brighter display with high-res audio quality.
- Software and Convenience Features? If you need the latest software out-of-the-box and additional storage options, the Realme 12+ is preferable. The S21 FE offers convenient wireless charging.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- The Gamer: Go with the Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G for its raw power and advanced graphic capabilities.
- The Media Buff: The Realme 12+ with its brighter display, better audio, and larger storage will provide a better media experience.
- The On-the-Go User: The Realme 12+ is better for someone needing long battery life and quick charging.
- The Photographer: The S21 FE offers more versatile cameras with more flexibility, though the 12+ has better overall quality for the main lens.
- The All-Rounder: If you prioritize a balance of features and don’t have a specific need, the S21 FE’s premium build and balanced performance might be a better fit.
My Personal Choice
Given my focus on performance and camera capabilities, I would personally choose the Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G. While the Realme 12+ offers a brighter screen and better battery life, the raw processing power of the Snapdragon 888 and the added versatility of the telephoto camera are more important to me. Additionally, the wireless charging, better video capabilities, more complete sensor suite, and superior screen protection, make the S21 FE better for my specific needs, making it an extremely good all-rounder.
