Alright, let's dive deep into the battle between the Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G and the Realme 12 Pro+. We've got a clash of philosophies here: Samsung's legacy of flagship-adjacent performance versus Realme's focus on cutting-edge features and value. Buckle up, it's going to be a detailed ride!
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here’s a detailed side-by-side comparison of the key specifications, focusing on their real-world implications:
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G | Realme 12 Pro+ | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 155.7 x 74.5 x 7.9 mm | 161.5 x 74 x 8.8 mm | S21 FE 5G is more compact; Realme 12 Pro+ is taller and thicker, possibly feeling bulkier in hand. |
| Weight | 177g | 196g | S21 FE 5G is noticeably lighter, enhancing comfort for extended use. |
| Build | Gorilla Glass Victus Screen | Unknown Screen Protection | S21 FE 5G boasts superior screen protection, likely more durable against scratches and drops. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.4" | 6.7" | Realme 12 Pro+ offers a larger screen for more immersive viewing, but S21 FE 5G's smaller size is easier for one-hand use. |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2340 | 1080 x 2412 | Both offer sharp displays, differences will be barely noticeable. |
| Pixel Density (PPI) | 403 | 394 | Both provide very similar pixel density, no significant difference in perceived sharpness. |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Both deliver vibrant colors and deep blacks, thanks to AMOLED technology. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both provide smooth scrolling and animations, crucial for a premium user experience. |
| Brightness | 1300 nits | 0 nits | S21 FE 5G is significantly brighter, offering better visibility outdoors in direct sunlight. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 888 (5 nm) | Snapdragon 7s Gen 2 (4 nm) | S21 FE 5G’s Snapdragon 888 provides higher overall performance, especially for gaming and demanding tasks. |
| AnTuTu Score | 923,836 | 603,400 | S21 FE 5G has a substantial performance edge, indicating faster loading, better multitasking, and gaming capabilities. |
| GPU | Adreno 660 | Adreno 710 | The S21 FE's GPU is a powerhouse, offering better graphics performance, especially for gaming. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 4500 mAh | 5000 mAh | Realme 12 Pro+ has a larger battery, suggesting longer battery life between charges. |
| Charging | 25W Fast Charging | 67W Fast Charging | Realme 12 Pro+ charges significantly faster, reducing downtime and providing more flexibility. |
| Features | Wireless Charging, Reverse Charging | Non-removable | S21 FE 5G offers wireless and reverse wireless charging, adding more versatility and convenience. |
| Camera | |||
| Standard Lens | 12MP, f/1.8, 1/1.76" | 50MP, f/1.8, 1/1.56" | Realme 12 Pro+ has higher resolution main sensor and slightly larger physical sensor size, potentially better low-light. |
| Telephoto + Portrait | 8MP, f/2.0 | None | S21 FE 5G offers an additional telephoto lens for better portrait and zoom capabilities. |
| Telephoto Lens | None | 64MP, f/2.6, 1/2" | Realme 12 Pro+ has a dedicated telephoto lens, likely better for zoomed shots. |
| Wide Angle + Macro | 13MP, f/2.2, 1/3.06" | 8MP, f/2.2, 1/4" | S21 FE 5G offers a higher resolution and larger sensor in wide-angle for better overall quality. |
| Selfie | 32MP, f/2.2, 1/2.8" | 32MP, f/2.4, 1/2.74" | S21 FE 5G has slightly wider aperture for potentially better low-light selfies. |
| Video Recording | 4K@60fps with HDR, EIS | 4K@30fps with EIS | S21 FE 5G can shoot smoother videos with 4K@60fps, while Realme 12 Pro+ is limited to 4K@30fps |
| DxOMark | Mobile 117, Selfie 127 | Not Available | S21 FE 5G has better performance in camera department due to optimization and features |
| Camera Features | Full Suite | Full Suite, No Manual Focus | The S21 FE 5G offers more advanced camera features, including manual focus. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 12, upgradable to 16 | Android 14 | Realme 12 Pro+ ships with a newer version of Android, with the S21 FE having its last major OS update. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6 | Wi-Fi 6 | Both support fast Wi-Fi standards, for fast internet and network speed. |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.0 | Bluetooth 5.2 | Realme 12 Pro+ has a newer Bluetooth version, which may provide a slightly better connection with compatible devices. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo, BeiDou (B1) | Realme 12 Pro+ offers better location accuracy with more satellite systems. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128/256GB | 128/256/512GB | Realme 12 Pro+ offers more storage options for users with extensive media collections or apps. |
| RAM | 6/8GB | 8/12GB | Realme 12 Pro+ offers more RAM, which is better for demanding tasks and smoother multitasking. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone offers expandable storage, so choose your storage option wisely. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers, 2 Microphones | Realme 12 Pro+ has a more comprehensive audio experience with Hi-Res Audio and dual microphone setup for better audio clarity. |
| Security | |||
| Security | Basic fingerprint sensor | Basic fingerprint sensor | Both offer similar basic fingerprint security. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Comprehensive suite | Standard suite | Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G has a more comprehensive sensor set for advanced features. |
| ### 2. Key Insights |
- Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G: This phone is a performance powerhouse, leveraging the Snapdragon 888 chipset. It also offers a brighter display, more advanced camera features, wireless charging, and better build quality with Gorilla Glass Victus. The DxOMark scores point towards great picture and video quality for both front and back cameras.
- Realme 12 Pro+: This device prioritizes a larger battery, faster charging, newer software, a more modern telephoto lens and has the capacity for more storage and RAM. Its strengths lie in media consumption, speedy charging and overall smoother multitasking capabilities. The 12 Pro+ comes with Hi-Res Audio, dual microphones and better location accuracy.
Key Differences and Tradeoffs:
- Performance vs. Battery: The S21 FE 5G offers significantly higher processing power while the Realme 12 Pro+ prioritizes longer battery life and faster charging.
- Camera Philosophy: Samsung has an all-around, more comprehensive camera with manual focus and a DxOMark score showing good overall quality. Realme takes the different approach with dedicated telephoto lens that may offer better zoom capabilities but lacks manual focus options.
- Software Age: The Realme 12 Pro+ comes with Android 14, while the S21 FE will max out at Android 16.
- Build and Durability: The S21 FE 5G features Gorilla Glass Victus which offers superior protection.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
- For the Power User: If you're a gamer, someone who uses intensive apps, or a content creator, the Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G is your pick. The Snapdragon 888 delivers the performance you need, and the brighter screen and better video capabilities are advantages.
- For the Everyday Multitasker and Media Consumer: If you prioritize long battery life, fast charging, a larger display for media consumption, and the latest Android OS, then the Realme 12 Pro+ makes more sense. Its additional RAM, storage options, Hi-Res audio and Dual Microphone also cater to a wide range of users who seek the best multimedia experience.
- For the Budget Conscious: Consider value vs performance and battery life. If you can find the S21 FE 5G at a lower price, the performance advantage can make it compelling. The Realme 12 Pro+ offers great value with its robust features that will be suitable for day-to-day tasks.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Ask yourself these three questions:
- How important is processing power and gaming to you? If you’re a heavy user, the S21 FE 5G is the way to go.
- Do you prioritize battery life and fast charging over cutting-edge performance? The Realme 12 Pro+ will deliver in that scenario.
- How do you prioritize camera features? If you use your camera everyday with different lenses and you love manual camera controls then the S21 FE 5G will suit you. If you use the camera for social media and want zoom options, the Realme 12 Pro+ is a better choice.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Travel Photographer: If you're focused on capturing great zoom photos and want to travel with a phone that can last the whole day, the Realme 12 Pro+ is ideal due to its telephoto lens, long battery life and fast charging.
- Scenario 2: Mobile Gamer: For immersive, demanding games, the Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G is the better choice because of its better chip and GPU.
- Scenario 3: Daily Multitasker: The Realme 12 Pro+ will be better suited for heavy multitasking because of its additional RAM, large display and fast charging.
My Choice
If I were making the choice for my own use, I'd lean towards the Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G. I value performance, high-quality video recording with a smoother 60fps option, and the overall camera package. The brighter screen is crucial for outdoor use in the harsh sunlight and the addition of wireless charging is an added bonus for me. While the Realme 12 Pro+ has some enticing features, my workload benefits more from the S21 FE 5G's raw processing power and the overall versatility of its camera suite with the additional benefit of manual controls and better video quality due to 60fps recording capabilities.
Ultimately, the "better" phone depends entirely on your specific needs and how you intend to use it. This analysis, I hope, has armed you with the information to make the right choice for your tech journey. Happy shopping!
