Alright, let's dive into a head-to-head comparison of the Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G and the Realme C65. We'll break down their specs, see how they stack up in real-world use, and figure out which phone might be the better fit for you.
1. Specifications Breakdown
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G | Realme C65 | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Launch Date | 2022-01-07 | 2024-04-01 | The Realme C65 is significantly newer, which often means newer features and software. |
| Dimensions | 155.7 x 74.5 x 7.9 mm | 164.6 x 76.1 x 7.6 mm | S21 FE is more compact in height and width, while Realme C65 is thinner. The Realme C65 being bigger could be more immersive or less ergonomic depending on user. |
| Weight | 177g | 185g | The S21 FE is slightly lighter, which can be more comfortable for extended use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.4" | 6.67" | The Realme C65 offers a slightly larger screen for a more immersive viewing experience. |
| Resolution | 1080x2340 | 720x1604 | The S21 FE has a much sharper display; text and images will appear clearer with its higher resolution. |
| PPI | 403 | 264 | The higher PPI on the S21 FE means significantly greater detail, resulting in clearer and sharper images. |
| Technology | AMOLED | IPS LCD | The S21 FE's AMOLED display has superior contrast, deeper blacks, and more vibrant colors, leading to a richer visual experience. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 90Hz | The S21 FE offers slightly smoother scrolling and animations, making it feel more fluid. |
| Brightness | 1300 nits | 0 nits | S21 FE has significantly higher brightness, making it much easier to use in direct sunlight and ensuring good visibility in all conditions. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 888 (5 nm) | Helio G85 (12 nm) | The S21 FE's Snapdragon 888 is a much more powerful chip, resulting in significantly faster app loading, smoother multitasking, and better gaming performance. |
| Antutu Score | 923,836 | 225,154 | The S21 FE has vastly superior performance (roughly 4x higher), showcasing its speed and responsiveness. |
| GPU | Adreno 660 | Mali-G52 MC2 | The Adreno 660 in the S21 FE provides significantly superior graphics performance, benefiting gaming and graphically intensive tasks. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 4500 mAh | 5000 mAh | The Realme C65 has a larger battery, which should provide longer battery life for users who prioritize runtime. |
| Charging | 25W | 45W | The Realme C65 offers significantly faster charging speeds, meaning less time plugged in and more time on the go. |
| Charging Features | 15W wireless, reverse charging | None | S21 FE includes wireless charging and reverse wireless charging, adding more convenience and versatility for users. |
| Camera | |||
| Standard Lens | 12MP, f/1.8, 1/1.76" | 50MP, f/1.8, 1/2.76" | Realme C65 has higher resolution, but the S21 FE has a larger sensor which generally performs better in low light, and with better image quality |
| Telephoto/Portrait Lens | 8MP, f/2.0 | None | The S21 FE offers a dedicated Telephoto lens for optical zoom and portrait shots, while the Realme C65 doesn't have dedicated telephoto lens. |
| Selfie Camera | 32MP, f/2.2 | 8MP, f/2.0 | The S21 FE has a higher resolution selfie camera for better detail, while the Realme C65 has slightly wider aperture. |
| Portrait Mode (Depth) | None | 2MP, f/2.4 | Realme C65 has a dedicated depth sensor for more accurate background blur in portrait mode. |
| Wide Angle + Macro | 13MP, f/2.2 | None | The S21 FE offers a dedicated wide-angle lens for capturing expansive scenes and a macro lens for close-up shots. |
| Video | 4K up to 60fps | 1080p @ 30fps | The S21 FE can record 4K video at 60fps, whereas the Realme C65 is limited to 1080p at 30fps. The S21 FE has more video options, including slow motion. |
| Camera Score (DXOMARK) | 117 (Mobile), 127 (Selfie) | N/A | The S21 FE's camera system has been benchmarked by DXOMARK. No data for the C65 |
| Software & Connectivity | |||
| Operating System | Android 12 (upgradable to 16) | Android 14 | Realme C65 has a newer version of Android, however, the S21FE is still getting updates |
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6 | Wi-Fi 5 | The S21 FE supports Wi-Fi 6, offering faster speeds and lower latency than the Realme C65's Wi-Fi 5. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo | Realme C65 supports QZSS satellites for more accurate location tracking. |
| Storage & Audio | |||
| Internal Storage | 128/256 GB | 128/256 GB | Both offer the same storage options, giving users flexibility in storage capacity. |
| RAM | 6/8 GB | 6/8 GB | Both offer the same RAM configurations, allowing for decent multitasking. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone offers expandable storage using SD Cards |
| Audio | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers | Basic | The S21 FE has higher quality audio, including Dolby Atmos, and stereo speakers for enhanced audio experience. |
| Security & Build | |||
| Security | Basic fingerprint sensor | Side-mounted fingerprint sensor | Both phones have fingerprint sensors for secure unlock, however, the Realme C65's side-mounted design is generally better ergonomically |
| Protection | Gorilla Glass Victus | Unknown | The S21 FE has a premium screen glass for protection against scratches, unlike the Realme C65 which is unknown |
2. Key Insights
Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G:
- Strengths: The S21 FE excels in display quality, performance, camera features, and overall build. Its AMOLED screen with 120Hz refresh rate is significantly superior, providing a more immersive visual experience. The Snapdragon 888 chipset offers a huge performance boost for demanding applications. The camera system, with its multiple lenses and 4K video capability, offers more flexibility for photography and videography.
- Competitive Advantages: The S21 FE has a higher pixel density, a brighter display, more powerful processing, more camera features, and more advanced wireless charging capabilities. It provides a smoother experience overall, suitable for users who demand more power and better features from their phones.
- Trade-offs/Limitations: The S21 FE comes at a higher price point. It has a smaller battery capacity.
Realme C65:
- Strengths: The Realme C65 offers excellent battery life and fast charging, making it a reliable companion for all-day use. It is also the more affordable of the two.
- Competitive Advantages: The C65 boasts a larger battery and faster charging speed and a newer version of Android out of the box.
- Trade-offs/Limitations: The C65 falls behind in display quality, processing power, and camera features. Its IPS LCD screen and lower resolution are noticeably inferior. Its Mediatek Helio G85 chipset is not as fast, and the camera system lacks telephoto and wide-angle options.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G is best for:
- Power Users: Gamers, photographers, and video creators who need high processing power and camera flexibility.
- Multimedia Enthusiasts: Those who value high-quality visuals and audio for consuming content.
- Users who want a premium experience: Users who want a high quality device and more features including wireless charging and high build quality and screen protection
Realme C65 is best for:
- Budget-Conscious Users: Users who need a reliable smartphone without spending a lot.
- Battery Life Seekers: Users who prioritize long battery life and faster charging.
- Basic Smartphone Users: Users who primarily use their phone for calls, texts, social media, and light browsing, where speed and features are not as important.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three practical questions to help you decide between these phones:
- How important is display quality?
- If you prioritize crisp, vibrant visuals and good outdoor visibility, the S21 FE is the better choice. If you're okay with a basic display for everyday use, the C65 will suffice.
- Do you need high performance for gaming and heavy tasks?
- If you require a powerful processor for demanding apps and gaming, the S21 FE is a must-have. The C65 is better suited for light to moderate use.
- What is your budget and battery life needs?
- If you want a balance of good battery and fast charging, the C65 is more cost-effective, however the S21FE has higher quality and wireless charging.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Mobile Gamer: S21 FE for the powerful Snapdragon 888 and superior graphics.
- Photography Enthusiast: S21 FE for its versatile camera system and multiple lenses.
- Traveler: C65 for extended battery life and fast charging, keeping you going all day.
- Casual User: C65 offers good value for basic functionality and everyday use.
- Student: C65 is a cost-effective solution for school work and media consumption.
Final Thoughts: My Choice
If I were choosing between these two phones, I'd go with the Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G. While it is the older device and the battery isn't as big, the significant advantages in display quality, processing power, and camera capabilities are really important for me. As a tech journalist, I need a phone that can handle a variety of tasks from content creation to heavy usage, and the S21 FE is just better at everything. The sharper display makes a huge difference for day to day use and the 4K video is invaluable. The convenience of wireless charging is also something I use quite a lot.
While the Realme C65 is newer and has good value, it's too much of a compromise on overall performance, display, and camera for my needs. For users who primarily browse social media and need an affordable smartphone with reliable battery life, the C65 would be perfectly adequate. However, for a more demanding user like myself, the S21 FE's superior feature set and performance makes it well worth the cost, even though it's older. The S21 FE is the more "future-proof" and more aligned to my daily needs and my overall tech usage.
